6 Signs You Might Be Eligible for Medical Cannabis Treatment

October 14, 2025

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Clark Harrison

Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 2018, but NHS prescriptions remain rare. If you’ve tried conventional treatments without success, you may qualify for medical cannabis through private clinics. Here are six signs that could indicate eligibility:

Chronic pain: Persistent pain unresponsive to at least two treatments like painkillers or physiotherapy.
Severe anxiety or PTSD: Daily life impacted despite trying therapies or medications.
Neurological conditions: Epilepsy or multiple sclerosis with symptoms resistant to standard care.
Chronic sleep problems: Long-term insomnia or other sleep disorders not improving with treatment.
Digestive conditions: Inflammatory bowel disease or severe IBS unrelieved by conventional methods.
Cancer symptoms: Chemotherapy side effects or cancer-related pain unmanaged by standard therapies.

Eligibility generally requires documented evidence of failed treatments and an assessment by a specialist registered with the GMC. Private clinics, such as Elios Clinics, offer free eligibility checks and personalised treatment plans. If these signs resonate, consulting a specialist could be your next step.

Are You Eligible? Revealing UK’s Medical Cannabis Prescription Criteria: 2023 Application

Sign 1: Chronic Pain That Doesn’t Respond to Standard Treatments

Chronic pain is one of the primary reasons people in the UK turn to medical cannabis for relief. If you’ve been dealing with pain for more than three months and traditional treatments haven’t worked, you might be eligible for medical cannabis therapy.

According to research, 49% of patients use medical cannabis to manage chronic pain. Among them, 84% report positive results, and opioid use drops by 64% in this group.

So, what exactly is treatment-resistant chronic pain? It means you’ve tried at least two licensed treatments – such as painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy, or nerve blocks – without finding meaningful relief. This documented lack of success with other treatments is a key requirement.

Conditions that might qualify include:

Neuropathic pain: Often described as burning, shooting, or tingling sensations.
Arthritis: Involves joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Fibromyalgia: Causes widespread muscle pain and sensitivity.
Chronic back pain: Linked to disc or spinal issues.

"Chronic pain is a lifelong condition that can be debilitating and significantly contribute to poor quality of life. The biopsychosocial model of managing chronic pain involves treating the whole person, managing their pain, and supporting them socially and psychologically. Medical cannabis tackles pain from its interaction with the endocannabinoid system by modulating pain signals, and it also can help to manage anxiety and depression that can often co-exist in chronic pain conditions." – Dr. Farrah Ayob, Pain Specialist

Dr. Ayob’s perspective highlights how medical cannabis stands apart from traditional painkillers. Instead of simply masking pain, it works with the body’s endocannabinoid system to influence pain signals, inflammation, and mood. This approach can be particularly beneficial for those whose pain, while not severe every day, still disrupts daily life, whether it’s work, sleep, or leisure.

If you think you might qualify, the process begins with a specialist doctor. They’ll review your medical history, symptoms, and past treatments to see if your case meets the UK’s criteria for a medical cannabis prescription. Next, we’ll explore another common sign that might make you eligible for this treatment.

Sign 2: Severe Anxiety or PTSD That Affects Daily Activities

Living with severe anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can make everyday life feel like an uphill battle. These conditions can disrupt essential parts of life like work, relationships, and sleep. When conventional treatments fail to provide relief, medical cannabis might be worth considering in the UK.

Unlike everyday worries, severe anxiety or PTSD involves more intense symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, or debilitating panic attacks. Many people with these conditions struggle to find effective solutions through standard treatments, highlighting the need for alternative options.

To qualify for medical cannabis, patients generally need to have tried at least two conventional treatments – such as talking therapies, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or lifestyle changes – without success. It’s crucial to document your diagnosis and treatment history. As Releaf UK explains:

"You will need to have an initial consultation, where you will be asked to fill out an eligibility questionnaire and provide a copy of your Summary Care Record (SCR), which can be obtained from your GP. It is a good idea to also provide any other supporting documents that confirm you suffer from clinical depression or an anxiety disorder (or both)." – Releaf UK

Medical cannabis offers a different approach compared to traditional psychiatric medications. Instead of focusing on serotonin or dopamine pathways, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating stress and mood. This can be particularly beneficial for those whose anxiety includes physical symptoms like panic attacks, muscle tension, or sleep issues.

"Medical cannabis in the UK is not used as a first line treatment. It is a potential option for patients who have known diagnosis and tried multiple different treatment strategies." – MyAccess Clinics

If severe anxiety or PTSD is making it hard for you to function daily, and you have evidence showing that traditional treatments haven’t worked, it might be time to consult a specialist. During your initial consultation, your full medical history will be reviewed to determine if medical cannabis is a suitable option for you.

Next, let’s explore how medical cannabis could help with neurological conditions.

Sign 3: Neurological Conditions Like Epilepsy or Multiple Sclerosis

Neurological conditions, much like chronic pain and anxiety, are assessed for medical cannabis treatment when standard therapies fail to provide relief. Both epilepsy and multiple sclerosis (MS) are recognised as conditions where cannabis-based medicines may be considered, especially when traditional treatments fall short. The evidence supporting this is particularly strong for certain types of epilepsy.

Epilepsy resistant to standard treatments is a major area where medical cannabis has shown promise. Specific epilepsy syndromes, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and seizures linked to tuberous sclerosis, have been the focus of extensive clinical research. For instance, Epidyolex – a cannabidiol (CBD) medication approved in both the US and Europe – has been shown to reduce seizures by up to 40% in these cases. Clinical trials involving Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes further confirm significant reductions in seizure frequency.

Multiple sclerosis, on the other hand, is another condition where cannabis-based treatments might be used, particularly in cases of moderate to severe muscle spasticity that persists despite standard therapies. Sativex (nabiximols), an oromucosal spray containing equal parts THC and CBD, is approved in Canada and across many European countries. It has been shown to alleviate spasticity and improve the quality of life for MS patients.

The effectiveness of treatments like Epidyolex and Sativex highlights their potential as options for managing these challenging conditions. However, they are typically considered only after a diagnosis of treatment-resistant epilepsy or persistent MS-related spasticity. If conventional therapies haven’t provided sufficient relief, consulting a specialist can help determine whether these cannabis-based medications might be suitable for your situation.

For individuals dealing with epilepsy that doesn’t respond to standard treatments or severe MS-related spasticity, the clinical evidence suggests that medical cannabis could be a valuable addition to their treatment plan. Up next, we’ll explore how chronic sleep problems might also indicate eligibility.

Sign 4: Chronic Sleep Problems That Don’t Improve with Standard Care

Sleep issues that persist despite trying conventional treatments can be incredibly frustrating. In the UK, 1 in 3 people experience insomnia, and 51% struggle with sleep regularly. For those whose sleep problems remain unresolved through standard therapies, medical cannabis is emerging as a potential alternative.

Chronic insomnia, which lasts more than three months and severely disrupts daily life, is one of the most common conditions for which medical cannabis might be considered. Other sleep disorders that could qualify include narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, nightmare disorder (when it causes significant distress or daytime issues), obstructive sleep apnoea, and even sleepwalking.

Clinical trials have shown promising results: 80% of participants reported improved sleep quality, 60% were no longer classified as insomniacs, and 39% reduced or stopped using prescription sleep medications. Additionally, 71% noted an overall improvement in their sleep patterns.

"Medical Cannabis has been shown to be an excellent treatment option for insomnia, as it can help to improve sleep quality by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating sleep and wake cycles. The two key plant chemicals contained in cannabis are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). When they enter the system, THC can have sedative effects that reduce the time it takes to fall asleep by promoting relaxation, while CBD exhibits calming and anxiolytic properties that help ease anxiety and stress, which are common contributors to sleep disturbances. Cannabis has also been noted for its pain‐relieving and anti‐inflammatory properties, which may help individuals suffering from chronic pain to achieve deeper, more restorative sleep."

Unlike traditional sleep medications, cannabis works by targeting the body’s natural sleep–wake regulation system, offering a different mechanism of action.

To be eligible for medical cannabis, patients must first have tried at least two conventional treatments without finding sufficient relief. These treatments might include sleep hygiene programmes, cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), melatonin supplements, or prescription sleep aids.

Despite its potential, only 18% of UK adults are aware that cannabis-based treatments can be prescribed for sleep disorders. This lack of awareness means many people with treatment-resistant sleep problems remain unaware of this option.

If you’re dealing with chronic sleep issues that haven’t improved with standard care, it could be worth discussing medical cannabis with a specialist. The growing clinical evidence suggests it may provide a new pathway to better, more restorative sleep.

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Chronic inflammation in the digestive system, seen in conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), may qualify for treatment with medical cannabis, particularly when standard treatments have failed to provide relief.

These conditions often bring challenging symptoms, including persistent abdominal pain, chronic diarrhoea, nausea, appetite loss, and weight loss. Interestingly, research reveals that 90% of surveyed patients experienced improvement in IBD symptoms when using cannabis-based medicinal products. Dr Nick Bennet, a General Practitioner, sheds light on this:

"A growing number of patients have reported that medical cannabis can reduce the intensity of inflammatory bowel disease symptoms, albeit without altering what the condition looks like under the microscope. Irritable bowel syndrome similarly, although a distinct condition from both Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, can be calmed down considerably by means of cannabinoid therapy."

For patients with IBD or severe IBS to be considered eligible, a confirmed diagnosis and evidence of failure with at least two conventional treatments are required. This eligibility process aligns with the broader guidelines for accessing medical cannabis, highlighting the need for expert assessment.

It’s worth noting that NHS prescriptions for medical cannabis in digestive conditions are rare. The NHS generally limits its use to severe cases of epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea or vomiting, and multiple sclerosis-related spasticity. However, private specialists can prescribe cannabis-based products for conditions like IBD if they determine it to be suitable.

The process of obtaining a prescription involves consulting a specialist doctor listed on the GMC Specialist Register. While GPs cannot directly prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products, they can refer you to a private specialist. This specialist will evaluate your symptoms, treatment history, and overall health. If conventional treatments have not been effective in managing your digestive inflammation, seeking advice from a specialist might open up new possibilities for relief.

Sign 6: Cancer Symptoms or Chemotherapy Side Effects

For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, managing symptoms effectively is a critical part of treatment. Severe chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, for instance, can be particularly challenging when standard anti-sickness medications don’t work. In such cases, healthcare providers may turn to alternatives like nabilone – a synthetic cannabinoid available through NHS prescription for patients who haven’t found relief with conventional treatments.

But nausea isn’t the only issue. Cancer and its treatments can bring a host of other symptoms that affect daily life. Chronic pain, often caused by tumours pressing on nerves or organs, can be relentless. Many patients also experience a marked loss of appetite, which can lead to significant weight loss, and sleep problems caused by pain or anxiety about their condition. Another common issue is peripheral neuropathy – painful tingling or burning sensations in the hands and feet caused by certain chemotherapy drugs. This can persist long after treatment ends and is often resistant to traditional painkillers.

Nausea, in particular, can become so overwhelming that it disrupts treatment, delaying or even halting potentially life-saving therapies.

In situations where standard treatments fall short, healthcare professionals, including oncologists and palliative care teams, may explore cannabis-based medicinal products as part of a broader symptom management plan. In palliative care, where the focus shifts to comfort and improving quality of life, these treatments can be integrated into a personalised approach to address symptoms more effectively.

If you’re undergoing cancer treatment and find that conventional medications aren’t providing enough relief, it’s worth discussing cannabis-based options with your oncology team. These therapies might offer an additional way to manage symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.

Medical Cannabis Eligibility Requirements in the UK

In the UK, having a qualifying condition is just the starting point for accessing medical cannabis treatment. Eligibility also depends on meeting specific criteria and undergoing a thorough assessment process.

To be considered, you must have already tried at least two conventional treatments – such as medications, physiotherapy, or surgery – that either didn’t work or caused side effects you couldn’t tolerate. These treatment outcomes need to be clearly documented in your GP notes, hospital summaries, or specialist reports. This requirement ensures that medical cannabis is explored only when standard therapies have been unsuccessful. Since medical cannabis is classified as an unlicensed medicine in the UK, strict prescribing rules and specialist oversight are essential. For minors, additional steps are required, including a specialist paediatric evaluation, meaning the focus is primarily on adult patients.

Prescriptions for medical cannabis can only be issued by specialists registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) who have expertise in your specific condition – whether it’s chronic pain, neurological disorders, psychiatric issues, or oncology-related concerns. There are two main ways to access treatment. The NHS route is highly restrictive, with very few prescriptions granted since legalisation. On the other hand, private specialist clinics provide a quicker and more accessible option, but you’ll need to cover consultation fees and prescription costs.

Your specialist will conduct a personalised assessment, taking into account your full medical history, current symptoms, and how you’ve responded to previous treatments. This evaluation will help determine whether a cannabis-based medicinal product is suitable for your situation and guide the next steps in accessing legal treatment.

How to Access Legal Medical Cannabis Treatment

Once you’ve confirmed that you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to gather your medical documents and connect with a specialist clinic. With the right paperwork in hand, the process is relatively straightforward. Here’s what you need to know about preparing and submitting these essential documents.

Gathering Your Medical Records

Your medical records are the cornerstone of any medical cannabis assessment. Before prescribing any medication, including cannabis-based treatments, healthcare providers are required by law to review your complete medical history. The Summary of Care Records (SCR), maintained by your GP, is the primary document clinics will need to assess.

If your SCR doesn’t include enough detail, you’ll need to provide additional documents. These could include letters from specialists, hospital summaries, a valid photo ID, and a signed treatment agreement.

For patients already under the care of another medical cannabis clinic, clinic or discharge letters will be required to ensure continuity of care.

The Assessment Process

Elios Clinics offers a free eligibility assessment to help determine whether medical cannabis treatment is appropriate for your condition. This initial evaluation is designed to save time and confirm that you meet the basic requirements before moving forward with a full consultation.

During the assessment, a GMC-approved specialist will review your medical history, current symptoms, and your response to previous treatments. The consultation is conducted via video call, making it accessible no matter where you are in the UK. These specialists focus on specific areas such as chronic pain, neurological conditions, psychiatric disorders, or oncology, ensuring you’re matched with someone who understands your health concerns.

Treatment Plans and Ongoing Care

If the specialist determines that medical cannabis is suitable for you, they will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. This plan will outline the most appropriate cannabis-based medication, the correct dosage, and a monitoring schedule to track your progress.

Elios Clinics offers several flexible payment options:

Monthly subscription: £20 per month
Quarterly plan: £60 every three months (£240 annually)
Both plans cover the initial consultation, follow-up appointments, monthly prescriptions, and access to a patient dashboard.

Alternatively, a pay-as-you-go option is available at £50 per session, with free repeat prescriptions included within your care pathway (a £30 fee applies if you switch plans).

Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled monthly or quarterly, allowing your specialist to monitor your progress closely and adjust dosages if necessary. This ongoing care ensures the treatment remains effective and that any side effects are addressed promptly. Once the treatment plan is finalised, the prescription and delivery process begins.

Prescription and Delivery

Once your prescription is approved, your medication is usually delivered the next working day via secure courier. Using the patient dashboard, you can request repeat prescriptions online 24/7, ensuring seamless access to your treatment.

If you plan to travel with your medication, Elios Clinics can provide a medical cannabis travel letter for £10. This document helps you navigate border crossings and security checks without complications.

From your initial assessment to receiving your first prescription, the entire process typically takes one to two weeks.

Taking the Next Step Towards Medical Cannabis Treatment

If any of these six signs resonate with you, it might be time to consider whether medical cannabis could be an option for your condition. However, determining your eligibility requires a consultation with a specialist. Once your eligibility is confirmed and you have the necessary documents, arranging this consultation is straightforward.

To qualify, you must have already tried at least two conventional treatments without success. Many private medical cannabis clinics offer free initial eligibility assessments through online questionnaires. These forms collect basic details about your health and medical history, giving a preliminary indication of whether you might be a suitable candidate before moving forward with a full consultation.

Make sure your Summary Care Record (SCR) and any supporting documents, such as letters from consultants, are ready. Your SCR, which includes details about medications, allergies, and previous treatments, plays a key role in the assessment process. Additionally, having valid photographic identification and being prepared to sign a treatment agreement will help streamline the process.

"It is a legal requirement for healthcare providers to have access to your health records before prescribing any medication, including medical cannabis." – Releaf UK

During your video consultation, a specialist approved by the General Medical Council (GMC) will review your condition and treatment history. These specialists are often focused on specific areas such as chronic pain, neurological disorders, psychiatric conditions, or oncology. It’s also a good idea to inform your GP about your interest in medical cannabis, as they can provide additional details about your treatment history.

FAQs

What documents are needed to confirm eligibility for medical cannabis treatment in the UK?

To qualify for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, you’ll need a prescription from a specialist doctor. This doctor must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and included on their Specialist Register.

Make sure to keep a copy of your prescription on hand. It can help prevent any issues or confusion about your treatment. Also, double-check that your prescription is current and provided by a properly qualified professional.

How does medical cannabis work with the body to help manage chronic pain and anxiety?

Medical cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a vital network in the body that plays a role in managing pain, mood, and stress. Compounds like THC and CBD found in cannabis connect with ECS receptors, particularly CB1 and CB2. This connection influences neurotransmitters, which can help reduce pain signals and encourage relaxation.

When it comes to chronic pain, cannabis may ease discomfort by lowering inflammation and lessening how intensely pain is felt. For anxiety, it can help calm overactive neural activity, potentially stabilising mood and reducing stress. Although research in this area is still evolving, many patients have reported noticeable relief when using medical cannabis under professional care.

How can I get a medical cannabis prescription through a private clinic in the UK?

To get a medical cannabis prescription through a private clinic in the UK, you’ll need to book an appointment with a specialist doctor who is authorised to prescribe it. During this consultation, the doctor will review your medical history and assess evidence of a qualifying condition. Conditions like chronic pain, neurological disorders, or cases where standard treatments haven’t worked are often considered.

If the doctor concludes that medical cannabis is appropriate for your situation, they’ll provide a private prescription. You can then take this prescription to a licensed pharmacy to have it filled. Since this process is private, you’ll need to cover the costs for both the consultation and the medication yourself. While this option is typically faster than going through the NHS, it’s not funded by public healthcare.