Top Questions About Medical Cannabis Treatment Answered

October 12, 2025

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Clark Harrison

Medical cannabis is now a legal treatment option in the UK, helping patients with conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis when other treatments haven’t worked. Here’s what you need to know:

What is it? Medical cannabis includes regulated, pharmaceutical-grade products like oils and capsules prescribed by specialists.
Who can access it? NHS prescriptions are limited to severe cases of epilepsy, chemotherapy-related nausea, and multiple sclerosis. Private clinics offer broader access for conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and PTSD.
How does it work? It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, using compounds like THC and CBD to manage symptoms.
Safety and side effects: Common issues include fatigue, dizziness, and dry mouth. Serious risks like mental health effects or drug interactions are rare but monitored.
Costs: Private clinic options include subscriptions (£20/month or £60/quarter) or pay-as-you-go (£50/consultation). Medications are delivered to your door.

Medical cannabis has strict regulations, ensuring safety and quality. If you’re considering it, consult a specialist to see if it’s suitable for you.

How to Get Medical Cannabis in the UK (Step-by-Step Guide 2025)

How Medical Cannabis Works

Medical cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a vital network in the body that influences pain, mood, and immune responses. Let’s break down this system and explore how cannabis compounds like THC and CBD play their part.

The Endocannabinoid System

This system is made up of receptors and naturally occurring chemicals, known as endocannabinoids, which help keep the body in balance. Two key types of receptors are involved:

CB1 receptors: Found primarily in the brain and central nervous system, they play a role in regulating mood, memory, and pain perception.
CB2 receptors: Located mostly in peripheral tissues, these are linked to immune system responses and inflammation control.

Both THC and CBD interact with these receptors, influencing how the system functions.

THC and CBD: Key Components

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. It binds directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and nervous system, altering neurotransmitter activity and creating the sensation often described as a ‘high’.

On the other hand, CBD (cannabidiol) offers therapeutic benefits without causing intoxication. While it doesn’t produce a ‘high’, it still interacts with the endocannabinoid system, contributing to its overall balance and health-supporting effects.

Who Can Get Medical Cannabis in the UK

Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since November 2018, but access is tightly controlled and comes with specific conditions. While NHS prescriptions are limited to a small group of patients, many people turn to private healthcare for broader access.

Eligibility Requirements

The NHS prescribes medical cannabis only for a few specific conditions and usually as a last resort when other treatments have failed. These conditions include:

Epilepsy: For children and adults with rare and severe forms such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome.
Chemotherapy-related Nausea and Vomiting: For adults who experience severe nausea or vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
Multiple Sclerosis: For individuals dealing with muscle stiffness and spasms caused by the condition.

Private clinics, on the other hand, provide access to medical cannabis for a wider range of conditions. These often include chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, and various neurological disorders. Typically, patients need to have tried conventional treatments for at least three months without satisfactory results before being considered.

Both NHS and private pathways rely on these criteria to ensure a structured and regulated prescription process.

Getting a Medical Cannabis Prescription

The process for obtaining a prescription varies depending on whether you go through the NHS or a private clinic.

For NHS prescriptions, the process involves specialist hospital doctors and detailed documentation proving that conventional treatments have failed. This makes access through the NHS quite limited.

Private clinics, such as Elios Clinics, take a different approach. They offer access through GMC-approved specialists and start with a free eligibility assessment. If you meet the criteria, you’ll have a video consultation with a doctor who reviews your medical history, symptoms, and previous treatments. Based on this, the doctor creates a tailored treatment plan, starting with the lowest effective dose.

Elios Clinics also provides flexible payment options:

A subscription model at £20 per month
Quarterly payments of £60 as part of a 12-month programme
Pay-as-you-go consultations for £50

Legal Status and Regulations

Medical cannabis in the UK is classified as a Schedule 2 controlled drug, meaning it can only be prescribed by GMC-registered specialists for recognised medical conditions. These prescriptions are filled exclusively by licensed specialist pharmacies.

Patients with a valid prescription can travel freely within the UK, but international travel requires additional documentation. Elios Clinics offers travel letters for £10, which confirm legitimate medical use for border authorities.

Private prescriptions remain the most common way to access medical cannabis. Repeat prescriptions can be managed online through patient portals, with standard modifications available at no extra cost. However, changes outside the agreed treatment plan incur a fee of £30.

Does Medical Cannabis Work?

Research into medical cannabis continues to grow, focusing on how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system and its effects on various health conditions. While studies suggest it may help manage certain ailments, the strength of evidence varies. Since individual responses can differ, finding the right product and dosage is crucial. Below, we examine its impact on chronic pain, neurological disorders, and mental health.

Results for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is one of the most researched areas when it comes to medical cannabis. Many patients report better pain control and an improved quality of life. For those with neuropathic pain, cannabis has provided relief where traditional treatments have failed. Similarly, individuals with conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis have noted reduced pain and improved daily activities. These effects are likely tied to cannabinoids’ pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

Neurological and Mental Health Conditions

The potential of medical cannabis extends beyond pain relief. In neurological conditions, it has shown promise in reducing seizures in children with treatment-resistant epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. For multiple sclerosis patients, cannabis-based treatments have sometimes eased muscle spasticity and enhanced overall comfort. Additionally, CBD-dominant products are gaining attention for reducing anxiety and PTSD symptoms, offering a potential alternative for mental health support.

Research Gaps and Future Studies

Despite encouraging results, there are still gaps in our understanding of medical cannabis. Many studies have been limited by small sample sizes and short follow-up periods, making it hard to assess long-term effectiveness or establish optimal dosages. Variations in the chemical makeup and potency of cannabis products add another layer of complexity. However, ongoing trials and personalised approaches to treatment aim to provide clearer answers. Until then, patients and healthcare providers must weigh the current evidence carefully to determine if medical cannabis is a suitable option for individual needs.

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Side Effects and Safety

Like any medical treatment, medical cannabis comes with potential side effects. Understanding these effects is crucial to weighing its benefits against risks. While most reactions are mild and manageable, some require closer attention. Below, we break down the common and more serious side effects to help patients stay informed and prepared.

Common Side Effects

The more typical side effects of medical cannabis are generally mild and temporary. Fatigue is one of the most reported, but it often improves as the body becomes accustomed to the treatment.

Dizziness or lightheadedness can also occur, especially when standing up quickly. To reduce the risk, patients are advised to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions and to avoid driving until they know how the medication affects them. Dry mouth is another frequent complaint, which can be alleviated by drinking plenty of water and using sugar-free gum or lozenges.

Appetite changes are common but vary depending on the product and individual reaction. Occasionally, patients may experience nausea, though ironically, cannabis is often used to treat nausea in other medical contexts.

Some may notice cognitive effects, such as mild confusion or difficulty concentrating, particularly with THC-containing products. These effects are typically linked to dosage and tend to fade as the medication wears off or as the body adjusts.

Serious Risks to Know About

While most side effects are manageable, some require extra caution. Mental health effects are a key area of concern. For some individuals, cannabis can worsen anxiety or even trigger panic attacks, though it is prescribed to ease anxiety in others. Those with a history of psychosis or schizophrenia are at higher risk and need thorough evaluation before starting treatment.

Drug interactions are another critical consideration. Medical cannabis can influence how the liver processes other medications, which might change their effectiveness. This is especially important for medications like blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), certain seizure drugs, and heart medications. Patients should always share a full list of their medications, supplements, and herbal remedies with their doctor.

Cardiovascular effects, such as changes in heart rate or blood pressure, are rare but can be concerning for those with pre-existing heart conditions. For patients using inhaled cannabis products, there is a small risk of respiratory issues, although oil-based products commonly prescribed in the UK are less likely to cause these problems.

There is also a potential for dependency, though this risk is lower compared to many traditional medications. Some patients may develop tolerance, requiring higher doses over time, or experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop treatment abruptly.

Patient Safety at Elios Clinics

Given these risks, robust safety measures are essential. At Elios Clinics, patient well-being is the top priority. GMC-approved doctors conduct detailed assessments of each patient’s medical history, current medications, and risk factors before starting treatment.

The clinic follows a ‘start low, go slow’ method, gradually increasing doses while carefully monitoring patient responses. Regular follow-ups – scheduled monthly or quarterly based on individual needs – allow doctors to adjust dosages and address any side effects early. Additionally, the patient dashboard system ensures ongoing communication between appointments, enabling patients to report any concerns promptly.

Elios Clinics also works closely with patients’ GPs to ensure all aspects of their treatment are coordinated. This collaborative approach ensures that all healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care are informed about their medical cannabis treatment, helping to minimise risks like drug interactions or conflicting therapies.

Cost and Access

Once patients understand how the treatment works and its safety, the next step is to explore the financial and logistical aspects of accessing medical cannabis through Elios Clinics. Knowing the costs involved allows patients to plan their care with greater confidence. To make treatment more accessible across the UK, Elios Clinics offers flexible pricing options tailored to different needs and budgets.

Treatment Costs

Elios Clinics provides three pricing plans:

Monthly Subscription: £20 per month (totalling £240 annually)
Quarterly Subscription: £60 every three months (also totalling £240 annually)
Pay As You Go: £50 per consultation

Both subscription plans include several benefits: an initial consultation, four follow-up appointments spread across the year, monthly prescriptions, access to the patient dashboard, and one document request. These plans are designed to offer predictable, bundled costs for ongoing care.

The Pay As You Go option, on the other hand, is priced at £50 for each consultation, including the initial one. While it provides flexibility, it may become more expensive for patients who require frequent follow-ups or prescription adjustments compared to the subscription options.

Repeat Prescriptions and Travel Documents

Repeat prescriptions are handled round the clock via the online patient dashboard and are included at no extra cost within the established care pathway. However, if prescription changes are needed outside this pathway, a £30 fee applies.

For patients planning to travel, Elios Clinics offers an official travel document for £10. This document verifies the patient’s legitimate medical use of cannabis-based treatments, helping to avoid potential issues when travelling both within the UK and internationally.

Making Access Convenient

Elios Clinics focuses on making the treatment process as straightforward as possible. Patients start with a free online eligibility assessment, followed by video consultations with GMC-approved doctors, all from the comfort of their own home – no travel required. Medications are then delivered directly to patients, with next-day delivery options available for added convenience and discretion.

The patient dashboard acts as a one-stop hub for managing treatment. Patients can use it to track prescriptions, book follow-up appointments, communicate with their medical team, and access educational materials at any time.

To ensure a seamless healthcare experience, Elios Clinics also works closely with patients’ existing GPs and healthcare providers. This collaboration ensures that medical cannabis treatment integrates smoothly with other ongoing care, particularly for those managing multiple health conditions.

Key Points

The discussion above sheds light on the clinical, legal, and practical aspects of medical cannabis treatment in the UK.

Medical cannabis is a recognised treatment option, supported by evidence, for conditions like chronic pain, neurological disorders, and certain mental health issues. Its effects stem from interactions between THC and CBD with the endocannabinoid system, targeting specific receptors to alleviate symptoms.

Eligibility for medical cannabis in the UK is based on patients having exhausted conventional treatment options. Commonly approved conditions include epilepsy, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and treatment-resistant mental health disorders. Since 2018, specialist doctors have been able to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products when deemed clinically appropriate under UK law.

Research strongly supports its use for chronic pain and some neurological disorders, although effectiveness can vary between individuals. Many patients report significant improvements in their quality of life, especially when standard treatments have failed to deliver relief.

Safety considerations are also critical, as side effects and drug interactions can occur. However, these risks are effectively managed under proper medical supervision, with careful dosing and regular monitoring.

Elios Clinics simplifies access to treatment with three pricing options: a monthly subscription (£20), a quarterly subscription (£60), or pay-as-you-go consultations (£50). These subscription plans provide comprehensive care, including initial consultations, follow-ups, and prescription management, all accessible through an online patient dashboard.

The process is designed for convenience – patients can complete their treatment journey entirely from home. Video consultations with GMC-approved doctors, next-day medication delivery, and an easy-to-use online platform ensure that care is both accessible and efficient. This approach removes common barriers while maintaining high standards of medical oversight and patient safety.

With strong clinical backing, accessible care options, and integrated support, discussing medical cannabis with a specialist may be an important step forward. Coordination with existing GP care ensures a well-rounded treatment plan that addresses all aspects of a patient’s health and wellbeing.

FAQs

Is medical cannabis the right treatment for my condition?

Determining whether medical cannabis is a suitable option for your condition requires consulting a specialist doctor in the UK. This process involves a thorough review of your medical history and an assessment to see if your condition aligns with the eligibility criteria outlined in current regulations. Generally, medical cannabis is considered for serious conditions such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, or severe epilepsy, particularly when other treatments have proven ineffective.

Your first step is booking an initial consultation with a registered specialist. During this appointment, the doctor will carefully evaluate your situation, discuss the potential benefits and risks, and decide if medical cannabis might be a viable treatment. It’s crucial to rely on advice from qualified professionals to ensure you make a well-informed decision.

What is the difference between THC and CBD, and how do they affect the body?

Cannabis contains two prominent compounds, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which interact with the body in distinct ways.

THC is the psychoactive element that creates the well-known ‘high’. It connects with CB1 receptors in the brain, leading to effects like euphoria, altered sensory perception, and, in some cases, side effects such as memory issues or heightened anxiety.

On the other hand, CBD does not cause intoxication. It’s non-psychoactive and is often sought after for its potential to ease pain, reduce inflammation, and alleviate anxiety. What’s particularly interesting is CBD’s ability to mitigate some of THC’s less desirable effects, including anxiety or paranoia, making it a key player in medical cannabis formulations.

While both compounds work through the body’s endocannabinoid system, they each offer unique benefits tailored to different needs and conditions.

What factors should I consider when deciding between NHS and private clinics for medical cannabis treatment in the UK?

Accessing medical cannabis in the UK depends largely on whether you go through the NHS or a private clinic.

NHS prescriptions are tightly controlled and typically require a specialist doctor to prescribe cannabis for specific medical conditions. The process can take time, but the upside is that NHS prescriptions are often subsidised or even free, making them a more cost-effective choice for those who qualify.

On the other hand, private clinics provide quicker access and a wider range of treatment options for various conditions. Private prescriptions allow for more personalised care, but they come at a higher price, with costs starting at approximately £9.99 per gram.

If keeping costs low is your main concern and you meet the strict criteria, the NHS route might be the right fit. However, for faster access or a broader selection of treatments, private clinics may better suit your needs.