Can I Get Medical Cannabis on the NHS?
7 min readBeginner Level
The reality of NHS cannabis prescriptions in the UK — who qualifies, what conditions are covered, and why most patients go through private clinics instead.
This guide is for educational purposes only. Cannabis is illegal in the UK without a medical prescription. Always consult a healthcare professional before making decisions about cannabis use.
NHS prescriptions for cannabis-based medicinal products are extremely rare. Since the law changed in 2018, fewer than 10 patients have received an NHS prescription for unlicensed cannabis-based products.
The NHS will only prescribe cannabis-based products that have a marketing authorisation (license) from the MHRA. Currently, only three products have this: Sativex (for MS spasticity), Epidyolex (for severe epilepsy), and Nabilone (for chemotherapy nausea).
For unlicensed cannabis products like dried flower or full-spectrum oils — which make up the vast majority of private prescriptions — NHS funding is virtually unavailable. The NHS commissioning bodies have consistently deemed these treatments not cost-effective.
This means that while medical cannabis is technically legal on the NHS, in practice it is only accessible for a tiny number of patients with very specific conditions who meet strict eligibility criteria.
Sativex (nabiximols): An oral spray containing THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio. Licensed for treating spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Not always available on the NHS — local commissioning policies vary across England.
Epidyolex (cannabidiol): A purified CBD oral solution. Licensed for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome — two rare and severe forms of childhood epilepsy. Only available through specialist paediatric neurologists.
Nabilone: A synthetic cannabinoid (similar to THC). Licensed for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting that hasn't responded to conventional anti-sickness medication. Used only in hospital settings under specialist supervision.
These three products account for virtually all NHS cannabis prescribing. No NHS trust currently funds unlicensed cannabis flower or full-spectrum oil, despite these being the most commonly prescribed private products.
The gap between NHS and private access is stark. Over 99% of medical cannabis prescriptions in the UK are issued through private clinics, with patients paying out of pocket.
NHS route: Virtually no availability for unlicensed products. Requires a referral from your GP to an NHS specialist. If accepted, medication is free (standard NHS prescription charges apply). Realistically, less than 1% of applicants succeed.
Private route: Open to anyone who meets eligibility criteria. Costs £150-£400 for initial consultation, £50-£150 for follow-ups, and £5-£15 per gram for flower or £50-£200 per bottle for oil. Approval rate is much higher — around 60-80% of eligible applicants.
Some private clinics offer shared care arrangements where the NHS takes over prescribing after a period of stability, but this is exceptionally rare for cannabis-based products.
Patient advocacy groups and some MPs have called for wider NHS access, arguing that the current two-tier system is unfair. Campaigners point out that patients who can afford private care get treatment while those who can't are left without options.
If you're considering the private route, The Green Prescription offers detailed comparisons of every major UK clinic, including those with access schemes and discounted rates for low-income patients — making private care more affordable than many people realise.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Medical Cannabis has recommended that NHS commissioning bodies review their position, particularly for chronic pain where there is strong patient-reported evidence of benefit.
NHS England has commissioned research into the clinical and cost-effectiveness of cannabis-based medicinal products, but no timeline for policy change has been announced.
In 2025, a judicial review found that NHS commissioning decisions on cannabis-based products were lawful, effectively closing the legal route to challenge current NHS policy. Change now depends on political will and further clinical evidence.
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About the Author
DM
Dave Mak
Dave founded The Budophile to create clear, honest cannabis education for UK beginners. With a background in health research and a network of specialist contributors, he ensures every guide is accurate, evidence-based, and practical. He also runs Baked & Rated for product reviews and The Green Prescription for medical cannabis access guidance.
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