Is Medical Cannabis Legal?
Medical cannabis is legal in the UK under strict regulations, and patients can access it through licensed clinics with a valid prescription. Understanding the legal framework helps patients safely navigate treatment options and ensures compliance with the law.
If you’re looking into medical cannabis for the first time, it’s normal to feel unsure about what’s legal and what isn’t. Some people say it’s allowed, others insist it’s still banned - and the truth is a little more detailed than a simple yes or no.
In this blog, we explain medical cannabis and CBD laws in the UK in a clear, relatable way. We also cover whether it’s legal, how it can be prescribed, and how many patients are currently using it.
Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?
Put simply, yes - medical cannabis is legal in the UK. But access is controlled and regulated very carefully.
Cannabis itself is still classified as a Class B controlled substance, which means it is illegal to grow, possess or supply it unless you have official medical approval. However, in November 2018, the government changed the rules to allow doctors to prescribe cannabis-based products for medicinal use (often called CBPMs).
This change came after years of campaigning from families and medical experts who had seen the benefits cannabis could offer for a range of conditions, from chronic pain and neurological conditions to psychiatric and gastroenterological conditions.
Is THC legal in the UK?
THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, also remains illegal unless it forms part of a cannabis-based medicinal product prescribed by a specialist doctor under strict UK regulations.
Medical Cannabis Legalisation UK
Even though medical cannabis UK law changed in 2018, not all cannabis products are treated the same. Only cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) are legal, and these must meet strict quality and safety standards. Access is carefully controlled, and prescriptions are only issued for patients with a genuine medical need.
Medicann makes this process straightforward for patients. First, you book an online consultation with a GMC-registered specialist, who will assess whether medical cannabis is appropriate for your condition. If approved, Medicann arranges a legal prescription for a licensed or unlicensed CBPM and ensures it is supplied through approved medical channels. This private prescribing pathway allows patients to access treatment safely and legally, even where NHS access is limited.
In short, while the law sets the framework, Medicann guides patients through the process from consultation to prescription, making legal access to medical cannabis clear and manageable.
Is it legal to grow cannabis in the UK?
This is a question patients ask often - especially those who may have seen home growing legalised in other countries in recent years.
In the UK, it is not legal to grow cannabis yourself, even if you have a prescription.
Cultivation of cannabis continues to be a criminal offence unless the grower holds a special licence issued by the government. These licences are given only to companies or research organisations producing cannabis for medical or scientific purposes. At-home growing is not permitted under any circumstances.
How is medical cannabis prescribed?
Medical cannabis isn’t something you can get from a regular GP. At Medicann, the process is designed to be simple, safe, and patient-focused.
With Medicann, it begins with the simple online “Check your eligibility” stage. This allows patients to quickly see whether they might qualify for medical cannabis based on their condition and medical history. It’s a simple online form and gives patients a clear idea of the next steps.
If you are eligible, the next stage is an online consultation with a GMC-registered specialist doctor. During this consultation, the doctor will review your medical history and assess whether medical cannabis could be suitable for your condition. Every prescription is then tailored to the patient’s individual needs.
Once the doctor decides that medical cannabis is appropriate, Medicann arranges a legal prescription for a licensed or unlicensed cannabis-based medicine. The prescription is supplied through approved medical channels, ensuring it is safe, legal, and compliant with UK regulations.
Follow-up and ongoing monitoring are included as part of the process, helping patients understand how to use their medicine effectively and safely. This specialist-guided pathway ensures patients can access medical cannabis legally and confidently.
How many patients use medical cannabis in the UK
Recent data shows that medical cannabis is increasingly used in the UK. According to the 2025 UK Medical Cannabis White Paper from Prohibition Partners, there are currently 50,000 to 60,000 active patients, with an estimated 80,000 people expected to receive treatment by the end of 2025.
This growth highlights how far access has come since legalisation in 2018. While numbers are still small compared with the wider population, they reflect growing acceptance, increased clinician confidence in prescribing, and a maturing supply network.
For patients exploring treatment through Medicann, this means there is now a real, supportive patient community. Medicann’s process - starting with an eligibility check, followed by a specialist online consultation, and culminating in a legal prescription - provides a clear, safe route to access medical cannabis.
To find out more or to check if you are eligible, get in touch today.