Living with nerve pain can be exhausting, unpredictable, and deeply disruptive to everyday life. For some people, standard treatments do not provide adequate relief or cause unwanted side effects. At Medicann, we support eligible UK patients who are exploring medical cannabis as a potential treatment option for nerve pain, following a clinician-led assessment within a regulated medical framework.
This page explains what nerve pain is, what causes it, how it is usually treated, and how medical cannabis may help some patients manage symptoms, following a full assessment by a specialist doctor.
Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, occurs when nerves are damaged, irritated, or not functioning properly. Unlike pain caused by injury or inflammation, it often feels abnormal, such as burning, tingling, or electric-shock-like sensations. Pain may persist even in the absence of an obvious external cause.
According to the NHS, nerve pain can be long-lasting and difficult to treat, particularly when the underlying nerve damage is hard to reverse.
Nerve pain can develop for many reasons, including:
In some cases, the cause may remain unclear, which can be frustrating for patients seeking effective management options.
Nerve pain can feel very different from person to person. Common symptoms include:
These symptoms can significantly affect sleep, movement, focus, and mental health.
Before considering medical cannabis, most patients will have tried one or more conventional treatments, which may include:
While these treatments help some patients, others experience limited relief or intolerable side effects. This is one reason why some eligible patients explore medical cannabis for nerve pain through a specialist clinic.
Medical cannabis contains cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is involved in pain signalling, inflammation, sleep, and mood.
In the UK, specialist doctors may consider prescribing medical cannabis for nerve pain only when standard treatments have not been effective or tolerated.
Some patients report that cannabinoid-based medicines may help manage:
It is important to note that medical cannabis does not work the same way for everyone, and outcomes vary. Eligibility is always assessed individually by a specialist clinician.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. Some patients prefer treatments containing higher CBD levels because they do not cause intoxication.
CBD oil may be considered by clinicians for patients who:
CBD-dominant oils are usually taken orally and may provide steady, longer-lasting levels in the body. Individual responses vary, and clinical evidence for neuropathic pain relief is limited.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid that may influence pain perception. In the UK, THC-containing cannabis-based medicinal products may only be prescribed by specialist doctors, typically for patients with severe or treatment-resistant symptoms.
These medicines are prescribed cautiously, with doses started low and adjusted individually over time. Patients are carefully monitored for side effects.
There is no single “best” option for nerve pain. Your clinician will consider your symptoms, previous treatments, lifestyle, and preferences.
Common formats include:
Your specialist doctor will explain options clearly and monitor your response closely.
Neuropathic pain is one of the most commonly studied indications for medical cannabis.
Responses vary, and medical cannabis is not suitable for everyone. Specialist supervision, ongoing monitoring, and review are essential.
“I moved from Releaf, the difference in treatment is massive. This seems to be a more patient led company, I am not limited in choosing quantity, or strength. I ordered my first script yesterday at lunch time, and I just received it today before @1130. I am no longer paying 40pm subscription fees, Medicann are free, and only charge postage. I managed to order 3 different products, and a vape pen for my carts, for 50% less than Releaf.”
Individual experiences vary. These accounts do not guarantee outcomes.
Medical cannabis is often most effective when combined with other supportive approaches. Patients may benefit from physiotherapy or gentle movement programmes, access to pain management clinics, psychological support for long-term pain, strategies to improve sleep hygiene, and nutritional or lifestyle adjustments. Your Medicann clinician will consider your wider care plan.
Nerve pain often occurs alongside or as a consequence of other medical conditions, including:
Yes. Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 2018 and may be prescribed by specialist doctors when clinically appropriate.
In many cases, yes. Your Medicann clinician will review your medications carefully to ensure safety and suitability.
No. Medical cannabis does not cure nerve damage. It may help some patients manage symptoms as part of a broader care plan.
Yes. Some prescribed products contain CBD only. Your clinician will discuss suitable options based on your needs.
This depends on the product type and the individual. Oils may take longer to take effect, while vapourised treatments act more quickly.
Medicann is the lowest-cost medical cannabis clinic in the UK, offering:
We focus on clear information, safe prescribing, and patient-centred support.
If you are living with nerve pain and standard treatments have not worked for you, medical cannabis may be an option worth exploring. Check your eligibility and speak to our team today.
