Medical cannabis flower is one of the most commonly prescribed forms of cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) in the UK. This page explains, in clear and factual terms, what cannabis flower is, how it works in the body, who it may be suitable for, and how it is prescribed and used under specialist medical supervision.
At Medicann Clinics, all prescriptions are issued by GMC-registered specialist doctors following a thorough clinical assessment. Eligibility is always assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions or require further information, feel free to contact us.
Medical cannabis flower is the dried female flower of the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. When prescribed legally in the UK, they are:
Unlike illicit cannabis, prescribed cannabis flower has known cannabinoid profiles and batch-to-batch consistency, which supports safer, clinician-led care.
Cannabis flower may contain varying ratios of cannabinoids, most commonly:
Your specialist clinician selects the formulation based on your medical history, symptoms, and previous treatments.
Cannabis flower interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) - a natural signalling system involved in maintaining balance across several physiological processes.
The ECS includes:
Cannabinoids found in cannabis flower may interact with these receptors. This interaction is one reason medical cannabis is sometimes prescribed when conventional treatments have not provided sufficient symptom control.
Importantly, responses vary between individuals. Your clinician will carefully assess whether cannabis flower is appropriate for you.
In the UK, medical cannabis may be prescribed for a range of conditions only when certain criteria are met, including previous inadequate response to licensed treatments.
Cannabis flower is sometimes prescribed for patients managing symptoms associated with:
Medical cannabis does not replace your GP or existing care. At Medicann, clinicians work alongside your wider healthcare team where appropriate, ensuring that any prescribed treatment fits safely within your overall care plan.
In the UK, medical cannabis flower is intended for vaporisation, not smoking.
Vaporisation involves:
Your clinician or pharmacist will guide you on approved vaporiser use and safe administration.
There is no one-size-fits-all dosage for medical cannabis flower because everyone’s body, condition, and sensitivity to cannabinoids is different.
For this reason, specialist doctors use a careful and personalised approach known as “start low, go slow”. This means:
This process is called titration. In simple terms, it means finding the lowest dose that provides benefit without causing discomfort.
Your clinician will take into account:
You will also have regular clinical reviews, where your doctor checks how you are getting on and decides whether to:
This step-by-step approach helps ensure treatment is safe, controlled, and tailored to you, rather than rushed or guesswork-led. Never adjust your dose without speaking to your prescribing clinician.
Medical cannabis flower offers several characteristics that may make them suitable for some patients, depending on individual needs and clinical assessment:
Despite these advantages, cannabis flower is not suitable for everyone and come with important considerations:
Your Medicann clinician will help you weigh these potential advantages and limitations, ensuring any prescribing decision is made with safety, comfort, and your individual circumstances in mind.
For a more detailed breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks, see our full guide on the pros and cons of medical cannabis.
As with any prescribed medicine, cannabis flower may cause side effects in some patients. Not everyone will experience these, and many effects are dose-dependent and may lessen as your body adjusts.
Commonly reported effects may include:
Less common effects may include:
Side effects are more likely if the dose is too high or increased too quickly. For this reason, specialist clinicians typically follow a “start low, go slow” prescribing approach.
Medical cannabis flower is not suitable for everyone. Your safety is always the priority, and a specialist clinician will carefully assess whether this form of treatment is appropriate for you.
Cannabis flower may not be recommended if you:
This list is not exhaustive. Other medical, psychological, or lifestyle factors may also influence suitability.
Your Medicann clinician will review your full medical history, current medications, and previous treatments before making any prescribing decision. If cannabis flower is not considered appropriate, your clinician will discuss alternative options and next steps to support your care.
Yes. Medical cannabis flower is legal only with a specialist prescription and must be supplied by a regulated pharmacy.
Some cannabis flower contains THC, which can cause psychoactive effects. Clinicians aim to minimise unwanted effects through careful dosing and product selection.
Driving laws still apply. You must not drive if impaired.
In many cases, yes. This is assessed individually to ensure safety.
Costs vary by product, but cannabis flower is often one of the more affordable CBPM formats. Medicann is the lowest-cost clinic in the UK, with free consultations for life and no repeat prescription fees.
If you’re exploring whether medical cannabis flower may be appropriate for you, check your eligibility today.
