How to Become a Cannabis Patient? | Cannabis on Prescription - Cannabis Apotheke - Cannabis auf Rezept

Cannabis has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to ancient civilizations that recognized its therapeutic effects.
Modern studies indicate that prescribed cannabis may offer a safe and effective treatment for various health conditions, and increasing evidence has shown that cannabis-based medications may provide relief for symptoms associated with chronic illnesses and conditions that are otherwise challenging to treat.

In the UK, patients can now access medical cannabis through prescriptions, which may help in alleviating symptoms and enhancing quality of life (1). This guide outlines the pathways to obtaining a medicinal cannabis prescription in the UK and what to expect during the process.

NHS vs. Private Prescriptions for Medical Cannabis

NHS Prescriptions:
- Restricted to severe cases (e.g., certain types of epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea, MS-related spasticity).
- Coverage is generally approved only when other treatments have failed.
- Requires extensive approval, making access limited and rare.
Private Prescriptions:
- Available for a broader range of conditions beyond NHS restrictions.
- Patients pay out-of-pocket for consultations and medication.
- Easier and faster access, requiring only a specialist doctor’s approval without additional NHS authorizations.

In the UK, medical cannabis prescriptions can be obtained either through the NHS or privately. NHS prescriptions are limited to specific severe conditions, including certain types of epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and MS-related spasticity. Access through the NHS typically requires evidence that other treatments have been ineffective, resulting in a rigorous and often lengthy approval process (1).
For those unable to meet NHS criteria, private prescriptions offer more flexibility. Patients may access a wider range of cannabis-based treatments, though they bear the full cost of consultations and medication. Private prescriptions are generally quicker to obtain, as they require only a specialist doctor’s approval without additional NHS authorizations (2).

Who Qualifies for Medical Cannabis Treatment?

Eligibility for medical cannabis treatment in the UK depends on medical need, the severity of symptoms, and physician discretion. Currently, the UK does not provide a definitive list of conditions qualifying for cannabis treatment; instead, doctors assess eligibility on a case-by-case basis, weighing potential benefits against possible risks (1).
Patients who have not found significant relief from other treatments, particularly those with chronic or treatment-resistant conditions, may qualify for medical cannabis. NHS prescriptions require patients to meet stricter criteria, such as demonstrating that standard treatments have failed, while private prescriptions allow for more flexibility in eligible conditions (2).
For those interested in exploring cannabis treatment, it’s recommended to consult a licensed specialist doctor at a cannabis clinic. General Practitioners (GPs) typically cannot prescribe cannabis directly but can refer patients to qualified specialists. During consultation, patients should provide a comprehensive medical history and details of past treatments, helping the specialist evaluate if cannabis could be an appropriate option (3).

Conditions Commonly Treated with Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis, or cannabis-based medicine, may be prescribed for conditions that resist conventional treatments. Some common conditions that may qualify include:

Chronic Pain: Cannabinoids like THC and CBD offer potential pain relief for conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain, often succeeding where traditional painkillers fall short (1, 2).
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Cannabis medicines may help reduce spasticity and tremors in MS patients, improving comfort and mobility (3).
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea: THC can reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, helping patients better manage treatment (4).
Appetite and Weight Loss: For HIV/AIDS or cancer patients with poor appetite, certain cannabis-based medicines can stimulate hunger, aiding strength and health (5).
Tourette Syndrome: Cannabis medicines may reduce the frequency and severity of tics, improving daily functionality (6).
Epilepsy: CBD has shown effectiveness in reducing seizures, particularly in cases resistant to standard treatments (7).
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Anti-inflammatory properties of medical cannabis may benefit patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, reducing symptom flare-ups (8).

These examples highlight some uses of medicinal cannabis, especially for chronic, treatment-resistant conditions.