Cannabis can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as flower, concentrates, edibles, and topicals, each offering different effects.
Edibles are becoming an increasingly popular delivery method, especially in countries where recreational consumption is permitted. But are cannabis edibles legal in the UK? That depends on several factors, including their cannabinoid content, intended use and whether they have been prescribed by a specialist doctor.
What are cannabis edibles?
Cannabis edibles are food or beverages which have been infused with cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. They come in many different forms, such as pastilles, lozenges, gummies, chocolate, and baked goods.
How do cannabis edibles work?
As edibles are taken orally, they must first pass through the digestive system and into the liver before being absorbed. The liver changes these into molecules that have longer-lasting effects than other delivery methods such as vaping. It can take up to two hours to feel the effects, but these may last for up to eight hours.
Are cannabis edibles legal?
CBD edibles
Edibles which contain CBD (the main non-psychoactive compound in cannabis) are legal in the UK as long as they contain less than 1mg of THC per container, in line with Home Office regulations. These are widely available in various forms such as gummies, chocolate and beverages, from high street and online retailers.
Edibles containing controlled cannabinoids
Edibles containing higher amounts of controlled cannabinoids such as THC, THCV and CBN (psychoactive compounds found in cannabis) are illegal in the UK to possess, sell, or produce without a prescription.
Cannabis containing THC and other cannabinoids is a Class B controlled drug under Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The possession of cannabis edibles is punishable by up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. The maximum sentence for charges related to the supply and production of cannabis edibles is 14 years’ imprisonment.
Are cannabis edibles available on prescription in the UK?
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since November 2018. It can only be prescribed by a doctor on the General Medical Council (GMC) specialist register, such as neurologists, psychiatrists, and pain specialists.
Cannabis-based medicines come in a variety of different forms, including those which are consumed orally, such as pastilles and lozenges.
What are cannabis edibles prescribed for?
Cannabis-based medicines are prescribed to help manage a range of different health conditions and symptoms. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, rather than by a set list of indications.
Some common conditions these are prescribed for include:
- Chronic pain
- Neurological conditions
- Sleep problems
- Mental health issues
- Gastrointestinal conditions
- Women’s health
- Cancer support
It is worth noting that a patient is usually required to have tried at least two other treatments for their condition without success.
Benefits of cannabis edibles
Long-lasting effects
Due to their prolonged effects, some people may find the effects of edibles particularly helpful for managing certain symptoms, such as chronic pain or insomnia. While the effects are longer-lasting, they are usually less intense than vaping, and you may be less likely to experience unwanted side effects of THC, such as nausea and dizziness.
Precise dosing
Many patients and doctors prefer edibles as a mode of administering medical cannabis, as they allow for more precise dosing, which makes it easier to control and monitor your intake and adjust this accordingly depending on the desired effects.
Convenient and discreet administration
Cannabis edibles are also one of the easiest and most discreet ways to take medical cannabis. There is no need to invest in additional equipment, and they don’t produce any smell or smoke/vapour as with other methods. Patients who need to administer medication in public or shared environments, such as the workplace, may feel more comfortable taking edibles.
Important considerations for cannabis edibles
Delayed onset and variable effects
The delayed onset of cannabis edibles, which can take between 30 minutes to two hours to take effect, may not be suitable for someone who needs instant relief from their symptoms, such as a sudden onset of pain or anxiety. This can also pose a risk of overconsumption if an individual increases their dose before it has fully taken effect.
The effects also vary widely between individuals depending on their metabolism, and other factors such as whether they have been taken on a full or empty stomach.
Reduced bioavailability
Cannabis products which are administered orally are thought to have reduced bioavailability compared to other delivery methods. This is due to the first-pass metabolism effect, where some of the cannabinoids are absorbed by the liver on the way into the bloodstream.
This means you may need to take more to feel the same effects as you would from a smaller amount of an alternative product format, such as flower, for example.
Cost and availability
You may find that there are fewer options available when it comes to accessing cannabis edibles on prescription. It is less common to be prescribed cannabis in this form compared to others, such as flower and oils, largely due to increased cost and limited availability.
Pastilles and lozenges may be more expensive than other products due to a wide range of factors, such as additional production costs during the manufacturing process, specialist packaging and transportation, and reduced demand.
Final thoughts
Cannabis edibles containing more than 1mg of controlled cannabinoids per container are only legal in the UK if they have been prescribed by a doctor on the specialist register.
Medical cannabis is a very personalised treatment, and your doctor will help you choose the right medication and delivery method for you based on your medical condition, symptoms and individual needs.
anna’s free eligibility checker can help you determine whether you qualify for treatment with medical cannabis. Once this is complete, you will be invited to schedule an appointment with one of Emerald’ expert clinicians who can discuss the different options.
You can find out more via our FAQs page or contact a member of the team directly here.