Medical cannabis has been legal on prescription in the UK since November 2018, however, it remains subject to strict regulations.
Cannabis-based medicines can only be prescribed by doctors on the GMC specialist register – such as neurologists, gastroenterolgigsts, rheumatologists and psychiatrists – and only under certain conditions.
What conditions qualify for medical cannabis on the NHS?
There are strict requirements which must be met to obtain a prescription for cannabis-based medicines on the NHS, with only a few licensed products recommended for use in certain conditions. These include:
- Multiple Sclerosis – Sativex is prescribed for the treatment of spasticity in patients with MS.
- Treatment-resistant epilepsy – Epidylex can be prescribed for seizure management in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex.
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting – Nabilone is something prescribed to cancer patients to help manage the side effects of chemotherapy.
What conditions qualify for a private medical cannabis prescription?
Very few prescriptions for unlicensed cannabis-based medicines are obtained through the NHS. These are prescribed more often, and for more conditions, through private clinics. It is still important that a patient is seen by a specialist doctor, who can review their medical history and decide whether medical cannabis is an appropriate course of treatment.
Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, rather than by a set list of indications. However, a patient is usually required to have tried at least two other treatments for their condition without success.
Emerald prescribes medical cannabis for a broad range of health conditions, from chronic pain and epilepsy to anxiety and ADHD. The conditions we explore below are not a fixed list, but will give you an idea of some of the most common indications for which cannabis-based medicines may be beneficial.
Pain
Chronic pain is pain that persists for more than 12 weeks. The cause is not always known, but it can also be associated with a diagnosed condition. Cannabis-based medicines may be prescribed for a wide range of chronic pain and related conditions, such as:
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Cluster Headache
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- HIV
- Lyme Disease
- Migraines
- Nerve pain and nerve damage
- Neuropathy
- Sciatica
Mental health
Medical cannabis is becoming more widely used as an alternative treatment for mental health disorders, with some studies finding that it can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Some common mental health conditions for which medical cannabis may be prescribed include:
Neurological conditions
Neurological conditions affect the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. This encompasses things like a brain injury or stroke, as well as chronic conditions like MS, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, headache disorders or epilepsy. Medical cannabis may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of the following neurological conditions:
Cannabis-based medicines are also sometimes prescribed to patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Sleep problems
Sleep problems, such as having trouble falling asleep, frequently waking, and feeling fatigued during the day, can be caused by stress or may be related to an existing health condition. Not getting enough high-quality rest at night can also impact symptoms during the day. In some cases, medical cannabis may be prescribed to help sleep-related problems such as:
Women’s health
Medical cannabis is increasingly being used to help manage hormone and menstrual-related issues. This includes symptoms of menopause and PMS, and chronic conditions such as endometriosis. Cannabis-based medicines may be prescribed for the symptoms of:
- Adenomyosis
- Endometriosis
- Menopause
- PMS or PMDD
Digestive problems
Gastrointestinal issues can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea and bloating. While these can be common, they may also be linked to autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which can cause a range of other symptoms. Cannabis-based medicines may be prescribed for the management of gastrointestinal conditions, such as:
Skin problems
Skin disorders, often caused by inflammation, can be debilitating and may lead to pain, discomfort and even mental health problems. Cannabis-based medicines may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of skin-related conditions, including:
Cancer support
While medical cannabis is not prescribed as a treatment for cancer, it can sometimes be used to help manage symptoms such as pain, anxiety and depression, as well as some of the side-effects of conventional treatments like sickness and nausea brought on by chemotherapy. Cannabis-based medicines may be prescribed for:
Getting a prescription for medical cannabis – the first steps
If you live with any of these conditions and have not found previous treatments to be successful, you may be eligible for a medical cannabis prescription. Take anna’s free eligibility test to determine if it could be a suitable treatment. If so, you will be invited to share your summary of care records and to schedule an appointment with one of our specialist clinicians.
If your condition is not listed here, that doesn’t mean you won’t qualify for medical cannabis treatment. Contact the team directly to speak to an expert about whether it could be right for you.