Yes, all of the medication we prescribe is fully legal and regulated. The use of medical cannabis within the UK was made legal as of 1 November 2018, provided it is prescribed by a medical specialist who has taken into account the current evidence and guidelines alongside your particular diagnoses and conditions.
Medical Cannabis Questions
We want you to be fully informed
- Is the medication prescribed at the clinics legal?
- How do I know if medical cannabis can help me?
- What is the difference between the products you prescribe and CBD oil I can buy online or in shops without a prescription?
- Is medical cannabis addictive?
Is the medication prescribed at the clinics legal?
How do I know if medical cannabis can help me?
Medical cannabis can be used to treat a variety of conditions where other medications and treatments have failed. Patients living with chronic pain, neuropathy and psychiatric conditions have found benefits.
To be eligible for medical cannabis treatment, you need to have tried other pharmaceutical or therapeutic treatments that have not worked. You also must not have been diagnosed with psychosis or schizophrenia.
Not sure if you would benefit from medical cannabis?
Speak to a patient advisor today for free to learn more and understand how it all works, or
Take the eligibility test to assess your condition and suitability for treatment!
What is the difference between the products you prescribe and CBD oil I can buy online or in shops without a prescription?
Medical cannabis differs greatly from the CBD products you will have seen in shops, online, and even over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. Medical cannabis is grown, prepared, and packaged under the strictest conditions to produce a medical-grade product for humans. It contains various compounds from cannabinoids (you will have heard of THC and CBD, but there’s loads more) to terpenes (many of which are known for their medicinal effects).
Medical cannabis can be found as an oil to be taken under the tongue or flower to be vaped (it is illegal to smoke medical cannabis). Different medicines will have varying amounts of THC (the psychoactive compound) and CBD so that they can benefit different conditions.
CBD that has not been prescribed is an oil derived from the hemp plant. It is considered a food product and does not need to adhere to the same stringent standards as medical cannabis. It generally is not as concentrated as prescribed CBD oils and is not considered a medicine.
Is medical cannabis addictive?
Medical cannabis that contains higher amounts of THC carries a small risk of habituation and addiction if used daily for chronic use, but the risk is lower than with other classes of medications such as opioid-based pain medications and possibly lower than benzodiazepines for anxiety and sleep.
Your medical cannabis specialist will monitor you closely for signs of addiction to minimise this risk and choose specific products with lower risk appropriate for your symptoms.
- How do you choose what products will work best?
- Why isn’t medical cannabis available on the NHS in the UK?
- Can I get medical cannabis on the NHS in the UK?
- Why won’t the NHS prescribe medical cannabis?
- Where can I access medical cannabis in the UK?
- How do I get a private medical cannabis prescription in the UK?
- What does it mean that medical cannabis is an unlicensed medicine?
- Is unlicensed medical cannabis legal?
- Why is medical cannabis unlicensed in the UK?
- Are unlicensed medicines common in healthcare?
- Where does medical cannabis come from?
- Is imported medical cannabis safe?
- Why can medical cannabis supply fluctuate?
- What does this mean for availability?
How do you choose what products will work best?
Our team of doctors are experts in treating patients with medical cannabis and will choose your treatment after a comprehensive assessment. Your doctor will review your symptoms, current medications, the pattern of your symptoms and lifestyle factors. They will also monitor and adjust the medication on a regular basis to ensure the best effect with fewest side effects.
Why isn’t medical cannabis available on the NHS in the UK?
Medical cannabis is legal in the UK, but NHS prescriptions remain extremely rare because only specialist doctors can prescribe it, and NHS funding approvals are very limited.
Can I get medical cannabis on the NHS in the UK?
In practice, very few people have received an NHS prescription since medical cannabis was legalised in 2018. Access is limited to patients under hospital consultants, and only when all other licensed treatments have failed.
Why won’t the NHS prescribe medical cannabis?
There are strict barriers to access:
• Only hospital specialists (not GPs) can prescribe.
• It is considered a “last resort” treatment.
• NHS funding applications are almost always declined.
Where can I access medical cannabis in the UK?
Because NHS access is so restricted, most patients turn to private care. At Lyphe Clinic, we provide safe and legal access to medical cannabis prescriptions across the UK, including London and other major cities. Our specialist doctors assess eligibility and support patients throughout their treatment journey.
How do I get a private medical cannabis prescription in the UK?
You can book an appointment with Lyphe Clinic online. Our clinics serve patients nationwide and help those unable to access treatment through the NHS.
What does it mean that medical cannabis is an unlicensed medicine?
In the UK, all medical cannabis products are classed as unlicensed medicines. This means they are prescribed outside the terms of an existing UK licence.
Is unlicensed medical cannabis legal?
Yes. Medical cannabis prescribed by a specialist doctor through a registered clinic such as Lyphe Clinic is 100% legal in the UK. Being “unlicensed” does not mean illegal — it simply refers to how the medicine is regulated.
Why is medical cannabis unlicensed in the UK?
An “unlicensed medicine” is one that is prescribed for conditions other than those it was originally approved to treat, or that does not yet have a specific UK product licence. This system allows doctors to meet the special needs of individual patients.
Are unlicensed medicines common in healthcare?
Yes. Unlicensed medicines are widely used in areas such as paediatrics, psychiatry, and palliative care, where standard licensed treatments may not meet patient needs. Medical cannabis falls into this category.
Where does medical cannabis come from?
Medical cannabis prescribed in the UK is sourced from both domestic UK producers and carefully regulated international suppliers, including Portugal, Australia, and Canada.
Is imported medical cannabis safe?
Yes. The importation process is tightly controlled by both UK authorities and the exporting country. All medical cannabis products must be grown, prepared, and packaged to the strictest pharmaceutical standards. The UK also has some of the highest safety and quality requirements in the world.
Why can medical cannabis supply fluctuate?
Because medical cannabis is a grown, plant-based medicine and the industry is still developing, supply can occasionally be affected by:
- Seasonal availability
- Regulatory changes
- Shipping delays
- Quality control checks
What does this mean for availability?
Although supply can fluctuate, Lyphe Clinic works closely with trusted partners to keep your medication available. As the industry grows and regulations mature, access to medical cannabis is becoming increasingly stable in the UK.
- Will medical cannabis make me feel ‘high’ or ‘stoned’?
- Can medical cannabis be prescribed to avoid a ‘high’?
- How much will my medicine cost?
- How are my appointments held?
- How often will I have to see my doctor?
- Do I have to see my doctor every month?
- Should I use out of date medication (medical cannabis)?
- How long after my appointment will I receive my medical cannabis?
- Can I get my prescription from any Pharmacy?
Will medical cannabis make me feel ‘high’ or ‘stoned’?
Most patients prescribed medical cannabis do not feel “high” in the way recreational users might. Medical cannabis is prescribed in carefully balanced doses to treat symptoms while allowing you to live and work normally.
Can medical cannabis be prescribed to avoid a ‘high’?
Your specialist clinician at Lyphe Clinic will tailor your prescription so that it manages your symptoms while maintaining your quality of life. For example, stronger THC-based products are often only prescribed for night-time use to support sleep.
How much will my medicine cost?
Costs can vary from £50 to £300 per month, depending on condition and individual circumstances. Make sure to speak to our specialist doctors about your budget, and they will help find the correct product for your needs.
How are my appointments held?
Lyphe is a digital-first clinic.
We exclusively see patients via video appointments. This means you don’t have to worry about visiting a far away clinic or taking lots of time off work. Just find a quiet, private space to hold your appointment.
How often will I have to see my doctor?
Once you have had your first appointment with your doctor, you will be required to have a follow up with your doctor to check in on your progress 1 month after you start your treatment.
You will then need to see your doctor every 3 months to review your condition and response to medical cannabis.
Do I have to see my doctor every month?
No. Once you’re considered stable on your medication by your doctor, you will be allowed to order a repeat prescription via our website. The repeat prescription must be exactly the same as your previous prescription, any changes will require you to have an appointment with your doctor. Our policy is that you need to see a doctor for a video appointment at least once every 3 months.
Should I use out of date medication (medical cannabis)?
We strongly advise against using out-of-date medication, including medical cannabis. The expiration date on medications is there for a reason; beyond this date, the effectiveness and safety of the medication can be compromised. Using expired medical cannabis or any other medication could potentially result in inadequate relief of symptoms or even adverse effects due to changes in the composition of the product over time. It’s always best to adhere to the expiration dates provided and dispose of expired medications properly. If you require medical cannabis for your condition, it’s important to ensure you have a fresh and properly stored supply to maximise its therapeutic benefits and minimise any risks. If you have concerns or questions about your medication, please consult with us for guidance.
How long after my appointment will I receive my medical cannabis?
After your appointment, your doctor will write your prescription and will send it to your nominated pharmacy. Depending on stock levels some may be delivered within a couple of days, whilst others may take a week.
Can I get my prescription from any Pharmacy?
Technically yes, however generally only specialist pharmacies stock medical cannabis and most high-street pharmacies are likely unable to dispense. Lyphe Dispensary is our partner pharmacy, which is a digital-first pharmacy who will deliver direct to your door. However, you may nominate another specialist pharmacy if you wish, or even have your prescription sent to any other pharmacy of your choosing.
Start living
the Lyphe you want
If your question was not covered above, you can try our Help Centre.