On 1st November 2018, cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) were introduced under Schedule 2 following amendments to the Misuse of Drugs regulations 2001. It was announced that from that date, cannabis-based products for medicinal use can legally be prescribed by specialist doctors for use in humans across the UK.

Government Announcement Here

There are currently over 35,000 medical cannabis patients legally prescribed throughout the United Kingdom, and this figure is only set to rise. On this page, we aim to offer the basic information around medical cannabis, and provide tips for helping to identify a medical cannabis patient.

Examples of cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs)

  • Cannabis Flower / Flos

    Cannabis flower can be legally prescribed, and can contain both THC and CBD. Cannabis flower is usually vaporised on a Dry Herb Vaporiser.

  • Vape Cartridges

    Prescriptions can also be given for Vape Cartridges, and can also contain both THC and CBD.

  • Cannabis Oils

    Another common form of prescription can be cannibis oils. These can also contain both THC and CBD.

The above are just some examples of legally prescribed CBPMs. They can come in various forms, such as Cannabis Flower, Vape Cartridges, Oils, Capsules, and Lozenges. All these products can be legally prescribed, and can contain both THC and CBD.

Prescription Identifiers

  • Prescription Labels

    Example of what a prescription label could look like. The patients name should be displayed, as well as the dispensing pharmacy details.

  • Paper / Digital Prescription

    The patient’s name and address should be displayed. It will also show the product and prescribed quantity. The prescription should show the prescribing doctor / clinic details. This is usually a photocopy or photo provided to the patient as the original is sent to the Pharmacy.

    Patients do not need to carry this. All they need is their medication in the original container with their label.

  • Faded Labels

    Prescription labels are known to fade very quickly. This should be taken into account if a patient is stopped. If the label is faded, then the patient can produce a digital or paper copy of their prescription.

Additional Information

Patients have the right to vape their medication when and where needed, as long as they are taking it in the prescribed manor. CBPMs should be treated the same as any other legally prescribed medication. This means that patients may need to take their medications when out in public, and it is perfectly legal for them to do so.

Patients may be carrying the following items with them to take their medication:
- Medication - In original container (Cannabis Flower, Oils etc)
- Vaporiser - Used to heat up their prescription flower
- Herb grinder - Used to grind up the cannabis flower
- Tub / Bag containing AVB (already vaped bud) to dispose of later

Whilst it may seem unusual to see cannabis flowers prescribed, it needs to be remembered that this is a legally prescribed medication, alongside other cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs).

Patients could be using CBPMs for various conditions. Not all health conditions are visible. A few examples of what patients could be treating:
Chronic Pain, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Joint Pains, Back Pain, Migraines, EDS, Crohn’s Disease, IBS, ADHD, Anxiety, PTSD, Epilepsy, MS, Chronic Fatigue, Cancer Pain, and many more conditions.

Helpful Links

  • CLICK HERE TO VIEW

    Advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to the Home Office about the scheduling of cannabis-derived medicinal products.

  • CLICK TO HERE VIEW

    Information from the General Medical Council on cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs).

  • CLICK HERE TO VIEW

    Home Office Circular 2018: Rescheduling of cannabis-based products for medicinal use in humans.

  • CLICK HERE TO VIEW

    Guidance from NHS England regarding cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs).

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