This guide explains how prescription medical cannabis is used for chronic pain in the UK, what the evidence says, and what patients typically need to know before speaking to a specialist clinic. It is written for people dealing with long-term pain who are exploring options after standard treatments haven’t helped enough.
Educational information only: This content is not medical advice. Eligibility and prescribing decisions are made by licensed specialists.
Chronic pain affects millions of people across the UK and can have a serious impact on quality of life. For some patients, conventional treatments such as painkillers, physiotherapy, or injections do not provide adequate relief or cause unwanted side effects.
In recent years, medical cannabis has emerged as a legal treatment option for certain patients with chronic pain in the UK. However, understanding how it works, who may be eligible, and how to access it can be confusing.
This guide explains medical cannabis for chronic pain in the UK clearly, calmly, and without hype.
Is Medical Cannabis Legal in the UK?
Yes. Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since November 2018, when specialist doctors were allowed to prescribe cannabis-based medicines in limited circumstances.
Medical cannabis can only be:
- Prescribed by a specialist doctor
- Issued through a licensed medical cannabis clinic
- Supplied by a regulated pharmacy
It is not available through the NHS for most patients, so treatment is typically accessed via private clinics.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is generally defined as pain that lasts longer than three months and may continue even after the original injury or condition has healed.
Common types of chronic pain include:
- Chronic back pain
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Neuropathic (nerve) pain
- Sciatica
For some patients, chronic pain does not respond well to standard treatments, which is why specialist doctors may consider alternative options such as medical cannabis.
How Medical Cannabis May Be Used for Pain
Medical cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, the most well-known being THC and CBD.
These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in pain perception, inflammation, sleep, and mood.
Specialist doctors may prescribe medical cannabis to help manage:
- Persistent pain symptoms
- Pain-related sleep problems
- Muscle stiffness or spasms
Medical cannabis is not considered a first-line treatment and is typically explored only after conventional options have been tried.
What Forms of Medical Cannabis Are Prescribed?
In the UK, medical cannabis may be prescribed in several formats, depending on the patient’s needs and the doctor’s judgement:
Cannabis Oils
- Taken orally
- Often used for consistent, long-lasting effects
- Common starting option for beginners
Cannabis Flower
- Prescribed for use with a medical vaporiser
- May be considered for breakthrough pain
- Not suitable for everyone
Capsules or Pastilles
- Pre-measured doses
- Discreet and easy to use
The type, dosage, and format are always determined by a specialist doctor.
Who May Be Eligible for Medical Cannabis for Pain?
Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis, but many UK clinics look for the following:
- A diagnosed chronic pain condition
- Symptoms lasting at least three months
- Evidence that conventional treatments have been tried and were ineffective or caused side effects
A specialist doctor will review your medical history and decide whether medical cannabis is appropriate.
👉 You can read more on eligibility in our Am I Eligible for a Prescription? guide.
How Do You Access Medical Cannabis in the UK?
The typical process involves:
- Choosing a licensed medical cannabis clinic
- Completing an initial eligibility assessment
- Attending a consultation with a specialist doctor
- Receiving a prescription if approved
- Medication being dispensed by a regulated pharmacy
The process is legal, confidential, and regulated.
👉 See our Comparison of UK Medical Cannabis Clinics for Pain for more details.
How Much Does Medical Cannabis Cost in the UK?
Costs vary between clinics and depend on:
- Initial consultation fees
- Follow-up appointments
- Type and dosage of medication
As a general guide:
- Initial consultations often range from £50–£200
- Monthly medication costs vary significantly
👉 We explain consultation fees, medication costs, and ongoing care in detail in our Medical Cannabis Costs in the UK guide.
Is Medical Cannabis Right for Everyone?
Medical cannabis is not suitable for everyone.
A specialist doctor may decide it is not appropriate if there are:
- Certain mental health conditions
- Specific medication interactions
- Medical risk factors
This is why medical cannabis can only be prescribed following a proper medical consultation.
Important Considerations
- Medical cannabis should only be used as prescribed
- Driving laws still apply in the UK
- Treatment plans may change over time
- Regular follow-ups are usually required
Always follow the advice of your prescribing doctor.
Key Takeaway
Medical cannabis is a legal treatment option in the UK that may be considered for some patients living with chronic pain when conventional treatments have not worked.
Understanding the process, eligibility, and costs can help patients make informed decisions and have better conversations with specialist doctors.
Next Steps
If you’re exploring medical cannabis for chronic pain, the next logical steps are:
- Check whether you may be eligible
- Understand the potential costs
- Compare UK clinics carefully
👉 Read our guide on Medical Cannabis for Arthritis Pain in the UK
👉 Read our guide on Medical Cannabis for Back Pain in the UK
👉 Read our guide on Medical Cannabis for Nerve Pain (Neuropathic) in the UK
👉 Read our guide on Medical Cannabis for fibromyalgia in the UK
👉 Read our guide on Medical Cannabis for Sciatica in the UK
👉 Read our guide on Medical Cannabis for Sleep & Chronic Pain in the UK
👉 Read our guide on Medical Cannabis and Driving (UK Law) in the UK
👉 Read our guide on Medical Cannabis and Workplace Rights in the UK
👉 Read our guide on Travelling with Medical Cannabis in the UK and Abroad
⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee of eligibility or treatment.