CBD, or cannabidiol, has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential health benefits and therapeutic uses. As public interest in CBD and medical cannabis continues to grow, its status as a prescription medicine in the UK has become a topic of considerable importance.
This guide aims to provide a clear understanding of how CBD is prescribed medically within the UK, its legal status, and how it compares to over-the-counter brands.
By delving into these aspects, we hope to offer a comprehensive overview that will aid in demystifying CBD as a prescription medicine in the UK.
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound extracted from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) found in medical cannabis, which is another well-known compound from the same plant, CBD is non-psychoactive. This means it does not induce the ‘high’ that is typically associated with cannabis use.
Instead, CBD is reputed for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety, alleviating pain, and improving sleep quality.
The extraction process of CBD often involves using solvents like CO2 to isolate the compound from the plant material. Once extracted, CBD can be formulated into various products, including oils, capsules, and creams.
In the UK, the use of CBD has garnered attention not only for personal wellness but also for its potential as a prescribed medication. This distinction is crucial as it impacts how CBD is regulated, accessed, and utilised within the healthcare system.
The rise of CBD and medical cannabis medicines in the UK can be traced back to growing scientific interest and public demand for alternative therapies.
Initially, CBD products were primarily available as over-the-counter supplements, but increasing anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies suggested that CBD could offer substantial medical benefits.
This led to a shift in perception, prompting regulatory bodies to explore CBD’s potential as a prescription medicine.
In 2018, the UK government reclassified CBD as a medicine whilst also legalising cannabis for medical use, allowing it to be prescribed for certain medical conditions. This decision was influenced by cases where traditional treatments failed to provide relief, yet CBD showed promising results.
Conditions such as severe epilepsy, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis spasticity are now among those for which cannabis based medicines may be prescribed.
This regulatory change has paved the way for more rigorous clinical trials and a better understanding of how CBD can be integrated into conventional medical treatments.
Additionally, the need for clinical trials and evidence-based research is crucial to further develop and license cannabis based products in the medical field.
In the UK, the legal status of CBD has undergone significant changes in recent years. As of 2018, CBD was reclassified as a medicine, allowing it to be prescribed by healthcare professionals for specific conditions alongside medical cannabis.
For a CBD or medical cannabis product to be legally sold and prescribed, it must meet stringent criteria set by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This includes proving its safety, quality, and efficacy through rigorous testing and clinical trials.
Unlicensed cannabis-based products are also used in treating specific conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Over-the-counter CBD products, on the other hand, are classified differently. These products must contain less than 0.2% THC to be legal. They are regulated as food supplements and must comply with the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) guidelines.
This dual classification creates a clear distinction between medical CBD, which requires a prescription, and consumer-grade CBD, which can be purchased without one.
Understanding these regulations is crucial for both consumers and healthcare providers to ensure the safe and legal use of CBD in the UK.
The distinction between prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products is significant in the UK. Prescription CBD medicines are formulated to treat specific medical conditions and must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional who can prescribe medical cannabis products.
These products undergo stringent testing to ensure their safety, quality, and effectiveness. They are often used for conditions such as severe epilepsy, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis, where conventional treatments have failed.
A specialist doctor, typically a hospital consultant, plays a crucial role in prescribing CBD for these conditions.
On the other hand, OTC CBD products are available without a prescription and are typically marketed as wellness supplements.
These products must contain less than 0.2% THC to be legally sold in the UK and are not subject to the same rigorous testing as prescription medicines.
While OTC CBD can provide general health benefits, it is not intended to treat serious medical conditions.
Understanding this distinction when it comes to medical cannabis is crucial for consumers to make informed choices and for healthcare providers to guide their patients appropriately.
The process of prescribing CBD medically in the UK begins with a comprehensive consultation for medical cannabis and diagnosis with specialist doctors. Patients experiencing conditions that may benefit from CBD must first consult a healthcare professional, typically a specialist in the relevant field.
During the consultation, the physician conducts a thorough assessment, which includes reviewing the patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and any previous treatments.
To be eligible for a medical cannabis prescription in the UK, patients must meet specific criteria. These criteria ensure that only those with a genuine medical need can access cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs).
Patients must have a documented medical condition that has been diagnosed by a healthcare professional. This condition should fall under one of the recognized ailments eligible for medical cannabis treatment.
To qualify, patients must have tried at least two prescribed medications for their condition. These treatments should have been attempted under the supervision of a healthcare provider and must be documented in the patient’s medical history.
The previous treatment attempts must have failed to provide adequate relief or resulted in intolerable side effects. This failure must be documented and acknowledged by the treating physician.
The list of conditions that are currently recognized for medical cannabis treatment in the UK is relatively specific and includes the following:
Following this initial evaluation, the healthcare professional may recommend CBD if conventional treatments have proven ineffective or have caused undesirable side effects. The diagnosis is crucial, as it determines whether CBD is an appropriate course of action.
The physician will also discuss potential benefits, risks of medical cannabis products, and the correct dosage tailored to the patient’s specific needs.
This personalised approach ensures that the use of CBD is both safe and effective, providing a structured pathway for integrating CBD into a patient’s treatment plan.
Certain severe forms of conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis may also be considered for CBD treatment.
Once a specialist doctor has determined that CBD or any medical cannabis product is a suitable treatment option, the process of prescribing medical cannabis begins. The physician writes a medical cannabis prescription, specifying the exact dosage and form of CBD to be used.
This prescription is typically sent to a specialised pharmacy that is authorised to dispense medical CBD products. The pharmacy ensures that the prescribed CBD meets the standards set by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Patients then receive their CBD medication, which may come in various forms, such as oils, capsules, or sprays. It’s essential for patients to follow the prescribed dosage and administration guidelines carefully.
Regular follow-up appointments are often scheduled to monitor the patient’s response to the treatment and make any necessary adjustments.
This ongoing supervision ensures that the CBD is providing the intended therapeutic benefits while minimising any potential side effects. This structured approach helps integrate CBD safely and effectively into the patient’s medical regimen.
When comparing prescription CBD with over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products, efficacy and potency are key differentiators. Prescription CBD is formulated to meet stringent medical standards, ensuring high potency and consistent efficacy.
These products undergo rigorous clinical testing to prove their effectiveness in treating specific medical conditions.
As a result, patients can expect reliable therapeutic outcomes when using prescription CBD, guided by medical supervision.
In contrast, OTC CBD products are often less potent and not subject to the same level of testing. While they can offer general wellness benefits, their efficacy in treating serious medical conditions is not guaranteed.
The varying quality and potency of OTC CBD can lead to inconsistent results. Consumers might not experience the desired effects, especially if the product is not as potent as claimed.
Therefore, for serious medical conditions, prescription CBD is generally preferred due to its proven efficacy and controlled potency, providing a more reliable treatment option.
Quality and safety are paramount when comparing prescription CBD to over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products.
Prescription CBD is subject to strict regulatory oversight by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
This ensures that the products meet high standards for purity, consistency, and safety. Each batch is rigorously tested for contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents, providing assurance to patients and healthcare providers.
On the other hand, OTC CBD products are regulated as food supplements and do not undergo the same level of scrutiny. While reputable brands may conduct third-party testing, the absence of mandatory regulations means quality can vary significantly.
Inferior products may contain impurities or inaccurate levels of CBD, posing potential health risks. Consumers must exercise caution, choosing products from trustworthy sources with transparent testing practices.
For medical purposes, the guaranteed quality and safety of prescription CBD make it the more reliable option.
Ben is the founder of Canavape is his journey with CBD began decades ago when he was plagued by severe pain in his lower back, chest, and hips at just 20 years old. Initially, he found some relief using cannabis, which led him to explore its potential benefits more deeply.
However, he was unaware that the underlying cause of his pain was the onset of a debilitating degenerative disease: Ankylosing Spondylitis.
For many years, Ben faced misdiagnoses and was prescribed numerous painkillers, yet his symptoms only worsened. It wasn’t until 12 years later that he was correctly diagnosed, finally understanding the root cause of his chronic pain. Around this time, he serendipitously started the Canavape brand, aiming to help others with chronic conditions, not realizing that he would become one of his own customers.
Despite developing hundreds of cannabinoid products for Canavape, Ben’s condition did not improve. The progression of his disease left him desperate for relief. As he awaited a trial for a biologic medication, he became determined to find a natural, complementary medicinal solution through cannabis-based products.
In 2018, Ben sought advice from his healthcare provider and industry friends, who recommended exploring prescription cannabis and cannabis based medicine including CBD as alternative treatments. Given the nascent state of medical cannabis prescriptions in the UK, Ben was initially sceptical about his chances of obtaining a licensed medicine.
However, after a thorough evaluation, Ben received a prescription for medical-grade cannabis in early 2019. He began using THC flower and CBD successfully, and this medical cannabis regimen significantly alleviated his pain.
The impact was life-changing. Over the following months after receiving his private prescription, Ben experienced substantial reductions in pain intensity and notable improvements in his overall quality of life, including better sleep. Regular follow-ups with his doctor ensured that his treatment remained effective, with necessary adjustments made to his dosage. Ben also valued the consistency and reliability of prescription medical cannabis, giving him confidence in the safety and efficacy of his treatment.
Ben’s story highlights the transformative potential of medical CBD for individuals who have not found relief through traditional therapies. It underscores the importance of medical supervision and regulated products in achieving successful treatment outcomes.
Ben’s favourite products from the Canavape consumer range, which are not for medical use, include the White Widow Canavape Complete and the Granddaddy Purple vape pen. He loves nothing more than producing consumer cannabinoid products which are accessible & legal without needing a prescription in the UK.
Numerous personal success stories highlight the transformative impact of CBD as a prescription medicine in the UK. Take Sarah, for instance, who struggled with severe epilepsy for years. Traditional medications offered little relief and came with numerous side effects. When her neurologist suggested trying prescription CBD, Sarah experienced a dramatic reduction in seizure frequency and improved quality of life.
Then there’s James, who turned to CBD after suffering from debilitating anxiety. Despite trying various treatments, his symptoms persisted. Under medical guidance, James started taking prescription CBD and noticed significant improvements in his mental health. His anxiety levels decreased, and he was able to engage more fully in daily activities.
These success stories underscore the potential of CBD as a viable treatment option for various conditions.
They also emphasise the importance of medical supervision and personalised treatment plans, ensuring that patients receive safe and effective care tailored to their needs.
