Understanding cannabis-based medicines
Cannabis-based medicinal products are prescription medicines containing or derived from compounds found in the cannabis plant. Their legal status, evidence, licensing and risks differ from non-medical cannabis and consumer wellness products.
What are cannabis-based medicinal products?
The term covers medicines with different ingredients, strengths, licences and uses. Some are licensed for specific indications; others may be prescribed as unlicensed medicines when an appropriately qualified specialist considers this clinically justified.
How prescribed medicines differ from recreational or consumer products
A prescribed medicine is supplied for one named patient through a regulated clinical and pharmacy process. Recreational or unregulated products do not provide the same prescribing oversight, labelling, quality controls or individual monitoring.
Formulations and routes of administration
Medicines may be supplied in different formulations, but the route is selected through individual assessment. General website information cannot tell a person which formulation, strength or schedule is appropriate.
Pharmacy overviewMake decisions with a qualified clinician
Ask what evidence applies, whether the medicine is licensed for the proposed use, what alternatives exist and how safety will be monitored.
Your questions, clearly answered.
If your question is not answered here, the care team can help.
Contact the care teamIt is a prescription medicine containing or derived from compounds found in the cannabis plant. Products differ in ingredients, licensing and evidence.
A licensed medicine has a UK marketing authorisation for defined uses. An unlicensed medicine involves additional professional judgement, explanation and consent.
A prescribed medicine is supplied for one named patient through a regulated clinical and pharmacy process with labelling, records and monitoring.
The clinician considers diagnosis, previous care, current medicines, evidence, risks and whether another option is more appropriate.
Ask what evidence applies to your situation, whether the medicine is licensed for the proposed use, what alternatives exist and how safety is monitored.
A public page cannot determine which prescription medicine or formulation is appropriate for one person. That decision belongs in an individual clinical assessment.