NHS Medical Cannabis Guide
The official NHS guide to medical cannabis in the UK. For full details, visit NHS.uk.
RSO is available only via prescription. Consult a specialist for advice.
Key NHS Guidelines on Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis was legalized in the UK in 2018 for specific conditions. The NHS prescribes it only when other treatments fail, for issues like severe epilepsy (e.g., Epidyolex), chemotherapy nausea (Nabilone), and MS spasms (Sativex). RSO, as a high-THC product, falls under unlicensed medicines and requires specialist approval.
- Eligibility: Not for everyone—GP referral needed.
- Costs: Private (~£150 consultation + £200/month), rare NHS funding.
- Risks: Side effects like dizziness; no driving while using.
NHS-Approved Products
| Product | Condition | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Epidyolex | Severe epilepsy | CBD oil |
| Sativex | MS spasms | THC/CBD spray |
| Nabilone | Chemo nausea | Synthetic THC capsules |
For RSO specifically, see our What is RSO page or UK Legality guide.