Can Doctors Prescribe CBD Oil in the UK?

Since the potential health benefits of CBD oil came to light, more and more patients are asking their doctors for CBD treatments. The only problem is that CBD products are largely unregulated, and UK laws do not accept all CBD extracts for medical use. Here’s what you should know about getting a doctor’s prescription for CBD in the UK.  

Who Can Prescribe CBD in the UK?  

While scientists believe that CBD may help treat certain conditions like anxiety, insomnia, diabetes, and chronic pain, the data is still inconclusive on the medical uses. Due to restrictive UK regulations, most CBD products are available over the counter as a food supplement. Still, CBD is available on prescription in the UK for special cases.   

However, your GP cannot legally prescribe a cannabis-based medicine for any reason. A specialist hospital doctor can only prescribe medical cannabis in rare cases. Prescriptions for medical cannabis may be the final solution when other treatments are not working, but this only applies to a small number of people in the UK.  

Why is Prescribing CBD Restricted to Specialists?  

Medical cannabis products are available on prescription for a small number of patients within the UK. Only specialist doctors are authorized to prescribe cannabis-based products for medical use in rare cases where it is clear that standard treatments are not helping. For instance, children or adults with severe cases of epilepsy can get prescriptions for medical cannabis.   

In addition, adults with vomiting or nausea due to chemotherapy and people with muscle stiffness or spasms resulting from multiple sclerosis (MS) can get a prescription. Specialists also review cases to ensure that medical cannabis is necessary for a patient. Your GP may refer your case to a specialist doctor if you fall under this category for a medical cannabis prescription. 

Prescription of CBD Oil on the NHS  

Currently, the UK CBD regulation allows doctors to prescribe any of two cannabis-based medicines, Epidiolex and Sativex, for their adult patients. But, these CBD-infused drugs are usually reserved for specific health conditions. Instead, getting your CBD oil over the counter may be easier as a natural supplement.  

Epidiolex is a CBD-infused drug that is useful in treating severe cases of epilepsy like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Meanwhile, Sativex (Nabixmols) is a cannabis-based drug sprayed directly into the mouth. In the UK, Sativex is licensed for MS-related cases that have not improved with traditional treatments.  

Here you will discover other CBD oils in the UK.

Prescription of CBD Oil on the privately  

In the UK, only specialist doctors can prescribe or recommend medical cannabis products as an alternative medicine for specific health conditions. Medical cannabis can be prescribed where a specialist confirms a clinical need for the product in cases where traditional treatments are not suitable or helpful. Such prescriptions are usually written and used as a last resort.   

Private specialist doctors may prescribe medical cannabis products for rare forms of epilepsy, muscle spasms resulting from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and to help sickness from chemotherapy. It may take a lengthy process, and medical cannabis use in the UK is within a small category of patients. But, you can speak with your GP before you try CBD products.  

Conclusion  

Ultimately, medical cannabis or CBD-infused drugs are available on prescription. Still, only a specialist can prescribe or recommend CBD for medical use. However, this medical CBD is only available for rare health conditions where traditional medicine has proven ineffective. Your GP will refer you to a specialist if you need medical cannabis prescriptions.   

See also: Articles, CBD, Laws, United-Kingdom

Enny Soyinka

PharmacologistExpertise : Research on cannabinoids, Brand Reviewer

Enny Soyinka stands at the forefront of hemp research, blending a deep-rooted passion for holistic health with a robust scientific background. As an accomplished pharmacologist, Enny's extensive research into hemp has made them a pivotal figure in demystifying its health benefits. Their expertise shines a light on the nuanced relationship between cannabinoids and wellness, offering well-informed insights in the dynamic world of cannabinoids.