Thinking About Medical Cannabis? Your Questions Answered

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Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?

Yes. Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 2018 when prescribed by an appropriate specialist clinician.
It is a prescription-only treatment and must be accessed through a regulated clinical pathway.

What conditions can medical cannabis be used for in the UK?

Medical cannabis was initially legalised in the UK in high-profile epilepsy cases, but its use has since expanded.
Depending on your clinical history and previous treatments, it may be discussed in relation to:

This does not mean treatment is appropriate for every patient. Suitability must always be assessed individually.

Who can get medical cannabis in the UK?

Medical cannabis may be considered for adults who have a diagnosed condition and have already tried conventional treatments without sufficient benefit, or where side effects have made other options difficult to continue.

Final suitability is always assessed by a specialist clinician after reviewing your medical history, current medicines, and previous treatment attempts.

Do I need a GP referral?

In most cases, a GP referral is not required.
However, your medical history and previous treatments will need to be reviewed as part of the assessment process.

What is Holistic Health Hub?

Holistic Health Hub is the service used by participating pharmacies to help patients access specialist clinics for medical cannabis treatment.

It manages the initial eligibility check and referral process, while all consultations, prescribing decisions, and treatment plans are carried out by specialist clinicians at the partnered clinic.

How do I access medical cannabis through Holistic Health Hub at Holden’s Chemist?

You start by completing a short eligibility check through the Holistic Health Hub service at Holden’s Chemist.

Your information is reviewed by pharmacy professionals and, if appropriate, you may be referred to a specialist clinic such as Curaleaf.

A specialist doctor will then assess your suitability, discuss treatment options, and decide whether prescribing is appropriate.

If treatment is approved, prescriptions and follow-up care are managed through the specialist clinic, with ongoing support from the pharmacy.

No treatment is provided without clinical assessment.

How does the referral process work?

Holistic Health Hub manages eligibility checks and referrals through a secure digital system.

If your information suggests you may be suitable, you may be referred to a specialist clinic such as Curaleaf for further assessment.

Who is Curaleaf Clinic?

Curaleaf Clinic is an established medical cannabis clinic operating since 2018.
It was formerly known as Sapphire Clinic and is now part of Curaleaf International.

The clinic provides specialist medical cannabis consultations and works with referral partners, including community pharmacies.

What is the difference between medical cannabis and street cannabis?

Medical cannabis is regulated, quality-controlled, and prescribed as part of a clinical process.
Street cannabis carries risks because the source, strength, growing conditions, and contaminants are unknown.

Is medical cannabis safer than black market cannabis?

Medical cannabis is produced and supplied through regulated channels, with quality controls and safety procedures in place.
By contrast, black market cannabis may contain contaminants or inconsistent strengths, which increases risk.

Like other medicines, regulated medical cannabis is handled within a controlled and accountable system.

Is over-the-counter CBD the same as medical cannabis?

No. Over-the-counter CBD products are usually regulated as food supplements and are different from prescription medical cannabis.
Medical cannabis is prescribed under clinical supervision and may involve different formulations, concentrations, and monitoring.

What forms does medical cannabis come in?

Medical cannabis may be prescribed in different forms depending on the clinical pathway and patient needs.
The two main types commonly discussed are:

  • Cannabis flower – used with approved vapourising devices rather than smoked
  • Cannabis oils – taken orally, usually with slower onset but longer duration

Other formats may also be discussed in some cases, depending on clinical suitability.

What is the difference between flowers and oils?

Cannabis flower used with an approved vaporiser can have a faster onset, which may suit some symptom patterns.
Oils tend to come on more slowly but may last longer.

The most appropriate formulation depends on the patient’s condition, experience, comfort level, and clinician recommendation.

Will medical cannabis make me feel high?

This depends on the formulation, dose, and individual response.
THC-related effects are dose dependent, and treatment is personalised carefully.

Some patients may begin with lower doses, and different products may be selected depending on their symptoms, prior experience, and tolerance.

How is dosing decided?

Medical cannabis dosing is personalised.
Clinicians consider your symptoms, previous treatments, prior cannabis experience if relevant, and how comfortable you are with different formulations.

Some patients may start low and increase gradually over time, while others may follow a different pathway depending on clinical judgement.

Can I get medical cannabis for chronic pain?

Medical cannabis may be discussed for some patients with chronic pain where standard treatments have not provided sufficient benefit.
You can learn more here:
Medical cannabis for chronic pain

Can I get medical cannabis for anxiety, insomnia or PTSD?

Medical cannabis may be discussed for some patients with anxiety-related symptoms, insomnia, or PTSD-related symptoms, depending on clinical history and prior treatments.

Learn more here:

Can I drive if I am prescribed medical cannabis?

Driving rules are strict.
Patients must ensure they are following clinical advice and are not impaired.
Specific guidance should always be discussed during consultation and followed carefully.

How much does medical cannabis cost in the UK?

Costs vary depending on the clinic, product, dose, and follow-up requirements.
At the time discussed in our service rollout, initial consultations and follow-ups through the linked clinic pathway were being referenced at around £30, although fees and prescribing costs can change.

Medication costs vary depending on the prescribed product and strength.
For more detail, see:
Medical cannabis cost UK

Is medical cannabis available on the NHS?

Medical cannabis is rarely prescribed on the NHS.
Most patients currently access treatment through private specialist clinics following assessment.

Can I drive if I am prescribed medical cannabis?

Driving rules are strict.
Patients must ensure they are following clinical advice and are not impaired.
Specific guidance should always be discussed during consultation and followed carefully.

How are prescriptions supplied?

Where treatment is approved, prescriptions are issued through the appropriate controlled drug prescribing process.
Medical cannabis is handled as a controlled drug with strict legal and pharmacy procedures in place.

Prescriptions and dispensing are managed within a regulated framework with secure handling and record-keeping.

Is medical cannabis handled like other controlled drugs in pharmacy?

Yes. Medical cannabis is handled within controlled drug procedures, with secure storage and appropriate record-keeping requirements.
This helps ensure safe and compliant dispensing.

What happens if I am not eligible?

If medical cannabis is not appropriate, treatment will not be supplied.
You may instead be advised on alternative options or next steps where relevant.

Which Holden’s Chemist locations support medical cannabis enquiries?

Medical cannabis support enquiries can currently be made through:

What is the next step?

If you are unsure whether medical cannabis may be appropriate for you, the next step is to complete a simple eligibility check.


Check if you’re eligible in 2 minutes, collect from Sherwood Avenue Pharmacy (Newark)


Check if you’re eligible in 2 minutes, collect from Holden’s Chemist Bentley (Doncaster)

Important: Medical cannabis is a prescription-only treatment. It is only considered after appropriate clinical assessment and may not be suitable for every patient.