United Kingdom: Medical cannabis

Medical cannabis is legally regulated in many countries and is used to treat severe illnesses. However, the legal framework varies significantly. While the United Kingdom has allowed medical cannabis since 2018, access remains difficult for patients. In Germany, the system is more structured, and British citizens living in Germany can obtain medical cannabis under certain conditions.

Medical cannabis and its uses

Medical cannabis refers to pharmaceutical products derived from the cannabis plant, used for the treatment of various medical conditions. The main active compounds are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which have different therapeutic effects. THC is psychoactive and commonly used for pain relief, while CBD is non-intoxicating and has anti-inflammatory and calming properties. Studies show that cannabis can help with chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and anxiety disorders. Availability and prescription regulations vary by country.

Learn more about buying cannabis in Germany.

  • THC – psychoactive, pain relief
  • CBD – calming, anti-inflammatory
  • Prescription required from doctors
  • Flowers, oils, capsules allowed
  • Regulations differ by country

Medical cannabis in the United Kingdom

Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legal in the UK for certain patients. However, strict regulations apply, and only specialized doctors are allowed to prescribe it. Patients must prove that other treatments have failed before they can access cannabis therapy. Since most doctors do not prescribe cannabis, access remains extremely limited. Many patients turn to private clinics, which can be expensive. Only specific cannabis-based medicines are legally approved, including oils, capsules, and vaporizer solutions.

Who can get a prescription?

A prescription is only possible under strict conditions. Patients must have a severe illness and demonstrate that other treatments were unsuccessful. The decision is made by a specialist doctor, as general practitioners are not allowed to prescribe cannabis. The most common conditions treated with medical cannabis in the UK include epilepsy, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis.

  • Not for all patients
  • Only for severe illnesses
  • Other treatments must fail
  • Only specialists can prescribe
  • High private costs

How to obtain a prescription?

Getting a cannabis prescription in the UK is complicated. Patients must book an appointment with a specialist who assesses whether cannabis therapy is suitable. If approved, a prescription is issued, which can be filled at a licensed pharmacy. Because most doctors do not prescribe cannabis, many patients seek private clinics, which charge high fees.

  • Specialist consultation required
  • Strict medical evaluation
  • Prescription only if necessary
  • Pickup at licensed pharmacies
  • Private clinics are expensive

Which cannabis products are allowed?

The UK only permits specific medical cannabis products. These must come from standardized, approved sources and meet strict quality standards. Smoking cannabis remains illegal, even for medical patients, so vaporizer solutions and oils are the most commonly prescribed forms.

  • No cannabis for smoking
  • Only standardized products
  • Oils and capsules allowed
  • Vaporizer solutions available
  • Strict regulations apply

Medical cannabis for Britons in Germany

British citizens living in Germany often have better access to medical cannabis than in the UK. Since 2017, German doctors can prescribe cannabis if other treatments fail. Unlike in the UK, general practitioners in Germany are allowed to prescribe medical cannabis, and pharmacies supply various cannabis-based medicines. Those with German health insurance may be eligible for reimbursement under specific conditions.

How does the prescription process work?

Patients must visit a doctor who will diagnose their condition and determine if cannabis therapy is necessary. If the criteria are met, the doctor issues a prescription. This can be filled at pharmacies that stock or order medical cannabis. In Germany, both cannabis flowers and processed products such as oils and capsules are available.

  • Doctor visit required
  • Prescription for severe conditions
  • GPs can prescribe
  • Pharmacies sell cannabis
  • Flowers, oils, capsules allowed

How to obtain cannabis in Germany?

Medical cannabis is only available through pharmacies. Patients must present their prescription and can either collect the medication immediately or place an order. Delivery is only possible within Germany, and shipping to the UK is not allowed. If a patient starts cannabis therapy in Germany, they cannot simply take their medication abroad due to different legal regulations.

  • Prescription required at pharmacy
  • Ordering may be necessary
  • Delivery only within Germany
  • No shipping to the UK
  • International travel restrictions

Who covers the costs?

In Germany, patients with public health insurance can apply for reimbursement of medical cannabis costs. To qualify, the prescribing doctor must confirm that cannabis is medically necessary. Insurance providers evaluate each case individually. Patients with private insurance must check their policies for possible reimbursement.

  • Health insurance may pay
  • Application required beforehand
  • Private insurance varies
  • Case-by-case approval
  • High costs without coverage

Medical cannabis in the UK: Key facts

Although medical cannabis is legal in the UK, it remains difficult to access. Strict regulations and high costs limit availability, as only specialists can prescribe it. In Germany, access is better structured: general practitioners can issue prescriptions, and pharmacies offer a wider range of products. For Britons living in Germany, this can be a viable alternative for obtaining cannabis therapy.