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Mapping Medical Cannabis Use in the UK

Mapping Medical Cannabis Use in the UK

Published: 26/09/2025

6 minutes reading time

Medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription in the UK since 2018 — but access remains limited, and understanding who can get it, where, and how isn’t always straightforward.

Since the law changed, thousands of patients have obtained prescriptions through private clinics and, in very limited circumstances, via the NHS. The exact number of private patients isn’t publicly recorded, but Statista estimates suggest there are currently between 60,000 and 70,000[1].

In this blog, we’ll explore how medical cannabis is prescribed today, how access differs across parts of the UK, and what the future may hold for patients and healthcare professionals.

What are the UK Laws on Medical Cannabis?

Whilst the law changed in the UK on November 1st 2018, medical cannabis is still a controlled medication. Therefore, there are certain conditions which govern its prescription, dispensing, storage, and use.

Only doctors on the General Medical Council’s (GMC) specialist register may start a patient on medical cannabis (sometimes referred to as cannabis-based medicinal products, or CBMPs). This means your GP will not be able to determine if you are suitable for medical cannabis themselves, though they can refer you to a specialist. In practice, most prescriptions are handled by specialists with expertise in the relevant condition.

On the NHS, access remains limited to a very small number of licensed products for specific conditions[2]. In private practices, specialists can consider a wider range of medical cannabis options for eligible patients.

All private clinics must also be registered and regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which regulates how care is delivered. Our latest CQC rating is published online, and you can also check the ratings and reports of other clinics directly through the CQC website[3].

Patients prescribed medical cannabis should keep documentation of their prescription, as this can help avoid complications if questioned by authorities. They must only possess the amount prescribed and should always check the law before travelling outside the UK.

Medical cannabis use in public spaces in the UK

Patients may consume their prescribed medicine in public where local rules and venue policies allow.* Rules can differ by council, venue and transport operator, so check signage and guidance on-site.

Practical pointers:

Follow your prescription — use the route of administration stated, for example dried-flower prescriptions specify vaporisation rather than smoking.
Respect venue rules — many indoor spaces, workplaces, hospitals and public transport restrict or ban vaping; smoking is generally prohibited in enclosed public places under smoke-free rules.
Carry documentation — keep medicine in its original container and carry photo ID. You may wish to carry a copy of your prescription (paper or digital). Curaleaf Clinic patients can access their documentation via their online account.
Stick to what’s prescribed — carry and use only the form and amount on your prescription.

*This section provides general information and isn’t legal advice. Always check local policies and guidance.

Medical cannabis in England

Medical cannabis is available to eligible patients across England through private clinics. At Curaleaf Clinic, we provide online consultations with specialist doctors, so patients can access prescriptions no matter where they live.

Most private medical cannabis clinics now offer telemedicine appointments, which can be especially helpful for people in less-populated areas or for those whose health conditions make travel difficult.

According to the Office for National Statistics, more than 2.5 million working-age people in the UK are economically inactive due to long-term sickness[4]. Against this backdrop of growing health need, demand for private medical cannabis has been increasing. The BBC has also reported a sharp rise in the number of patients in London seeking private prescriptions, with similar trends in other cities across England .

At Curaleaf Clinic, our patient base grew by 35% between 2023 and 2024 across the UK. Our community is spread across England[5], including:

13% in the South-east
12% in the North-west
10% in London

Medical cannabis in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

As in England, medical cannabis is classed as a controlled drug in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It may only be commenced by doctors on the General Medical Council’s specialist register, working within approved private clinics.

Curaleaf Clinic was the first private clinic to see patients in Scotland, beginning with eligible patients in Stirling. You can read more about our work in Scotland here.

Through video consultations, patients across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland can access specialist appointments without needing to travel long distances — an important step for those living in rural areas or managing health conditions that make travel difficult.

At Curaleaf Clinic, this accessibility is reflected in our patient community:

17% are based in Scotland
4% in Wales
3% in Northern Ireland

Medical cannabis in the Isle of Man

Medical cannabis access on the Isle of Man began with a pilot scheme in December 2022, which allowed one local pharmacy to dispense prescriptions from private CQC-registered clinics in England[6].

In July 2024, the Isle of Man Government introduced a broader licensing framework. This enabled more pharmacies to apply for licences to dispense medical cannabis and opened registration for private prescribing clinics on the island, creating a more stable and accessible system for patients[7].

At present, prescriptions are still available only through private clinics, and all access is regulated through the island’s licensing system.

Curaleaf Clinic supports patients living on the Isle of Man through secure video consultations.

Medical cannabis in the Channel Islands

Guernsey

Medical cannabis has been available in Guernsey since 2019 through private clinics. In 2023, the BBC reported that more than 13,000 prescriptions were authorised on the island, showing how demand has grown in recent years[8]. Patients can only access prescriptions privately, and the States of Guernsey has published guidance on cannabis-based products for medicinal use[9].

Curaleaf Clinic does not currently operate in Guernsey.

Jersey

In Jersey, medical cannabis is only available through private clinics, as the NHS does not operate on the island. Specialist doctors can prescribe medical cannabis under Jersey’s local framework[10], but the range of products may differ from what is available on the UK mainland.

Patients should be aware that travelling with prescribed medical cannabis between Jersey and other regions requires careful checks with customs and local laws.

Curaleaf Clinic does not currently operate in Jersey.

What is the Future of Medical Cannabis in the UK?

Today, the majority of care for medical cannabis patient is delivered by private clinics. Future research, alongside ongoing discussions on policy and clinical guidance are likely to shape access in the years ahead.

Since the 2018 amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations—which enabled specialist doctors to prescribe medical cannabis — several proposals have aimed to widen access[11]. For example, the 2021 Medical Cannabis (Access)

Bill sought clearer NHS pathways and, in some cases, GP prescribing. It did not pass, but it signalled growing national interest.

As awareness among healthcare professionals increases and real-world and clinical data grows, access to medical cannabis is expected to evolve. At Curaleaf Clinic, we contribute to this evidence base through the UK Medical Cannabis Registry and research such as our Back to Work report, which explores potential health and economic benefits of wider NHS access.

Certain areas are attracting greater attention—among them patients with conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), where licensed NHS options remain limited[12]. Further research and clearer prescribing guidance will be essential to define where medical cannabis may play a role.

Curaleaf Clinic will continue partnering with eligible patients and clinicians, contributing real-world evidence to inform policy and support safe, specialist-led access where appropriate.

To learn more about international approaches, see our news article on medical cannabis regulations in the UK, Europe, and the United States.

References

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