Medical Cannabis for ADHD in the UK: What Patients Should Know

If you’ve been searching for medical cannabis for ADHD in the UK, you may have come across a lot of conflicting information. At Auravia Medical, we believe healthcare information should be clear, straightforward and easy to understand.

So, here’s what you need to know about ADHD assessments and medical cannabis in the UK.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect areas such as:

  • Attention and concentration
  • Organisation
  • Impulsivity
  • Activity levels
  • Everyday life

 

ADHD affects executive functioning which is the brain’s system for managing attention, impulses, organization, and emotions. Most people with ADHD will have symptoms of both inattentiveness and a hyperactive-impulsive nature. 

An ADHD assessment looks at more than individual symptoms. It considers your experiences over time, including your developmental history and how difficulties may affect your daily life.

What about medical cannabis and ADHD?

There is a significant amount of information online about ADHD, cannabis and CBD. Not all of it comes from regulated healthcare providers, and not all claims have the same evidential or regulatory basis. For anyone considering an ADHD assessment or discussing prescription medicines, the safest starting point is a properly conducted clinical assessment and an open conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. 
 
Cannabis-based products for medicinal use do have a legal route for prescribing in the UK, via private clinics like Auravia. Certain cannabis-based products for medicinal use can be prescribed by specialist doctors when the relevant legal and clinical requirements are met.
 
  • You must have your diagnosis, and have tried at least 2 medicines or treatments.
  • An ADHD diagnosis does not automatically mean that medical cannabis, or any other particular medicine, will be prescribed.
  • Any prescribing decision must be based on an individual clinical assessment.

Do I need an existing ADHD diagnosis before contacting a private clinic?

Not necessarily. Auravia Medical offers both a full diagnostic pathway for people who have not previously received an ADHD diagnosis and a medication-only pathway for people who already have a diagnosis.

At one clinic, you can get your diagnosis, try licensed medications, and ultimately be prescribed medical cannabis if it is deemed appropriate. This avoids having to use multiple different services and can save time.

How does an ADHD assessment work?

Patient receiving adhd medical cannabis consultation

It depends on the service you choose, and if you are seeking one through the NHS or through private services. At Auravia Medical, our private ADHD assessment takes place remotely by video consultation.

Your assessment may explore:

  • Your current experiences
  • Your childhood and developmental history
  • Your medical and family history
  • Other conditions that may be relevant
  • Validated ADHD assessment tools

Our assessment appointments are designed to give you time to discuss your experiences with a qualified clinician.

1. Pick your diagnosis pathway based on what you need
Patient receiving adhd medical cannabis consultation
2. Call us, fill in our questionnaire, and submit your medical records
3. Attend your video consultation assessments, and recieve ongoing care

The Auravia Medical ADHD service explained

Private ADHD services can provide an alternative route for people seeking an assessment outside the NHS.

Auravia Medical offers three pathways through its ADHD service:

  • a full diagnosis and treatment pathway;
  • a diagnosis-only pathway; and
  • a medication-only pathway for people who already have an ADHD diagnosis.

 

The assessment process includes an online screening stage followed by a longer clinical assessment. For existing diagnoses, the clinic also describes reviewing previous medical records and treatment history before determining whether ongoing care is appropriate.

ADHD assessments can also consider whether other conditions or circumstances may account for some of the difficulties a person is experiencing. Our assessment process includes screening for co-occurring conditions and we may request information from someone who knew the patient during childhood, where available and with permission.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. It does not recommend, promote or guarantee any particular medicine or treatment. Any decision about diagnosis, treatment or prescribing should be made between an appropriately qualified healthcare professional and the individual patient. UK regulations and clinical guidance can change, so patients should check the latest information from relevant official bodies.
Why choose Auravia Medical?

At Auravia Medical, we believe every patient deserves personalised, compassionate care. Our experienced clinicians have over 75+ years of combined experience, and they take time to understand your symptoms, review your medical history and discuss the treatment options that may be appropriate for your individual needs.

From your initial consultation through to ongoing follow-up appointments, our focus is on providing evidence-informed care, clear communication and support throughout your treatment journey. We also provide patients with:

  • Medication discounts for those on benefits, veterans, Blue Light Card holders and students 18+
  • Priority booking if you’re on an NHS waitlist
  • Personal touch, high-attention care from a smaller clinic
  • Specialised support for first-time patients
  • Custom letters to anyone of your choice! Employers, family, landlords etc
  • The ability to manage all of your medicines in one placeManage all of your medicines in one place