Learn how medical cannabis may help manage chronic pain in the UK, who may be eligible for treatment, potential benefits, risks and how to get started.
In short, yes. Medical cannabis has been available since 2018, and is most commonly prescribed by private clinics such as Auravia.
Living with chronic pain can affect nearly every part of your life. Whether it’s preventing you from enjoying hobbies, making it difficult to work, or negatively affecting your sleep, long-term pain can be exhausting (both physically and mentally). While many people find relief from medicines such as anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids or antidepressants, these treatments don’t work for everyone. Some people continue to experience pain despite trying several different options, while others struggle with unwanted side effects. These effects can sometimes increase when using certain medicines over a long period of time.
For some patients, medical cannabis may be another treatment option worth discussing with a specialist. In this guide, we’ll explain what medical cannabis is, how it may help with chronic pain, who may be eligible for treatment in the UK, and what to expect if you’re considering a consultation.
Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than three months. This may be from a chronic condition, or continue even after an injury has healed. The pain may not even have an obvious cause. It can affect almost any part of the body and may be constant or come and go over time.
Common types of chronic pain include:
Living with ongoing pain can also affect sleep, mood, mobility, relationships, friendships, ability to work, and overall quality of life. As chronic pain is complex, treatment often involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes and psychological support. Medical cannabis should never be the only treatment option used by a patient, as health requires a well-rounded approach.
Medical cannabis has been legal since 2018 in the UK. It is a prescription medicine that contains compounds found in the cannabis plant. Cannabis prescribed by a specialist is different from cannabis bought illegally. Prescription medicines are manufactured to pharmaceutical standards and prescribed based on your medical history, symptoms and treatment goals.
Click here for a full breakdown of cannabis medicines available in the UK.
Research into medical cannabis is continuing, but studies suggest it may help some people manage chronic pain, particularly when other treatments haven’t provided enough relief. For a full list of conditions which Auravia can treat, please visit this page.
Some patients report improvements in:
(Source: A comprehensive review of the clinical evidence available when NICE developed its recommendations on cannabis-based medicines for chronic pain.)
Medical cannabis isn’t considered a cure for chronic pain. Instead, the aim is often to manage symptoms enough to help people move more comfortably, sleep better and improve day-to-day functioning. As with any treatment, results vary from person to person, which is why follow-up appointments are so important. Patients also undergo titration with their doctor, which means the process of adjusting a medicine’s dose up or down over time. The main goals are finding the best amount to help the patient, avoiding bad side effects, and letting the body get used to the treatment.
Medical cannabis isn't suitable for everyone. In general, patients may be considered if they:
Every patient is different, so eligibility depends on your medical history, current medications and overall health. A specialist consultation allows your clinician to discuss whether medical cannabis could be an appropriate option for you.
Our quick onboarding form will let you know if you are not likely to be eligible, to avoid any wasted costs for potential patients.
Your first appointment is called an initial consultation. This is a short video appointment with a specialist doctor, which can be completed using a phone, tablet, or laptop. This will fit around your schedule, and can be booked in for weekends or evenings if needed. During your appointment, your clinician will take time to understand your health and treatment history, such as discussing:
Are there negative side effects to medical cannabis?
Like all prescription medicines, medical cannabis can cause side effects. This will be discussed by your clinician, and detailed on the medicine packaging. Your clinician will also discuss and potential contraindications, which are specific medical conditions, external factors, or other substances that make a particular drug unsafe to use.
Many side effects improve as treatment is adjusted, which is why regular follow-up appointments are important. Your clinician will also discuss whether medical cannabis could affect driving, work or other daily activities.
Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?
Specialist doctors in the UK have been able to prescribe cannabis-based medicines (CBMPs) since 2018. Medical cannabis isn’t available over the counter and should only be taken under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. It’s important not to confuse prescription medical cannabis with products sold online or illegal cannabis, which may vary significantly in quality, strength and safety. It is also not the same as CBD oil that you find on the high-street.
Is medical cannabis for everyone?
No. Medical cannabis isn’t suitable for every patient or every medical condition. Your specialist clinician will carefully assess whether it’s appropriate based on your medical history, current medications, potential risks, and consultation. The aim is always to find the treatment that offers the greatest potential benefit while keeping patient safety at the centre of care.
If you’ve been living with chronic pain for over 3 months and feel you’ve exhausted your treatment options, it may be worth speaking to a specialist about whether medical cannabis could form part of your treatment plan. If you have not yet visited your GP about this medical issue, booking a GP appointment for diagnosis and treatment should be your first port of call.
A consultation with a medical cannabis clinic gives you the opportunity to discuss your symptoms, ask questions and understand all of the available options. Even if medical cannabis isn’t the right choice, specialist advice can help you make informed decisions about managing your condition.
At Auravia Medical, we believe every patient deserves compassionate, evidence-based care. Our experienced clinicians take the time to understand your individual needs and work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan focused on improving your quality of life.
