Can I get it on the NHS?
Legally, the NHS can prescribe medical cannabis. In practice, almost no one gets it that way. Nearly all patients are prescribed privately and pay for it. Here is why, and what the NHS route does cover.
The short answer
Medical cannabis is technically available on the NHS, but only a very small number of people qualify, so in reality the NHS route is closed to most. Nearly everyone who is prescribed gets it privately, through a specialist clinic, and pays for their treatment.
Why NHS prescriptions are so rare
Since 2018, NHS specialists have been able to prescribe medical cannabis, but the bar is high and very few prescriptions are issued. Most cannabis-based products are unlicensed medicines, which makes NHS doctors cautious about prescribing them outside a small number of well-evidenced cases. The NHS itself says it expects few people to meet the criteria.
The cases the NHS does cover
NHS prescriptions are mostly limited to a few specific situations with stronger evidence, such as rare, severe forms of childhood epilepsy, alongside certain uses for chemotherapy-related nausea and for muscle stiffness in multiple sclerosis. Even then, access usually comes only after other treatments have been exhausted, and through a hospital specialist. If you do qualify, NHS treatment is free, like any NHS prescription.
Why most people go private
Because NHS access is so narrow, nearly everyone goes to a private specialist clinic instead. The private route is quicker and open to a broader range of conditions, but you pay for it. We set out the real costs in [What it costs] and the steps in [How to get a prescription].
What this means for you: If you are hoping for an NHS prescription, be realistic. Only a small number of people qualify, mainly for specific severe conditions, and usually after other options have been exhausted through a hospital specialist. It is worth asking your NHS specialist, but for most people the practical route is private, which means paying. Plan on that basis.
Sources: NHS, medical cannabis; GOV.UK, cannabis-based products for medicinal use; NICE guidance on cannabis-based medicinal products.
Related: How to get a prescription · Who qualifies? · What it costs · Is medical cannabis legal?
By The Plain Line. Last updated June 2026. This is information, not medical or legal advice. The rules change over time, so we date and review our guides.