Can Doctors Prescribe CBD in the UK and On the NHS?
CBD or cannabidiol is extracted from the hemp plant and can be ingested in several ways.
One of the main reasons so many people like it is that it has no psychoactive properties (in other words, it doesn’t get you”high”).
In the UK, millions of people use CBD oil products, and it is estimated that by 2025, the industry will be worth more than a billion pounds.
So far, the UK government has approved two cannabis-based medicines, Epidyolex and Sativex, that can be prescribed to an adult by their NHS doctor.
Apart from these approved cannabis-based medicinal products, the government disapproves of the advertisement of CBD oil for its ability to treat various health conditions.
Can You Get CBD on Prescription in the UK?
Doctors in the UK, including those in the NHS, can prescribe CBD.
It is highly regulated and usually reserved for specific severe medical conditions, such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, where other treatments have proven ineffective.
Approved CBD medications include Epidiolex for specific epilepsy conditions and Sativex for muscle stiffness and spasticity in MS.
However, access to these medications is limited due to strict criteria, high costs, lack of extensive clinical evidence, and regulatory constraints.
Over-the-counter CBD products are available for those not qualifying for CBD-based prescriptions but are not of medicinal grade and aren’t regulated as medical treatments.
Individuals considering CBD, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, should consult their doctor to avoid potential complications and stay updated on legal and medical advancements related to CBD in the UK.
Studies show that cannabidiol effectively manages various health disorders, and many people have tried CBD to overcome these disorders.
If you would like to try it for yourself, why not take a look at our extensive range of CBD products?
(You can instantly grab a voucher code by subscribing to our newsletter using the orange button to save 25% off your first order).
How Can I Get CBD Oil On Prescription in the UK?
Getting CBD oil on prescription in the UK is possible, but it’s mainly limited to specific medical conditions due to the strict regulations surrounding cannabis-derived products.
Below are the steps to potentially getting CBD oil on prescription from the NHS:
1. Consult with a Specialist or GP:
- Discuss your symptoms and medical condition with your GP or a specialist.
- Enquire about the possibility of trying CBD oil as a treatment option, especially if other treatments have not been effective.
2. Assessment of Eligibility:
- Your doctor will assess whether you meet the criteria for a prescription based on the current guidelines and regulations.
- They will consider the severity of your condition, other treatment options, and whether CBD oil might benefit you.
3. Specialist Recommendation:
- Usually, a specialist recommendation is required for medical cannabis prescriptions, and not all doctors can prescribe it.
- If your GP or specialist believes CBD oil is viable for you, they might refer you to a specialist clinic or a doctor who can prescribe it.
4. Application for a License:
- If deemed necessary, your doctor might have to apply for a licence to prescribe medical cannabis products, including CBD oil.
- The application process might involve detailing why CBD oil is necessary and how it can benefit your condition.
5. Receiving Prescription:
- If you meet the eligibility criteria and all necessary approvals are in place, you might be able to receive a prescription for CBD oil.
- The prescription will usually specify the type, strength, and dosage of the CBD oil.
Conditions Typically Considered:
- Epilepsy: Certain severe forms of epilepsy, like Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, might qualify for CBD-based medication like Epidiolex.
- Multiple Sclerosis: Some people with multiple sclerosis might be eligible for Sativex, a THC and CBD medication.
Restrictions and Challenges:
- CBD oil prescriptions are usually reserved for severe, treatment-resistant conditions where other medications have failed.
- Even if eligible, getting a prescription can be long and complex due to the legal restrictions and medical guidelines surrounding cannabis-derived products.
Alternatives:
For those who do not meet the criteria for a prescription, over-the-counter CBD products are available, but these are not medicinal grade.
Update your Information:
The landscape of medical cannabis and CBD oil is continually evolving.
Regularly check for any updates in legislation, medical guidelines, and available products in the UK.
Can you Get a Private Prescription for CBD in the UK?
In the UK, obtaining a private prescription for CBD is possible but primarily reserved for specific conditions where CBD is a proven treatment option, such as certain severe forms of epilepsy and muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis.
To obtain a private prescription, an individual needs to consult with a private healthcare specialist who, after assessing the individual’s medical condition, history, and current medications, can issue a prescription if deemed appropriate.
However, this process usually involves high costs, including consultation fees and the cost of the medication, as these are not subsidised like NHS prescriptions.
Why People Don’t Choose CBD Oil Prescriptions
As discussed in this article, the UK government has only approved medical cannabis for treating a few illnesses.
This policy makes private or NHS CBD oil prescriptions unobtainable to most people.
Most people prefer to buy CBD directly from manufacturers to work around these limitations.
Our company, CBD Queen, is one of the UK’s oldest and most trusted CBD vendors.
Related Post: CBD oil for fibromyalgia.
What’s the Best CBD Oil to Consume?
One of the advantages of CBD oil is that it is versatile.
It can be prepared in different formats and strengths and has varying ingestion methods.
(Click here to know if you can drive on CBD oil in the UK).
CBD Queen exerts the most significant effort to create leading cannabis products, which is why its customers remain loyal.
Here are some of the reasons why we shine:
1. Superior Extraction Method
The super-critical C02 extraction method is synonymous with quality.
The resultant CBD oil is pure and highly potent. Inferior extraction methods are not as reliable.
They typically produce CBD oil that contains solvent residues, thus ruining the flavour and posing a health risk.
2. Naturally-Grown Hemp
Using synthetic hemp would cut costs, but it would also result in low-quality CBD oil.
We use 100% organic industrial hemp, farmed in the best conditions, rich in cannabinoids and other active compounds.
2. Lab Reports
Every trustworthy CBD company puts its products through 3rd party lab-tests.
These tests help determine whether the product contains the stated ingredients and has no impurities or biochemical hazards.
3. Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is considered to be one of the best forms.
This is because it contains all the natural cannabinoids in the hemp plant, including traces of THC.
This form of CBD is one of the most capable of health improvement.
This is because all its cannabinoids and active compounds work synergistically to boost therapeutic effects.
Conditions That CBD May Help With
According to existing research, CBD can help with managing health disorders like the following:
1. Insomnia
When you have this condition, you will have difficulty falling (and staying) asleep.
In addition, insufficient sleep can cause you to lose motivation and become irritable.
However, regular administration of CBD can help with managing insomnia.
You just take the recommended dose shortly before bed.
2. Chronic Pain
This condition is typically caused by inflammation or damaged nerves.
It is characterised by never-ending pain; the most affected are the back, joints, and neck.
Ingesting cannabidiol is proven to help with overcoming chronic pain.
3. Acne
Let’s face it: looks matter, and everyone is conscious of their looks somehow.
Once those tiny pus balls stand on your face, your self-esteem can take a hit, especially if you’re still in the impressionable age.
But you can recover from acne via topical CBD use.
It’s proven to reduce oil production and inflammation in the sebum glands.
Note – You might also like to read about using CBD oil for acne or this one about using CBD oil for eczema.
4. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are prevalent around the world.
Stress, lifestyle, trauma, and substance abuse are just some causes of this condition, but regular CBD ingestion can help manage it naturally.
(If you struggle with anxiety, you might find this post about CBD oil for mental health useful).
The Future of CBD and Cannabis Oil Medicine Prescriptions?
The approval of a few cannabis oil medicines in the UK is a good sign.
It means there’s space for cannabis medicines as long as they are tested and proven.
As more research into CBD is performed and companies stretch their innovativeness, new cannabis medicines and cannabis-based products will appear.
All indications indicate that UK residents trust CBD to manage numerous health problems.
Note – Click here to read about CBD law UK.
Final Notes On Whether Doctors Can Prescribe CBD in the UK
Getting CBD oil via prescription in the UK is possible but typically limited to severe medical conditions due to stringent regulations.
The NHS and private healthcare providers have processes requiring consultations, assessments, and sometimes special licensing, often reserved for conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
While obtaining privately incurs high costs, it does offer access to a broader range of products.
However, due to limitations and accessibility, many opt for over-the-counter CBD products, emphasising the importance of quality and legality.
The evolving landscape suggests a potential increase in approved uses and products.
Click here to try our delicious CBD Gummies. Or here to see our Full Spectrum CBD oil (which comes in flavoured or natural taste).
(You can instantly grab a voucher code by subscribing to our newsletter using the orange button below to save 25% off your first order).
Author - Lisa Strange
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