There are two kinds of legal THC products available. First are low THC level products that are readily available in the open market and online platforms like full-spectrum cannabis tinctures and vape oils. The second class of legal THC products is more regulated and available only through doctors’ prescription, that is, medical THC. Here, we will focus on medical THC products and understand what they are and the restrictions surrounding them.
Requirements for Medical THC
The UK has legalised medical cannabis a few years back. It means that unlike consumer grade full-spectrum CBD oils, these products are high in THC. Thus, their sales are highly restricted and regulated. These THC products are strictly available through medical prescription. They are hence called cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) (1).
Doctors would not prescribe these products unless there are certain medically established indications. Below are some of the options available. If one is living with one of these conditions, then one can ask a doctor about the prescription of these medications that contain THC.
- Sativex: Used for treating spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis.
- Epidyolex: Used for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex.
- Nabilone: Used for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when other treatments have failed.
Above three products are UK MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency) approved.
Of course, there is more to it. Although doctors working for NHS are not likely to prescribe THC products for other indications, the private market is booming. Private practitioners have been faster in accepting medical cannabis. Thus, studies show that THC prescription by private practitioners is booming (2).
This is because doctors at NHS are hesitant, as their prescription habits are scrutinised often. However, private doctors are more open to new ideas, and they might even prescribe cannabis products for other conditions for which there is not much evidence to date. However, lack of evidence does not always mean that THC or medical cannabis will not help. It may also indicate a lack of research into the topic.
Restrictions and Challenges
Although medical cannabis, has been legal in the UK since 2018, some challenges remain, and its adaptation by doctors has been slower than expected for various reasons (3).
There are a few reasons why doctors are so hesitant to prescribe THC-containing products. Many of them still lack enough knowledge and, thus, confidence. Moreover, many doctors worry that THC may harm their patients, though these worries are mostly based on previous or older concepts. Further, THC medications are also quite expensive.
Despite all these challenges, things are changing fast in the UK, and doctors are finally realising THC’s health effects. They understand that it works and may help some patients. Further, confidence regarding THC’s safety is also increasing.
Of course, apart from the cost, some other challenges remain. It is still difficult to carry out clinical trials using medical cannabis due to tough regulations. There are very few reputed institutions engaged in cannabis research. This means that there is still much gap, which is slowing down the acceptance of medical THC or even full spectrum cannabis extract. This is preventing science from identifying newer full spectrum cannabis usage.
Just take an example of diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Many studies in animals and even limited clinical trials in humans show that full spectrum cannabis sativa extract may help. However, there is still insufficient interest and funding. It means that despite some encouraging initial results, full spectrum cannabis extract is not approved for managing these medical conditions (4).
Yet another challenge is that only certain specialists can prescribe medical THC. Efforts are ongoing to potentially expand prescribing rights to General Practitioners (GPs) under specific conditions to improve access.
The Bottom Line
Medical THC is legally available in the UK under strict conditions, but practical access remains limited, particularly through the NHS, due to regulatory, evidence-based, and cost barriers. Most patients seeking these treatments rely on private prescriptions.
Nonetheless, things are changing fast, and it is quite likely that full spectrum cannabis extract will become more widely accepted for managing various health conditions, and GPs will be allowed to prescribe it.
Till then, those looking to enjoy THC’s health benefits do have some options, like they can consider full-spectrum cannabis extracts containing THC in legally permitted amounts. These products, unlike medical THC, have much lower THC concentrations (less than 0.2%), but they can still help in many health conditions.
References
- NHS England » Cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 16]. Available from: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use-cbpms/
- Connelly D. The Pharmaceutical Journal. 2023 [cited 2024 May 16]. Demystifying medical cannabis: five years on from legalisation. Available from: https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/feature/demystifying-medical-cannabis-five-years-on-from-legalisation
- Nutt D, Bazire S, Phillips LD, Schlag AK. So near yet so far: why won’t the UK prescribe medical cannabis? BMJ Open. 2020 Aug 18;10(9):e038687.
- Kim SH, Yang JW, Kim KH, Kim JU, Yook TH. A Review on Studies of Marijuana for Alzheimer’s Disease – Focusing on CBD, THC. J Pharmacopuncture. 2019 Dec;22(4):225–30.