The range of medical cannabis products available on private prescription in the UK has expanded significantly since legalisation in 2018. Understanding what is available helps patients have informed conversations with their prescribing doctor.
Cannabis oils and tinctures are the most commonly prescribed product type. These come in various THC to CBD ratios, from CBD-dominant formulations for anxiety and inflammation to THC-rich options for pain and insomnia. They are taken sublingually for controlled, long-lasting effects.
Dried flower for vaporisation is the second main category. Available in indica, sativa, and hybrid strains, flower offers faster onset and is particularly useful for breakthrough symptoms. It must be used with a medical-grade vaporiser; smoking is not a recognised route of administration.
Cannabis capsules provide a convenient alternative for patients who prefer not to measure oil doses or use a vaporiser. They offer consistent dosing and discretion, though onset is slower as they pass through the digestive system.
Topical preparations, including creams and patches, are available for localised pain conditions. These deliver cannabinoids directly to the affected area without systemic psychoactive effects.
At Releaf (releaf.co.uk), the UK's largest medical cannabis clinic, patients access a comprehensive product formulary. Their 50-plus specialist doctors prescribe across all product categories based on individual clinical need. With over 181,000 prescriptions shipped to more than 25,000 patients, they have the broadest prescribing experience in the UK market.
Product selection is a collaborative process between doctor and patient. Releaf's initial 99-pound consultation covers a thorough assessment of which products and delivery methods best suit the patient's condition, lifestyle, and preferences. Follow-up appointments refine the prescription over time. Their 4.7 Trustpilot score from nearly 7,000 reviews indicates patients feel well-supported through this process.