General information only
Medical cannabis for chronic pain: UK guide
A source-linked guide to chronic pain, current UK guidance, private assessment questions and cost components to check.
This information does not provide medical advice, assess eligibility or indicate that a prescription is appropriate.
Understanding chronic pain
Chronic pain can have different causes and can affect day-to-day life in different ways. NICE guidance covers assessment of chronic primary pain, chronic secondary pain or both, while other condition-specific guidance may also apply.
The NHS advises discussing persistent pain with an appropriate healthcare professional. This page cannot diagnose a condition or determine which treatment, if any, is appropriate for an individual.
What current UK guidance says
NICE NG144 says not to offer nabilone, dronabinol, THC, CBD with THC, or CBD outside a clinical trial to manage chronic pain in adults. Read the full NICE recommendations and rationale directly.
The NHS states that there is some evidence medical cannabis can help certain types of pain, but that the evidence is not currently strong enough to recommend it for pain relief. UK prescribing decisions are specialist-led and individual.
What a private assessment may cover
An assessment may cover pain history, current medicines, previous approaches and relevant records where appropriate. A qualified clinician decides what information is relevant and whether any next step is appropriate for the individual.
A clinic can explain its appointment pathway, information requirements and fees. It cannot replace the clinical judgement that takes place during an individual assessment, and a prescription is not guaranteed.
For one example of an online chronic-pain care model, including published clinic fees and practical questions to consider, read our Leva Clinic review. This is general decision-support information and does not indicate whether a service is suitable for any individual.
Costs to check before booking
There is no single reliable monthly figure for an individual. Published costs can change and may depend on the clinic pathway, clinical review schedule, any prescribed medicine, pharmacy and delivery arrangements.
| Cost area | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Clinical appointments | What is included in the initial assessment and routine review fees? |
| Prescribed medicine | If a clinician considers a prescription appropriate, how do product, dose and quantity affect pharmacy charges? |
| Pharmacy and delivery | How are dispensing and delivery arranged, and where are current charges published? |
| Changes over time | What could change if a care plan, review schedule or pharmacy arrangement changes? |
Use the CompareTheLeaf Budget Tool to organise questions about your own circumstances, then confirm current charges directly.
Questions to ask when comparing pathways
- What information does the clinic ask for before an assessment, and which clinician is responsible for follow-up?
- How are other treatment options, potential benefits and potential harms discussed?
- What is included in the published clinical fee, and what could cost extra?
- How will current medicines and possible interactions be considered?
- What guidance applies to driving, work, travel and storing prescribed medicines?
Compare published appointment pathways and fees in the CompareTheLeaf clinic directory.
Sources and disclosures
- NICE — Cannabis-based medicinal products (NG144)
- NHS — Medical cannabis (and cannabis oils)
- NICE — Chronic pain in over 16s (NG193)
- NHS — How to get NHS help for your pain
Medical disclaimer: This page does not provide medical advice, assess eligibility or replace advice from a qualified clinician. Medical cannabis is only available in the UK on prescription following an individual clinical assessment, and a prescription is not guaranteed.