Can You Get CBD on Prescription from the NHS?
In the UK, CBD is not usually prescribed by the NHS. However, certain medical cannabis products that contain CBD and THC may be prescribed in very limited cases—usually for severe medical conditions that do not respond to other treatments.
CBD and NHS Prescriptions: What’s Allowed?
The NHS does not routinely prescribe over-the-counter CBD products like:
- CBD oils
- CBD gummies
- CBD vapes
- CBD capsules
These are available for purchase without a prescription from health stores, online shops, and pharmacies.
When Can CBD Be Prescribed on the NHS?
In rare cases, a specialist doctor (not a GP) can prescribe medical cannabis products, which may include CBD and THC, for:
- Severe epilepsy (e.g., Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
These are usually full-spectrum cannabis medications, not just pure CBD.
Why Can’t You Get Regular CBD from the NHS?
- CBD is classified as a food supplement in the UK when sold without claims of treating specific medical conditions.
- Most CBD products are not licensed medicines, so they cannot be prescribed in standard practice.
- Specialist doctors must prescribe cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPM) under strict guidelines.
- How to Get CBD in the UK (Without NHS Prescription)
- Buy CBD oils, capsules, or edibles online or in health shops
- Choose products labeled as “THC-free” or “broad-spectrum” if you want no THC
- Make sure products have third-party lab reports (COAs)
Popular UK CBD retailers include:
- CBDistillery UK
- Love Hemp
- Holland & Barrett
Is CBD Legal in the UK?
Yes, CBD is legal in the UK, as long as:
- It is derived from EU-approved hemp strains
- Contains less than 1mg THC per container
- Is sold as a supplement, not a medicine
Summary: CBD Prescription NHS
| Can You Get CBD from NHS? | Answer |
|---|---|
| Over-the-counter CBD oils | ❌ No prescription needed or given by NHS |
| Medical cannabis with CBD | ✅ Yes, but only for specific conditions like severe epilepsy or MS |
Final Takeaway
- Regular CBD products are not prescribed by the NHS.
- Medical cannabis (which may include CBD) can be prescribed in rare, specialist-approved cases.
- For general wellness, you can legally buy CBD oil and supplements over the counter in the UK.
I have suffered with epilepsy since I was born. I stopped having seizures when I was a young boy but they were triggered off again when I was 19 due to a assault that caused me to develop brain damage. I have tried every medication available to me on the nhs to treat my seizures but none of them work. I am not eligible for brain surgery either because of where the problem is in my brain. I’ve also been told that vns vagal nerve stimulation is not a option either because of the risk. So I was wondering if medicinal cannabis was a option for me?