1. Determine if you might qualify. Medical cannabis is typically prescribed only for certain serious conditions where there is some evidence of benefit and where standard treatments have failed. According to the NHS, cannabis-based medicines “are only likely to benefit a very small number of patients” and an NHS prescription is currently considered only for: severe epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, or MS-related muscle spasticity​. In practice, these are the core conditions for NHS use. Privately, specialists also prescribe for other hard-to-treat conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, or severe anxiety, but you must have documented failure of conventional therapies. There is no fixed list of “qualifying conditions” set in law – it’s ultimately at the doctor’s discretion, based on clinical need. Generally, you’ll need a refractory condition with evidence (even if limited) that cannabis could help.

2. Get a referral to a specialist. As noted, only a specialist doctor can initiate a medical cannabis prescription​. Typically, this means you should be under the care of a relevant specialist for your condition. For example, if you have a severe neurological condition (like Dravet syndrome or MS), you’d be seeing a neurologist; for intractable pain, maybe a pain management specialist or palliative care consultant. Talk to your GP about your interest in medical cannabis – if they agree you have a case, they may refer you to a specialist or specialized clinic. There are also private medical cannabis clinics in the UK that you can approach directly (self-refer) – these clinics have specialists (neurologists, psychiatrists, oncologists, etc.) who are experienced in prescribing cannabis-based therapies. Keep in mind that private consultations and prescriptions mean you’ll pay the costs out-of-pocket.

3. Undergo evaluation by the specialist. The specialist doctor will review your medical history, current medications, and see if you’ve truly tried all first-line treatments for your condition. Medical cannabis is usually a last resort or adjunct when other approved medications haven’t worked or aren’t suitable​. The doctor will consider guidelines (for example, NICE guidance) and weigh potential benefits vs. risks in your case. They’ll also assess contraindications – for instance, a history of psychosis or unstable heart disease might make cannabis inappropriate. If the specialist believes you could benefit, and that it’s in your best interest, they can decide to prescribe a cannabis-based product​. They may discuss different product options (e.g. a CBD oil vs. a THC/CBD balanced preparation) and decide which formulation and dosage is most suitable. They’ll also explain possible side effects and obtain your informed consent.

4. Prescription and sourcing the product. If approved, the doctor writes a prescription for a specific cannabis medicine (for example, “Bedrolite CBD oil 10:1, take X drops twice daily” or “THC/CBD compound flower, vaporize Y mg daily”). Most cannabis prescriptions in the UK are for unlicensed “special” medications that are imported, since only a couple of products (Sativex, Epidyolex, Nabilone) are fully licensed. The prescription will be sent to a specialist pharmacy that can dispense medical cannabis. There are a limited number of pharmacies in the UK authorized to fulfill these prescriptions, often working with importers from the Netherlands, Canada, etc. The pharmacy will arrange to procure the product (which can take a few days or weeks due to import logistics) and then dispense it to you – either by post or collection. You’ll receive the medicine in a labeled package, just like any prescription drug. Costs can be substantial: on the NHS, you’d pay the normal prescription charge, but privately, medical cannabis can cost several hundred pounds per month depending on the product and dose. (NHS coverage applies only if your case fits NHS criteria and your specialist has obtained approval – currently very few patients get NHS-funded cannabis.)

5. Follow-up and monitoring. After starting medical cannabis, you’ll have follow-up appointments with the prescribing doctor to monitor your response and any side effects. They may adjust the dosage or type of product depending on how you react. It’s important to use the medication strictly as directed – do not increase the dose or frequency on your own. If you experience side effects, inform your doctor. Common mild side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, or drowsiness​, and these often can be managed by dose adjustments. The doctor will also ensure you’re not having any serious adverse effects. In the UK, both doctors and patients can report side effects through the Yellow Card Scheme to help collect safety data​. Continued access to the prescription will depend on demonstration of benefit (especially for NHS prescriptions – e.g. showing reduced seizures or spasticity as required). If effective, you can remain on medical cannabis long-term under the specialist’s care.

6. Do not attempt to self-medicate illegally. It’s worth underscoring that any cannabis obtained outside of a prescription remains illegal and potentially unsafe. Patients sometimes consider buying cannabis off the street or online when facing access issues – however, this is risky. Illicit cannabis may contain unknown strengths, contaminants, or high THC that could cause adverse effects. Additionally, possession without a prescription is against the law. If you believe you might benefit from medical cannabis, the proper route is to talk to a medical professional and pursue legal channels as described. The system is gradually expanding: as of 2024, thousands of UK patients have obtained prescriptions through specialist clinics, and more doctors are becoming trained in cannabis medicine. While it may require perseverance, following the medical route is the safest and only legal way to use cannabis therapeutically in the UK.