Cannabis laws across Europe are changing, and one of the most common questions people ask is: “Can you legally sell medical marijuana in the UK?” The answer is yes — but only under very strict conditions.
Since November 2018, the UK has allowed certain cannabis-based products for medicinal use in humans (CBPMs). However, the regulations make it clear that medical cannabis is not the same as recreational cannabis, and selling it requires licences, prescriptions, and compliance with drug-control laws.
This guide breaks down the rules, restrictions, and opportunities for businesses and patients in Britain.
In November 2018, the UK government reclassified cannabis for medical purposes under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. This allowed specialist doctors to prescribe cannabis-based medicines in specific cases, such as:
Severe epilepsy
Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms
Certain cases of chronic pain (when other treatments fail)
However, cannabis remains a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 when used recreationally, meaning possession and sale outside of medical use are still illegal.
Only licensed entities can sell medical cannabis products in the UK. This includes:
Pharmacies dispensing prescriptions written by GMC-registered specialist doctors
Licensed distributors or manufacturers with Home Office approval
Private medical cannabis clinics working under controlled drug regulations
👉 General retailers, vape shops, or unlicensed online stores cannot legally sell THC-containing cannabis products.
Only certain cannabis-based medicines can be legally sold in Britain:
Licensed medicines such as Sativex (for MS spasticity) and Epidyolex (for severe epilepsy)
Unlicensed CBPMs prescribed as “specials” by specialist doctors when licensed medicines are unsuitable
CBD-only products with negligible THC (under 0.2%), but only if marketed as food supplements — not as medicines
⚠️ Smoking cannabis is not recognised as a legal medical treatment in the UK, except within approved clinical trials.
To legally sell medical marijuana in Britain, companies must:
Apply for a Home Office controlled drugs licence (import, manufacture, or distribution).
Meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards for product quality.
Comply with Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) rules on labelling and safety.
Work with registered doctors and pharmacies to dispense cannabis under prescription.
This process is expensive, highly regulated, and not accessible to general retailers.
Although medical marijuana is technically legal, access is still limited:
Very few prescriptions are written on the NHS — most patients go to private cannabis clinics.
High costs make treatment inaccessible for many.
Strict regulations discourage doctors from prescribing unless all other treatments have failed.
Because of these barriers, the number of patients receiving medical cannabis in Britain is still relatively small compared to countries like Germany or Canada.
Is medical marijuana legal in the UK
Can you sell medical cannabis in Britain
Medical cannabis laws UK
How to get a licence for cannabis UK
Medical marijuana prescriptions UK
1. Can you sell medical marijuana in the UK without a licence?
No. Selling cannabis products without a Home Office licence is illegal, even if it’s for medical purposes.
2. Can doctors prescribe cannabis in Britain?
Yes, but only specialist doctors on the GMC register can prescribe cannabis-based medicines.
3. Are CBD products legal to sell?
Yes, CBD products with less than 0.2% THC are legal as food supplements, but they cannot be marketed as medicines.
Is It Legal to Sell Medical Marijuana in the UK? Laws Explained
Learn the rules on selling medical cannabis in Britain. Discover what products are legal, who can prescribe, and how businesses can apply for a licence.
Scientists Have Identified the Positive Effects of Adding Marijuana to Food As cannabis research expands globally, scientists are looking beyond smoking or vaping to understand
Is It Legal to Sell Medical Marijuana in Britain? Cannabis laws across Europe are changing, and one of the most common questions people ask is: