A UK-focused educational glossary covering prescribed medical cannabis, cannabis-based products for medicinal use, clinical access, pharmacy, administration, safety, driving, travel and regulation.
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UK review date: 23 July 2026. Medical cannabis is a prescription-medicine subject. Many CBPMs are unlicensed controlled drugs, and access depends on an individual clinical assessment by an appropriately authorised prescriber.
Important: This glossary is educational. It does not assess eligibility, recommend a treatment, guarantee a prescription or replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist, lawyer, the medicine label or the patient information supplied with a prescription.
Driving and safety: A prescription does not permit driving while impaired. Do not start, stop or change a prescribed medicine without discussing it with the clinical team.
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Medical Cannabis Fundamentals & Legal Status
Core UK terminology distinguishing prescribed medical cannabis from retail CBD products and non-medical cannabis.
Medical Cannabis
A broad patient-facing term for cannabis-based medicines prescribed for an individual patient. It is not the same as a retail CBD supplement or cannabis obtained without a lawful prescription.
Medicinal Cannabis
A commonly used alternative to medical cannabis. In UK legal and professional guidance, the more precise term is often cannabis-based product for medicinal use, or CBPM.
Cannabis-Based Product for Medicinal Use (CBPM)
A legal category for a product that contains cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabinol or a cannabinol derivative, is produced for medicinal use in humans, and is a medicinal product or an ingredient of one. CBPMs are placed in Schedule 2 under the corresponding controlled-drug regulations in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Cannabis-Based Medicine
A broad term that can include licensed cannabis-derived medicines, separately scheduled medicines and unlicensed CBPMs. The exact legal category and prescribing rules depend on the individual product.
Licensed Medicine
A medicine with a UK marketing authorisation for specified uses, doses, patient groups and conditions. Licensed cannabis-based medicines have been assessed through the medicines-authorisation process.
Unlicensed Medicine
A medicine with no UK marketing authorisation, or a medicine used outside the terms of its licence. Many CBPMs prescribed in the UK are unlicensed and require additional prescribing responsibilities.
Special / Specials
An unlicensed medicine specially manufactured or imported to meet the clinical needs of an individual patient when a suitable licensed medicine does not meet that need.
Marketing Authorisation
Formal permission for a medicinal product to be marketed for approved uses. The MHRA assesses evidence on quality, safety and efficacy before granting a UK marketing authorisation.
Named-Patient Supply
Supply of an unlicensed medicine for a specifically identified patient in response to an individual prescription and assessed clinical need.
Prescription-Only Medicine (POM)
A medicinal product that may be supplied only in accordance with a valid prescription from an authorised prescriber.
Controlled Drug
A substance or product controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and related regulations. Controls may cover possession, prescribing, supply, storage, record keeping, import and export.
Class B Drug
A classification under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 that applies to cannabis and a number of controlled cannabinoids. A lawful prescription can authorise patient possession and use of a prescribed medicine but does not change the drug classification.
Schedule 2 Controlled Drug
A controlled drug subject to specific prescribing, supply, storage and record-keeping requirements. CBPMs that meet the statutory definition are generally placed in Schedule 2, although separately scheduled licensed medicines may fall elsewhere.
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
The principal UK legislation classifying controlled drugs and creating offences relating to possession, supply, production and import or export, subject to lawful authorities and exemptions.
Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001
The controlled-drug regulations used in Great Britain. They set out lawful routes for possessing, prescribing, supplying and handling controlled drugs, including the scheduling and special controls that apply to CBPMs. Northern Ireland uses separate corresponding regulations.
Misuse of Drugs Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002
The corresponding controlled-drug regulations for Northern Ireland. They set out lawful routes and controls for possession, prescribing, supply and handling, including provisions applying to CBPMs.
Regulation 16A
Corresponding provisions in the Great Britain and Northern Ireland controlled-drug regulations govern the ordering, supply and use of CBPMs. They also prohibit self-administration of a CBPM by smoking, except in authorised research.
Rescheduling (2018)
Parallel amendments in Great Britain and Northern Ireland created a legal route from 1 November 2018 for appropriately prescribed CBPMs to be supplied for medicinal use.
Cannabis Oil
An imprecise phrase that may describe a prescribed cannabis medicine, a retail CBD food supplement or an unregulated product. The label, prescription status, composition and legal category must be checked.
Retail CBD and Medical Cannabis
Retail CBD products are sold under food, cosmetic or other consumer-product rules and are not substitutes for prescribed medicines. Medical cannabis is supplied through a clinical prescribing and pharmacy pathway.
Recreational Cannabis
Cannabis possessed or used outside a lawful medical, research or licensed route. Recreational cannabis has not been legalised in the UK.
Access & Clinical Pathway
Terms used when patients are assessed, referred, consulted and reviewed for possible treatment.
Specialist Doctor
A doctor with relevant specialist expertise. The supply of an unlicensed CBPM must be in accordance with a prescription or direction of a doctor on the GMC Specialist Register.
GMC Specialist Register
The General Medical Council register showing doctors who have completed recognised specialist training or have an equivalent specialist status. The doctor must also work within their competence.
Prescriber
The healthcare professional legally responsible for issuing a prescription. Restrictions on initiating unlicensed CBPM treatment are more specific than for many ordinary medicines.
Clinical Competence
The knowledge, skills and experience required to assess and treat a patient safely within a professional scope of practice.
Referral
A request for assessment by another healthcare professional or service. A referral does not guarantee that treatment or a prescription will be offered.
Self-Referral
Contacting a private or independent service directly without a GP referral where that service permits it. Full clinical assessment and prescribing rules still apply.
Initial Consultation
The first clinical appointment used to review identity, symptoms, diagnoses, medical history, medicines, previous treatments, risks and treatment goals.
Remote Consultation
A clinical appointment conducted by video, telephone or another remote method. The same standards of safe prescribing apply, and an in-person assessment may still be required.
Eligibility Assessment
A structured clinical assessment of whether a treatment may be appropriate and safe. There is no automatic entitlement based only on having a named condition.
Clinical Need
A patient-specific health need identified through professional assessment. Prescribing decisions must be based on the individual rather than a marketing list of conditions.
Unmet Clinical Need
A clinical need that has not been adequately addressed by suitable licensed medicines or established treatment options. It is relevant to decisions about unlicensed medicines.
Medical History
Information about diagnoses, previous illnesses, mental and physical health, allergies, pregnancy status, substance use and other factors relevant to safe prescribing.
Treatment History
A record of previous and current treatments, including response, side effects, adherence and reasons for stopping or changing treatment.
Informed Consent
A patient decision made after receiving understandable information about expected benefits, uncertainties, risks, alternatives, monitoring and the unlicensed status of a medicine where relevant.
Shared Decision-Making
A process in which clinician and patient discuss evidence, options, risks, preferences and treatment goals before agreeing a plan.
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)
A group of healthcare professionals from different disciplines who may contribute to assessment or treatment planning. NHS guidance states that CBPM prescribing decisions should generally be agreed by an MDT.
Second Opinion
An assessment by another appropriately qualified clinician. A second opinion may support decision-making but does not guarantee access to a prescription.
NHS Access
Access through NHS services. NHS prescribing remains limited and is normally considered by relevant specialist teams according to clinical guidance, evidence and individual need.
Private Access
Assessment and treatment through an independent healthcare provider. The same legal and professional prescribing restrictions apply, although fees and funding arrangements differ.
No Guarantee of Prescription
An appointment, referral, diagnosis or payment for an assessment does not guarantee that a clinician will consider a prescription appropriate.
Prescribing, Pharmacy & Supply
Prescription, dispensing, pharmacy, documentation and controlled-drug supply terminology.
Medical Cannabis Prescription
A prescription for a cannabis-based medicine issued for a named patient by an appropriately authorised prescriber. It must meet medicines and controlled-drug requirements that apply to the product.
NHS Prescription
A prescription issued within an NHS care pathway and funded under the applicable NHS arrangements. NHS access to medical cannabis is limited and specialist-led.
Private Prescription
A prescription issued outside NHS funding arrangements. The patient will usually pay private clinical and dispensing costs, and legal prescribing restrictions still apply.
Controlled Drug Prescription
A prescription that must include additional legally required details because it is for a controlled drug. Pharmacists must be satisfied that the prescription is valid before supply.
Prescription Validity
The period during which a prescription can be dispensed. Prescriptions for most Schedule 2, 3 and 4 controlled drugs are generally valid for 28 days from the appropriate date.
Repeat Prescription
A new prescription issued for a continuing medicine after appropriate review. Schedule 2 CBPM supplies require a valid prescription for each dispensing cycle.
Shared Care Agreement
A formal arrangement describing how clinical responsibility, prescribing, monitoring and communication are shared between a specialist and another clinician, commonly a GP.
GP Involvement
The role of a general practitioner in sharing records, coordinating care, monitoring or prescribing under an agreed pathway. A GP does not automatically initiate or take over an unlicensed CBPM prescription.
Clinical Review
A scheduled reassessment of benefit, side effects, adherence, dose, interactions, safety and whether treatment should continue or change.
Dispensing Pharmacy
A registered pharmacy responsible for clinically and legally checking a prescription and supplying the prescribed medicine to the patient.
Pharmacist
A registered healthcare professional responsible for the safe and lawful supply of medicines, patient counselling and appropriate checks before dispensing.
Registered Pharmacy
A pharmacy premises entered on the relevant regulator's register. In Great Britain this is the General Pharmaceutical Council; Northern Ireland has a separate pharmacy regulator.
Dispensing Label
The pharmacy label attached to a supplied medicine showing the patient's name, medicine, directions, pharmacy details and other required information.
Patient Information Leaflet
Written information supplied with a medicine covering use, warnings, side effects and other important details. Unlicensed products may have different supporting information from licensed medicines.
Original Packaging
The container and packaging in which the pharmacy supplied the medicine. Keeping prescribed cannabis in this packaging with its dispensing label helps demonstrate lawful supply.
Proof of Prescription
Evidence that the medicine was lawfully prescribed, such as the labelled original packaging, a prescription copy, clinician letter and matching identification.
Quantity Supplied
The amount of medicine dispensed against a prescription. Quantity, dose, duration and frequency should match the prescription and treatment plan.
30-Day Supply
A commonly recommended upper prescribing interval for Schedule 2, 3 and 4 controlled drugs. It is best-practice guidance rather than a universal statutory maximum in every circumstance.
Home Office Licence
An authorisation that businesses in Great Britain may need for controlled-drug activities such as possession, manufacture or supply. Domestic controlled-drug licensing in Northern Ireland is handled by the Northern Ireland Department of Health, while the Home Office handles controlled-drug import and export licensing. A patient lawfully possessing their own prescribed medicine does not normally need a business licence.
Import Licence
A Home Office authorisation that may be required for commercial import of controlled drugs. Personal travel rules are separate and destination-country law must also be checked.
Specials Manufacturer
A manufacturer authorised to make unlicensed medicines to meet individual patient needs under the Human Medicines Regulations and relevant MHRA requirements.
Wholesale Dealer's Licence
An MHRA licence authorising specified wholesale dealing activities in medicines. Additional controlled-drug licences may also be required.
Controlled Drug Register
A formal record required for certain Schedule 2 controlled-drug receipts and supplies in relevant settings. It supports accountability and traceability.
Safe Custody
Legal and professional requirements for secure storage of specified controlled drugs by organisations and pharmacies. Patient storage should follow the dispensing label and prescriber advice.
Products & Licensed Cannabis-Based Medicines
Common prescribed product forms and named cannabis-based medicines encountered in UK guidance.
Cannabis Flower / Flos
Dried cannabis inflorescence supplied as a prescribed medicine for use exactly as directed. Prescribed flower is commonly intended for vaporisation, and smoking a CBPM is prohibited.
Dried Cannabis Flower
Cannabis flower processed and dried to a defined specification for medicinal supply. Strength, moisture, microbiological quality and storage conditions are product-specific.
Prescription Cannabis Oil
A prescribed liquid cannabis medicine containing specified cannabinoids in a carrier or pharmaceutical formulation. It is distinct from retail CBD oil sold as a food supplement.
Oral Solution
A liquid medicine intended to be swallowed in a measured dose. The prescribed dose, measuring device and food instructions should be followed.
Capsule
A measured oral dose enclosed in a capsule shell. Product composition, onset and dosing instructions depend on the prescribed medicine.
Pastille / Lozenge
A measured oral product designed to dissolve in the mouth. It should be used only according to the product and prescription directions.
Oromucosal Spray
A medicine sprayed inside the mouth for absorption through the oral mucosa. Nabiximols is a licensed example used under specified conditions.
Cannabis Extract
A concentrated preparation obtained from cannabis material and used as an ingredient or finished medicinal product. Its composition and legal status depend on specification and intended use.
Whole-Plant Extract
An extract intended to retain a wider range of plant constituents than an isolated cannabinoid. The phrase does not by itself establish clinical superiority or a standard composition.
Epidyolex
A licensed cannabidiol oral solution used under specialist care for specified severe epilepsy syndromes. It is separately scheduled and is not the same as a retail CBD oil.
Nabiximols (Sativex)
A licensed cannabis-based oromucosal spray containing THC and CBD, used for certain adults with multiple-sclerosis-related spasticity when specified criteria are met.
Nabilone
A licensed synthetic cannabinoid medicine supplied as capsules for certain adults with chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting when other treatments have not worked or are unsuitable.
Dronabinol
A term for delta-9-THC used as a medicinal substance in some countries and clinical literature. It is not a generally licensed medicine in the UK, so current product status must be checked.
Licensed Indication
A disease, symptom, patient group and use authorised in a medicine's marketing authorisation. Use outside those terms is off-label or unlicensed use.
Product Formulation
The complete composition of a medicine, including active cannabinoids, carrier ingredients, excipients, dosage form and manufacturing specification.
Cannabinoids & Plant Science
Cannabinoid, plant-profile and chemistry terms used in medical cannabis product descriptions.
Cannabinoid
A class of compounds that includes plant-derived cannabinoids, endocannabinoids produced by the body and synthetic cannabinoid medicines.
CBD in Medical Cannabis
Cannabidiol used as an active ingredient in a medicinal product. Its dose, formulation, interaction profile and monitoring can differ substantially from retail CBD products.
THC / Delta-9-THC
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is an intoxicating and controlled cannabinoid found in many CBPMs. Dose, impairment risk and individual sensitivity require clinical consideration.
CBD-Dominant
A product profile containing substantially more CBD than THC. The term does not describe a universal ratio, dose or expected clinical response.
THC-Dominant
A product profile containing substantially more THC than CBD. Higher THC exposure may increase the likelihood of intoxication, impairment and other adverse effects.
Balanced THC:CBD
A product profile with broadly similar amounts of THC and CBD. Exact ratios and doses must be taken from the prescription and product specification.
THC:CBD Ratio
The stated relationship between THC and CBD in a product, such as 1:1 or 1:20. A ratio does not replace the actual milligram dose of each cannabinoid.
Cannabinoid Profile
A laboratory or product summary showing which cannabinoids are present and their measured concentrations.
Potency
The measured concentration or strength of active cannabinoids in a medicine, commonly expressed as a percentage, milligrams per gram or milligrams per millilitre.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
A biological signalling system involving endocannabinoids, receptors and enzymes. It is part of cannabinoid pharmacology but does not by itself prove that a product treats a condition.
CB1 Receptor
A cannabinoid receptor widely expressed in the central nervous system and other tissues. THC activity at CB1 is associated with many psychoactive and impairing effects.
CB2 Receptor
A cannabinoid receptor found in immune and other tissues. Its role is studied in cannabinoid pharmacology, but product effects cannot be inferred from receptor descriptions alone.
Terpenes
Aromatic plant compounds that contribute to smell and flavour. Claims that individual terpenes reliably predict clinical effects are not established by the term alone.
Terpene Profile
A measured or declared summary of terpenes in a product or batch. It may help describe aroma but does not replace cannabinoid potency or clinical assessment.
Cultivar
A cultivated plant variety selected for particular characteristics. Product consistency should be based on specifications and testing, not the name alone.
Chemovar / Chemotype
A way of grouping cannabis by chemical composition, such as cannabinoid and terpene profile. It can be more informative than informal strain categories.
Indica / Sativa / Hybrid
Informal commercial categories used for cannabis varieties. They are not dependable clinical predictions, and products should be assessed by verified composition and patient response.
Entourage Effect
A hypothesis that multiple cannabis constituents may influence one another when used together. It should not be presented as a guaranteed clinical effect or established superiority claim.
Quality, Manufacturing & Laboratory Terms
Manufacturing, batch, laboratory and product-quality terminology relevant to prescribed cannabis medicines.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A laboratory report for a specified sample or batch, commonly showing cannabinoid potency and selected quality tests. A COA must match the supplied batch to be meaningful.
Batch
A defined quantity produced under the same manufacturing conditions and identified by a batch or lot number.
Batch Testing
Testing performed on a specific batch to assess whether it meets defined specifications before or during release.
Batch Release
The documented decision that a batch meets the required specification and may be supplied. Requirements depend on the medicinal-product and supply route.
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
Quality requirements governing consistent manufacture and control of medicines. UK manufacturers and importers may require appropriate MHRA authorisation and inspection.
Good Agricultural and Collection Practice (GACP)
Quality principles for cultivation, harvesting and primary processing of medicinal plants before pharmaceutical manufacture.
Specification
A documented set of acceptance criteria for identity, strength, purity, contaminants, packaging and other quality attributes.
Cannabinoid Assay
A validated analytical measurement of cannabinoid identity and concentration in a sample.
Microbial Testing
Laboratory testing for bacteria, yeast, mould and specified microorganisms that could affect medicine quality or patient safety.
Contaminant Testing
Testing for unwanted substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, mycotoxins or foreign material.
Residual Solvents
Solvent residues that may remain after extraction or processing and are assessed against relevant specifications.
Irradiation
A controlled processing method used for some medicinal products to reduce microbial contamination. Irradiated cannabis does not become radioactive.
Non-Irradiated
A product described as not having undergone an irradiation step. The term does not by itself demonstrate better quality or lower risk.
Stability Testing
Testing that evaluates how a medicine's quality changes over time under defined storage conditions and supports shelf-life decisions.
Expiry Date
The date until which a medicine is expected to remain within specification when stored as directed. A medicine should not be used after expiry unless specifically advised by a pharmacist or prescriber.
Storage Conditions
The temperature, light, moisture and security conditions stated for a medicine. Storage instructions should be followed to protect quality and prevent unauthorised access.
Recall
A process for removing affected medicine batches from supply or patients because of a quality, safety or regulatory concern.
Administration & Devices
Routes of administration, onset and device terminology used in prescribed treatment instructions.
Route of Administration
The way a medicine enters the body, such as oral, sublingual, oromucosal or inhaled administration.
Oral Administration
Swallowing a medicine so it is absorbed through the digestive system. Oral products can have a slower onset and longer duration than inhaled products.
Sublingual Administration
Placing a liquid medicine under the tongue for the time directed before swallowing. Actual absorption depends on the formulation and technique.
Buccal Administration
Applying a medicine against the inside of the cheek for absorption through the oral mucosa.
Oromucosal Administration
Application to the lining of the mouth, including buccal or sublingual areas. Oromucosal sprays are designed for this route.
Inhalation
Administration through the lungs by inhaling vapour from a prescribed product and compatible device. It is distinct from smoking.
Vaporisation
Heating prescribed cannabis flower or another compatible formulation to create an inhalable vapour without combustion. The prescribed device and method should be followed.
Dry-Herb Vaporiser
A device designed to heat dried plant material without burning it. Not every consumer vaporiser is a medical device or suitable for a prescribed product.
Medical Device
A product regulated for a medical purpose under medical-device rules. A vaporiser should not be described as medical-grade solely because it can heat cannabis.
Combustion
Burning plant material to produce smoke. Combustion is different from vaporisation and is not an authorised way to self-administer a CBPM.
Smoking
Inhaling smoke from burning cannabis. Corresponding regulation 16A provisions in Great Britain and Northern Ireland prohibit self-administration of a CBPM by smoking, except in authorised research.
Metered Dose
A measured quantity delivered by a device, pump or spray. The number of actuations and cannabinoid content per actuation should be confirmed from the prescription and product information.
Device Compatibility
Whether a product is suitable for a particular administration device. Using an incompatible device can alter dose delivery, performance or safety.
Temperature Setting
The selected heating temperature on a vaporiser. Patients should follow the device, pharmacy and prescriber instructions rather than relying on generic online settings.
Bioavailability
The proportion of an administered dose that reaches systemic circulation. It varies by product, route, formulation and individual factors.
Onset of Action
The time between administration and the beginning of a noticeable pharmacological effect. Onset varies by route, dose and individual response.
Duration of Action
How long the effects of a dose may last. Duration is influenced by route, formulation, dose, metabolism and other factors.
Peak Effect
The period when the effect or blood concentration may be greatest after a dose. Peak timing is product- and patient-specific.
First-Pass Metabolism
Metabolism in the gut and liver that occurs after a swallowed medicine before it reaches wider circulation. It can affect oral cannabinoid exposure.
Food Effect
A change in medicine absorption or exposure caused by taking it with or without food. Patients should follow product-specific instructions consistently.
Dosing, Monitoring & Outcomes
Terms used in dose planning, follow-up, monitoring and assessment of treatment response.
Dose
The amount of medicine administered at one time. For cannabinoid medicines, both the product volume or weight and the milligrams of each active cannabinoid may be relevant.
Starting Dose
The initial prescribed dose selected to begin treatment and assess tolerability. It should not be increased except in accordance with the treatment plan.
Titration
A planned stepwise adjustment of dose according to response, side effects and prescriber instructions.
Start Low, Go Slow
An informal phrase describing cautious dose initiation and gradual adjustment. It is not a substitute for individual prescribing instructions.
Maintenance Dose
The dose used after titration when the treatment plan is stable enough for ongoing use and review.
Maximum Dose
The highest dose permitted by the individual prescription or treatment plan. There is no universal maximum that applies to every CBPM and patient.
Divided Dose
A total daily amount split into two or more administrations at specified times.
Dosing Schedule
The prescribed timing, frequency and amount of each dose, including any differences between daytime and evening use.
PRN / As Required
A direction to use a medicine only when needed within stated limits. It should be used only when explicitly included in the prescription or treatment plan.
Dose Adjustment
A clinician-approved increase, decrease or timing change made in response to effectiveness, side effects, interactions or changing clinical circumstances.
Treatment Plan
The agreed record of medicine, dose, administration, treatment goals, monitoring, follow-up and circumstances for review or stopping.
Treatment Goal
A specific and reviewable outcome agreed between patient and clinician, such as a measurable change in symptoms, function or medicine burden.
Monitoring
Ongoing assessment of effectiveness, side effects, mental and physical health, interactions, adherence and relevant tests.
Follow-Up Appointment
A review after treatment starts or changes to evaluate progress, tolerability, dose and whether the plan remains appropriate.
Medication Review
A structured review of all medicines and supplements to assess ongoing need, safety, interactions, adherence and opportunities to simplify treatment.
Symptom Diary
A patient record of symptoms, doses, timing, side effects, sleep, activity or other agreed measures used to support clinical review.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM)
A structured questionnaire completed by a patient to record symptoms, function, quality of life or treatment impact over time.
Treatment Response
The observed change after treatment, including benefit, no benefit, worsening or adverse effects. Response should be assessed against agreed goals.
Adherence
How closely medicine use follows the agreed prescription and treatment plan.
Missed Dose
A dose not taken at the scheduled time. Patients should follow product-specific advice and should not automatically double the next dose.
Breakthrough Symptoms
Symptoms that occur despite a regular treatment plan. Any additional or rescue dosing must be agreed with the prescriber.
Tolerance
A reduced response after repeated exposure that may lead to pressure for higher doses. Suspected tolerance should be discussed with the clinical team.
Dependence
A state in which the body adapts to ongoing use and stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms. Dependence is not identical to addiction but still requires clinical management.
Withdrawal
Symptoms that may occur after reducing or stopping a medicine following regular use. Planned dose reduction should be discussed with the prescriber.
Cannabis Use Disorder
A clinical diagnosis involving problematic cannabis use and impaired control. Prescribed use does not remove the need to monitor for misuse or dependence.
Diversion
Transfer of a prescribed controlled drug to a person for whom it was not prescribed. Diversion is unlawful and presents safety risks.
Treatment Discontinuation
Planned or unplanned stopping of treatment because of lack of benefit, adverse effects, risk, patient preference or another clinical reason.
Safety, Side Effects & Interactions
Safety terminology used in prescribing, patient information, monitoring and adverse-event reporting.
Adverse Effect
An unwanted effect experienced while using a medicine. It may or may not be caused by the medicine and should be discussed with the clinical team.
Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)
A harmful and unintended response suspected to be caused by a medicine used at a normal dose.
Serious Adverse Reaction
A suspected reaction that results in death, is life-threatening, requires or prolongs hospital admission, causes significant disability or meets another serious-reporting criterion.
Yellow Card Scheme
The MHRA system through which patients and healthcare professionals can report suspected side effects and other safety concerns involving medicines and medical devices.
Contraindication
A circumstance in which a medicine should not be used because the risk is considered unacceptable.
Precaution
A factor requiring additional assessment, monitoring, dose adjustment or advice before or during treatment.
Drug Interaction
A change in the effect or concentration of one medicine caused by another medicine, supplement, food, alcohol or substance.
CYP450
A group of liver enzymes involved in metabolising many medicines. CBD and THC can interact with medicines that use these pathways, so a full medication review is important.
Sedation
Reduced alertness or increased sleepiness caused by a medicine. Sedation can affect driving, work, falls risk and use of other depressant medicines.
Drowsiness
Feeling unusually sleepy or less alert. Patients should avoid driving or hazardous activity if drowsy or impaired.
Dizziness
A sensation of light-headedness, imbalance or spinning that can increase falls and driving risk.
Impairment
Reduced ability to think, react, coordinate or drive safely. Impairment can occur even when a medicine has been lawfully prescribed.
Intoxication
A state of altered mental or physical function caused by a substance. THC-containing medicines can produce intoxication, particularly with excessive or rapidly increased doses.
Psychoactive Effect
An effect on mood, perception, thinking or behaviour. Psychoactive does not always mean intoxicating, but THC is commonly associated with both.
Euphoria
An unusually elevated or pleasurable mood that can occur as a psychoactive effect. It may indicate a dose or product is not well tolerated.
Anxiety or Panic
Increased anxiety, fear or panic that may occur with cannabinoid exposure, particularly THC. New or severe symptoms should be reported promptly.
Hallucination
Seeing, hearing or sensing something that is not present. Hallucinations require prompt clinical assessment and urgent help if severe or unsafe.
Psychosis
A serious mental-health state involving impaired reality testing, such as delusions or hallucinations. THC-containing products may increase risk in susceptible individuals.
Mood or Behaviour Change
A noticeable change in mood, judgement, behaviour or emotional state. Significant or concerning changes should be reported to the clinical team.
Suicidal Thoughts
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide require urgent support. Contact the clinical team or NHS 111, and call 999 or attend A&E if there is immediate danger.
Dry Mouth
Reduced saliva or a dry sensation in the mouth. Persistent symptoms can affect comfort and oral health and should be discussed if troublesome.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Digestive effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort or appetite change that may occur with some cannabinoid medicines.
Cardiovascular Effects
Changes such as increased heart rate, palpitations or blood-pressure effects that may require assessment, particularly in people with cardiovascular conditions.
Liver Function Tests
Blood tests used to assess liver health. Some cannabinoid medicines and interacting treatments may require liver monitoring.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Cannabinoid medicines require specialist risk assessment during pregnancy, when trying to conceive and while breastfeeding. Patients should not start, stop or continue treatment without clinical advice.
Children and Young People
Patients under 18 require specialist paediatric assessment, age-appropriate consent and safeguarding. Evidence, licensing and treatment pathways differ from adults.
Older Adults
Older patients may be more sensitive to sedation, dizziness, falls, cognitive effects and interactions, requiring cautious assessment and monitoring.
Alcohol
Alcohol can add to sedation, impaired judgement and coordination. Patients should follow the prescriber's advice and avoid combining substances where impairment could occur.
Other Sedating Medicines
Medicines such as opioids, benzodiazepines, some antihistamines and sleep medicines can add to sedation or impairment. Combination risks require clinical review.
Excess Dose
Taking more than the prescribed amount or repeating doses too soon. Contact the clinical team, NHS 111 or emergency services according to symptoms and urgency.
Emergency Symptoms
Severe confusion, collapse, breathing difficulty, chest pain, seizure, extreme agitation, immediate self-harm risk or another life-threatening symptom requires emergency help through 999.
Driving, Travel & Lawful Possession
UK driving-law, possession, police, workplace-testing and international-travel terminology.
Drug Driving
Driving while unfit because of a legal or illegal drug, or committing the separate specified-limit offence. A prescription never permits driving while impaired.
Impairment Offence
The offence of driving, attempting to drive or being in charge while unfit through drugs. Lawful prescription does not provide a defence to actual impairment.
Specified-Limit Offence
The offence in England, Wales and Scotland of driving with a specified controlled drug above its legal blood limit, subject to the statutory medical defence where its conditions are met.
Statutory Medical Defence
A defence to the specified-limit offence where the drug was lawfully prescribed or supplied and taken in accordance with instructions. It does not protect a person who was impaired.
Roadside Drug Test
A police screening test that can detect drugs including cannabis. A positive screen can lead to further assessment and an evidential blood or urine test.
Field Impairment Assessment
A series of roadside observations and tasks used by police when they suspect a driver may be unfit through drugs.
Driving Advice
Individual advice from the prescriber or pharmacist about when not to drive, particularly during initiation, titration, dose changes or when side effects occur.
Lawful Possession
Possession authorised by law, such as a patient holding a controlled medicine dispensed to them under a valid prescription. Possession of cannabis without a lawful authority remains an offence.
Police Interaction
A situation in which police ask about possession or use. Calmly provide accurate information and, where available, labelled packaging, prescription evidence and matching identification.
Medical Cannabis Card
A private identification card may help communicate information, but no card replaces a lawful prescription, labelled medicine and other evidence of legal possession.
Cancard
A private card scheme. It is not a prescription, does not authorise possession of unprescribed cannabis and does not create the statutory medical defence for drug driving.
Workplace Drug Test
Drug testing under an employer or occupational policy. Prescribed THC may still produce a positive result, and employment or safety rules may require disclosure or occupational-health review.
Travel Letter
A signed clinician letter describing the patient, medicine, strength, dose, quantity and travel dates. It may support travel but does not override destination-country law.
Controlled Drug Travel Rules
Rules for carrying a controlled medicine into or out of the UK. Proof of prescription is important, and personal licences may be required in some circumstances.
Destination-Country Law
The law of the country or territory being entered or transited. A UK prescription does not automatically make medical cannabis lawful abroad.
Embassy Check
Contacting the embassy, high commission or relevant authority of the destination and transit countries before travel to confirm current medicine-import rules.
Personal Import Policy
The UK policy allowing certain visitors to carry a limited supply of lawfully prescribed Schedule 2 to 4 medicines for personal use, subject to conditions and evidence.
Three-Month Supply
The maximum quantity covered by the UK personal import policy for certain visiting patients. It is not a general outbound-travel allowance and other countries may permit less or none.
Domestic Travel
Travel within the UK with a prescribed medicine. Keep it securely in labelled packaging and carry evidence of prescription where practical.
Air Travel
Travel by aircraft with medicine. Airline security, airport rules and destination laws should be checked in advance, and medicine should remain in secure labelled packaging.
Northern Ireland Driving Law
Northern Ireland has separate road-traffic legislation from the specified-limit regime described for England, Scotland and Wales. Driving while unfit through drugs remains unlawful.
Conditions, Evidence & Research
Evidence and clinical-condition terms used in UK guidance. Inclusion in this glossary does not establish eligibility or recommend a treatment.
Indication
A disease, symptom or clinical circumstance for which a medicine is considered or used. An indication may be licensed, off-label or supported only in research.
Off-Label Use
Use of a licensed medicine outside the exact terms of its marketing authorisation, such as a different condition, age group, dose or route.
Evidence Base
The body of research, clinical guidance, safety data and professional experience available to support healthcare decisions.
Clinical Trial
A formally designed research study involving people that evaluates a treatment's effects, safety or use under an approved protocol.
Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT)
A study in which participants are assigned to different interventions by chance, commonly used to compare treatment outcomes and reduce bias.
Real-World Evidence
Evidence generated from routine clinical practice, registries or observational data rather than a traditional randomised trial. It can be useful but has different limitations.
NICE NG144
The NICE guideline covering cannabis-based medicinal products in intractable nausea and vomiting, chronic pain, spasticity and severe treatment-resistant epilepsy, together with prescribing considerations.
Treatment-Resistant / Refractory
A condition or symptom that has not responded adequately to appropriate established treatments. The threshold depends on the condition and clinical guidance.
Chronic Pain
Pain lasting or recurring over an extended period. Evidence and recommendations for cannabis-based medicines differ by product and pain type; the term does not imply routine eligibility.
Neuropathic Pain
Pain associated with a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system. Diagnosis and treatment require clinical assessment.
Spasticity
Abnormal muscle tightness or spasms caused by disrupted nerve signalling. Some licensed guidance relates specifically to multiple-sclerosis-associated spasticity.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
A neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord. Nabiximols is licensed for certain adults with MS-related spasticity when specified criteria are met.
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV)
Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Nabilone may be considered for certain adults when standard anti-sickness treatments are ineffective or unsuitable.
Severe Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy
Severe epilepsy that continues despite appropriate treatment. Specialist assessment and syndrome-specific evidence are essential.
Dravet Syndrome
A rare and severe epilepsy syndrome beginning in early childhood. Epidyolex is licensed for specified use under specialist care.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
A severe childhood-onset epilepsy syndrome with multiple seizure types. Epidyolex is licensed for specified use under specialist care.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
A genetic condition that can cause tumours and seizures. Epidyolex has a licensed role for specified seizure treatment under specialist care.
Palliative Care
Care focused on comfort, symptoms and quality of life for people with serious illness. Any use of an unlicensed medicine remains an individual specialist decision.
Symptom Control
Management intended to reduce the burden of a symptom rather than cure the underlying condition. Outcomes should be defined and reviewed.
Quality of Life
A broad assessment of physical, emotional and social wellbeing. It may be measured using validated questionnaires alongside symptom and safety outcomes.
Individual Clinical Assessment
A patient-specific evaluation of diagnosis, symptoms, risks, medicines, previous treatment and preferences. It is central to any prescribing decision.
Eligibility vs Diagnosis
A diagnosis may prompt assessment but does not by itself establish that medical cannabis is appropriate, safe or likely to be prescribed.
Benefit-Risk Balance
A clinical judgement comparing expected benefits with known and uncertain risks for the individual patient.
Patient Registry
A structured collection of information about patients, treatments and outcomes used for governance, monitoring or research.
UK Bodies, Law & Professional Standards
Organisations, legislation and governance terms relevant to medical cannabis services across the UK.
National Health Service (NHS)
The publicly funded health services of the UK. NHS prescribing pathways, funding and service arrangements differ across the four nations.
NHS England
The national body overseeing the NHS in England and publishing information and resources for prescribers and services.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
The organisation that produces evidence-based guidance and technology appraisals for health and care in England, with wider influence across the UK.
General Medical Council (GMC)
The UK regulator of doctors. It maintains the medical and Specialist Registers and sets professional prescribing and consent standards.
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The independent regulator of health and social care services in England. Relevant independent medical-cannabis services in England must meet applicable registration and quality requirements.
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
The UK regulator responsible for medicines, medical devices, marketing authorisations, manufacturing and wholesale licences, safety monitoring and the Yellow Card scheme.
Home Office
The government department responsible for controlled-drug policy, domestic controlled-drug licensing in Great Britain, and controlled-drug import and export licensing. Domestic controlled-drug licensing in Northern Ireland is handled by the Northern Ireland Department of Health.
Northern Ireland Department of Health Medicines Regulatory Group
The Northern Ireland authority responsible for domestic controlled-drug licensing and related medicines regulatory functions in Northern Ireland. Home Office requirements may still apply to import or export.
General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
The regulator of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and registered pharmacy premises in Great Britain.
Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI)
The regulator for pharmacists and registered pharmacy premises in Northern Ireland.
Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
The UK government department responsible for health and social care policy in England, including national medicines policy.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
The national organisation with regulatory and quality-improvement roles for independent healthcare and health services in Scotland.
Healthcare Inspectorate Wales
The independent inspectorate and regulator of healthcare in Wales.
Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA)
The independent body responsible for monitoring and inspecting health and social care services in Northern Ireland.
Human Medicines Regulations 2012
The principal framework governing the authorisation, manufacture, distribution, sale and supply of human medicines, including routes for unlicensed specials.
Regulation 167
The provision of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 supporting supply of certain unlicensed special medicinal products in response to individual patient needs.
Road Traffic Act 1988 Section 5A
The provision creating the specified controlled-drug driving offence and the statutory medical defence in England, Wales and Scotland.
Clinical Governance
Systems through which a healthcare organisation is accountable for quality, safety, professional standards, risk management and continuous improvement.
Audit
A structured comparison of practice against legal, clinical or organisational standards, followed by action where improvement is needed.
Safeguarding
Processes for protecting children and adults at risk from abuse, neglect, exploitation or avoidable harm.
Pharmacovigilance
The detection, assessment and prevention of adverse effects and other medicine-related safety problems.
Medicines Reconciliation
The process of creating the most accurate possible list of a patient's medicines and comparing it across transfers of care.
Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer (CDAO)
A designated senior officer responsible for oversight of controlled-drug governance in specified organisations.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
A documented instruction describing how a routine activity should be performed consistently and safely.
Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
International ethical and scientific quality principles for designing, conducting, recording and reporting clinical trials involving people.
Official UK Sources & Review Note
Last reviewed: 23 July 2026. These definitions are concise educational summaries. Law, clinical guidance, product licensing and professional standards can change, and individual cases remain fact-specific. A documented clinical and compliance review should be maintained before and after publication.
- NHS: medical cannabis and cannabis oils
- NICE guideline NG144: cannabis-based medicinal products
- GMC: information for doctors on CBPMs
- CQC: cannabis-based medicinal products
- NHS England: cannabis-based products for medicinal use
- Home Office: cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids factsheet
- MHRA: supply of unlicensed medicinal products and CBPM specials
- Legislation: Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, regulation 16A (Great Britain)
- Northern Ireland: Misuse of drugs legislation
- Northern Ireland legislation: 2018 CBPM amendment
- GOV.UK: drugs and driving law
- Legislation: Road Traffic Act 1988, section 5A
- GOV.UK: travelling with medicine containing controlled drugs
- MHRA Yellow Card reporting service
- GPhC: review of pharmacies supplying CBPMs
- Northern Ireland Department of Health: CBPM information