Medical cannabis has been legal in Northern Ireland since November 2018, but access is tightly regulated. Prescriptions are lawful, yet they are not part of routine NHS care and are typically issued following specialist consultations.
This page explains how medical cannabis works in Northern Ireland, what is legal, who may be considered for treatment, and the limits of current evidence, without promotion or exaggerated claims.
Is medical cannabis legal in Northern Ireland?
Yes. Cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) are legal in Northern Ireland when prescribed by a doctor on the UK Specialist Register.
This applies across the UK under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations.
Important points:
- Cannabis is not available without a prescription
- Possession without a valid prescription is an offence under UK law
- Prescribing is regulated and monitored
Legal status does not mean unrestricted access.
How medical cannabis is prescribed in Northern Ireland
NHS access
In theory, the NHS can prescribe medical cannabis. In practice, NHS prescriptions are extremely rare and limited to a small number of specific circumstances following specialist approval.
For most patients in Northern Ireland, NHS access is not currently a realistic route.
Private specialist prescribing
Most legal prescriptions are issued privately by specialist doctors. This process usually involves:
- A medical assessment by a specialist clinician
- Review of medical history and previous treatments
- Consideration of risks, benefits, and alternatives
- Ongoing follow-ups if treatment is approved
A prescription is never guaranteed, and doctors are expected to prescribe cautiously.
Northern Ireland–specific considerations
Medical cannabis is legal in Northern Ireland, but access works differently than some might expect:
- There are no physical medical cannabis clinics based in Northern Ireland
- Consultations are typically carried out via remote appointments, usually by video call
- Prescribing doctors are based elsewhere in the UK
- Prescriptions issued under UK law are valid in Northern Ireland
- Medication is dispensed and delivered from outside Northern Ireland
This remote model is lawful and commonly used, but it can cause confusion for patients expecting local clinics or in-person services.
What conditions may be considered?
There is no automatic entitlement to medical cannabis and no fixed list of qualifying conditions. Prescribing decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, based on clinical judgement and available evidence.
UK specialist doctors may consider medical cannabis for conditions including:
- Chronic pain
- Certain neurological conditions
- Inflammatory bowel conditions, such as Crohn’s disease
- Some mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Palliative care and long-term symptom management
Important context:
- Evidence strength varies significantly by condition
- Many prescriptions are considered off-label
- Mental health prescribing is typically cautious and closely monitored
- Cannabis is usually considered after other treatments have been tried
This information is descriptive, not an endorsement.
What forms of medical cannabis can be prescribed?
Depending on clinical judgement, prescriptions may include:
- Cannabis oils or oral solutions
- Vaporiser carts
- Lozenges, dummies
- Flower intended for vaporisation only
Smoking cannabis is not a legal medical route.
All prescribed products are regulated and pharmaceutical-grade.
Evidence, risks, and limitations
Medical cannabis is often misunderstood. It is not:
- A cure-all
- Risk-free
- Suitable for everyone
- A replacement for all other treatments
Potential risks include side effects, interactions with other medications, dependency concerns, and mental health impacts. These are part of what prescribing doctors assess.
Research into medical cannabis is ongoing. Some uses are supported by stronger evidence than others, while many remain limited or mixed.
The UK’s cautious prescribing framework reflects this reality.
Harm reduction and informed decision-making
Medical cannabis should be approached like any other prescribed treatment:
- With realistic expectations
- With full disclosure to healthcare providers
- With awareness of both risks and potential benefits
CannabisNI provides factual, Northern Ireland–specific information to help people understand the law and make informed choices.
Frequently asked questions
Can my GP prescribe medical cannabis?
In practice, no. Prescriptions must be issued by a specialist doctor on the UK Specialist Register. GPs may be involved in shared care but do not usually initiate prescriptions.
Is it legal to have medical cannabis delivered to Northern Ireland?
Yes. Medication prescribed under UK law can be legally dispensed and delivered to Northern Ireland.
Do I need to carry proof of prescription?
It is sensible to keep a copy of your prescription or patient documentation, particularly when travelling with medication.
Is medical cannabis the same as street cannabis?
No. Prescribed products are regulated, standardised, and issued for specific medical use under clinical supervision.
Does medical cannabis work for everyone?
No. Responses vary widely, and some people experience limited benefit or unwanted side effects.
