“I want to ask my doctor about cannabis, but… what will they think?”
You’re not alone. More people than ever are turning to cannabis as a natural option for managing chronic pain, anxiety, sleep issues, and a host of other conditions.
But asking your GP about it can feel intimidating, especially in the UK, where medical cannabis is legal but still surrounded by stigma, misinformation, and bureaucratic red tape.
So, let’s break it down: What actually happens when you bring up cannabis with your doctor? Will it be on your records? Can it affect your care in the future?
This post is your guide – clear, honest, and grounded in facts, so you can walk into that appointment informed and empowered.
First, can you legally ask about cannabis in the UK?
Yes. Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since November 2018.
This means you are legally allowed to ask your doctor about it. Full stop.
In fact, medical cannabis can be prescribed by any specialist consultant listed on the General Medical Council’s Specialist Register.
GPs can’t prescribe it themselves, but they can refer you to a specialist, especially if you’ve exhausted conventional treatment options.
So if you’re dealing with chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety, PTSD, fibromyalgia, or other qualifying conditions, bringing it up with your doctor is not only within your rights, it’s a sign of taking your health seriously.
But what will Your doctor actually think?
This depends on the doctor. Let’s be honest: some GPs are open-minded and supportive. Others may be sceptical, dismissive, or simply uninformed.
Many doctors in the UK received little to no training in cannabinoid medicine. That’s not their fault, it’s just not yet embedded in the NHS curriculum. As a result, some default to saying, “There’s not enough evidence,” or “I can’t help you with that.”
But things are changing. The number of UK patients accessing medical cannabis through private clinics is rising rapidly.
According to the Care Quality Commission, there was a 118% increase in private prescriptions of unlicensed cannabis-based medicines between 2021 and 2023. Additionally, the number of patients at some clinics has increased more than tenfold, reflecting a growing demand for medical cannabis treatments.
Still, it’s wise to come prepared. If your goal is to have a productive conversation, not a defensive one, here are some tips:
5 smart tips before talking to your doctor about cannabis
- Be respectful and informed.
Approach it as a genuine medical inquiry. Say something like: “I’ve read that cannabis has helped people with [your condition], and I’d like to understand if it could be an option for me.” - Bring evidence.
A printout of peer-reviewed research or guidance from a clinic can help. - Be clear on your history.
Mention what treatments you’ve tried and how effective they were. Medical cannabis is typically considered when conventional treatments haven’t worked well or have caused significant side effects. - Know your rights.
If they shut down the conversation, remember: you’re legally allowed to seek treatment elsewhere, including private clinics. - Stay calm.
If your GP seems dismissive, it’s okay. You’re planting a seed. Often, doctors need time to catch up with patient demand and new science.
Will this be recorded in your medical records?
Yes, but don’t panic. Here’s what that really means:
Any conversation you have with your GP can be recorded in your medical notes. This includes discussions about cannabis.
But let’s be clear: this is not a criminal record, nor does it go on any national “watch list.” NHS records are used to track your care, not to judge you.
What might be written down? Something like: “Patient enquired about the use of medical cannabis for chronic back pain. Discussed current treatment options.”
That’s it.
Will it affect your insurance, employment, or future care? Highly unlikely.
In fact, having a record that shows you’ve explored various treatment options, including cannabis, can demonstrate that you’re proactive and engaged in managing your health.
Why more people are speaking up
As functional medicine advocates, we believe in self-empowerment, natural healing, and the freedom to explore safe, evidence-based alternatives, like cannabis.
Here’s why so many people in our community are now having that brave conversation with their doctor:
- They’re tired of side effects from pharmaceutical drugs.
- They want natural tools to manage stress, inflammation, pain, or sleep.
- They believe healing comes from understanding the root cause, not just masking symptoms.
- They value the connection between cannabis, the endocannabinoid system, and metabolic health.
Cannabis isn’t a silver bullet. But it can be a powerful piece of the puzzle, especially when paired with the right lifestyle changes: better nutrition, movement, light exposure, toxin removal, and stress reduction.
The reality check: NHS access is still rare
The bad news is, getting a cannabis prescription through the NHS is extremely rare right now.
As of 2024, over 1.8 million people in the UK are estimated to be using cannabis medicinally, but only a few thousand have NHS prescriptions.
Why? Mostly red tape, lack of education, and reluctance to embrace cannabis as medicine.
That’s why many patients turn to private cannabis clinics, which can offer legal, high-quality, medically supervised prescriptions, sometimes for as little as £5-10 per day depending on the condition.
If your GP refuses to refer you, you can go direct to a clinic that works with patients suffering from anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, ADHD, Tourette’s, PTSD and more.
Final thoughts:
Asking your doctor about cannabis doesn’t make you a “stoner.” It makes you an advocate for your own health.
You’re asking a valid question about a legal, evidence-supported therapy. And in a system that’s often slow to adapt, patients are the ones leading the change.
At High & Polite, we believe in empowering individuals to take control of their health. That means shining a light on natural options like cannabis, mushrooms, and metabolic lifestyle shifts.
So if you’re ready to bring it up, do it. Not just for you, but for the millions of others who will benefit when these conversations become normal.
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