Can a GP Prescribe Plant-Based Medication in the UK?

 

One of the most common misunderstandings is whether a GP can prescribe cannabis-based medicines in the UK.

They cannot.

Treatment can only be initiated by a doctor listed on the GMC Specialist Register.

However, GPs still play an important role. They provide the medical background that specialists rely on when assessing suitability. Not everyone will be eligible, and decisions are always made on an individual basis.

What your GP typically helps with:
 • Providing medical records and treatment history
 • Confirming previous diagnoses
 • Sharing information on past and current treatments
 • Supporting ongoing care where appropriate

What they do not do:
 • Initiate treatment
 • Decide eligibility for cannabis-based medicine

Understanding this distinction helps patients approach the process more clearly.

Within services such as LeafEase, this information forms part of a structured assessment led by specialist doctors.

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