CBPM stands for "Cannabis-Based Products for Medicinal Use in humans." This is the official UK legal term for any medicinal cannabis product that can be prescribed by specialist doctors since November 1, 2018.
Legal Definition
According to UK law, a CBPM is defined as any preparation or product that:
Contains cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabinol, or cannabinol derivatives (excluding dronabinol) Is produced for medicinal use in humans Is either a medicinal product OR a substance used as an ingredient in a medicinal product CBPMs can include oils, tinctures, dried flower for vaporisation, capsules, and other cannabis-derived formulations prescribed for medical conditions.
⚖️ Legal Status in the UK
The 2018 Legal Change: On November 1, 2018, the UK government rescheduled CBPMs from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. This historic change created a legal pathway for medical cannabis in the UK.
What this means:
CBPMs can be prescribed without a Home Office licence (by qualified specialists) Cannabis remains a Class B controlled drug for all other purposes Recreational cannabis use remains illegal Possession without a prescription is still an offence Who Can Prescribe?
Only specialist doctors listed on the General Medical Council's Specialist Register can prescribe CBPMs. This includes:
Consultant specialists in relevant fields Doctors with specialist training in specific conditions NOT general practitioners (GPs) or other healthcare professionals
🏥 Licensed vs Unlicensed CBPMs
Understanding the difference between licensed and unlicensed CBPMs is crucial for patients navigating the system.
Licensed CBPMs
These are fully approved medicines with a UK marketing authorisation. Currently, only a few exist:
Examples include:
Sativex (THC:CBD spray) - approved for MS spasticity Epidyolex (pure CBD) - approved for rare childhood epilepsies (Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome)
Advantages:
Undergone full clinical trials for safety and efficacy Available on NHS (though access remains limited) Standard pharmaceutical quality controls Clear dosing and administration guidance
Unlicensed CBPMs ("Specials")
These are unlicensed medicines manufactured to individual patient specifications. The vast majority of UK CBPM prescriptions are unlicensed products.
Key characteristics:
Made under "specials" regulations for individual patients Prescribed when licensed alternatives are unavailable or unsuitable Require specialist doctor's specification and oversight Private prescription only - not available on NHS
Manufacturing requirements:
Must be manufactured to EU-GMP standards Requires Home Office domestic licence for manufacturer Specialist importer needs Home Office import licence Full audit trail from cultivation to patient
Why Are Most CBPMs Unlicensed?
The licensing process for new medicines typically takes 10-15 years and costs millions of pounds. Cannabis contains hundreds of compounds in different ratios, making standardised products challenging to develop and license. Unlicensed "specials" allow doctors to prescribe specific formulations tailored to individual patient needs while maintaining safety standards.
🚫 What CBPMs Are NOT
Important clarifications:
Not recreational cannabis - CBPMs are medical products with specific formulations Not over-the-counter CBD products - these are unregulated and not considered CBPMs Not "hemp oil" - industrial hemp products don't meet CBPM definition Not herbal supplements - CBPMs are classified as medicines
📋 Legal Requirements for Patients
Valid Prescription Requirements
To legally possess CBPMs, patients must have:
Prescription from GMC Specialist Register doctor Prescription label showing patient name, product details, prescriber information Proof of specialist consultation and clinical need Important Legal Protections
Driving: CBPMs don't provide automatic protection against drug-driving charges Workplace: No legal requirement for employers to accommodate CBPM use Travel: Domestic travel is permitted with valid prescription; international travel requires additional documentation
🔍 Product Categories
Common CBPM Types
Oils/Tinctures - liquid formulations for sublingual or oral use Dried Flower - for vaporisation (NOT smoking, which remains illegal) Capsules - standardised oral doses Topicals - creams or balms for localised application
THC vs CBD Content
High-THC products - typically for pain, spasticity, appetite High-CBD products - typically for epilepsy, anxiety, inflammation Balanced ratios - combining both cannabinoids for various conditions
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