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The number needed to treat for at least 30% pain reduction in a meta-analysis of inhaled cannabis for chronic neuropathic pain. The Journal of Pain
Of surveyed arthritis patients using CBD reported improvement in pain. Journal of Cannabis Research
The NICE definition of pain that persists or recurs beyond three months. NICE NG193
A 2016 systematic review estimated that just under 28 million UK adults lived with chronic pain. BMJ Open review
Could treatment be suitable?
A specialist may assess you if:
- You have a diagnosed condition or an established clinical history.
- Standard treatments have not helped enough or were unsuitable.
- You are 18 or over and live in the UK.
- Your records allow a doctor to review previous care and current medicines.
Overview
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is pain that continues or repeatedly returns for more than three months. It may be linked to an underlying condition, or it may continue without a single cause that fully explains its severity and impact.
Some people search for chronic pain syndrome or chronic pain disorder. Current NICE guidance instead distinguishes between chronic primary pain and chronic secondary pain, while recognising that both can exist together.
A good chronic pain treatment plan looks beyond a pain score. It considers sleep, mobility, emotional wellbeing, work, relationships, previous treatments and the goals that matter to the individual.
Symptoms
Common chronic pain symptoms
The experience varies by condition. Symptoms may be constant or may flare, and the effect on daily life can be as important as the location of the pain.
- Aching, burning, shooting or throbbing pain
- Stiffness or reduced movement
- Fatigue and disrupted sleep
- Pain flare-ups after activity or stress
- Reduced independence or ability to work
- Low mood, including the two-way link between depression and chronic pain
Evidence
What does the evidence say?
Specialist-led, individual review
THC and CBD interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is involved in pain signalling, sleep, mood and other functions. Individual responses vary, and cannabis pain relief should never be presented as certain. NICE does not recommend routinely offering cannabis-based medicinal products to manage chronic pain on the NHS. UK law nevertheless allows a doctor on the GMC Specialist Register to make an individual prescribing decision where clinically appropriate, after discussing evidence, uncertainty, side effects, interactions and alternatives.
- NICE does not recommend routinely offering cannabis-based medicinal products for chronic pain on the NHS.
- A specialist can still consider an individual prescribing decision after other options have been tried.
- Effects vary from person to person, so a full review of history and current medicines is required.
Conditions
Conditions and pain patterns we can assess
Suitability depends on your diagnosis, medical history, previous treatments and a specialist review. Listing a condition is not a promise that medical cannabis will be prescribed.
Back Pain
Long-term pain management strategies for persistent back pain.
Fibromyalgia
Holistic support for widespread pain and chronic fatigue symptoms.
Arthritis
Support for joint pain, inflammation and mobility challenges.
Sciatica
Review for nerve-related pain affecting comfort, mobility and sleep.
Why CannaRelief
What CannaRelief offers
Specialist-led, NICE-aligned assessment from the comfort of home, with your GP kept informed where you wish.
- GMC-registered specialists experienced in chronic pain
- Online consultations, with no GP referral required
- Individual benefit-and-risk review before any decision
- NICE-aligned clinical standards and ongoing monitoring
- NHS shared-care ready — we keep your GP informed where you wish
- Seen 7 days a week, from the comfort of home
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers on eligibility, suitability and legal prescribing in the UK.
What counts as chronic pain?
NICE defines chronic pain as pain that persists or recurs for more than three months. It may be chronic primary pain, chronic secondary pain caused by an underlying condition, or a combination of both.
Can medical cannabis treat chronic pain?
It is not a cure and benefit is not guaranteed. Evidence is mixed, and NICE does not recommend routinely offering cannabis-based medicinal products for chronic pain on the NHS. A doctor on the GMC Specialist Register may still assess whether a prescription is clinically appropriate on an individual basis after other options have been considered.
Is cannabis for pain relief legal in the UK?
Prescription cannabis-based products for medicinal use have had a legal prescribing route in the UK since 1 November 2018. Recreational cannabis remains illegal, and a legal medicine must be prescribed for you and used exactly as directed.
Can medical cannabis for arthritis be considered?
Arthritis can cause persistent joint pain, but research on cannabinoids for arthritis is mixed. A specialist must consider the diagnosis, treatments already tried, other medicines and the potential benefits and risks before deciding whether a prescription is appropriate.
How to use cannabis for pain relief safely?
Do not self-medicate or change prescribed medicines yourself. When medical cannabis is prescribed, the product, dose, method of administration and monitoring plan are set by the specialist and adjusted according to response and side effects.
What about cannabis for pain in elderly people?
Older adults can be assessed, but extra caution may be needed because of other health conditions, increased sensitivity to side effects and interactions with existing medicines. Suitability is decided individually by the prescribing specialist.
What causes chronic lower back pain?
Possible causes include disc or joint problems, arthritis, nerve irritation, previous injury and muscular or connective-tissue conditions. Sometimes no single cause is found. New weakness, numbness around the groin, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever or unexplained weight loss needs urgent medical assessment.
Find out whether a specialist assessment may be suitable
Complete a short eligibility check. A prescribing decision can only be made after a full clinical assessment.