Medical cannabis glossary: UK terms explained
Where did you see the word?
101 terms
On a product
Words on product pages and in product names.
A label for a product with similar amounts of THC and CBD, such as an oil named T10:C10.
Where you will see it: On a few product pages, as the strain type. Browse products
An aroma compound found in cannabis and many other plants. Its scent is described as sweet. Producers report which terpenes are most abundant in a product; the directory lists them as they are reported and says nothing about what they do.
Where you will see it: On flower product pages, under terpenes, and as a filter on the flower list. Browse flower
The company name a product is sold under. A brand may grow its own plants or buy them from a cultivator.
Where you will see it: On every product page, and on the Brands pages. Browse brands
A chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. THC and CBD are the two given on every product; others, such as CBG and CBN, appear on some labels.
Where you will see it: On product pages, in the strength details. Browse products
An aroma compound found in cannabis and many other plants. Its scent is described as spicy and peppery. Producers report which terpenes are most abundant in a product; the directory lists them as they are reported and says nothing about what they do.
Where you will see it: On flower product pages, under terpenes, and as a filter on the flower list. Browse flower
CBD
CannabidiolThe second most studied cannabinoid. Non-intoxicating. Has anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and analgesic properties. Used in Epidyolex (licensed for epilepsy) and as a component in many unlicensed CBPMs.
Where you will see it: On every product page, as one of the two strengths on the label. Browse products
CBG
CannabigerolA cannabinoid found in small amounts in most cannabis. Some product labels list it.
Where you will see it: On some product pages, in the strength details. Browse products
CBN
CannabinolA cannabinoid that forms as THC ages. Some product labels list it.
Where you will see it: On some product pages, in the strength details. Browse products
A way of grouping cannabis products by their balance of THC and CBD. Type I is high in THC, Type II has both THC and CBD, and Type III is high in CBD.
Where you will see it: On most product pages, as "Type I", "Type II" or "Type III". Browse products
A specific variety of cannabis plant developed for a particular combination of cannabinoid and terpene content. In medical prescribing, cultivar names (e.g. 'Bedrocan', 'Adven EMT-2') indicate pharmaceutical standards, not recreational strain names.
Where you will see it: On the Strains pages. The directory uses "strain" for the same thing. Browse strains
The company that grows the plants a product is made from.
Where you will see it: On product pages, under supply chain, and on the Producers pages. Browse producers
The company that supplies a product to UK pharmacies.
Where you will see it: On product pages, under supply chain, and on the Producers pages. Browse producers
An aroma compound found in cannabis and many other plants. Its scent is described as spicy. Producers report which terpenes are most abundant in a product; the directory lists them as they are reported and says nothing about what they do.
Where you will see it: On flower product pages, under terpenes, and as a filter on the flower list. Browse flower
The Latin term used in prescriptions for dried cannabis flower (the herb), used for vaporisation. Not for smoking — medical cannabis flower is always vaporised.
Where you will see it: On flower products. Some producers use it in the product name. Browse flower
A cannabis extract containing the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds found in the original plant material — as opposed to an isolate (CBD alone) or broad-spectrum (CBD plus some other compounds, THC removed).
Where you will see it: On some oil and cartridge products. Browse oils
An aroma compound found in cannabis and many other plants. Its scent is described as earthy and spicy. Producers report which terpenes are most abundant in a product; the directory lists them as they are reported and says nothing about what they do.
Where you will see it: On flower product pages, under terpenes, and as a filter on the flower list. Browse flower
A strain bred from both indica and sativa plants. "Indica hybrid" and "sativa hybrid" say which side the breeder considers it closer to. These are breeders' labels for a plant's ancestry, not a measure of strength.
Where you will see it: On product and strain pages, as the strain type. Browse strains
The company licensed to bring a product into the UK.
Where you will see it: On product pages, under supply chain, and on the Producers pages. Browse producers
A traditional classification of cannabis plants associated with sedating effects. In medical prescribing, the indica/sativa classification is considered scientifically unreliable — cannabinoid and terpene content is what determines a product's effect, not its plant classification.
Where you will see it: On product and strain pages, as the strain type. Browse strains
Irradiation
Gamma, beta and non-irradiatedA treatment given to some dried flower after harvest to reduce bacteria and mould. Gamma irradiation uses gamma rays; beta irradiation, also called e-beam, uses a beam of electrons. A non-irradiated product has not had this treatment. Product descriptions say which applies when the producer has stated it.
Where you will see it: In the description on flower product pages. Browse flower
An aroma compound found in cannabis and many other plants. Its scent is described as citrus. Producers report which terpenes are most abundant in a product; the directory lists them as they are reported and says nothing about what they do.
Where you will see it: On flower product pages, under terpenes, and as a filter on the flower list. Browse flower
An aroma compound found in cannabis and many other plants. Its scent is described as floral, like lavender. Producers report which terpenes are most abundant in a product; the directory lists them as they are reported and says nothing about what they do.
Where you will see it: On flower product pages, under terpenes, and as a filter on the flower list. Browse flower
List price
RRPThe price a producer or importer recommends, usually per gram. Pharmacies set their own prices, so what you pay can differ.
Where you will see it: On product pages and cards. The Stock Finder shows what patients say they paid. Stock Finder
The terpenes present in the largest amounts in a product, as reported by its producer.
Where you will see it: On flower product pages and cards. Browse flower
An aroma compound found in cannabis and many other plants. Its scent is described as herbal and musky. Producers report which terpenes are most abundant in a product; the directory lists them as they are reported and says nothing about what they do.
Where you will see it: On flower product pages, under terpenes, and as a filter on the flower list. Browse flower
An aroma compound found in cannabis and many other plants. Its scent is described as woody and floral. Producers report which terpenes are most abundant in a product; the directory lists them as they are reported and says nothing about what they do.
Where you will see it: On flower product pages, under terpenes, and as a filter on the flower list. Browse flower
An aroma compound found in cannabis and many other plants. Its scent is described as herbal and sweet. Producers report which terpenes are most abundant in a product; the directory lists them as they are reported and says nothing about what they do.
Where you will see it: On flower product pages, under terpenes, and as a filter on the flower list. Browse flower
Cannabis extract in a carrier oil, taken by mouth and measured with a syringe or dropper. Its strength is given in milligrams per millilitre.
Where you will see it: As one of the product types. Browse oils
The company that packs and labels a product for supply.
Where you will see it: On product pages, under supply chain, and on the Producers pages. Browse producers
Pastille
EdibleA chewable sweet holding a measured amount. Its strength is the milligrams of THC and CBD in each one.
Where you will see it: As one of the product types. Browse edibles
Pinene
Alpha-pinene and beta-pineneAn aroma compound found in cannabis and many other plants. Its scent is described as pine. Producers report which terpenes are most abundant in a product; the directory lists them as they are reported and says nothing about what they do.
Where you will see it: On flower product pages, under terpenes, and as a filter on the flower list. Browse flower
Prescription name
Medical product nameThe name a product is prescribed and dispensed under, such as "T22" or "GG4 T23", together with its brand. It is the name to give your clinic and your pharmacy. The strain name is extra detail.
Where you will see it: At the top of every product page, as "Prescribed as". Browse products
A traditional classification of cannabis plants associated with energising effects. In medical prescribing, the sativa classification is considered unreliable — the cannabinoid and terpene profile determines the clinical effect.
Where you will see it: On product and strain pages, as the strain type. Browse strains
A named variety of the cannabis plant, such as Gorilla Glue #4. The same strain can be sold by several brands, each under its own prescription name, so a strain name alone does not identify a product.
Where you will see it: On product pages, beside the prescription name, and on the Strains pages. Browse strains
Strength
%, mg/g and mg/mlHow much THC or CBD a product contains. Flower is labelled as a percentage of its weight: 22% is 220 milligrams in each gram. Oils are labelled in milligrams per millilitre, cartridges in milligrams per gram or millilitre, and pastilles in milligrams each. Labels give a range, such as 19.8 to 24.2%, because a natural product varies from batch to batch.
Where you will see it: On every product page. Browse products
T and C numbers
As in T22 or T10:C10In a prescription name, T stands for THC and C for CBD, and the number is the labelled strength. For flower it is a percentage: T22 is about 22% THC. For oils and cartridges it is milligrams in each millilitre or gram: T10:C10 is about 10 of each. For pastilles it is milligrams in each one. The label allows a range either side, which the product page shows.
Where you will see it: In almost every product name. Browse products
Aromatic compounds found in the cannabis plant (and many other plants) that contribute to smell and may have therapeutic effects. Common terpenes in cannabis include myrcene, limonene, and linalool. They are thought to contribute to the entourage effect.
Where you will see it: On every flower product page, and as a filter on the product lists. Browse flower by terpene
An aroma compound found in cannabis and many other plants. Its scent is described as floral and herbal. Producers report which terpenes are most abundant in a product; the directory lists them as they are reported and says nothing about what they do.
Where you will see it: On flower product pages, under terpenes, and as a filter on the flower list. Browse flower
THC
TetrahydrocannabinolThe primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Responsible for the "high" associated with recreational use. At controlled therapeutic doses, THC has analgesic, antiemetic, muscle-relaxant, and sleep-promoting effects. The main active compound in most CBPM flower and high-THC oil prescriptions.
Where you will see it: On every product page, as one of the two strengths on the label. Browse products
THCA
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acidThe form in which THC is found in the raw plant. Heat, as in a vaporiser, turns it into THC. Some labels give THCA separately from THC.
Where you will see it: On some product pages, in the strength details. Browse products
A sealed cartridge of cannabis extract, used with a vaporiser device. Its strength is given in milligrams per gram or millilitre.
Where you will see it: As one of the product types. Browse vape cartridges
A device that heats dried cannabis flower to a temperature that releases cannabinoids as vapour without combustion. Required for prescriptions of cannabis flower. Medical-grade vaporisers (e.g. Mighty, Volcano Medic) are recommended.
Where you will see it: On flower and cartridge products, which are taken with one. Browse flower
On a clinic or pharmacy
Words on clinic and pharmacy pages and in price lists.
CQC
Care Quality CommissionThe independent regulator of health and social care in England. All medical cannabis clinics must be registered with the CQC to operate legally.
Where you will see it: On clinic pages and in the clinic list, as the rating from the last inspection. Browse clinics
The Care Quality Commission's verdict on a clinic in England after an inspection: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement or Inadequate. It rates whether the service is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.
Where you will see it: On clinic pages and clinic cards. Browse clinics
A pharmacy that supplies your medicine against a prescription a clinic has sent it. It cannot supply without one.
Where you will see it: On every pharmacy page, and on clinic pages as the pharmacy a clinic uses. Browse pharmacies
A charge some clinics make for sending your prescription to a pharmacy other than the one they normally use.
Where you will see it: In some clinic price lists. If your pharmacy cannot supply
The directory's own figure: the least you could pay a clinic in fees over your first twelve months, worked out from its price list. Medication is not included, and most patients need more appointments than the minimum.
Where you will see it: On clinic pages, clinic cards and the fee comparison. Clinic fees compared
A review appointment after treatment has started. Each clinic sets how often it needs them.
Where you will see it: In clinic price lists, as "General Consultation". Clinic fees compared
A list of approved medicines available through a clinic or pharmacy. Different clinics have access to different product formularies depending on their supplier relationships.
Where you will see it: On pharmacy pages, as the list of products the pharmacy supplies. Browse pharmacies
GPhC
General Pharmaceutical CouncilThe regulatory body for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Great Britain. Only GPhC-registered pharmacies can legally dispense cannabis-based medicinal products.
Where you will see it: On pharmacy pages, with the pharmacy's registration number and its last inspection result. Browse pharmacies
The result of a General Pharmaceutical Council inspection of a pharmacy: either every standard was met, or not all were. The GPhC publishes its inspection reports.
Where you will see it: On pharmacy pages and pharmacy cards. Browse pharmacies
The pharmacy a clinic normally sends its prescriptions to. You can ask for a different one, and some clinics charge for that.
Where you will see it: On clinic pages and clinic cards. Browse clinics
A clinic whose specialist doctors assess patients and write prescriptions. A clinic prescribes; a pharmacy dispenses.
Where you will see it: On every clinic page. Browse clinics
A charge some clinics make for cancelling a prescription and issuing it again, for example to change the product or the pharmacy.
Where you will see it: In some clinic price lists, as "Prescription Rewrite/Cancellation Fee". If your pharmacy cannot supply
Lower fees a clinic offers to particular groups, such as veterans, students or people receiving benefits.
Where you will see it: On clinic pages and on the schemes page. Reduced-fee schemes
What a clinic charges each time it issues a further prescription. Some clinics include it in a subscription.
Where you will see it: In clinic price lists, as "Repeat Prescription". Clinic fees compared
Sign-up consultation
First appointmentYour first appointment with a clinic, where a specialist decides whether to prescribe.
Where you will see it: In every clinic price list, as "Sign-Up Consultation". Clinic fees compared
A report from a patient or a pharmacy that a product was, or was not, in stock at a pharmacy on a given day. Reports are dated, shown for 14 days and not checked by the directory.
Where you will see it: On the Stock Finder, and on product and pharmacy pages. Stock Finder
Paying a clinic a fixed monthly or yearly fee that covers some or all of its appointments and prescriptions, in place of paying for each one.
Where you will see it: On clinics that offer more than one plan. Clinic fees compared
A letter from your clinic confirming what you have been prescribed, for carrying your medicine abroad. Some clinics charge for it.
Where you will see it: In some clinic price lists, as "Travel Letter Fee". Travelling abroad
Your prescription
Words about getting, moving and using a prescription.
A prescription for a medicine controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations, which includes cannabis-based medicines. It is valid for 28 days from the date on it.
Where you will see it: In the guide to what to do when your pharmacy is out of stock. If your pharmacy cannot supply
MDT
Multidisciplinary TeamA team of healthcare professionals from different disciplines who collaborate on patient care. Better medical cannabis clinics use MDT review before issuing prescriptions, involving specialists in the relevant condition.
A framework allowing doctors to prescribe unlicensed medicines for individual patients with a specific unmet clinical need. Most CBPM prescriptions in the UK are issued on this basis.
Where you will see it: In the guides, explaining how unlicensed products are prescribed. What CBPMs are
PLEA
Patient-Led Engagement for AccessA UK patient organisation focused on improving access to medical cannabis for patients, conducting surveys and advocacy work.
A prescription from a private clinic that you pay for yourself. Almost all medical cannabis prescriptions in the UK are private.
Where you will see it: Throughout the guides. NHS and private
Asking your clinic to send your prescription to a different pharmacy, usually because your product is out of stock where it was sent.
Where you will see it: On the Stock Finder, which writes the request to your clinic for you. Stock Finder
The General Medical Council's list of doctors who have qualified as specialists. Only a doctor on it may start a prescription for a cannabis-based medicine.
Where you will see it: In the guide to getting a prescription. How to get a prescription
Specials
Unlicensed SpecialsMedicines prepared or imported for an individual patient where no licensed product is available or suitable. The vast majority of CBPM prescriptions in the UK are unlicensed specials.
Where you will see it: In the guides, explaining how most products reach patients. What CBPMs are
The process of gradually adjusting a medicine dose to find the minimum effective dose while minimising side effects. Medical cannabis is almost always started at a low dose and slowly increased — "start low, go slow".
Where you will see it: In the guide to getting a prescription. How to get a prescription
A medicine that has no UK marketing authorisation. Most cannabis-based medicines prescribed in the UK are unlicensed and supplied as "specials", which is lawful when a specialist doctor prescribes them.
Where you will see it: In the guides. What CBPMs are
The law and the regulators
The Acts, the regulations and the bodies that enforce them.
ACMD
Advisory Council on the Misuse of DrugsAn independent expert body that advises the UK government on drug policy, including recommending the 2018 rescheduling of cannabis to allow medical prescribing.
Where you will see it: In the story of how medical cannabis became legal in 2018. Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?
CBPM
Cannabis-Based Medicinal ProductThe legal term in UK law for any preparation containing cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabinol, or cannabinol derivative produced for medicinal use. Defined in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 as amended in 2018.
Where you will see it: In the guides, as the legal name for a medical cannabis product. What CBPMs are
Drug Driving
Section 5A Road Traffic Act 1988The UK law making it an offence to drive with certain controlled drugs above specified limits in the blood. For THC, the limit is 2 micrograms per litre. A medical defence exists for those with a valid prescription who are not impaired.
Where you will see it: In the guide to driving on a prescription. Driving on a prescription
GMC
General Medical CouncilThe body that regulates doctors in the UK. Only doctors on the GMC Specialist Register can prescribe CBPMs. GPs, who are not on the Specialist Register, cannot prescribe medical cannabis.
Where you will see it: In the guide to getting a prescription: only a doctor on the GMC Specialist Register can prescribe. How to get a prescription
MHRA
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory AgencyThe UK government agency responsible for ensuring medicines and medical devices are safe and effective. The MHRA licenses medicines and oversees the supply of controlled drugs including CBPMs.
The primary UK law governing controlled substances. Cannabis remains a Class B drug under this Act. The 2018 amendment was to the separate Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 — it changed what could be prescribed, but didn't change cannabis's legal classification itself.
Where you will see it: In the guide to the law. Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?
The statutory instrument that controls how scheduled drugs can be used in medicine. The November 2018 amendment moved CBPMs from Schedule 1 (no medical use) to Schedule 2 (can be prescribed by authorised persons).
Where you will see it: In the guide to the law. Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?
NICE
National Institute for Health and Care ExcellenceThe body that produces evidence-based guidance on health conditions and treatments for use by the NHS. NICE guidance significantly influences NHS prescribing decisions. NICE has approved Epidyolex (TA614 and TA615) but has not recommended CBPMs for most other conditions through the NHS.
Where you will see it: In the guides, wherever NHS funding comes up. NHS and private
A classification under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 for controlled drugs with recognised medical uses. Schedule 2 drugs can be prescribed by authorised practitioners and dispensed by registered pharmacies. CBPMs were moved to Schedule 2 in November 2018.
Where you will see it: In the guide to the law. Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?
Medicines and conditions
The licensed medicines and the conditions they are licensed for.
CINV
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and VomitingNausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. A well-evidenced indication for cannabinoid medicines including nabilone.
Where you will see it: On the page about nausea caused by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-induced nausea
A severe form of epilepsy beginning in infancy, associated with frequent and prolonged seizures. Epidyolex (CBD oral solution) is NICE-approved and NHS-funded for this condition.
Where you will see it: On the epilepsy page, as one of the conditions the NHS funds Epidyolex for. Epilepsy
A pharmaceutical-grade CBD oral solution. The only fully licensed cannabis-based medicine in the UK with NICE approval. Indicated for seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients aged 2 and above. NHS-funded.
Where you will see it: In the guides to NHS funding. NHS and private
A severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy characterised by multiple seizure types and intellectual disability. Epidyolex is NICE-approved and NHS-funded for this condition.
Where you will see it: On the epilepsy page, as one of the conditions the NHS funds Epidyolex for. Epilepsy
A medicine that has received a Marketing Authorisation from the MHRA following full clinical trials. Epidyolex, Sativex, and Nabilone are the only licensed cannabis-based medicines in the UK. Most CBPMs are prescribed as 'unlicensed specials'.
Where you will see it: In the guides, to tell the three licensed medicines from the rest. What CBPMs are
A synthetic cannabinoid (not plant-derived) licensed in the UK for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting that has not responded to standard antiemetics. Available through oncology services.
Where you will see it: In the guides to NHS funding. NHS and private
Pain caused by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, rather than tissue injury. Characterised by burning, shooting, or electric shock-like sensations. Has one of the strongest evidence bases for cannabis-based treatment.
Where you will see it: On its own condition page. Neuropathic pain
Applied to the mucous membranes of the mouth. Sativex is an oromucosal spray, meaning it is sprayed inside the cheek or under the tongue for absorption through the mouth lining.
Sativex
NabiximolsAn oromucosal spray containing THC (2.7mg) and CBD (2.5mg) per spray in a 1:1 ratio. The only licensed cannabis-based medicine for MS-related spasticity in the UK. NHS-funded for qualifying MS patients who pass an initial trial.
Where you will see it: In the guides to NHS funding. NHS and private
Abnormal muscle stiffness and involuntary spasms. A common and disabling symptom of multiple sclerosis. Sativex is licensed specifically for MS spasticity.
Where you will see it: On the multiple sclerosis page. Multiple sclerosis
The science
Background terms from medicine and research.
Pain caused by a stimulus that does not normally provoke pain, such as light touch or clothing against the skin. Common in neuropathic pain conditions.
A drug that prevents or treats nausea and vomiting. Cannabinoids, particularly THC and nabilone, have antiemetic properties used in chemotherapy-induced nausea.
A medication or substance that reduces anxiety. CBD has well-documented anxiolytic properties.
CB1 Receptor
Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1A receptor found primarily in the central nervous system and brain. THC binds to CB1 receptors, producing its psychoactive and analgesic effects.
CB2 Receptor
Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2A receptor found mainly in immune cells and peripheral tissue. Associated with anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids.
A biological system present in all mammals that plays a role in regulating pain, mood, appetite, sleep, and immune function. THC and CBD interact with this system to produce their effects.
The hypothesis that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds work synergistically to produce greater therapeutic effects than any single compound alone. This underpins the preference for full-spectrum over isolated CBD products in clinical prescribing.
An abnormally heightened sensitivity to pain stimuli. Common in neuropathic pain and central sensitisation conditions.
IMC
Initial Medical ConsultationThe first appointment with a specialist at a medical cannabis clinic. The IMC involves a review of medical history, current medications, and an assessment of eligibility for cannabis-based treatment.
A cannabinoid produced naturally by the cannabis plant, as opposed to endocannabinoids (produced by the body) or synthetic cannabinoids (manufactured chemically). THC and CBD are phytocannabinoids.
REM Sleep
Rapid Eye Movement SleepThe sleep stage associated with vivid dreaming. THC suppresses REM sleep, which can reduce nightmares in PTSD but may affect overall sleep quality with long-term use.