What does NICE stand for?
NICE: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
The 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 privateRelated terms
- Epidyolex
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.
- ACMD (Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs)
An independent expert body that advises the UK government on drug policy, including recommending the 2018 rescheduling of cannabis to allow medical prescribing.
- CBPM (Cannabis-Based Medicinal Product)
The 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.
- Drug Driving (Section 5A Road Traffic Act 1988)
The 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.
- GMC (General Medical Council)
The 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.
This is a plain-language definition for general understanding, not medical or legal advice.
All 101 terms