Cannabis has been used for medical purposes for thousands of years. Cannabis contains cannabinoids, active compounds that stimulate the body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS) by binding to its receptors. The ECS is a complex cell-signalling system that plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes in the brain, nervous system and elsewhere in the body such as pain, mood, inflammation and sleep.
In November 2018, UK regulation was amended to allow doctors on the specialist register of the General Medical Council to prescribe medical cannabis. These prescribed products are known as Cannabis Based Products for Medicinal Use (CBPMs) and have more stringent regulatory requirements than over the counter CBD wellness products.