What Are CBMPs? Understanding Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products

In the UK, a product is classified as a CBPM if it meets three criteria: it contains cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabinol, or a cannabinol derivative; it is produced for medicinal use in humans; and it is a medicinal product or ingredient of a medicinal product.

This strict definition separates CBMPs from other cannabis or CBD products found in health shops. Over-the-counter CBD products are food supplements, not medicines — they are not subject to the same quality controls, and the evidence for their efficacy is much weaker. Prescribed CBMPs are pharmaceutical-grade preparations with guaranteed potency and purity.

CBMPs come in several forms, each suited to different conditions and patient preferences. Dried flower is inhaled via a medical vaporiser — never smoked — and provides rapid onset of effects, making it useful for acute symptom relief. Sublingual oils are drops placed under the tongue, which take 15–45 minutes to act but provide longer-lasting effects. Capsules are swallowed like a tablet and provide consistent, predictable dosing. Vape cartridges are inhaled for fast-acting relief, similar to dried flower.

Your prescribing clinician will recommend the most appropriate product type based on your condition, lifestyle, and individual response to treatment.

The two most clinically significant compounds in CBMPs are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for pain relief, appetite stimulation, and sleep improvement. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound with anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and anti-epileptic properties.

Most prescriptions combine both compounds in ratios tailored to the individual patient's needs. CBD-dominant products (high CBD, low or no THC) are typically used for anxiety, epilepsy, and inflammatory conditions. THC-dominant products are used for severe pain, MS spasticity, and cancer-related symptoms. Balanced products (roughly equal CBD:THC) are used for chronic pain and sleep disorders.

One of the most important distinctions between medical cannabis and recreational cannabis is quality control. CBMPs are produced to pharmaceutical standards — they are tested for potency, purity, and the absence of contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial pathogens.

Recreational cannabis, by contrast, is unregulated. Its potency is unknown, it may contain harmful contaminants, and there is no clinical oversight of its use. Using recreational cannabis instead of prescribed CBMPs is both illegal and potentially dangerous. MEDCANN Pharmacy only dispenses products from licensed manufacturers that meet the highest quality standards.

In the UK, CBMPs can only be dispensed by a pharmacy that holds a Home Office licence to handle Schedule 2 controlled drugs. This is a stringent requirement that ensures the security and integrity of the supply chain.

When your prescription is received by MEDCANN Pharmacy, our dispensing team verifies it against our records, checks for any drug interactions, and prepares your medication with full pharmaceutical labelling. Your medication is then dispatched via a secure, tracked courier service directly to your home address.

Every dispensing step is documented and auditable. You will receive a dispensing summary with each delivery, which you should retain as part of your medical records. If you have any questions about your medication, our pharmacists are available to advise you.

Proper storage of your CBMPs is essential for maintaining their potency and safety. Dried flower products should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place — away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Oils should be stored upright in a cool, dark cupboard. Capsules should be stored as directed on the packaging, typically at room temperature.

All CBMPs must be kept out of reach of children and pets. Because they are Schedule 2 controlled drugs, you are legally responsible for their secure storage. Do not share your medication with anyone else — this is a criminal offence. If your medication is lost or stolen, contact MEDCANN Pharmacy immediately so that we can advise you on the appropriate steps.