Unlicensed cannabis products are those that are not registered by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for legal supply in the UK. They can only be prescribed by authorised doctors under certain conditions and with MHRA approval¹. According to the MHRA, there are four categories of unlicensed cannabis products based on the proportion of cannabidiol (CBD) content compared with the total cannabinoid content of the medicine². The most common reasons for prescribing unlicensed cannabis products are chronic pain and anxiety, but the evidence for their effectiveness and safety is limited and varies by condition¹. There is currently only one cannabis product that is a registered medicine in the UK – Nabiximols (marketed as Sativex)⁴.

Some of the unlicensed cannabis products available in the UK are:

**Bedrocan: An Introduction and In-depth Look** Bedrocan is a highly reputable company based in the Netherlands, with a specialized focus on the cultivation and production of medical cannabis. The company has carved a substantial niche in the burgeoning cannabis industry, garnering significant attention and respect due to its stringent quality control measures, innovative research and development efforts, and its wide range of high-quality cannabis products. Bedrocan’s portfolio consists of a diverse array of cannabis products, each with distinct Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) ratios. THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis, responsible for the euphoric and psychoactive effects often associated with its usage. In contrast, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, widely known for its potential therapeutic benefits in managing anxiety, pain, and certain seizure disorders. By offering products with varying THC and CBD ratios, Bedrocan effectively caters to a vast array of patient needs, acknowledging that cannabis’s therapeutic efficacy varies significantly based on its chemical composition. Furthermore, Bedrocan’s operation isn’t confined within Dutch borders. The company has made significant strides in expanding its global reach, with one of its most notable markets being the United Kingdom. Bedrocan products are securely and legally imported into the UK under a Manufacturer’s Specials Licence. This specialized license allows the importation of unlicensed medicinal products when there is an unmet clinical need, ensuring that Bedrocan’s superior quality cannabis can reach patients who require it in the UK. Once imported, these products are distributed to the patients in need, primarily through local pharmacies and retail pharmacy businesses. This process ensures that Bedrocan’s products reach the hands of those who need them most, bolstering the company’s reputation as a reliable provider of medicinal cannabis. The company’s commitment to quality control, its adherence to regulatory standards for importation, and its robust distribution network all play crucial roles in establishing Bedrocan as a trusted name in the global medicinal cannabis industry. In the UK, Bedrocan’s products are typically prescribed by a specialist doctor and can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for a variety of conditions. These include chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and certain forms of epilepsy. The company’s commitment to reliable, high-quality cannabis products, combined with its innovative, patient-focused approach, has allowed Bedrocan to position itself as a leading provider in the medical cannabis market. As the scientific community continues to uncover more about the therapeutic potentials of cannabis, Bedrocan stands ready to meet the evolving needs of patients worldwide.

– **Tilray**: Tilray is a globally recognized Canadian company that specializes in the production and distribution of a diverse range of cannabis products. Situated in Nanaimo, British Columbia, the company was founded in 2013, marking its place as one of the pioneers in the cannabis industry. It has since grown exponentially and has been known for its dedicated efforts towards research and development of high-quality cannabis products. Tilray’s product range is nothing short of extensive. It includes various forms of cannabis products designed to cater to a wide array of consumer preferences. These products encompass oils, capsules, and flowers. The oils, extracted using state-of-the-art technology to ensure purity and consistency, provide an alternative method for consumers who prefer not to smoke. They are packaged with precision to maintain their quality and potency. On the other hand, the capsules offer consumers a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis. They are accurately dosed, making them ideal for medicinal purposes as they allow for a controlled intake. The flowers, which are grown under careful supervision to ensure their quality, offer consumers the traditional method of consumption. Tilray’s operation is not just limited to Canada; they have a significant international reach. Among the numerous countries they export to, the United Kingdom (UK) stands as a primary market. The company’s products are imported into the UK via a Manufacturer’s Specials Licence. This license, granted by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK, allows the import of unlicensed medicinal products, such as cannabis products, for use on a ‘named patient’ basis where the licensed product is unavailable. Once in the UK, Tilray’s products are supplied by pharmacies or retail pharmacy businesses. These establishments are authorized to sell Tilray’s products to patients who have a valid prescription. This process ensures that the products are used responsibly and for the right reasons, primarily for medical purposes. It is also noteworthy that Tilray’s products are supplied under strict regulatory frameworks. The distribution process is closely monitored by relevant authorities to ensure compliance with all necessary regulations. This ensures the safe use of the products and provides the reassurance that consumers are receiving authentic, high-quality cannabis products. In conclusion, Tilray stands as a beacon in the cannabis industry, known for its unwavering commitment to quality and safety. Its growth and global reach exemplify the growing acceptance and demand for cannabis products, particularly for medicinal use. Despite the challenges that the cannabis market often faces due to regulatory issues, Tilray continues to thrive and deliver products that meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

**MediPharm Labs**: Renowned for their expertise in the cannabis industry, MediPharm Labs is a pioneer and a stalwart in the medicinal cannabis sector hailing from the heart of Canada. With a primary focus on producing top-tier cannabis oil products, they have carved a niche for themselves as a leader in the production and distribution of such products, setting a high bar for their competitors in the pharmaceutical world. The products manufactured by MediPharm Labs are not confined within the boundaries of their origin country but have gained a global footprint, extending to several international markets. A key part of their overseas market is the United Kingdom where their products are imported via a Manufacturer’s Specials Licence. This license, issued by the UK government, allows companies to manufacture and supply unlicensed medicinal products that meet the special needs of patients. By possessing this license, MediPharm Labs successfully adheres to the stringent regulatory environment of the UK and satisfies the specific needs of patients who are not sufficiently responsive to licensed medicines. MediPharm Labs products arrive in the UK with the intention of being supplied by pharmacies or retail pharmacy businesses³ . These retail pharmacies, whose role is to dispense medications to consumers under the prescription of healthcare professionals, serve as the bridge between MediPharm Labs and the end-users, ensuring that the latter receive their required medicinal cannabis products. This distribution model not only ensures that the products reach the consumers, but also that they are dispensed in a controlled, regulated manner, adhering to the strict laws regarding the use of medicinal cannabis in the UK. The cannabis oil products offered by MediPharm Labs come in an array of different ratios of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), the two primary active ingredients in cannabis. These ratios are finely tuned to cater to the diverse needs of their patients. THC is the psychoactive component that imparts a ‘high’ effect, while CBD is non-psychoactive and known for its therapeutic effects such as relieving pain and reducing anxiety. By adjusting the proportions of THC and CBD, MediPharm Labs ensures that their products can be used to treat a variety of ailments, providing an alternative, natural form of treatment to patients. With its robust expertise, MediPharm Labs has truly revolutionized the cannabis oil product market, marking its territory not just in Canada but also within the UK and beyond. Their dedicated efforts in delivering superior quality cannabis products, coupled with a strong distribution model, have earned them a reputation of goodwill and trust among their consumers.

(1) Supply unlicensed medicinal products (specials) – GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supply-unlicensed-medicinal-products-specials.

(2) Cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) – NHS England. https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use-cbpms/.

(3) Rescheduling of cannabis-based products for medicinal use in … – GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/circular-0182018-rescheduling-of-cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use-in-humans/rescheduling-of-cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use-in-humans-accessible-version.

(4) NHS Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Committee Advice to Chief …. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Cannabis-QA-considerations-final-v.3.pdf.

(5) The supply, manufacture, importation and distribution of unlicensed …. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5e58eefb86650c53a363f77c/Cannabis_Guidance__unlicensed_CBPMs__updated_2020.pdf.

(6) Supply unlicensed medicinal products (specials) – GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supply-unlicensed-medicinal-products-specials.