Starting Your Medical Cannabis Journey
Getting your medical cannabis prescription in the UK can feel like a breakthrough. Finally, you’ve got access. But then comes the next question: how exactly are you meant to use it?
Clinics might list your options: flower, oils, capsules, maybe even vape cartridges. But they often stop short of giving you clear, practical guidance. No one explains how each method works, how long it lasts, or what to expect once it kicks in.
Alternaleaf and other licensed clinics have made this process more accessible, but once your prescription arrives, it’s still up to you to figure out how to use it properly day-to-day.
This guide is for UK patients who want real-world info on how to consume medical cannabis. Whether you’re new to cannabis altogether or just new to using it medically, this post walks you through the key types currently prescribed, how they work, how to use them, and who they’re best suited for. You can also explore more guides in our Knowledge Hub.
Understanding the Different Ways to Take Medical Cannabis
After you’re prescribed medical cannabis, you’ll usually be given one or more types — like flower, oil, capsules, or vape carts. But each method works differently, and how you use it can make a big difference in how well it helps.
Some options are fast-acting, others are more steady and long-lasting. Some are better suited to day use, others for sleep or background symptom control.
Below is a straightforward breakdown of the main methods prescribed in the UK — what they do, how to take them, and who they tend to work best for.
🌿 Flower (Inhaled via Vaporiser)
Cannabis flower is commonly prescribed in the UK and is intended for inhalation through a dry herb vaporiser, not smoking.
How to Use:
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Store in an airtight jar with a humidity pack (learn more in our complete storage guide)
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Lightly break down your flower — avoid overgrinding
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Gently load your vaporiser (not too tightly packed)
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Start low (around 170–180°C) and adjust as needed
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Clean your device regularly to prevent build-up
What to Expect:
🕒 Onset: Often felt within a few minutes, but may build more gradually for some
⏳ Duration: Can vary widely — some sessions last under an hour, others linger for several
⚕️ Used For: Fast-acting symptom relief, full-spectrum cannabinoid and terpene intake, and flexible dosing throughout the day
💡 Great For: Patients who want control over dosing or prefer a whole-plant experience
Looking for a grinder that preserves potency? Read our Flower Mill Premium Grinder Review.
💧 Sublingual Oils
Sublingual oils are taken under the tongue and absorbed through your saliva and oral tissue. They’re common for both daytime and bedtime dosing.
How to Use:
Shake the bottle before each dose
Use the dropper to place oil under the tongue
Hold for 60 seconds, then swallow
Avoid food or drink for 15–20 minutes after
What to Expect:
🕒 Onset: Often begins within 30–90 minutes, depending on metabolism, diet, and time of day
⏳ Duration: Typically steady over several hours, with a slower taper compared to inhaled types
⚕️ Used For: Baseline symptom control, general anxiety, sleep, pain management, or inflammation
💡 Great For: Patients seeking smoke-free, discreet relief without fluctuations in effect
🧠 How to Track Effects & Dial In Your Dose
Once you’ve tried a few types of medical cannabis, the next step is making sure it’s actually working for you. Not every method suits every patient — and effects can vary based on timing, product, and even diet.
Here’s how to start building a routine that’s personalised and effective:
📝 Keep a Simple Use Journal
Tracking your use is key. Even just jotting things down in your phone can help. Start by noting:
- What you take – include product type, dose, and time of day
- How you feel – record relief, side effects, duration, or anything unexpected
- What you adjust – small changes over time can help you fine-tune your dose without overdoing it
🧩 Combine Methods Thoughtfully
Many UK patients find success with a layered approach — using different types for different times or symptoms:
- Flower or carts for fast, situational relief
- Oils or capsules for steady background control
- Small doses more often, rather than one large hit
💊 Capsules & Pastilles
How to Use:
- Swallow capsules whole with water
- Chew or dissolve pastilles slowly
- Stick to your prescribed schedule
What to Expect:
🕒 Onset: Can take 1–2 hours to activate, particularly if taken with food
⏳ Duration: Usually long-lasting — some patients report effects for 6+ hours depending on dose and tolerance
⚕️ Used For: Sustained relief from chronic symptoms such as pain, insomnia, or spasticity
💡 Great For: Patients with poor lung health, those new to cannabis, or anyone who prefers consistent, pill-like dosing
🔋 Vape Cartridges (Distillate & Rosin)
How to Use:
- Use a 510-thread battery set to a low voltage (2.5–3.0V is often recommended)
- Take short puffs (1–2 seconds) and wait between doses
- Store cartridges upright and away from direct heat or sunlight
- Avoid high voltages — especially with rosin — to help preserve terpenes
What to Expect:
🕒 Onset: Often felt within minutes, though some extracts have a delayed or creeping onset
⏳ Duration: Varies by extract — may be short or sustained depending on product and tolerance
⚕️ Used For: Fast access to cannabinoids, breakthrough symptom relief, and portable dosing
💡 Great For: Patients needing fast, discreet, and low-fuss relief while out or travelling
🧾 Final Thoughts on Using Medical Cannabis in the UK
The way you use your prescription matters just as much as what’s in it. Whether you’ve been prescribed flower, oils, capsules or vape carts, knowing how each type works helps you get more reliable results — and fewer surprises.
There’s no one-size-fits-all routine. You’ll likely find that some methods work better for certain symptoms or times of day. The key is starting slow, tracking how you respond, and adjusting with purpose. If something isn’t working, that’s okay — you’re allowed to change it.
Trusted providers like Cantourage Clinic — recently named European Clinic of the Year — are also leading the way in patient support, helping you tailor your treatment to your needs with clinical oversight.
If you take the time to learn how each type of medical cannabis is meant to be used, you’ll waste less, feel more in control, and get closer to the relief you’re after.
📦 Tools and Storage to Support Your Medical Cannabis Routine
The right accessories make a difference. Whether you’re storing flower or measuring out oils, using the right tools helps keep your sessions consistent and your prescription fresher for longer.
Explore trusted gear used by real UK patients:
Common Questions from UK Patients
Honest answers for people navigating their medical cannabis routine in the UK.
What’s the best way to start with medical cannabis?
Start low and slow. Choose a time when you’re relaxed and not rushed. Use small doses, track how you feel, and build from there.
Can I mix different types of medical cannabis products?
Yes. Many patients combine faster-acting formats (like flower or vape carts) with longer-lasting ones (like oils or capsules) to manage symptoms more consistently throughout the day.
How should I store medical cannabis properly?
For flower, definitely use an airtight jar with a humidity pack to prevent terpene loss and overdrying. Oils and capsules should be stored in a cool, dark place — away from heat and sunlight.
How long does medical cannabis take to work?
It depends on the format:
Flower or vape carts: often within minutes
Oils: 30 to 90 minutes
Capsules or pastilles: up to 2 hours
Always wait before redosing — effects can build gradually.
Can I travel with a UK medical cannabis prescription?
Within the UK, yes — always carry your cannabis in its original packaging with your prescription label. For travel abroad, consult your clinic and check laws for your destination country in advance.
