Medical cannabis is set to become available on prescription in the UK after the government approved a law to permit medicines derived from the cannabis plant. According to the Home Office, cannabis-based medicines can be legally prescribed by general practitioners “by the autumn.”

“Following advice from two sets of independent advisers, I have taken the decision to reschedule cannabis-derived medicinal products – meaning they will be available on prescription,” said Interior minister Sajid David.

Interior Minister Sajid David approves medical cannabis in the UK

Mr. Javid has played an important role in the legalization of medical cannabis in the UK. He announced the decision after getting involved in the highly publicized case of Billy Caldwell.

The 12-year-old boy uses medicinal-grade cannabis oil to treat his epileptic seizures. His mother Samantha Caldwell fought for access to cannabis oil after it was confiscated at Heathrow Airport upon his return from Canada, where he was prescribed the oil by a licensed physician.

National debate ensued and, following reviews from experts in the field, cannabis-derived medicinal products have been rescheduled.

“Recent cases involving sick children made it clear to me that our position on cannabis-related medicinal products was not satisfactory,” Javid said. “This will help patients with an exceptional clinical need.”

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) conducted the second part of the review. This British statutory non-departmental public body wants doctors to prescribe medicinal cannabis medicines that have been developed in accordance with safety standards.

Cannabis will not be legalized for recreational use in UK

Cannabis consumers in the UK shouldn’t get too excited at the prospect of getting legal weed. Mr. Javid has confirmed that the decision to legalize medical cannabis in the UK is “in no way a first step to the legalization of cannabis for recreational use.”

Anyone who is caught in possession of cannabis, which is a scheduled class B drug in the UK, will be punished with a maximum of five years in prison and an unlimited fine. Dealers of cannabis won’t get off lightly, either. The potential punishment for dealers is a 14-year stint behind bars.

Billy Caldwell’s mother rejoiced upon hearing the news that medical cannabis will be rescheduled in the UK, describing it as “incredible.”

”For the first time in months I’m almost lost for words, other than ‘thank-you Sajid Javid,’” said Ms. Caldwell. “That the Home Secretary has announced that medicinal cannabis can now be prescribed by GPs on Billy’s 13th birthday is amazing. I wonder if he knew? Never has Billy received a better birthday present, and never from somebody so unexpected.”

The ACMD is expected to place cannabis-derived medicinal products in Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.