Working draft — Scientific review: pending | Regulatory review: pending | Not for external clinical or promotional use without independent verification
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Public & PrescriberLast reviewed: April 2026

Evidence Matrix by Indication

Train prescribers to use the CannabinoidEvidence.org matrix properly.

Learning Objectives

Understand evidence levels 1-5
Know which indications are licensed, emerging, or research-only
Know which molecule has the strongest evidence by indication
Understand why inclusion in the matrix is not a prescribing recommendation

Core Content

The evidence matrix organises cannabinoid clinical evidence by indication, molecule, evidence level, and UK regulatory status.

It is a clinical reference tool, not a prescribing recommendation.

Each row represents an indication with the molecule showing the strongest supporting evidence.

Key Takeaways

  • 1The matrix is a reference tool, not a prescribing recommendation
  • 2Five evidence levels from licensed (1) to preclinical (5)
  • 3Only 5 indications have Level 1 licensed evidence
  • 4Emerging indications require further research before clinical use
  • 5Each case requires patient-specific clinical justification

Knowledge Check

Q1. Inclusion in the evidence matrix means the indication is suitable for prescribing. True or false?

Downloadable Tools

Evidence matrix PDF

Printable version of the full evidence matrix

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Evidence-level legend

Quick reference for the 5-level grading system

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Tools are provided as templates for clinical practice. Adapt to your clinic's specific requirements.

References

  1. [1]CannabinoidEvidence.org. Clinical Evidence Matrix. 2026.
  2. [2]Whiting PF, et al. Cannabinoids for medical use: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2015;313(24):2456-2473.
  3. [3]NICE. Cannabis-based medicinal products. NG144. 2019.
Module 2: PharmacologyModule 4: Living Evidence

This material is educational and non-promotional. It does not constitute medical advice, prescribing advice, or a recommendation to use any medicine. Any use of an unlicensed medicine requires patient-specific clinical justification, informed consent, monitoring, pharmacovigilance and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.