Cannabis-based ingredients have a medicinal effect, health officials have admitted.

Products containing cannabidiol - also known as CBD - are now classed as medicines by the UK regulatory body.

It was found to have a 'restoring, correcting or modifying' effect on physiological functions when administered to humans.

But the Class B drug itself has not been recognised as having any benefits and is still illegal to possess.

Products containing cannabidiol - an extract of the plant-based drug - are now classed as medicines by the UK regulatory body

An MHRA spokesperson said: ' We have come to the opinion that products containing cannabidiol are a medicine.

'Products for therapeutic use must have a medicines’ licence before they can be legally sold, supplied or advertised in the UK.

'Products will have to meet safety, quality and effectiveness standards to protect public health.

'If you use CBD and if you have any questions, speak to your GP or other healthcare professional.'

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - responsible - has told companies they have 28 days to get a license to legally sell the ingredients.

It follows a review on a cannabidiol vapouriser which was found to help thousands of people suffering from a range of conditions.

Sativex - a prescription-only drug used by patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis - is the only licensed cannabis-based product in the UK currently

They found it had physical benefits and decided to list it as medicine.

It means manufacturers will now have to ensure their cannabis-based products pass safety checks.

Those companies selling products without having a licence could face time in prison or a heavy fine.

CANNABIS USERS ARE 'MORE PRONE TO FRACTURES' People who regularly smoke cannabis have reduced bone density and are more prone to fractures, scientists found. Heavy users have a lower body weight and a reduced body mass index (BMI), which could contribute to thinning of their bones. Researchers say this could mean smoking large amounts of the drug could lead to a greater risk of osteoporosis in later life. Smoking cannabis is often associated with increased appetite so the researchers were surprised to find that heavy cannabis users had a lower body weight and BMI than non-users. This could be because cannabis may reduce appetite when taken in large amounts over a long period of time, they say. Advertisement

Sativex - a prescription-only drug used by patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis - is the only licensed cannabis-based product in the country currently.

It contains CBD and another extract from the cannabis plant, THC, and is given to help ease muscle spasms.

CBD is one of many chemical compounds found within the drug - but it is nonpsychoactive and doesn't cause a high.

It helps to control brain and nerve activity, energy metabolism, heart function, the immune system and even reproduction.

As a result, a number of charities have intensified their research into the use of cannabis as a medical drug.

This news comes after politicians called on the Government to legalise cannabis for medicinal use.

The controversial document, published by a cross-party group of MPs and peers, said sick people should be allowed to grow the drug under licence.