The cannabis-based spray, which can reduce painful muscle spasms, was approved for use on the NHS in England in 2019.
But a postcode lottery means thousands of eligible patients may be missing out on a prescription.
Susan (not her real name) was diagnosed with MS in the 1980s. She said: “I’m in a lot of pain all the time. I try to get as much done as I can in the morning because by about midday I’ve had enough.”
Now in her 60s, she wants to try Sativex but it is not available where she lives in the South-east. She said: “Around two years ago I started buying cannabis oil from Canada.
Relieved “By taking it at night I can get at least six hours sleep, sometimes more.
“I’m not saying cannabis has cured me. But it has relieved the pain and spasms a great deal.”
She added: “I’m not a person that likes to break the law.