How to Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription in the UK
9 min readBeginner Level
A step-by-step guide to accessing medical cannabis through private clinics in the UK — eligibility, costs, the consultation process, and what to expect as a patient.
This guide is for educational purposes only. Cannabis is illegal in the UK without a medical prescription. Always consult a healthcare professional before making decisions about cannabis use.
Since November 2018, specialist doctors in the UK can prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products. In practice, the vast majority of prescriptions come through private clinics rather than the NHS.
Medical cannabis is not a first-line treatment. You must usually have tried two or more conventional treatments for your condition without sufficient relief. The prescribing process involves a specialist consultation, medical record review, and ongoing monitoring.
There are now over 20 private clinics in the UK offering medical cannabis assessments. The market has grown rapidly, with an estimated 30,000-40,000 patients as of 2026.
The process typically takes 1-4 weeks from initial enquiry to receiving your first prescription, depending on how quickly your medical records can be transferred.
To qualify for a medical cannabis prescription, you must be over 18 (some clinics accept 18-25 with additional scrutiny), have a diagnosed condition that may respond to cannabis-based treatment, and have tried at least two conventional treatments without adequate relief.
Commonly accepted conditions include chronic pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Each clinic maintains its own list of conditions they treat.
You must be a UK resident registered with a GP. You'll need to provide your NHS number and authorise the clinic to request your Summary Care Record from your GP surgery.
People with a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder are generally excluded, as cannabis can exacerbate these conditions. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also not accepted.
Step 1: Choose a clinic. Research accredited private clinics — look for those registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and staffed by GMC-registered specialist doctors.
Step 2: Submit an eligibility form. Most clinics offer a free online eligibility check. You'll provide basic information about your condition and treatment history.
Step 3: Book an initial consultation. If you pass eligibility, you'll book a video or in-person consultation with a specialist doctor. This typically costs £150-£400 depending on the clinic.
Step 4: The consultation. The doctor reviews your medical history, discusses your condition, and determines whether cannabis-based treatment is appropriate. They'll explain the options — flower, oil, capsules, or a combination.
Step 5: Prescription issued. If approved, the doctor issues a private prescription. This is sent to a partnered pharmacy (usually Dispensary Green, IPS Pharma, or Cedarwood) which dispatches the medication to your home.
Step 6: Follow-up and monitoring. Your first follow-up is typically after 1-4 weeks, then every 1-3 months. Follow-up consultations cost £50-£150. You'll discuss how the treatment is working and adjust dosage as needed.
Initial consultation: £150-£400 (non-refundable, even if you're not approved). Some clinics offer reduced rates for veterans or low-income patients.
Follow-up consultations: £50-£150 every 1-3 months. Some clinics include follow-ups in a monthly subscription model.
Cannabis flower: £5-£15 per gram, with monthly prescriptions typically ranging from 30-90g. This is the most common form prescribed.
Cannabis oil: £50-£200 per bottle (usually 10-30ml, 10-50mg/ml THC or CBD:THC balanced). Oil works well for patients who prefer not to inhale.
Capsules: £40-£120 per pack. Less common but available for patients who want precise, consistent dosing.
Most clinics do not offer payment plans, but some partner with third-party credit providers. The total monthly cost typically ranges from £250-£800 depending on your prescription.
Key factors when choosing a clinic: CQC registration, GMC-registered specialist doctors, conditions treated, pricing transparency, medication availability, and patient reviews.
For a side-by-side comparison of every major UK clinic — including pricing, ratings, access schemes, and real patient feedback — visit The Green Prescription. They maintain an up-to-date database of 15+ clinics with honest reviews to help you choose the right one.
Larger clinics like Sapphire Clinics and Curaleaf Clinic have more established supply chains and more medication options but may have longer waiting times for initial appointments.
Smaller clinics like Mamedica, Cantourage, and Integro may offer more personalised care, shorter wait times, and flexible pricing — some even include all follow-ups in the initial consultation fee.
Check the clinic's formulary (list of available products) before booking. Some clinics stock more strains and brands than others. You don't want to be prescribed a product they can't supply.
Read patient reviews on forums like r/ukmedicalcannabis on Reddit and the UK Medical Cannabis Patient Group on Facebook. These communities are invaluable for honest feedback.
Medical cannabis patients have the same rights as any other private patient. You have the right to a second opinion, to access your medical records, and to complain to the CQC if care is substandard.
You should not be discriminated against for your prescription. Your employer should treat it like any other prescribed medication — though you should check your workplace drug policy.
Driving is a complex area. The DVLA guidance states you must not drive if your cannabis medication impairs your ability to do so safely. Some patients declare their prescription to the DVLA and follow their doctor's advice. Always check the latest DVLA guidance.
Your GP will be informed of your prescription by the clinic. While GPs cannot prescribe medical cannabis on the NHS (except in very limited circumstances), they must be aware of all medications you're taking to avoid interactions.
Quick Questions
About the Author
DM
Dave Mak
Dave founded The Budophile to create clear, honest cannabis education for UK beginners. With a background in health research and a network of specialist contributors, he ensures every guide is accurate, evidence-based, and practical. He also runs Baked & Rated for product reviews and The Green Prescription for medical cannabis access guidance.
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