Medical Cannabis FAQ

Answers to the most common questions about UK medical cannabis — prescriptions, costs, legality, and how LeafMe works.

Getting Started

What is medical cannabis in the UK? +
Medical cannabis refers to cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) prescribed by a specialist doctor for a specific medical condition. Since November 2018, specialist consultants have been able to prescribe medical cannabis in the UK. It is distinct from recreational cannabis, which remains illegal.
Who can get a medical cannabis prescription? +
Any patient in the UK can seek a medical cannabis consultation through a private clinic. There is no fixed list of eligible conditions — a specialist doctor assesses each case individually. Common conditions include chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, epilepsy, MS, fibromyalgia, and insomnia.
Do I need a referral from my GP? +
No. Most private medical cannabis clinics accept self-referrals. You can book a consultation directly online. Some clinics do ask for a letter from your GP or recent medical records to support your application.
How long does it take to get a prescription? +
Timelines vary by clinic. Some offer same-week consultations. Once prescribed, a pharmacist must dispense the product — this can take a few days to a week. Most patients have their first prescription within 2–4 weeks of their initial consultation.
Can I travel with my medical cannabis prescription? +
Within the UK, yes — your prescription acts as authorisation to possess the product. International travel is far more complex: many countries do not recognise UK prescriptions and cannabis remains illegal in most jurisdictions. Always check destination country laws before travelling.

Prescriptions & Clinics

What is the difference between a clinic and a pharmacy? +
A clinic is where a specialist doctor assesses you and writes the prescription. A pharmacy (dispensary) is where the medication is dispensed. Some clinics have their own linked pharmacies; others send prescriptions to independent specialist pharmacies.
Are medical cannabis clinics regulated? +
Yes. Clinics prescribing medical cannabis in the UK must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, or equivalent bodies in Wales and Northern Ireland. Prescribing doctors must be GMC-registered specialists.
What are consultation fees? +
Clinics charge separately for consultations. Initial consultations typically cost £100–£199; follow-up appointments are usually less. These fees are not included in the product prices shown on LeafMe.
Can I switch clinics? +
Yes. You can move your prescription to a different clinic. Many clinics offer a transfer service. Be aware that some clinics require a new consultation before prescribing, which may incur a further consultation fee.
What if my condition is not on the clinic's list? +
Most reputable clinics assess each case individually rather than working from a rigid condition list. If your case has merit, a specialist may still consider prescribing. Contact clinics directly to discuss your situation.
Is there a minimum age for medical cannabis? +
Most UK private clinics prescribe to adults aged 18 and over. Paediatric prescribing (for conditions like childhood epilepsy) does occur but is handled through specialist NHS channels and is much more restrictive.

Products & Strains

What types of medical cannabis products are available in the UK? +
The main categories are: dried flower (for vaporisation — smoking is not recommended), oils (sublingual drops), and extracts/concentrates. Some clinics also prescribe capsules and oral solutions. The availability of specific products depends on your clinic and prescription.
What is the difference between indica, sativa and hybrid? +
These terms describe the growth pattern of the cannabis plant and are used loosely to indicate effect profiles. Indica strains are traditionally associated with relaxing, body-focused effects; sativa with more energising, cerebral effects; hybrids are a cross of both. Clinically, THC:CBD ratio and terpene profile are more meaningful indicators. See our strains guide.
What do THC and CBD percentages mean? +
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. CBD (cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive and associated with relaxation and anti-inflammatory properties. Products with higher CBD:THC ratios tend to have milder psychoactive effects. Your doctor will recommend a ratio appropriate for your condition.
What is a terpene? +
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and many other plants) that contribute to flavour, smell, and potentially to therapeutic effects. Common medical cannabis terpenes include myrcene, limonene, pinene, and linalool. Many patients find terpene profiles helpful when choosing between products.
Can I request a specific product or strain? +
You can discuss preferences with your prescribing doctor, but ultimately the prescription is a clinical decision. Availability also varies — not all products are stocked by all clinics and pharmacies at all times.
What does "flos" mean on a product listing? +
"Flos" is the Latin term for flower and is used on official UK prescriptions and product descriptions to refer to dried cannabis flower intended for vaporisation. You will see it used interchangeably with "flower" on LeafMe.

Pricing & Costs

How much does medical cannabis cost in the UK? +
Flower products typically range from £6–£14 per gram. Oils vary widely depending on concentration and volume. A monthly supply for a typical patient costs between £150–£500 depending on the product, dose, and clinic. Our costs guide has a full breakdown.
Why do prices vary so much between clinics? +
Pricing is set independently by each clinic and their linked pharmacies. There is no regulated price cap for private medical cannabis in the UK. Differences reflect clinic operating models, pharmacy margins, and sourcing arrangements.
Are there any hidden costs? +
Yes, beyond product prices you should budget for: initial consultation (£100–£199), repeat consultations (typically every 1–3 months), prescription fees (some clinics charge per prescription), and delivery charges. LeafMe shows product prices only — your total cost will be higher.
Can I get medical cannabis on the NHS? +
NHS prescriptions remain extremely rare. NICE guidelines restrict routine NHS prescribing to a small number of conditions (childhood epilepsy syndromes, chemotherapy-related nausea, and MS spasticity). For all other conditions, patients must pay privately. Read our full NHS guide.
Is medical cannabis eligible for any financial support? +
There is currently no NHS prescription subsidy for private medical cannabis. Some charitable organisations offer support funds for specific patient groups. Private health insurance very rarely covers medical cannabis.
Do prices on LeafMe include VAT? +
Medical cannabis is classified as a prescription medicine in the UK and is therefore zero-rated for VAT. Prices shown on LeafMe should reflect the zero-VAT price, but always confirm with the clinic or pharmacy.

Legal & Safety

Is medical cannabis legal in the UK? +
Yes. Since 1 November 2018, specialist doctors in the UK can legally prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs). Possession is legal only if you hold a valid prescription for the specific product. Recreational cannabis remains a Class B controlled substance.
Can I drive after taking medical cannabis? +
You must not drive if impaired. THC can affect reaction times and judgement. UK drug-driving law (Drug Driving (Specified Limits) (England and Wales) Regulations 2014) sets a very low legal limit for THC. A valid prescription is not a defence for driving while over the legal limit. Speak to your doctor about driving and your specific medication.
Will medical cannabis show on a drug test? +
Yes. THC metabolites can remain detectable in urine for days to weeks depending on usage frequency and individual metabolism. Many workplace drug tests do not distinguish between prescribed and recreational cannabis. Inform your employer and occupational health provider if you are prescribed medical cannabis.
Is it safe to use medical cannabis alongside other medications? +
Cannabis can interact with a range of medications, particularly those metabolised by the CYP450 liver enzyme system (including some antidepressants, blood thinners, and epilepsy medications). Always disclose your full medication list to your prescribing doctor.

Using LeafMe

How does LeafMe get its price data? +
Partner clinics submit their price lists directly to LeafMe. We do not scrape or estimate prices. Prices are updated as clinics inform us of changes. If a price looks incorrect, please use the contact form to report it.
Is LeafMe free to use? +
Yes, completely free for patients. We will never charge for access to price comparison data. Our operational costs are covered by optional data partnerships with clinics — clinics pay to keep their listings accurate and prominent on the platform. This never influences the sort order shown to users.
How do I set up a price alert? +
Visit any product page and click "Set Price Alert". Enter your email address and your target price threshold. We will notify you when the product drops to or below that price. You can unsubscribe at any time. See the Price Alerts page.
Can clinics pay to appear higher in search results? +
No. All default sorting on LeafMe is alphabetical. There is no paid placement, sponsored ranking or boost system. Every patient sees the same unbiased sort order.

Can't find the answer you need? Contact us and we'll do our best to help. For medical questions, always consult a GMC-registered specialist.

Medical Disclaimer: LeafMe provides information only. Nothing on this site is medical advice. Always consult a qualified GMC-registered doctor before starting or changing treatment.

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