Your Medical Cannabis Journey
How to Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription
Entirely online — no GP referral needed. Most patients prescribed within 5–10 days.
Medical cannabis is a Schedule 2 controlled drug available on private prescription from GMC-registered specialists.
Full Beginner Guide →
A complete step-by-step guide to getting a medical cannabis prescription in the UK — from checking your eligibility to receiving your first prescription and beyond.
Check Your Eligibility
Medical cannabis in the UK is prescribed for patients with qualifying conditions who have tried at least two conventional treatments without adequate relief. You do not need an NHS referral to access private clinics.
Common qualifying conditions include:
Gather Your Medical Records
Request your full GP records and any letters from specialists. A GP referral is helpful but not required for private clinics. Compile a clear history of conditions you have been treated for and the medications you have tried.
If your GP is supportive, ask for an NHS referral to a specialist — this may reduce costs. Most patients access treatment directly via a licensed private clinic without a referral.
Choose a Licensed Clinic
All prescribing doctors must be registered with the GMC and hold a relevant specialist licence. Clinics vary significantly in price, waiting times, follow-up processes and the conditions they treat.
Use LeafMe to compare clinics side-by-side on consultation fees, specialisations and patient ratings before booking your appointment.
Compare UK clinics →
Initial Consultation
Your first appointment with a specialist doctor typically costs £149–£199. Most consultations are conducted online via video call, though in-person appointments are available at many clinics.
The doctor will review your medical history, the treatments you have already tried and whether medical cannabis is clinically appropriate. Be prepared to discuss previous medications and their effects in detail.
Receive Your Prescription
If the specialist determines medical cannabis is appropriate, they will issue a Named Patient Prescription. First-time dispensing can take up to 28 days, as many products are imported and require specialist handling.
Repeat prescriptions are issued every 28–90 days and typically cost £50–£80. Some clinics bundle this fee into a monthly subscription.
Collect from a Licensed Pharmacy
Your prescription must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. Some NHS pharmacies accept medical cannabis prescriptions; others require specialist dispensing services. Your clinic will confirm approved pharmacies for your product.
Many products are imported from licensed producers in Europe, Australia or Canada and may take a few extra days to arrive. Plan your refill timing accordingly to avoid gaps in treatment.
Find approved pharmacies →Titration Period (4–8 Weeks)
The first weeks of treatment are your titration period — the process of finding the right dose for your body. The golden rule is start low, go slow: begin with the minimum recommended dose and increase only if needed.
Keep a dosing diary noting the time of dose, quantity, effects on symptoms, sleep quality and any side effects. This information is invaluable at your follow-up consultation and helps your specialist optimise your treatment plan.
Ongoing Care & Prescription Renewal
Follow-up consultations are typically required every 1–3 months. These reviews allow your specialist to assess treatment effectiveness, adjust your prescription and issue renewals.
Once your treatment is established, use LeafMe's price comparison to ensure you are always paying the best available price for your prescribed products. Prices for the same product can vary by up to 40% across UK pharmacies.
Compare product prices now →Typical Costs — What to Budget
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | £149–£199 |
| First month medication | £100–£300 |
| Repeat prescription fee | £50–£80 |
| Follow-up consultation | £50–£99 |
Patients at Every Stage of Their Journey
From first consultation to ongoing recovery - medical cannabis is changing lives across the UK.
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