How Much Does Medical Cannabis Cost in the UK?
The total cost of medical cannabis treatment in the UK comprises several components: specialist consultation fees, the ongoing product cost, follow-up appointment fees, and dispensing charges. Unlike many other countries, the vast majority of UK medical cannabis is accessed via the private route, meaning patients bear the full cost.
A typical UK patient spends between £2,400 and £7,200 per year on medical cannabis, including all associated fees. However, this varies enormously based on dose, product type, and which clinic you use.
Specialist Consultation Fees
Initial consultations with a UK medical cannabis specialist typically cost £100–£300. Some clinics include a free initial screening call. Follow-up appointments (required every 1–3 months for prescription renewal) cost £50–£150 each. Over a year, consultation costs alone can amount to £300–£900.
Product Cost Breakdown
UK medical cannabis product costs vary significantly by type:
- Flower: £0.75–£17.85/g (average £7.69/g)
- Oil: £0.93–£12.90/g (average £4.05/g)
- Capsules: £0.51–£1.47/g (average £1.01/g)
At an average dose of 0.5g/day flower, monthly product costs are around £69. At 1g/day, costs rise to approximately £161 per month.
Is Medical Cannabis Covered by the NHS?
NHS-funded medical cannabis is extremely rare. Currently, only a very small number of conditions qualify for NHS provision, primarily severe treatment-resistant epilepsy in children. Even where NHS prescribing is technically possible, many GPs are reluctant to issue such prescriptions due to clinical guidance uncertainty.
Most UK patients access medical cannabis through one of 24 private specialist clinics. While this means bearing the full cost, the private route is often faster (weeks vs. months on NHS) and offers access to a wider range of products.
How to Reduce Your Medical Cannabis Costs
- Compare products: Prices for the same strain can vary by 30–50% between clinics. Use LeafMe’s price comparison to find the cheapest option.
- Set price alerts: Use our price alert tool to be notified when your product drops in price.
- Buy larger pack sizes: 10g and 20g packs typically offer a lower cost per gram than 5g packs.
- Ask about generics: Some clinics offer generic or unbranded alternatives at lower prices than branded products.
- Optimise your dose: Work with your prescriber to find the lowest effective dose — even a 10% dose reduction can save £100+ per year.
- Compare clinics: Consultation and follow-up fees vary. See our clinic comparison page for a full breakdown.