How to Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription in the UK

A clear, step-by-step guide from eligibility through to ongoing care — everything you need to know before your first appointment.
Find a ClinicCheck Qualifying Conditions

The short answer

Medical cannabis can be prescribed in the UK only by a doctor on the GMC Specialist Register, so most patients go to a private specialist clinic and not their GP. Clinics usually expect you to have tried at least two standard treatments for your condition without enough relief. You book a consultation, usually by video, send your medical records, and if the specialist prescribes, a pharmacy sends the medicine to your home.

Medical disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your treatment. Wording last changed on .

Quick Facts

Legal since

November 2018

Prescribers

GMC Specialist Register only

NHS funded?

Rarely — mostly private

What you pay

Clinic fees plus medication

Delivery

Home dispensing available

Consultations

Online or in-person

Step 01

Check Your Eligibility

The "unmet need" requirement

Medical cannabis in the UK is prescribed for patients with an unmet clinical need. In practice, this means you should have already tried at least two conventional treatments for your condition without sufficient relief. This is not a strict legal requirement, but it is the standard most specialist clinics apply when assessing patients.

Common qualifying conditions

There is no fixed list of conditions — any condition can be considered if there is a clinical case. Common conditions include chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety disorders, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis spasticity, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and insomnia. Individual assessment is key.

See all conditions we cover

Why your GP cannot prescribe

Only doctors on the GMC Specialist Register can prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) in the UK. This excludes most GPs. Your GP can write a referral letter to support your application at a private specialist clinic, which many clinics request.

Step 02

Find a Specialist Clinic

What to look for

Ensure the clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and that their prescribers are on the GMC Specialist Register. Look for clinics that offer a clear aftercare programme with regular follow-ups — not just an initial consultation.

Online vs in-person

The majority of UK medical cannabis consultations now take place via video call. This is entirely legitimate and makes access easier regardless of where you live. Some clinics also offer in-person appointments at their physical locations.

What to prepare before your appointment

Most clinics require: a summary of your medical history, a list of all current medications, evidence of previous treatments tried (prescription records or a letter from your GP), and in some cases a GP support letter or referral. Gathering these in advance will speed up your assessment.

Step 03

Your First Appointment

What happens during the consultation

The specialist will review your medical history, previous treatments, and current symptoms. They will assess whether cannabis-based medicine is clinically appropriate for your condition. Better clinics involve a multidisciplinary team (MDT) review before issuing a prescription.

Questions you may be asked

Expect questions about: how long you have had the condition, what treatments you have tried and why they were insufficient, your current symptom severity, any history of substance use or mental health conditions, and your lifestyle (including whether you drive).

Possible outcomes

If approved, the specialist will issue a private prescription for a specific product and dose. If not approved at this stage, they may request additional medical records or suggest alternative options. Being declined is not a permanent decision — you can seek a second opinion at another clinic.

Step 04

Getting Your Medication

Specialist pharmacy dispensing

CBPMs can only be dispensed by pharmacies registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) that are authorised to handle Schedule 2 controlled drugs. Your clinic will typically work with one or more partner pharmacies. Medication is usually delivered to your home within a few days of the prescription being issued.

What your prescription covers

Your prescription will specify the product (usually by cultivar or oil formulation), the dose, and the duration. It is a private prescription — it cannot be dispensed at a standard NHS pharmacy. Keep your prescription documentation on you, particularly when travelling.

Cost at this stage

Medication costs are paid directly to the pharmacy. Typical costs range from £150–£700 per month depending on the product and dose. Some clinics include the prescription fee in their consultation charges; others charge separately.

Full cost breakdown
Step 05

Ongoing Care & Titration

Starting low and going slow

Most specialists use a titration approach — you begin at a low dose and gradually increase until you find the minimum effective dose for your condition. This process typically takes 4–8 weeks. Do not adjust your dose without guidance from your prescriber.

Follow-up appointments

Regular follow-ups (typically monthly at first, then every 3–6 months) are essential. These allow your specialist to monitor your response, adjust the prescription, and ensure continued clinical appropriateness. Good clinics will also communicate updates to your GP.

Shared care with your GP

Most GPs are not yet trained in medical cannabis and many will not enter a formal shared care agreement. However, informing your GP that you have been prescribed a CBPM is recommended — particularly if you take other medications that could interact.

Understanding Costs

Consultation fees, medication prices, and what NHS covers

Legal Status in the UK

Your rights, driving law, and travel guidance

What Are CBPMs?

Flower, oils, capsules — explained in plain language

Ready to find a clinic?

Browse UK medical cannabis clinics and compare their fees, consultation types and CQC ratings.

Browse Clinics

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Information on regulations, costs, and procedures may change — always verify with your clinic.

Sources

The official sources this page rests on. Each was read and checked on .