How to Renew Your Medical Cannabis Prescription in the UK

Medical cannabis prescriptions in the UK are not indefinite. Ongoing prescribing requires regular clinical review, and patients need to understand the renewal process to avoid gaps in supply. Here is a practical guide to how it works.

How Often Do You Need a Follow-Up?

The frequency of follow-up appointments depends on your clinic's protocols and your individual treatment stage. Typical patterns are:

• First review — 4–8 weeks after your initial prescription, to assess early response and safety
• Subsequent reviews — every 1–3 months during the first year, while your dose is being optimised
• Stable long-term patients — some clinics allow 3–6 month intervals once a patient is stable on an established regimen

UK regulations require that specialist prescribers maintain active clinical oversight. A prescription cannot simply be renewed indefinitely without a review. If you miss a scheduled appointment, your prescription may lapse and supply may be paused until you rebook.

What Happens at a Follow-Up Review?

Follow-ups are typically 15–30 minutes by video call and cost less than the initial consultation (usually £50–£100). The specialist will assess:

• Whether your symptoms have improved, remained stable or worsened
• Any side effects experienced since the last appointment
• Your current dosing pattern — compliance, consistency, timing
• Any new medications, health changes or relevant life events
• Whether your treatment goals are being met

Based on this review, the specialist may continue the same prescription, adjust the dose, change the product or formulation, or (rarely) discontinue treatment.

Dose Adjustments and Product Changes

It is common for prescriptions to change over time. Patients may develop tolerance to certain products, find that a different strain or formulation works better, or want to reduce their dose following improvement. Any change must be made by your prescribing specialist — do not self-adjust.

Product switches require a new prescription. Your pharmacy will be notified directly. Some clinics allow secure in-app or portal messaging to discuss minor adjustments between appointments, but formal changes require a consultation.

For an overview of product types, see our flower vs oil guide.

What If Your Clinic Closes or You Want to Change Clinics?

Clinic closures do occur in the UK market. If your clinic closes:

• You should receive advance notice and guidance on transferring your records
• Your prescription history and clinical notes can be transferred to a new clinic — request this in writing
• Most established clinics will accept transfers without requiring a full initial consultation fee, though a review appointment is standard

If you choose to change clinics voluntarily (for example, due to cost, service quality or prescriber access), the process is similar: request a summary of your treatment history and records from your current clinic, then book with your new provider. You are not obligated to stay with one clinic.

Advance Orders, Holidays and Managing Supply

Running out of medication is avoidable with planning. Practical steps:

• Advance orders — most pharmacies allow you to place an order before your current supply runs out. Do this at least 5–7 working days in advance, as pharmacy processing and delivery take time.
• Holidays within the UK — your prescription is valid UK-wide. Your medication can be delivered to a temporary address with advance arrangement.
• Travel abroad — medical cannabis cannot be exported without a Home Office Licence (Regulation 37 MDR 2001). Apply well in advance. See our travel guide for detail.
• Stock shortages — certain products go out of stock periodically. Your pharmacy should notify you and offer alternatives. Discuss any proposed product swap with your clinic before accepting.

What If a Medication Is Out of Stock?

Pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis supply is more reliable than it was in earlier years of the UK market, but shortages do occur — particularly for specific flower strains. If your product is unavailable:

• Your pharmacy will contact you and may suggest a licensed equivalent alternative
• Any product change should be confirmed with your prescribing specialist before you accept it, as switching product affects your effective dose
• Your clinic can issue an emergency prescription for an alternative product in urgent cases

Having a small rolling reserve — maintained by ordering consistently rather than waiting until you run out — reduces the impact of temporary stock issues.

Long-Term Cost Planning

Medical cannabis treatment is ongoing. Budgeting as a long-term patient involves:

• Medication: typically £100–£400 per month depending on product and dose
• Follow-up consultations: £50–£100 per appointment, 4–6 per year initially, fewer when stable
• Repeat prescription fees: some clinics charge a small admin fee for prescription reissue between formal appointments

Total annual cost for a stable patient typically falls in the range of £1,400–£5,000, though this varies significantly. Some clinics offer subscription-style packages that bundle follow-up appointments and reduce per-appointment cost for long-term patients.

For full cost breakdown, see our medical cannabis cost guide.