How to get a medical cannabis prescription in the UK
Medical cannabis has been legal for prescription in the UK since November 2018. Here is everything you need to know about the process — from eligibility to first delivery.
The six steps to a prescription
Check your eligibility
Before booking a consultation, confirm three things: you have a diagnosed qualifying condition, you have tried at least two conventional treatments that failed or caused unacceptable side effects, and you have a UK address. Meeting all three criteria significantly improves your chances of being prescribed.
Gather your medical records
Clinics need evidence of your diagnosis and previous treatment history. Request a summary from your GP — most clinics accept a printed or emailed GP letter, past prescription records, or a hospital discharge summary. Having this ready before you book speeds up the process considerably.
Choose a licensed clinic and book
Select a clinic that covers your condition. All UK medical cannabis clinics must employ specialists on the GMC specialist register. Initial consultations are typically 30–45 minutes and take place via video call. Fees range from £79 to £200 depending on the clinic and specialist.
Attend your specialist assessment
During the video consultation, the specialist reviews your medical history, previous treatments, current symptoms, and quality of life. They assess whether a cannabis-based medicine is clinically appropriate for you. Be honest and thorough — this is a medical assessment, not a sales process.
Prescription issued
If the specialist decides cannabis medicine is appropriate, they issue a Schedule 2 prescription. This is sent directly to a licensed UK dispensary — patients cannot take the prescription to a high street pharmacy. The specialist will typically prescribe a specific product, strength, and dosing schedule.
Receive your medicine
Licensed dispensaries (such as Cedarleaf, Noidecs, or Sapphire Pharmacy) fill the prescription and deliver directly to your registered UK address. First deliveries typically arrive within 3–7 days of prescription. Follow-up appointments (every 1–3 months) are required to continue your prescription.
UK Medical Cannabis — Explained on Video
Further context on why medical cannabis access in the UK works the way it does, from BBC News and the UK's leading drug science body.
What does it cost?
Medical cannabis prescriptions are private — the NHS does not routinely fund them. The full ongoing cost has three components:
Some private health insurers and employee assistance programmes now cover medical cannabis consultations. Check your policy.
Check your eligibility first
Our free two-minute checker tells you whether you are likely to qualify — before you spend anything.
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Last reviewed: May 2026. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. Consultation fees and wait times vary by clinic — verify directly before booking.