Becoming Medicinal Cannabis Patient in the UK
We hope this helps guide absolute beginners through the steps to treatment.
The demand for medicinal cannabis in the UK is rising, as more patients seek alternative treatments for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. If you’ve been researching phrases like “How to get a medicinal cannabis prescription in the UK” or “Steps to become a medical cannabis patient,” this guide is here to help. Many people are turning to this treatment after exhausting conventional options, and understanding the process is key to starting your journey.
You might also be asking, “Is medicinal cannabis legal in the UK?” or “Can I get cannabis for chronic pain?” The answer is yes—under UK law, medicinal cannabis can be prescribed by licensed medical consultants, for qualifying medical conditions. However, the process involves specific steps, from finding a licensed clinic to obtaining a prescription.
Whether you’re searching for “Medicinal cannabis clinics near me” or wondering “How much does a medical cannabis prescription cost in the UK?” this blog will provide most of the answers. We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring you have all the information you need to access this potentially life-changing treatment.
Step 1: Determine if you’re eligible
Medicinal cannabis in the UK is prescribed for patients whose conditions have not responded to two conventional treatments under the NHS. Some common conditions include:
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Epilepsy
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea
If you’re dealing with one of these or a similar condition, you may qualify.
Step 2: Choose a Licensed Medicinal Cannabis Clinic
Your next step is finding a reputable, Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered clinic. There will be variable costs involved
Consider the following when choosing a clinic:
- Specialist areas (e.g., pain management, neurology)
- Consultation fees and ongoing costs
- Availability of online or in-person appointments
Step 3: Obtain a Summary of Care from your GP
Before your consultation, you’ll need a Summary Care Record (SCR) from your GP. This document includes your:
- Medical conditions
- Current and past medications
- Allergies and adverse reactions
Informing your GP early ensures they are aware of your decision and can provide the necessary documentation.
Step 4: Book an initial consultation
Once your documents are ready, schedule an appointment with a prescribing consultant. During this consultation, the they will:
- Review your medical history and SCR
- Discuss your symptoms and treatment goals
- Determine whether medicinal cannabis is a suitable option
- Discussing treatment delivery methods (flower & vaporising devices, tinctures & droppers, etc)
Questions to ask your consultant:
- Timescales
- Costs
- Frequency of prescribing
- Frequency of follow up consultations
- Contact for any other queries
Step 5: Receive your prescription and treatment plan
If approved, your prescribing consultant will issue a prescription for medicinal cannabis, detailing the dosage and method of administration (e.g., oils, capsules, or flower). This step often prompts questions such as:
“How much does a medical cannabis prescription cost UK?”
“Is medicinal cannabis covered by the NHS?”
While the NHS only covers medicinal cannabis in very limited cases, private prescriptions typically cost between £100 and £200 per month, depending on dosage and product type.
Step 6: Dispensing your prescription
Once you have your prescription, your clinic will send your prescription directly to a licensed pharmacy where it will be legally dispensed and sent to your home address via a courier or mail service. The clinic will also issue you with a copy of your prescription for validation purposes, should you be required to prove your status to an enforcement agency (e.g. the police) or your employer.
Step 7: Inform your GP and coordinate care
Keeping your GP informed is crucial for coordinated care. Provide them with a copy of your treatment plan and prescription. This step helps ensure that any potential drug interactions are monitored and that your overall health is managed effectively.
Step 8: Ongoing monitoring and follow-up
Medicinal cannabis is a tailored treatment, and follow-up consultations are essential to monitor your progress and adjust your dosage if necessary.
If you’re unhappy with a clinic, you can change to another.
Addressing common concerns
Cost of Medicinal Cannabis in the UK
Many patients search “Monthly cost of medical cannabis UK” or “Private cannabis prescription UK cost” to plan their finances. While prices vary, you can often discuss cost-saving options with your clinic.
Legal and Regulatory Information
Some patients have concerns about legality:
Medicinal cannabis is legal in the UK but must be prescribed by a specialist consultant.
Published: 09/01/2025
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