How to Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription in the UK

Everything you need to know — from eligibility to getting your first delivery. The full process in 4 steps.

Written and fact-checked by

Dave Mak· Founder & Editor

Dave has researched and written about the UK medical cannabis sector since 2024, focussing on clinic pricing transparency, CQC registration standards, and patient access schemes. All clinic reviews on this site are based on published pricing, verified Trustpilot data, and CQC records.

Step 1

Check Your Eligibility

You are eligible for medical cannabis in the UK if you have a qualifying condition (anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, PTSD, depression, fibromyalgia, ADHD, endometriosis, IBS, multiple sclerosis, Tourette's, epilepsy, or chemotherapy side effects) and have tried at least two conventional treatments without success. **No previous cannabis use is required.** You don't need a GP referral. You don't need to have tried every possible medication — just two standard treatments for your condition. Most UK adults aged 18+ are eligible. Under-18s can also access treatment with specialist consent.

Step 2

Gather Your Medical Records

You will need a Summary of Care Record (SCR) from your GP. This is a digital record of your diagnoses, medications tried, and any relevant history. **How to get it:** - Ask your GP receptionist for a "Summary of Care Record" or "GP Summary" - Most clinics can request this on your behalf via your NHS number - If your GP is uncooperative, clinics can still proceed with a subject access request Some clinics can also accept pharmacy records or a brief medical history questionnaire if GP records are delayed.

Step 3

Choose a Clinic & Book a Consultation

Choose from 8 major UK clinics. Initial consultations are remote (video call), last 20-45 minutes, and cost £0–£250 depending on the clinic. **Quick recommendations:**

Alternaleaf

Best for low cost — £49–£99 initial

Mamedica

Best for access scheme — £0–£100 initial

Releaf

Best for beginners — £50–£150 initial

Medicann

Best for zero upfront — £0 initial

Step 4

Get Your Prescription & Medication

If approved, your prescription is sent to a pharmacy (usually Curaleaf, IPS, or Cedarwood). Medication is dispensed and delivered to your door via DPD/Royal Mail. **What you can be prescribed:** - **Flower (dried cannabis)** — vaped, not smoked. Available in indica, sativa, and hybrid strains - **Oil** — CBD, THC, or balanced oils taken sublingually - **Capsules** — pre-dosed for consistent intake **Delivery:** Typically 2-5 working days. Some clinics offer next-day. **Repeat prescriptions:** Most clinics require a follow-up consultation every 3 months. Some offer monthly repeats between follow-ups. If your prescription includes flower, remember it must be vaped, not smoked — see how to use a DynaVap for one common device example.

Prescription Approval Tip

Be honest about your symptoms and treatment history. Doctors are looking for genuine medical need, not cannabis knowledge. You do not need to exaggerate or prove you know strains — just explain how your condition affects your daily life.

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