How to Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription in the UK

A cannabis-based medicinal product (CBMP) is a pharmaceutical-grade preparation derived from cannabis that has been prescribed by a licensed specialist clinician. These are not the same as recreational cannabis or over-the-counter CBD products. CBMPs are subject to strict quality controls, and their prescription is governed by the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (as amended in 2018).

CBMPs can include oils, capsules, dried flower (for vaporisation), and oromucosal sprays. The specific formulation and dosage are determined by your prescribing clinician based on your medical history and condition.

Medical cannabis is not available to everyone. To be eligible, you generally need to:

• Have a diagnosed medical condition for which there is evidence supporting the use of CBMPs
• Have tried at least two conventional treatments that have not worked adequately
• Be under the care of a specialist clinician (not just a GP)

Conditions commonly treated with CBMPs in the UK include chronic pain, anxiety and PTSD, sleeping disorders, multiple sclerosis spasticity, certain forms of epilepsy, and cancer-related symptoms. However, the list of eligible conditions continues to grow as the evidence base expands.

Because GPs cannot prescribe CBMPs, you will need to register with a specialist cannabis clinic. These clinics employ consultants who are licensed to prescribe Schedule 2 controlled drugs.

At MEDCANN Pharmacy, we work with a network of specialist clinicians. When you register as a patient, we will guide you through the process of booking your initial consultation. You will need to provide your medical history, a list of previous treatments you have tried, and any relevant GP letters or specialist reports.

Your initial consultation will typically take place via video call and lasts around 30–45 minutes. The specialist will review your medical history, assess your suitability for CBMP treatment, and discuss the risks and benefits with you.

If the clinician determines that a CBMP is appropriate, they will issue a private prescription. This prescription is a Schedule 2 controlled drug prescription and must be written on a specific form. At MEDCANN Pharmacy, the initial consultation fee is £200.

Once you have your prescription, you can submit it to MEDCANN Pharmacy in one of three ways:

1. Your clinician sends it directly to us electronically
2. You post the original to: MEDCANN, PO Box 78260, London, NW2 9UY
3. You email a copy to [email protected] (note: we require the original before dispensing)

Our pharmacists will verify the prescription, contact you to confirm your order and payment, and arrange discreet, tracked delivery to your address anywhere in the UK.

Medical cannabis treatment is not a one-off prescription. You will need regular follow-up consultations with your specialist clinician — typically every one to three months — to monitor your response to treatment, adjust dosage if necessary, and renew your prescription.

MEDCANN Pharmacy will keep a record of your dispensing history and can liaise directly with your clinician to ensure continuity of care. Our pharmacists are always available to answer questions about your medication.

The total cost of medical cannabis treatment in the UK includes consultation fees and the cost of the medication itself. The initial consultation fee at MEDCANN Pharmacy is £200. Follow-up appointments are £95 per quarter. Medication costs vary depending on the product and dosage, but most patients spend between £100 and £600 per month.

This is a private treatment — NHS prescriptions for CBMPs are extremely rare. However, MEDCANN Pharmacy is committed to transparent pricing, and we will always provide a full cost breakdown before you commit to anything.