Are the drugs prescribed at the clinics legal?

Yes, absolutely. Since 2018, medical cannabis has been a legal prescription medication in the UK. As a patients group, we help people access much-needed medication and obtain their prescriptions through licensed specialist clinics.

Is medical cannabis right for me?

Medical cannabis may be suitable if you have a condition that hasn't responded adequately to conventional treatments. A specialist doctor will assess your medical history and determine whether cannabis-based medicines are appropriate for your situation.

How is medical cannabis available and where does it come from?

Medical cannabis in the UK is available through private specialist clinics via prescription. The products are legally imported and manufactured to pharmaceutical standards. They come in various forms including oils, capsules, and dried flower for vaporisation.

What is the difference between the prescription product and CBD oil?

CBD oil available in health shops is a food supplement and is not regulated as a medicine. Prescription cannabis-based products (CBPMs) are regulated pharmaceutical medicines, prescribed by specialist doctors, and may contain THC as well as CBD in controlled, tested doses.

How Much Does Medical Cannabis Cost in the UK?

The cost of medical cannabis in the UK varies widely depending on the product, dose, and clinic. Here is a realistic breakdown of what patients can expect to pay in 2026.

Why Cost Is One of the Biggest Barriers to Access

Medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in November 2018, yet the vast majority of patients who could benefit from it remain unable to access it through the NHS. NHS prescriptions for cannabis-based medicinal products are extremely rare, limited to a small number of specific conditions (such as Dravet syndrome and MS spasticity). For almost all other patients, accessing medical cannabis means paying privately.

Cost is consistently cited as one of the biggest barriers to access for UK patients. Understanding what you are likely to pay — and what affects the cost — is an important first step in planning your treatment.

The Main Cost Components

The total cost of medical cannabis treatment in the UK typically comprises three elements: consultation fees, prescription fees, and the cost of the medication itself.

Consultation fees vary by clinic and by the complexity of your case. An initial consultation with a specialist doctor typically costs between £100 and £250. Follow-up appointments are usually cheaper, ranging from £50 to £150. Some clinics offer subscription-style models that bundle consultations and prescriptions into a monthly fee.

Prescription fees are charged by the clinic for issuing and managing your prescription. These vary but are typically in the range of £20 to £50 per prescription.

Medication costs are the largest ongoing expense and vary significantly depending on the product type, THC/CBD content, and quantity. As a rough guide:

| Product Type | Typical Monthly Cost | |---|---| | CBD-dominant oil (low THC) | £80 – £150 | | Balanced THC:CBD oil | £100 – £200 | | High-THC dried flower (10g/month) | £100 – £180 | | High-THC dried flower (20g/month) | £180 – £350 |

These figures are indicative and based on 2025–2026 market pricing. Actual costs will depend on your prescribed dose, the specific products available, and the clinic you use.

Total Monthly Cost: What to Expect

For a patient on a moderate dose of cannabis oil, total monthly costs (including consultation, prescription, and medication) are typically in the range of £150 to £300 per month. Patients requiring higher doses of dried flower may spend £300 to £500 per month or more.

It is worth noting that the UK medical cannabis market has become significantly more competitive since 2020, with prices falling as more clinics and products have entered the market. Patients are encouraged to compare prices between clinics and to ask about any available patient support schemes.

Is Medical Cannabis Available on the NHS?

For the vast majority of conditions, the answer is no. NHS prescriptions for CBMPs remain extremely rare and are limited to specific indications where there is a licensed medicine available (such as Epidyolex for Dravet syndrome and Sativex for MS spasticity). Even for these conditions, access varies significantly by region.

There is ongoing advocacy — including by CPGUK — for broader NHS access to medical cannabis. However, until commissioning decisions change, most patients will need to fund their treatment privately.

How CPGUK Can Help

CPGUK is a non-profit organisation that advocates for affordable patient access to medical cannabis in the UK. Our free support service can help you understand the costs involved, compare clinics, and explore whether any financial support is available. We do not charge patients for our services, and we do not receive referral fees from clinics.