MEDICAL CANNABIS EXPLAINED
The UK Medical Cannabis Process Explained
In 2025, it's predicted that the UK will have around 63,000 medical cannabis patients, with a potential increase to 141,000 by 2028. In the year ending March 2023, an estimated 9.5% of people aged 16 to 59 years (approximately 3.1 million people) reported using a cannabis for a range of conditions from Chronic pain. Anxiety. ADHD. Depression. There are over 4 MILLION people in the UK looking for relief from pain and to improve their daily lives and well-being. It’s why our goal at Cannabis Culture is to normalize medical cannabis, so more people can consider it as a treatment option and we can start to see a change in the Stigma surrounding Cannabis in General.
Did you know that all you need to qualify is...
Have been diagnosed with a chronic condition such as pain, anxiety or depression.
Have been offered at least two conventional treatments. This can include medication, talking therapy, physiotherapy, surgery and anything else prescribed by your GP.
Not be pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia.
You can head to our CLINICS PAGE HERE and fill out our 30-second questionnaire to see if you’re eligible. It really is that easy to start your journey with Medical Cannabis.
Although it’s becoming more and more recognized, there are still barriers. One of these being the cost, and unfortunately it can be something that stops a lot of people from seeking help. We’re going to explore medical cannabis treatment cost below, to see if we can guide anyone looking to combat this barrier.
What is the Average Cost of Medical Cannabis in the UK?
It’s really hard to say what the average cost of medical cannabis is in the UK. Appointment fees are usually at a set price, but medication can vary massively, usually depending on dosage, frequency of use and product type. For example the cost of CBD oil in the UK may be more than the cost of flower. And these are just two forms of medical cannabis.
Your clinician will recommend a form and treatment plan, explaining frequency of use and dosage, based on what your symptoms are. But you may need to increase/decrease this at different points in your journey. You may not get it right to begin with, but by working with your clinician you’ll find what works for you.
Also, if you want to stick to a budget, it’s a good idea to let them know as soon as possible. They’ll give you guidance on what they think is best, but equally they’ll take your opinion and thoughts into account.
Breakdown of Costs for Medical Cannabis in the UK
Just like medication, the cost of appointments can vary in the UK, depending on the clinic. It’s best to do your own research to choose a clinic that feels like a good fit for you and your needs. But we’ll give you a head start, and tell you all about the prices of appointments with the UK's Top Clinics in the UK so you can make a proper informed decision about your medication.
Initial Assessment and Doctor Consultation:
With all clinics, your first starting point is an initial assessment with a pharmacist followed by a consultation with a Doctor, these are the first two appointments you have. They are risk-free for everyone, because if you’re not eligible, you won’t be charged. BUT....they can vary on prices, so please read our guide HERE
Follow-Up Appointments:
You’ll then have a follow up appointment 3-4 weeks after your Doctor consultation, and quarterly review appointments every 3 months after that.
Costs:
Cost vary from £4 to £11 per gram as of Jan 2026 with each clinic but some offer pay monthly memberships and deals for people on certain state benefits or Veterans, others are PAYG - pay as you go.
Pay As You Go:
You’ll receive an invoice with each appointment you book and attend. In other words, you pay per appointment.
Memberships:
You’ll be charged a monthly fee per month which covers the cost of all of your required appointments. This is the best option if you’re looking to stick with us, and it saves you the most money.
Please note the above does not include the cost of medication.
Monthly Prescription Costs:
It’s so hard to put a number on the cost of a monthly prescription. This is because everybody’s needs and wants are different. From what you’re suffering from, to the severity of the symptoms, there’s so much to consider.
Our best piece of advice is to mention if you’re on a budget as early on in the process as possible. That way your clinician can build out a treatment plan that is effective enough for you and your needs, but also takes into account if you’re looking to spend a little less.
Prices for medication can start from as little as £10 per week, with a range of over 250 medications to choose from.
Does insurance cover medical cannabis in the UK?
In most cases, private health insurance companies will not cover medical cannabis in the UK. But it’s always best to check with the provider, because there are sometimes exceptions. Usually covering the cost of appointments and care, but not medication.
However, the advantage of private healthcare is that you’re often able to get a much faster diagnosis of a condition, and this is huge when it comes to being eligible for medical cannabis treatment. We go into more detail about health insurance and medical cannabis here.
Summary
Whether you’re looking at a medical cannabis prescription for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD, or 50+ other conditions, Medical Cannabis could be a great option for you. Clinicians will work with you to find a treatment plan that suits your individual needs and budget. So, if you need to keep costs down, just let them know. And as always, we’re here to support you and answer any other questions you may have.