Choosing services
How to choose a UK medical cannabis clinic
Compare regulation, clinical standards, total costs, pharmacy arrangements and ongoing support—not just an introductory price or social-media promise.
Build a safe shortlist first
Start by checking that the service is identifiable, contactable and appropriately regulated for where it operates. In England, use the Care Quality Commission service search to check the registered provider, locations, regulated activities and published inspection information. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use different healthcare regulators.
- Confirm the legal provider name rather than relying only on a trading brand.
- Check the clinic's published address, contact route and complaints process.
- Look for clear information about who provides clinical care and which pharmacy dispenses prescriptions.
- Treat promises that everyone will qualify, promises that a prescription is certain, or pressure to pay immediately as warning signs.
Check who makes prescribing decisions
NHS England states that private doctors on the General Medical Council Specialist Register can legally prescribe cannabis-based products for medicinal use. Ask who will assess you, their specialty, how prescribing decisions are supervised and what happens when your usual clinician is unavailable.
Compare the assessment process
A credible service should explain which medical records it needs, how records are transferred securely, what the consultation covers and how risks, alternatives and consent are discussed. Be cautious where the process appears to be a product-selection checkout rather than a clinical assessment.
- Does the clinic review diagnosis, previous treatments, current medicines and relevant risks?
- Is there enough consultation time for questions and informed consent?
- Does it explain that many products are unlicensed medicines and what that means?
- Can it coordinate safely with your GP or other clinicians where appropriate?
Calculate the real recurring cost
Do not compare clinics using the first appointment fee alone. Add consultation membership, follow-ups, repeat-prescription charges, medicine, pharmacy and delivery costs. Confirm how often reviews are required and what happens if a prescription needs correction or a product is unavailable.
Use the authoritative clinic comparison route alongside current written information from each provider. Prices and inclusions change, so verify them directly before paying.
Understand the pharmacy arrangement
Ask whether the clinic uses one pharmacy, offers a choice, or permits prescriptions to be sent elsewhere. Clarify payment, delivery, stock problems, prescription corrections and the route for urgent clinical questions. The pharmacy should perform its own legal and clinical checks before dispensing.
Check follow-up and continuity
Ongoing review is part of treatment. Compare how the service handles adverse effects, medication changes, treatment goals, missed appointments, clinician absence and transfer to another provider. Ask how you can obtain copies of prescriptions, letters and your clinical record.
Read the cancellation and complaints terms
Before paying, read the cancellation, refund and complaints policies. Check whether unused subscription periods are refundable, what happens if you are found unsuitable, and how complaints can be escalated to the relevant regulator or ombudsman route.
Record what is confirmed—and what still needs an answer
Keep a factual record of the legal provider, clinician, current written prices, pharmacy arrangements, support routes and unanswered questions for each service you are considering. Do not turn those notes into an automatic score or winner.
Questions worth asking before you book
- What is the registered provider name and regulator?
- Who will assess me, and are prescribing doctors on the GMC Specialist Register?
- What medical records are required and how are they transferred?
- What is the likely total cost for the first three and twelve months?
- Which pharmacy dispenses, and what happens during stock delays?
- How often are follow-ups required?
- How are side effects, urgent concerns and prescription corrections handled?
- How can I access my records or transfer care?