Our goal is to make that comparison easier.
This guide compares leading UK medical cannabis clinics based on the factors that matter to prospective patients: clinic fees, ongoing costs, access, consultation structure, patient support and overall transparency.
Medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription in the UK since 2018. Initial prescribing of many cannabis-based medicinal products must involve an appropriate doctor on the GMC Specialist Register. Private prescribing is permitted, although whether a cannabis-based medicine is clinically appropriate remains a decision for the specialist treating you.gov.uk
Compare Medical Cannabis Clinics
| Clinic | Pricing Structure* | Consultations | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternaleaf | Membership or PAYG | Online | Low ongoing clinic fees |
| Curaleaf Clinic | Monthly, PAYG or annual | Online | Flexible payment options |
| Mamedica | Multiple programmes | Online | Choice of access plans |
*Prices and schemes can change. Check our individual clinic reviews and the provider directly before making a decision.
What Should You Compare?
The cheapest advertised consultation does not necessarily mean the cheapest clinic overall.
We recommend comparing the total expected cost of being a patient.
Look at:
- Initial consultation or onboarding fee
- Follow-up consultation fees
- Monthly membership fees
- Repeat prescription charges
- Delivery charges
- Medication costs
- Appointment frequency
- Eligibility assessment
- Patient support
- Cancellation terms
This is where clinic comparison becomes particularly useful.
A clinic charging £0 or £5 monthly could theoretically cost more overall if other charges are higher. Conversely, a larger initial fee could represent better long-term value for a patient requiring regular appointments.
Our expert tip
Calculate the first-year cost, not just the first appointment.
That is the figure prospective patients should compare.
Alternaleaf
Alternaleaf currently offers two main ways to pay for clinic services: a £5-per-month membership covering appointments or PAYG appointments advertised at £29 each. Medication is separate. Its published eligibility criteria for several conditions include having a diagnosis and having been offered at least two conventional treatments.alternaleaf.co.uk
That makes Alternaleaf particularly interesting for consumers comparing clinics primarily on predictable appointment costs.
Consider Alternaleaf if: you value a straightforward subscription/PAYG model and online consultations.
Check before joining: medication costs, current eligibility requirements and the exact services included.
Read our full Alternaleaf Review
Curaleaf Clinic
Curaleaf Clinic also offers several payment structures.
At the time of our latest review, its published options included £30 PAYG appointments and a £5-per-month subscription covering the initial appointment and four routine appointments each year. Curaleaf states that new patients typically have four to five appointments during their first year.curaleafclinic.com
That makes it relatively easy to estimate clinic costs before joining.
Consider Curaleaf if: flexible payment structures and predictable appointment costs matter to you.
Read our full Curaleaf Clinic Review
Mamedica
Mamedica takes a somewhat different approach.
Its current plans include Flex, Standard, Access and Transfer options. At the time checked, published onboarding charges included £49 for Flex, £150 for Standard, £200 for qualifying Access patients and £75 for transferring patients, with different ongoing fee arrangements depending on the programme.mamedica.co.uk
This makes Mamedica particularly important to compare on whole-of-year cost rather than headline onboarding price.
Which Medical Cannabis Clinic Is Cheapest?
There isn't one answer for every patient.
Your total cost can depend on:
- appointment frequency
- chosen payment programme
- prescribed medication
- dosage
- delivery arrangements
- eligibility for access schemes
That's why we've created a separate Cheapest Medical Cannabis Clinics UK comparison that calculates expected clinic fees over a longer period.
Can Anyone Get Medical Cannabis in the UK?
No.
Having a condition that a private clinic assesses does not guarantee that you will receive a prescription.
A specialist must determine that prescribing is clinically appropriate. NHS England also notes that cannabis-based medicinal products are generally not considered first-line treatments, particularly because many products remain unlicensed and the evidence base varies considerably between indications.england.nhs.uk
Private Medical Cannabis vs NHS Treatment
Private access and NHS access should not be confused.
The NHS says prescriptions are currently likely only for a relatively small number of patients, principally involving certain severe epilepsies, chemotherapy-related nausea or vomiting, and MS-related spasticity.nhs.uk
Private specialists can legally prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products where they consider this clinically appropriate, subject to prescribing requirements.england.nhs.uk
Read our NHS vs Private Medical Cannabis UK guide for the full comparison.
FAQs
Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?
Yes, when lawfully prescribed. Cannabis-based products for medicinal use were rescheduled in 2018, enabling specialist prescribing in appropriate circumstances.gov.uk
Do I need a GP referral?
Processes vary between providers. Check the clinic's current requirements before registering.
Is the consultation fee the cost of the medication?
Usually not. Clinic/consultation costs and medication costs should be compared separately.
Does joining a clinic guarantee a prescription?
No. Prescribing remains a clinical decision.
Compare Before You Choose
Don't select a clinic from one headline price.
Use our Medical Cannabis Clinic Comparison Tool to compare providers side-by-side, then read our individual clinic reviews before deciding which provider you want to approach.