Yet many people searching for treatment encounter something confusing:
The NHS says medical cannabis is prescribed to very few patients, while private clinics advertise assessments for a much wider range of conditions.
How can both be true?
The answer lies in the difference between legal prescribing, clinical guidance, NHS commissioning and private specialist care.
NHS vs Private Medical Cannabis at a Glance
| Feature | NHS | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Medical cannabis available? | Yes | Yes |
| Access | Very limited | Broader assessment pathway |
| Cost to patient | NHS prescription arrangements | Clinic + medication costs |
| Specialist involvement | Yes | Yes |
| Prescription guaranteed? | No | No |
| Conditions routinely considered | Narrow | Varies by clinic/clinician |
| Medical records required | Relevant clinical records | Usually |
| Follow-up required | Yes | Yes |
Is Medical Cannabis Legal in the UK?
Yes, when lawfully prescribed.
Cannabis-based products for medicinal use were moved into Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations in November 2018, enabling appropriate prescribing.
Recreational cannabis remains illegal.
A legal medical prescription therefore shouldn't be confused with buying cannabis outside the regulated prescription pathway.
Who Can Prescribe Medical Cannabis?
For controlled cannabis-based medicinal products, NICE states that the initial prescription must be made by a specialist medical practitioner included on the GMC Specialist Register and with a special interest in the condition being treated.
Subsequent prescribing can sometimes take place under an appropriate shared-care arrangement.
That applies to the medical framework rather than creating an automatic right to treatment.
Who Can Get Medical Cannabis on the NHS?
NHS access remains limited.
The NHS says very few people in England are likely to receive a medical-cannabis prescription.
It identifies three principal situations:
Rare, severe epilepsy
Certain cannabis-based medicines may be considered for particular severe forms of epilepsy.
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Nabilone may be considered when other anti-sickness treatments haven't worked adequately.
Multiple sclerosis spasticity
A THC spray may be considered for some adults with MS-related muscle stiffness where other treatments haven't worked.
Even within these categories, treatment isn't automatic.
What About Chronic Pain?
This is one of the clearest examples of the NHS/private distinction.
Private clinics may assess patients living with chronic pain.
But NICE currently says adults should not be offered THC, THC/CBD combinations, dronabinol or nabilone for chronic pain and says CBD should not be offered for chronic pain outside a clinical trial.
That means:
“Privately assessed for chronic pain” does not equal “NICE recommends medical cannabis for chronic pain.”
Every credible UK medical-cannabis comparison website should make that distinction clear.
Why Can Private Clinics Assess More Conditions?
UK prescribing law doesn't simply contain a short list of diagnoses for which private specialists are permitted to prescribe CBPMs.
Specialists can make individual clinical decisions within the applicable legal and professional framework.
That gives private specialists scope to assess patients whose conditions fall outside routine NHS access.
But they still need to consider:
- clinical need;
- treatment history;
- available evidence;
- alternative treatments;
- risks;
- medicine interactions;
- monitoring.
Private access doesn't mean “cannabis on demand”.
How Does Private Medical Cannabis Work?
The typical pathway is:
Preliminary eligibility check
You provide basic information about your condition and treatment history.
Medical records
The clinic reviews relevant health information.
Specialist consultation
A clinician assesses your circumstances.
Clinical decision
The specialist determines whether prescribing is appropriate.
Prescription
If approved, a prescription is issued and fulfilled through an appropriate pharmacy.
Monitoring
Treatment is reviewed for effectiveness and safety.
Different clinics structure these stages differently.
NHS vs Private Costs
This is perhaps the biggest practical difference.
NHS treatment follows normal NHS funding and prescription arrangements.
Private patients generally pay for:
Clinic costs can include:
- consultations;
- monthly subscriptions;
- annual memberships;
- reviews;
- administration.
Medication is normally additional.
Our Medical Cannabis Cost UK guide tracks current clinic prices independently.
How Much Do Private Clinics Cost?
As of our latest comparison, the major providers use very different pricing models.
Some offer subscriptions from around £5 per month.
Others offer annual plans.
Some have larger onboarding charges followed by reduced or zero future clinic fees.
That's why the correct comparison isn't:
“Who has the cheapest first consultation?”
It's:
“What is the expected first-, second- and third-year cost?”
Our Clinic Cost Calculator is built around exactly that question.
Is Private Medical Cannabis Better Than NHS Treatment?
Private access is broader, but “private” doesn't automatically mean clinically superior.
NHS recommendations are heavily influenced by evidence, licensing, safety and cost effectiveness.
Private specialists can make individual decisions outside routine NHS commissioning pathways, particularly involving unlicensed medicines.
Patients should understand those differences rather than treating private availability as evidence that the NHS has somehow “banned” an otherwise established treatment.
Are Private Prescriptions Legal?
Yes, provided the prescription and supply comply with the relevant law and professional requirements.
Keep prescribed medication in its original packaging with its dispensing label.
The NHS also recommends retaining a copy of the prescription and, where available, a letter from the prescribing doctor.
Can My GP Prescribe It Instead?
For many controlled CBPMs, initiation requires an appropriate specialist.
Subsequent prescriptions may sometimes be issued by another prescriber under an appropriate shared-care agreement where the patient's condition is stable and the necessary conditions are met.
That doesn't mean a GP is obliged to enter such an arrangement.
NHS vs Private: What Should You Do Next?
If you're seeking treatment for one of the relatively narrow NHS-supported indications, discuss your circumstances through your existing healthcare pathway.
If you're investigating private care because your condition isn't routinely treated with cannabis on the NHS, educate yourself before paying a clinic.
Understand:
- the evidence for your condition;
- whether you've tried established treatments;
- potential risks;
- clinic costs;
- medication costs;
- regulatory history;
- follow-up arrangements.
Then decide whether you want a specialist assessment.
FAQs
Can I get medical cannabis on the NHS?
Yes, but NHS access remains very limited and is concentrated around a relatively small number of clinical situations.
Can I get medical cannabis privately?
Appropriate private specialists can prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products where they judge this clinically appropriate.
Is private medical cannabis legal?
Yes, when lawfully prescribed and supplied.
Why do private clinics treat more conditions?
Private specialists can make individual prescribing decisions within the relevant legal and professional framework, while routine NHS access is shaped by evidence, clinical guidance and commissioning.
Is a private prescription guaranteed?
No.
How much does private medical cannabis cost?
It varies. Patients generally need to account for both clinic fees and medication.
Can I switch between private clinics?
Potentially. Several clinics operate transfer processes, but acceptance and prescribing remain subject to their clinical assessment.
Compare Private Medical Cannabis Clinics
If you've researched the evidence and want to investigate private treatment, don't register with the first clinic you find.
Compare:
- annual cost
- specialists
- appointments
- regulation
- delivery
- follow-up
- pharmacy arrangements.
Our Best Medical Cannabis Clinics UK 2026 comparison brings those factors together in one place.
Or use the Medical Cannabis Eligibility Checker first to understand common preliminary screening criteria.