Medical Cannabis Cost UK
Understanding the cost of medical cannabis treatment
One of the most common questions patients ask is simple:
“How much does medical cannabis cost in the UK?”
The answer depends on your treatment, but the process is often more accessible than people expect.
Step 1: Initial consultation
If you may be suitable, you will be referred for a specialist consultation.
- Initial consultation: £30
- Follow-up consultations: £30
This is significantly lower than many private specialist consultations, which can often cost hundreds of pounds.
Step 2: Prescription costs
If treatment is approved, the cost of medical cannabis depends on the type of product and dose prescribed.
As a general guide:
- Cannabis flower: from approximately £5.50 per gram
- Supplied in 10g pouches
This means a typical starting point may be around:
- 10g per month: ~£55
- 30g per month: ~£165
Actual prescriptions vary depending on your condition, response, and clinician guidance.
What patients typically spend
Based on current prescribing patterns, many patients spend in the region of:
- ~£150 – £200 per month
This varies depending on dosage, product type, and individual needs.
Do I need a vapouriser?
If cannabis flower is prescribed, it is typically used with a medical-grade vapouriser.
Smoking is not recommended in a medical setting.
Instead of burning the product, vapourisers heat it to a controlled temperature to release active compounds without combustion.
- Medical vapourisers are designed specifically for prescribed cannabis
- They avoid many of the harmful byproducts associated with smoking
- They allow more controlled and consistent dosing
Typical cost of a medical vapouriser:
- £250 – £350 for a medical-grade device
This is usually a one-off cost, not a recurring monthly expense.
Why vapourising is used instead of smoking
In a clinical setting, cannabis is not prescribed to be smoked.
Smoking involves combustion, which produces additional byproducts that are not part of the intended treatment.
Vapourising works differently:
- Heats cannabis at lower temperatures without burning it
- Releases cannabinoids in a more controlled way
- Allows faster onset compared to oils in some cases
For this reason, clinicians typically recommend vapourisation where flower is used.
Other medical cannabis products and costs
Not all patients are prescribed flower. Other formulations may be discussed depending on your needs and preferences.
Cannabis oils
Cannabis oils are taken orally and tend to have a slower onset but longer duration.
- Typical cost: ~£70 – £150+ per bottle (depending on strength and formulation)
Oils are often preferred by patients who want a simpler dosing method or are less comfortable using a vapouriser.
Pastilles (lozenge-style formulations)
Pastilles are a newer formulation designed for convenience and ease of use.
- Typical cost: ~£80 – £150+ depending on dose and pack size
These may be suitable for some patients, particularly those who prefer not to use inhaled or oil-based treatments.
What affects the cost?
The total cost of treatment depends on several factors:
- Your condition and symptom severity
- The type of product prescribed (flower, oil, or other)
- Your dosage and how it is adjusted over time
- How often follow-up reviews are required
Treatment is personalised, so costs are tailored to the individual rather than fixed.
Before you decide, consider this
Many patients exploring medical cannabis have already spent months — often years — trying different treatments, prescriptions, and approaches.
The cost question is important.
But so is the cost of continuing without a treatment plan that is working.
For many patients, the first step is simply understanding whether this pathway is appropriate before committing to any cost.
Check your eligibility
If you want a clearer idea of whether this pathway may be appropriate for you, the next step is to complete a simple eligibility check.
Sherwood Avenue Pharmacy (Newark)
Start your assessment through our Newark location, with access to clinician-led prescribing and local pharmacy support.
Start eligibility check – Newark
Holden’s Chemist Bentley (Doncaster)
Begin your eligibility check through our Doncaster service, combining clinical assessment with on-the-ground pharmacy support.
Start eligibility check – Doncaster
Learn more
Important: Medical cannabis is a prescription-only treatment. It is only considered after appropriate clinical assessment and may not be suitable for every patient.