Patient-led, free to access, UK registered CIC
Your rights. Your prescription. Your community.
PatientsCann UK is the country's leading patient-led organisation for medical cannabis. We give free guidance, tools, and a trusted community to tens of thousands of patients across the UK.
- Legal since
- 2018
- Legal patients
- 90k+
- Patient-led
- 100%
- Resources
- Free
Medical cannabis in the UKLaw ref: SI 2018 / 1055
Legal status
Legal on prescription since 1 November 2018
Who can prescribe
Specialist doctors on the GMC register
Where to start
Licensed UK clinics, online consultations, home delivery
New to medical cannabis?
Read the free guidePatient Toolkit
Tools you will come back to
Free, practical tools for everyday life as a medical cannabis patient. Save this page. You will need it again.
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Verify a Prescription
Check that a cannabis product or prescriber is genuine and licensed in the UK.
Open the checker -
Eligibility Checker
Answer a few questions in our free app to see if you may qualify for treatment.
Check in the app -
Letter Templates
Ready-made letters for landlords, employers, your NHS trust, and Citizens Advice.
Browse templates -
Lounge Directory
Find patient-friendly consumption lounges and clubs near you, updated by the community.
Find a lounge -
International Travel Guide
Know if your holiday destination will allow travel with your cannabis medication
Discover the travel guide
Know your rights
What does the law say in your situation?
Pick a situation. Get a plain-English answer in seconds, with a link to the full guide. The law protects you more than you may think.
Where do you need help right now?
Choose a situation above
Your answer will appear here. Every answer links to a full free guide written by patients, for patients.
PatientsCann UK App
Your whole journey, in one place
Free clinic directory, eligibility checker, treatment diary, and legal support.
About PatientsCann UK
Empowering every medical cannabis patient in the UK
PatientsCann UK is a patient-founded, patient-led Community Interest Company. We give free education, advocacy, peer support, and resources to everyone navigating UK medical cannabis. There is no cost to patients.
- We, The Patients, UK Representative
- Cannabis Industry Council Member
- MHRA Public Member
- NICE Registered Stakeholder
- CPD Approved Provider #790169
Patient-centric
Every project is led by what patients need, shaped by real community feedback.
Education
Clear, accurate information so patients can use the system with confidence.
Advocacy
Patient voices at the highest levels, including the MHRA, NICE, and government.
Volunteer-run
Fully volunteer-operated and funded by donations. No commercial agenda.
Getting started
How to access medical cannabis in the UK
Legal on prescription since November 2018. Here is how it works for new patients.
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Check eligibility
Many conditions can qualify. Use our free eligibility checker or browse the clinic directory to find the right clinic for you.
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Book a consultation
A specialist doctor reviews your medical history. Most consultations happen online and take 30 to 60 minutes.
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Receive your prescription
If approved, your prescription goes to a specialist pharmacy. Products arrive at your door.
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Get ongoing support
We are here for your whole journey, with free peer support, guidance, and community.
Recognition
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New
2026
Best Medical Cannabis Patient Advocacy Network
Acquisition International, Non-Profit Organisation Awards
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2023
Best Medical Cannabis Advocacy UK
Global Health & Pharma Awards
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2024
Medical Cannabis Professionals of the Year
Innovation & Excellence Awards
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2024
Most Informative Education Platform
UK Enterprise Awards
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Nominee
Patient-Focused Initiative
Business of Cannabis Awards
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about medical cannabis in the UK. If your answer is not here, our community can help.
- 2018
- Legal since
- 90k+
- Legal patients
- 40+
- Free guides
- 24/7
- Community
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Cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) have been legal on prescription in the UK since 1 November 2018. Only specialist doctors on the GMC register can prescribe. NHS prescriptions are still rare, but tens of thousands of patients now get treatment through licensed private clinics.
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You need a qualifying condition that may be treated with cannabis. Different clinics have different rules. If one clinic cannot accept you, another may be able to help. Start your journey here.
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Yes, but only a small number of patients currently receive NHS prescriptions. Most patients access treatment through licensed private clinics. Costs have fallen over time and subsidised access schemes are available.
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Private treatment can be costly, though prices have come down a lot. Subsidised schemes exist for patients on low incomes, veterans, Blue Light Card holders, and others. View access schemes.
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Some countries allow UK patients to travel with their prescription. Always check the rules for your destination before you travel. View our travel guide.
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Under the Equality Act 2010, patients must not face discrimination or be stopped from treating themselves when necessary. Venues must make reasonable adjustments. Read the venue guidance or find your nearest lounge.
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Employees have the right to use medication that supports their health. Employers must carry out a risk assessment and make reasonable adjustments. Learn about your employment rights.
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We explain how to report problems through the right channels, including the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme, ISCAS, the CQC, and the GMC. View our reporting guides.
Sources
Department of Health and Social Care (2018) The Misuse of Drugs (Amendments) (Cannabis and Licence Fees) (England, Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2018. London: The Stationery Office. Available at: legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/1055.
Equality Act 2010, c. 15. Available at: legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15.
Community
Join the conversation
Connect with tens of thousands of patients, carers, and advocates. Stay informed, share experiences, and never feel alone in your journey.
Join our Discord
A safe, moderated space for medical cannabis patients to connect, share experiences, and support one another.
Join the communitySupport free patient education across the UK
PatientsCann UK is run entirely by volunteers. Every pound donated funds patient-led education, awareness campaigns, and free resources for medical cannabis patients across the UK.
- 100%
- Volunteer-run
- Free
- All resources, always