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Try the PatientsCann UK App Free to use — e-learning modules, emergency toolbox, eligibility checker, full clinic directory, treatment diary and more. All in one place.
Getting Started

Start Your Journey

A simple step-by-step guide for patients new to medical cannabis treatment in the UK. From checking eligibility to receiving your first prescription.

  • Check your eligible condition with our eligibility tool
  • Request a Summary of Care Record from your GP
  • Book a consultation with a specialist clinic
  • Submit your application and await review
  • Receive your prescription and begin treatment
Begin Your Journey → Eligibility Checker
Patient Rights

Verify a Medical Cannabis Prescription

Guidance for employers, police, and third parties on how to correctly and sensitively verify a patient's medical cannabis prescription.

Employers must obtain patient consent before reviewing medical documentation. Review must be conducted by a qualified occupational health professional.

Patients are not legally required to disclose their diagnosis — only that they hold a valid prescription.
Verification Guide →
Clinical

Administration Methods

A visual quick-reference guide to all licensed administration methods — vaporising, oils, capsules, sublingual sprays and more.

  • Vaporisation (dried flower/oil) — most common
  • Sublingual oils & sprays — fast-acting
  • Capsules & softgels — slow-release
  • Topical creams & patches — localised relief
  • Edibles — where clinically prescribed
View Full Guide →
Getting Started

Patient Access Schemes

Medical cannabis can be costly — but subsidised access schemes are available to help patients access more affordable treatment plans.

  • Clinic-specific patient assistance programmes
  • Pharmacy discount and loyalty schemes
  • Compassionate access programmes from manufacturers
  • NHS referral pathways (limited availability)
View Schemes → App Directory
Patient Rights

Reporting Products & Services

Concerns about your clinic, pharmacy, or medication? We've compiled the correct reporting channels to keep you and other patients safe.

  • Adverse medication effects → MHRA Yellow Card scheme
  • Clinic or pharmacy concerns → CQC complaint process
  • Prescription errors → your prescribing doctor
  • Serious concerns → GMC or GPhC regulators
Reporting Guide →
Legal & Safety

Legal Services

A curated list of legal services specialising in medical cannabis law in the UK — for patients navigating complex legal challenges.

  • Employment disputes & reasonable adjustments
  • Driving offences & drug test challenges
  • Housing discrimination
  • Travel and border issues
  • Police stop and search rights
Find Legal Support →
Patient Rights

Driving & Medical Cannabis

Everything you need to know about driving with a medical cannabis prescription — your rights, limits, and what to do if stopped by police.

  • You must not drive while impaired, regardless of prescription
  • Legal THC blood-level limits apply — know your numbers
  • A valid prescription is not an automatic defence
  • Inform your insurer — non-disclosure can void cover
  • DVLA notification may be required for certain conditions
Driving Guide →
Patient Rights

Employment Rights

Your medical information is confidential. Learn your rights as an employee and what your employer must do to ensure a safe, inclusive workplace.

  • You are not required to disclose your diagnosis to an employer
  • Employers must carry out a risk assessment for safety-critical roles
  • Reasonable adjustments may be required under the Equality Act 2010
  • Contact ACAS or Citizens Advice if you face workplace issues
We do not provide legal advice. For specific employment issues, please contact a specialist employment lawyer.
Employment Guide →
Patient Rights

Housing Rights

Patients should not be discriminated against for using medical cannabis. Know your rights as a tenant or homeowner when medicating at home.

Patients consuming their medication as directed by their prescribing doctor are within their rights to do so at home. Landlords and housing associations should make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.

Housing Guide →
Travel

Public Venues

Being refused entry or challenged at a venue? Know your rights under the Equality Act 2010, and find approved venues that welcome medical cannabis patients.

  • You do not need to disclose your condition — only that you hold a valid prescription
  • Contact venues ahead of time where possible
  • If challenged, cite the Equality Act 2010, Sections 20 and 21
  • Make a formal complaint if refused — you may be entitled to compensation
Venue Guide → Find a Lounge
Travel

Travel Abroad With Your Prescription

Planning to travel internationally? Understand which countries allow you to travel with your medical cannabis prescription, and how to prepare safely.

  • Check destination & transit country rules in advance
  • Carry original pharmacy packaging & prescriber letter
  • Apply for an export licence 10+ days before travel if needed
  • Check airline policies — some make reasonable adjustments
  • Schengen Certificate required for some EU countries
76 countries do not permit travel with a cannabis prescription. Always verify before you fly.
Travel Guide → GOV.UK Licences
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Frequently Asked Questions

Cannabis has been legal on prescription in the UK since 1 November 2018. Only specialist doctors on the GMC register can prescribe. A limited number of patients are prescribed by the NHS; however, tens of thousands have accessed treatment via private medical cannabis clinics across the UK.
You need a qualifying condition that can be treated with cannabis. Conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and some heart conditions may make it more challenging to obtain a prescription — but if one clinic declines, another may be able to help. Use our eligibility checker in the App to get started.
Yes — medical cannabis is available on the NHS, but only a very small number of patients are offered it this way. The vast majority of patients in the UK access treatment privately. Start your journey here.
Private medical cannabis can be costly, but consultation and medication costs have reduced significantly over time. Subsidised access schemes are also available, allowing patients to access more affordable treatment plans. See our Patient Access Schemes guide for more.
Some countries permit you to travel with your medical cannabis, and some airlines may make reasonable adjustments. Always check the rules for your specific destination — and any transit countries — well in advance. Our full travel guide has a country-by-country directory and key preparation steps.
Patients prescribed any medication should not be discriminated against or prevented from medicating when necessary — this is protected under the Equality Act 2010. Some venues will not allow vaporising on-site, but service providers must make reasonable adjustments. Find venue guidance and consumption lounges near you.