Start Your Journey - PatientsCann UK®

Before You Begin

Most of these are straightforward and clinics can help you with several of them.

Qualifying Condition

You must have a condition that UK private cannabis clinics treat with a CBPM. Use the search below to check.

Tried Other Treatments

Many clinics ask that you have tried at least two prior treatments, medications, or therapies for your condition.

Summary Care Record (SCR)

A short NHS document listing your medicines and allergies. It is free to request from your GP. See the blue box in Step 2 below for full instructions. What is an SCR?

Photo ID

Proof of identity is required. Speak to a clinic if you don't have standard photo ID. Options are available..

Internet or Phone Access

No need to attend in person. Almost all consultations are by video call or phone.

UK Registered Address

Medication is delivered by courier to your home. Delivery to a local pharmacy may also be an option.

Important: Clinics Will Not Prescribe If You Have a History of:

Psychosis Schizophrenia Personal or Family History of Psychotic Disorders

Other factors, including certain medications, mental health history, and substance use, are assessed on a case-by-case basis by individual clinics. Your clinician will review your full history at consultation.

Check Your Condition

Type a condition below to see whether UK private cannabis clinics commonly treat it.

Your Journey, Step by Step

Two clear stages from first applying to a clinic, to receiving your medication. Click each tab to explore.

Stage 1: Clinic Application

From choosing a clinic to receiving your clinical letter. This is the stage that makes you a legal medical cannabis patient.

Choose a clinic

Find a clinic that is affordable and treats your condition. Compare options, pricing, and specialisms in the PatientsCann app or our clinic directory.

Complete an online registration

The clinic will ask permission to obtain your GP records. The most important document is your Summary Care Record (SCR). It is often faster to request it yourself and upload it directly. See the full guide below on how to do this.

Do Not Miss This Step

What Is a Summary Care Record (SCR)?

Your Summary Care Record (SCR) is a short NHS document that lists your current medicines, allergies, and any past reactions to medicines. It is created automatically from your GP records. Most patients have one without knowing it exists.

Cannabis clinics need this record to understand your medical background before they can prescribe. It is one of the most important things you need before your consultation and many patients miss it or are unsure how to get it. This section explains exactly what to do.

It Is FreeYou cannot be charged for requesting your own NHS records. This is your legal right under UK data protection law.

Up to One Month to RespondYour GP has up to one month to reply. Request yours as early as possible to avoid delays to your consultation.

Cannot Normally Be RefusedA GP can only withhold records in rare cases where sharing could cause serious harm. A standard SCR request must normally be fulfilled.

Also in the NHS AppYou may be able to view and download your SCR straight away using the NHS App, without waiting for your GP.

Three Ways to Get Your SCR

NHS App (fastest): Log in at nhs.uk/nhs-app or use the NHS App on your phone. Go to Health records and look for your SCR. You can download it or take a screenshot to send to your clinic.

Contact your GP surgery: Call or email your GP reception and ask for a Subject Access Request (SAR) for your Summary Care Record. You do not have to say why. They cannot charge you and must respond within one month. Ask for it in PDF format so you can send it to your clinic.

Ask your cannabis clinic to help: Many clinics will contact your GP directly on your behalf with your written consent. This is useful if your GP is slow to respond or if you are unsure how to make the request. Ask your clinic at registration whether they offer this service.

Under UK law (UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018), you have the right to a copy of your own health records. Your GP cannot normally refuse and cannot charge you for a standard request. If you have difficulty getting your records, contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk for free advice.

Tip: If your GP is unresponsive, your cannabis clinic may be able to request your SCR on your behalf with your consent. Some clinics include this as part of their registration process. It is always worth asking.

NHS England (2023) Summary Care Records (SCR) [online]. Available at: digital.nhs.uk (Accessed: 29 June 2026). | ICO (2024) Getting copies of your information (subject access request) [online]. Available at: ico.org.uk (Accessed: 29 June 2026).

Application screening

The clinic reviews your application and accepts or declines you for a consultation.

Important: Being accepted at this point does not yet make you a registered medical cannabis patient.

Book your consultation

Choose a time that suits you. Some clinics let you select your preferred specialist. Payment for the initial consultation is usually required at booking.

Your consultation

An online or phone appointment with a specialist doctor. You will discuss your medical history, previous medications, any personal history with cannabis, and mental health questions. Your clinician may also discuss suitable products with you at this stage, which can help initiate your prescription once approved.

You are free to discuss any previous cannabis use openly. Clinicians are welcoming and non-judgemental, even if you have no prior experience with cannabis.

MDT review & decision

After your consultation the clinic's Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) reviews your case. You'll be contacted by phone or email with the outcome, along with your clinical letter. Keep a copy of this safe at all times.

You Are Now A Legal Medical Cannabis Patient!

If declined by one clinic, you can apply to another. It does not affect future applications elsewhere.

Stage 2: Getting Your Medical Cannabis

Once approved, here is how your prescription reaches you and what to expect for repeat orders.

Pharmacy registration. Your dispensing pharmacy will contact you to register. Some clinics automate this as part of the sign-up process. You may be asked to upload a copy of your ID. This is a one-time step..

Hard copy prescription sent to pharmacy. Your clinic sends a physical prescription, typically within 1 to 2 business days. This is a legal requirement for controlled substances.

Pay for your medication. Once your identity is verified you will receive an itemised invoice payable online, by phone, or bank transfer.

Delivery to your door. Your medication arrives by courier. Check your pharmacy's email for lead times and track via their courier app where available. A signature may be required.

Ordering repeats. How you order repeats depends on your clinic. Some clinics require a follow-up consultation for product changes. Others offer patient apps or portals so you can manage prescriptions directly. Some may only require consultations for the first few months.

Order in advance. Some medications have longer lead times. Always reorder early to avoid gaps in your treatment.

Each clinic is different. Processes, fees, follow-up requirements, and available products vary. Always read clinic reviews and check their processes before registering. Our PatientsCann app includes a full clinic directory with details for each clinic.

View CBPM Product List via TheCannabisPages.com ↗