Cannabis explained

How Much Does Medical Cannabis Cost in the UK? 2026 Price Guide

Medical cannabis costs can vary quite significantly in the UK depending on the provider, prescribed medication and clinic fees.

How much does medical cannabis cost?

Medical cannabis costs can vary quite significantly in the UK depending on the provider, medication, prescribed dosage, and clinic fees. In 2026, medical cannabis flower costs an average of £6.67 per gram, while the average initial clinic consultation fee is around £50. Very few prescriptions are funded through the NHS.

Is medical cannabis available through the NHS?

 

While medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in 2018, most cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) remain unlicensed and are not widely available on the NHS. In the last eight years, fewer than 10 patients have been able to obtain an NHS prescription for an unlicensed CBPM, with the majority accessing it privately, through specialist clinics. 

 

This means costs can vary quite significantly depending on the provider and the products prescribed. 

 

There are now around 40 private medical cannabis clinics in the UK, and all operate different payment structures and processes. Patients are increasingly able to choose between pay-as-you-go consultations, monthly memberships and annual subscription plans.

 

What private costs do you need to consider?

 

Cost is often a key concern for patients who are considering treatment with cannabis-based medicines. Some reports suggest patients spend an average of £150-£300 per month including consultations and product fees, as of 2026. 

 

There are several costs that patients need to consider: 

  • Clinic and consultation fees
  • Product and pharmacy fees
  • Repeat prescription, administration and delivery costs 
  • Additional equipment for administration e.g vaporiser

 

How much do medical cannabis clinics charge?

 

Most clinics offer a free eligibility check to determine whether medical cannabis is suitable. Initial consultation fees vary significantly, from free up to £1,400 at the other end of the scale – although this figure is not representative of most providers.

 

Analysis of 2026 clinic pricing listed by MedBud found an average initial consultation or sign-up fee of £50, with ongoing consultation fees averaging around £29.99. 

 

For clinics operating a subscription model, monthly fees ranged from £5 to £299, with a median of £20 per month among the plans listing a monthly charge. Annual membership fees ranged from £50 to £400.

 

However, these fees don’t always reflect the full cost of treatment. Some providers charge separately for repeat prescriptions, medication delivery or use of an external pharmacy, while others bundle consultations and repeat prescriptions into their membership fee. 

 

Are there any access schemes to help with the cost?

 

Some clinics offer reduced rates and discount schemes for certain groups, such as benefit recipients, armed forces personnel and Blue Light Card holders, to help make the costs of accessing treatment more manageable.

 

Others have launched initiatives aimed at those currently waiting for other medical treatment through the NHS.

 

Scheme Who is eligible? Saving / cost
Grow Access Project (GAP) Benefit recipients, students, armed forces and Blue Light Card holders £30 sign-up + £30 biannual fee; free general consultations/repeats; 10% off selected medication brands
Mamedica Access Scheme Benefit recipients and veterans One-off £200 payment covering ongoing consultations and repeat prescriptions
Cantourage Veterans Scheme Armed forces members and their families 10% discount on clinical services
Lyphe for Veterans HM Armed Forces veterans Free sign-up, ongoing consultations and repeat prescriptions
Emerald Veterans Armed Forces veterans Clinical service free; £5.60 delivery fee
CB1 concession Former armed forces, police, fire, ambulance and Coast Guard personnel Free sign-up, consultations and repeat prescriptions
Auravia NHS Waitlist scheme People waiting for treatment on an NHS waiting list Reduced-price clinical scheme

 

Source: Medbud, 2026

 

Medical cannabis product price guide 

 

Medical cannabis is prescribed in several different forms, from flower and vapes to extracts and pastilles (edibles). They can vary quite significantly in price, with oils and vape cartridges generally more expensive than flower, but exact costs will depend on the individual treatment plan prescribed by the doctor. 

 

The most common product format prescribed in the UK is dried flower, accounting for more than 80% of prescriptions, according to data from Prohibition Partners in 2026, and the average price per gram has fallen to £6.67, down from £7 the previous year. There are currently over 900 flower products listed on the market, compared to just two edibles.  

 

2026 UK medical cannabis product price comparison

Product format Average price Pricing unit Products listed
Flower £6.67 per gram 902
Extracts £4.25 per ml 146
Vapes 9.0p per mg 69
Edibles £0.18 per mg 2

 

Source: Prohibition Partners (May 2026)

 

Do I need to purchase additional equipment?

 

Depending on the type of product prescribed, you may also need to invest in additional equipment such as a vaporiser and grinder for administering the medication. You’ll usually need to purchase these independently from the clinic, and they vary in cost significantly depending on your personal preference and individual needs. 

 

A high-end vaporiser can cost between £250-£300, but more budget-friendly options are available for under £100. 

 

FAQs

 

How much does medical cannabis cost per month in the UK?

 

The total cost of medical cannabis varies depending on the clinic, prescribed product and amount required. Private patients need to account for the cost of their medication as well as any consultation, membership, prescription and delivery fees. Some estimates put total monthly costs at around £150–£300, although individual costs can be lower or higher.

 

How much does medical cannabis cost per gram in the UK?

 

The average price of medical cannabis flower was £6.67 per gram in May 2026, according to data from Prohibition Partners. However, individual products vary in price depending on the brand, cultivar, and formulation prescribed. 

 

Can you get medical cannabis on the NHS?

 

Yes, but access to cannabis-based medicines through the NHS remains extremely limited. NHS guidance states that prescriptions are most likely to be considered for certain severe forms of epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and MS-related spasticity. Unlicensed cannabis-based medicines are prescribed to very few NHS patients, meaning most people accessing them currently do so privately.

 

Are there discounts or access schemes for medical cannabis?

 

Yes. Some private clinics offer reduced-cost schemes for groups including benefit recipients, veterans, armed forces personnel, students and Blue Light Card holders. Eligibility and fees vary between schemes.

 

Does private health insurance cover medical cannabis in the UK?

 

Medical cannabis is generally paid for directly by private patients, and patients should not assume their health insurance will cover either clinic fees or prescribed cannabis products. Coverage varies between providers and policies, so patients should check directly with their insurer before beginning treatment.

 

Sarah Sinclair

Sarah Sinclair

Sarah Sinclair is an award-winning freelance journalist covering health, drug policy and social affairs. She is one of the few UK reporters specialising in medical cannabis policy and as the former editor of Cannabis Health has covered developments in the European cannabis sector extensively, with a focus on patients and consumers. She continues to report on cannabis-related health and policy for Forbes, Cannabis Health and Business of Cannabis and has written for The i Paper, Byline Times, The Lead, Positive News, Leafie & others. Sarah has an NCTJ accreditation and an MA in Journalism from the University of Sunderland and has completed additional specialist training through the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society in the UK. She has spoken at leading industry events such as Cannabis Europa.