How to Get a UK Medical Cannabis Prescription

Getting a medical cannabis prescription with Releaf is quick and easy with 3 simple steps. Sign up with Releaf & complete an eligibility check - no GP referral needed. Book your initial consultation with one of our 55+ specialist doctors. If approved, your prescription is dispensed and delivered safely to your door. 9 out of 10 patients who apply are eligible.

How Releaf works

1.1: Check your eligibility

Answer three quick questions to assess your eligibility based on your condition and medical history. You don’t need a severe health condition to qualify, but you must have tried at least two previous treatments for your condition.

1.2: Confirm with NHS login

Use NHS login to grant access to your medical records. This allows safe, secure, and instant access to review any previously prescribed treatments and verify your eligibility.

1.3 Pick your preferred time

Choose a 30-minute time slot for your private video consultation with a UK-registered doctor, who will be matched to your condition and guide you through the treatments available. During this online consultation, you can ask all your questions and, if you are eligible, the doctor will suggest a treatment plan based on your condition and lifestyle.

1.4: Pay your consultation fee

The consultation costs £99, which ensures our medical team can give you the best advice and care when preparing your treatment plan. This fee is fully refundable if you are not eligible. However, 99% of our consultations result in a medical cannabis prescription.

2.1: Get your prescription

After your consultation, our multi-disciplinary team will review your eligibility and treatment plan. Your treatment plan will include suggestions whether you should start with a dried cannabis flower or cannabis oil. As well as the advised THC and CBD quantities.

2.2: Place your order

Once approved, you can place your order directly on the Releaf platform and select your preferred payment option. The most popular is our flexible subscription service: Releaf + which covers the costs of any future consultations, medication postage, and prescription fees.

2.3: Receive your medication

As the only UK medical cannabis clinic with an integrated pharmacy, you can track your order. We aim for you to receive your order within 5 days. If you choose our monthly subscription service, your prescribed cannabis medication will be sent automatically in discreet, odourless packaging.

3.1: Changing your prescription

With our subscription service, you can adjust or cancel your order online. If you don't want to change your prescription, no action is needed. Pay-as-you-go customers will need to select their medical cannabis treatment and quantity each month in order to continue receiving their order.

3.2: Your ongoing consultations

You will see a clinician at least four times throughout the year, regular check-in appointments ensure your prescription continues to meet your needs. You will also have access to our dedicated patient support team, who can answer questions in between appointments.

How Medical Cannabis Works

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a plant which can produce a diverse range of chemical compounds called ‘phytocannabinoids’.

When consumed, these compounds trigger various effects on the mind and body by activating our body’s natural “endo-cannabinoid receptors”.

How Cannabis Works in the Body

The major and most commonly known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC and CBD.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is the primary psychoactive component, contributing to various therapeutic effects, such as pain relief, anticonvulsive, antispasmodic, antidepressant, sedative, and neuroprotective.
It’s valued for its pain relief, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and appetite-stimulating attributes.
THC enhances sensory functions, such as sight and hearing, while promoting a greater sense of well-being.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it does not induce a “high” and counteracts the psychoactive effects of THC.
CBD offers an array of therapeutic benefits, including its effectiveness against anxiety, stress, and muscle spasms. Notably, it is a powerful anti-seizure treatment and demonstrates sedative properties.
To learn more about cannabinoids and how they interact with our bodies, check out What is a cannabinoid? and What is the endocannabinoid system?

Join our growing community of over 100,000 people

Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.