Consultation Questions: What to Ask Before Booking a Medical Cannabis Clinic

Booking a private medical cannabis consultation is a clinical decision, not a consumer purchase. Use this checklist to gather the information you need before committing to a clinic, then take the questions that matter most to your first appointment.

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About the clinic

Questions to understand who will be treating you and whether the clinic operates to a standard you are comfortable with.

• Are your doctors on the GMC Specialist Register?

  Only doctors on the Specialist Register can legally prescribe unlicensed cannabis-based medicines in the UK. A clinic should be able to confirm this without hesitation.
• Who will I see at each appointment, the same clinician or different ones?

  Continuity of care matters. Seeing the same clinician means they know your history and can spot changes over time. If you may see different clinicians each time, ask how your records are shared between them.
• Are your clinicians employed by the clinic or independent contractors?

  This can affect how decisions are made and who is clinically responsible. The answer should be clear.
• Is the clinic registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or equivalent regulator?

  CQC registration is a baseline requirement for healthcare providers in England. Clinics operating across UK nations should be registered with the relevant regulator.
• What happens if the doctor decides cannabis is not suitable for me?

  Not everyone who applies is prescribed. A good clinic will explain this clearly before you pay. Ask whether the initial consultation fee is refunded if you are deemed unsuitable.
• Can I speak to a clinician before committing to a paid appointment?

  Some clinics offer a free eligibility check or brief call. This can save you time and money if cannabis is clearly not suitable for your situation.

About costs

Questions to understand the full financial commitment before you book.

• What is the total cost of the first year, including all expected appointments and repeat prescriptions?

  The initial consultation fee is only part of the cost. Follow-ups, repeats and medication add up. Ask for the full projected cost, not just the first appointment. You can also use MCPH's cost calculator to estimate this.
• Are there any fees not listed on your website?

  Prescription changes, split deliveries, missed appointments and letters for travel or employers may carry extra charges. Ask specifically about these.
• Do you offer any access schemes, discounts, or reduced rates?

  Many clinics offer reduced fees for people on certain benefits, students, veterans or existing patients transferring from another clinic. If you may qualify, ask before booking.
• Can I choose my pharmacy, and does that affect what I pay?

  Some clinics work with specific pharmacies. Medication prices vary between pharmacies, and delivery charges differ. Knowing whether you have a choice helps you estimate the true medication cost.
• Are your appointment prices guaranteed for a set period?

  Prices can change. A clinic that commits to a fixed price for your first year gives you certainty. If prices are subject to change, ask how much notice you will receive.

About the process

Questions about how treatment works day to day.

• How often will I need follow-up appointments, and what happens at them?

  Most clinics require follow-ups every 1-3 months in the first year. Understanding the schedule helps you plan time and budget. Ask whether the follow-up is a full consultation or a brief check-in.
• How are prescriptions issued and how long does it take to receive medication?

  The time from appointment to receiving medication can vary. Ask about typical timelines, how prescriptions are sent to the pharmacy and what to do if there is a delay.
• Can I request a specific product or strain?

  Some clinics allow patient preference within a clinical framework; others make all prescribing decisions without patient input. Understanding the clinic's approach helps set expectations.
• What happens if a prescribed product is out of stock?

  Stock issues are common in the UK medical cannabis market. A good clinic has a clear process for handling them, whether that means a pharmacy alternative, a prescription rewrite or a clinical discussion about alternatives.
• What information do you share with my NHS GP?

  Private clinics typically write to your NHS GP after consultations. Ask what is shared, whether you can review the letter first and whether you can opt out. Your NHS records and private records are separate systems.
• What records or proof of diagnosis do I need to provide?

  Most clinics require evidence of your diagnosis and treatment history, such as a Summary Care Record from your GP. Ask what format they accept and how recent the records need to be.

About aftercare

Questions about ongoing support and what happens when things change.

• What monitoring do you provide, and how are side effects handled?

  Medical cannabis requires clinical monitoring. Ask how the clinic tracks your response to treatment, what you should do if you experience side effects and how quickly you can speak to a clinician if something concerns you.
• How do I request a prescription change or raise a concern between appointments?

  You may need to adjust your treatment between scheduled follow-ups. Ask whether there is a clinical contact route, what it costs, if anything, and how long it typically takes.
• What happens if I want to switch to a different clinic?

  Switching clinics is a normal part of care. Ask whether there are any fees or barriers, how your records are transferred and whether the clinic supports a smooth handover.
• What is your complaints procedure?

  Every healthcare provider should have a clear, accessible complaints process. If the clinic cannot tell you how to raise a concern, that is a significant warning sign.
• If I need to pause or stop treatment, is there a process for that?

  Treatment may need to stop for many reasons, including cost, side effects, a change in your health or pregnancy. Ask how the clinic handles treatment pauses, whether you need an exit consultation and what happens to any subscription or membership fees.

More on fees and care

For more practical guidance, see:

• Clinic cost comparison table, published fees for major UK clinics
• First-year cost calculator, an estimate of total spend
• What to ask about clinic fees before signing up
• How the UK medical cannabis prescription process works
• Medical cannabis side effects guide
• NHS vs private medical cannabis prescriptions