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Medical cannabis clinic fees: what to ask before signing up

Medical cannabis clinic fees: what to ask before signing up — MCPH article cover
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The first fee is rarely the whole cost

If you are comparing private medical cannabis clinics in the UK, the advertised price for an initial consultation is rarely the full picture. Most clinics charge separately for follow-up appointments, repeat prescriptions, pharmacy dispensing, and delivery. Some also add fees for shared care letters, discharge summaries, or prescription changes.

Ask practical fee-related questions before you sign up and take the checklist with you when you compare clinics. Clinic fees, pharmacy prices and treatment plans vary, so check the full costs before committing.

NHS prescribing is limited to specific circumstances. Independent clinics also provide CBPM care, but fees and follow-up arrangements vary. Check the current written information from any clinic you are considering.

What to ask about initial and follow-up costs

When you first contact a clinic, ask for a written breakdown of all fees associated with the first three months of treatment. This should include:

  • The cost of the initial consultation (and whether this includes a specialist doctor or a nurse prescriber).
  • The cost of any mandatory follow-up appointments (often required at 4, 8, or 12 weeks).
  • Whether the prescription fee is included in the consultation or charged separately.
  • The cost of the medication itself, and whether the clinic or its partner pharmacy provides a price list before you commit.
  • Any delivery or postage charges for your medication.

Some clinics offer a package price for the first few months. Others charge per appointment and per prescription. Ask for a clear, itemised estimate so you can compare like-for-like.

What to ask about ongoing costs and changes

After the first few months, costs can change. Ask the clinic:

  • How often you will need a follow-up appointment (every 3, 6, or 12 months is common).
  • Whether there is a fee for requesting a repeat prescription without a consultation.
  • What happens if you need to change your prescription mid-month (for example, if a product is out of stock or not suitable).
  • Whether there are fees for shared care letters to your GP, or for discharge summaries if you decide to leave the clinic.
  • Whether the clinic charges for cancellations or missed appointments.

Also ask about pharmacy fees. Some clinics use a single partner pharmacy; others let you choose. Pharmacy dispensing fees, delivery charges, and product prices can vary. Ask for a current price list for the products you are likely to be prescribed.

Questions about fees and ongoing costs

Here are safe, practical questions you can ask any clinic or pharmacy before you sign up. Use these questions to understand fees and process; treatment decisions remain with the prescribing clinician.

  • Can you provide a written estimate of all costs for the first three months?
  • What is the cost of a follow-up appointment, and how often will I need one?
  • Is the prescription fee included in the consultation cost, or charged separately?
  • What are the pharmacy dispensing and delivery charges?
  • Are there any fees for changing a prescription mid-month?
  • What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?
  • Do you charge for shared care letters or discharge summaries?
  • Can I see a current price list for the medications you prescribe?

Comparing fees without pretending there is one best choice

Clinic fees, pharmacy prices and treatment plans vary. Your medical history and any prescribed products affect the total cost, so no single clinic is necessarily the most affordable or best value for you.

Only a qualified clinician can decide whether you may qualify for a prescription or whether a treatment is suitable.

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Read the eligibility guide for medical cannabis in the UK

Read the eligibility guide

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