Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since November 2018, but awareness in London — the city with the most prescribing clinics in the country — remains stubbornly low. Most Londoners discover it is legal through a friend or an online search, not their GP. If you are reading this, you are already ahead of the curve.
This guide covers how the system actually works for London residents: which clinics serve the capital, how eligibility is assessed, what the first appointment looks like, and the practical steps that get you from "curious" to "consultation booked."
Key takeaways
- Medical cannabis has been legal UK-wide since November 2018, prescribed by GMC-registered specialists — not GPs
- London has more clinic options than any other UK city, with most offering video consultations (no travel required)
- You need a diagnosed, ongoing condition where at least two standard treatments have been tried without adequate relief
- Your GP Summary Care Record is the key document — request it free from your practice or via the NHS App
- Consultations typically cost £50–£200 and are conducted via video call from your home in London
- This guide contains affiliate links to clinics. The Ganja Club may earn a referral fee at no cost to you.
Is medical cannabis actually legal in the UK?
Yes. The law changed on 1 November 2018, moving cannabis-based products for medicinal use from Schedule 1 (no medical value) to Schedule 2 (recognised medical value) under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
The practical effect: GMC-registered specialist doctors can now prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products when they believe it is clinically appropriate.
Your GP cannot prescribe it — only a specialist on the General Medical Council register, which is why every patient pathway runs through a private clinic or, in rare cases, an NHS specialist.
The law is the same in London as it is in Manchester, Birmingham, or anywhere else in the UK — there is no "London exception" that makes access easier or harder here.
How eligibility works
UK clinics assess patients against a consistent framework. You generally need:
- A diagnosed, ongoing condition — chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, migraine, IBD, chemotherapy-related nausea, and others are commonly assessed
- Evidence of prior treatments — typically two or more standard licensed treatments tried without adequate relief or with intolerable side effects
- Access to your medical records — your GP Summary Care Record documents your diagnosis and treatment history
- To be 18 or over — adult clinics assess adults; paediatric access runs through NHS specialists
Use our eligibility checker → to see whether you fit the typical profile in two minutes.
London clinics: who serves the capital
Because almost all UK cannabis clinics operate via video consultation, London patients can access any clinic in the country from their living room. That said, several clinics have a particular London presence or are popular with London patients.
Mamedica
One of the most established UK clinics. Same-week video slots including evenings and Saturdays — practical for Londoners with demanding schedules. £150 initial consultation, £75 follow-ups, with clinic fees dropping to £0 from year two. Trustpilot rating: 4.7.
Curaleaf Clinic
The Access Scheme offers a £50 initial consultation with free follow-ups — the cheapest entry point in UK cannabis care. Curaleaf is an international brand, and whilst the clinic operates nationally, the brand recognition provides reassurance for patients new to the system.
Releaf
Subscription-based clinic (£99.99/month for Releaf+) with concierge-style onboarding and unlimited clinical access. Strong option for London patients who want an all-inclusive experience — the subscription covers consultations, and the guided onboarding is particularly supportive for first-time patients.
Medicann
A zero-fee model: no consultation or repeat-prescription fees, medication-only costs. Fast onboarding — prescriptions are sometimes issued within days. The best option for London patients on a budget, though you trade the concierge experience for a leaner service.
Compare all clinics with fees and ratings →
What the first appointment looks like
Your initial consultation will almost certainly be a video call — you do not need to travel anywhere. Here is what to expect:
- Before the appointment: Request your GP Summary Care Record (free — ask your practice reception or use the NHS App under Profile → GP health record). Upload it to the clinic's patient portal.
- The consultation: 30–60 minute video call with a GMC-registered specialist. They review your medical history, discuss your condition, and assess whether cannabis-based treatment is appropriate. Be honest — they are doctors, not gatekeepers.
- The outcome: If prescribed, the specialist writes a prescription sent to a pharmacy. Medication typically arrives by courier within 1–5 days. If not prescribed, they explain why and what would need to change.
- Follow-ups: Usually every 1–3 months initially, then spreading to quarterly or six-monthly once stable.
London-specific considerations
Pharmacy delivery: Most prescriptions are dispensed by specialist pharmacies and delivered by courier. London addresses typically receive next-day delivery. Some pharmacies offer same-day courier within the M25 — check with your clinic.
Transport and driving: The DVLA's position on cannabis-based medicines is that patients should not drive if impaired, the same as any prescribed medicine that affects driving ability. Follow your clinician's advice and the information leaflet that accompanies your medication. London's public transport network means driving is optional for most — a practical advantage for London patients.
Employment: London employers range from progressive to conservative on medical cannabis. NHS and civil service employers have specific policies. Private sector varies. Your clinic can provide a treatment letter for HR if needed. You are not required to disclose your medication to your employer, though some regulated professions (pilots, train drivers, some healthcare roles) have mandatory reporting requirements.
Private health insurance: Some London-centric insurers and employer health plans now cover at least the consultation cost. Check your policy — Bupa, AXA, and Vitality have updated their positions in 2025–2026. If your employer provides private medical insurance through a London-based scheme, it is worth asking.
What to do next
- Check your eligibility — use our two-minute checker
- Request your GP Summary Care Record — free from your GP practice or NHS App
- Compare clinics — our clinic finder lists fees, models, and patient ratings
- Book a consultation — most London patients are seen within 1–2 weeks
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Also see: Medical Cannabis in London · Manchester · Birmingham · Compare all UK clinics
The Ganja Club does not provide medical advice. Eligibility is always an individual clinical decision made by a GMC-registered specialist. This guide contains affiliate links to clinics — we may earn a referral fee at no cost to you. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your treatment options.
