The short answer
You may be eligible for a private medical cannabis prescription in the UK if you have a diagnosed medical condition, have tried conventional treatments without adequate relief or with unacceptable side effects, and a specialist clinician decides that treatment is suitable for you.
- You have a diagnosed medical condition.
- You have tried at least two conventional treatments, medicines, or therapies without adequate relief, or they caused unacceptable side effects.
- A specialist doctor decides that medical cannabis is appropriate for your circumstances.
- There is no medical reason that makes cannabis treatment unsafe for you.
What is Releaf?
Releaf is a private UK medical cannabis clinic. Its free online eligibility checker takes around 20 seconds and gives you an initial indication of whether you may qualify for treatment.
If you pass the initial check, you can provide your medical information and attend an online consultation with a specialist clinician. The clinician reviews your diagnosis, previous treatments, current medication, and relevant health history before making a decision.
Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?
Cannabis-based products for medicinal use have been available on prescription in the UK since November 2018. Recreational cannabis remains illegal. A prescription does not give you permission to grow cannabis at home or share your medication with anyone else.
Prescribed medicine should be kept in its original pharmacy packaging with the dispensing label attached. Follow the instructions given by your clinician and do not drive if the medicine has made you unfit to do so.
What happens after the checker?
The checker is only the first stage. If it indicates that you may qualify, Releaf can ask for the relevant medical records and arrange an online consultation. The appointment is a genuine medical assessment, not a guarantee of a prescription.
Do you need a medical cannabis card?
You do not need a card to receive a prescription. The prescription and correctly labelled pharmacy packaging are the main evidence that your medicine has been supplied lawfully. Releaf’s patient card is linked to an active prescription and may make it easier to verify your patient status, but it does not replace the prescription.
What conditions can be considered?
Private clinics may assess conditions including chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, anxiety, PTSD, sleep disorders, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis-related symptoms, migraines, endometriosis, and some gastrointestinal or cancer-related symptoms. Having one of these conditions does not automatically mean you will be approved.
Your diagnosis, symptoms, previous treatments, current medicines, and individual risk factors are considered together by the specialist clinician.
Who may not be suitable?
Medical cannabis is not right for everybody. A clinician may decide not to prescribe if the risks outweigh the possible benefit. Factors that may affect suitability include certain psychiatric conditions, pregnancy or breastfeeding, some heart conditions, a history of serious substance misuse, and interactions with other medicines.
Do not stop or change any current treatment while applying. Discuss changes with the clinician responsible for your care.
How much does Releaf cost?
Clinic fees, membership prices, medicine prices, and guarantees can change. Check the current terms directly with Releaf before paying. Completing the free eligibility check does not commit you to treatment, and medicine is charged separately from consultations.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a medical cannabis card without a prescription?
No. A Releaf card is linked to an approved patient and an active prescription. A card on its own does not make possession of cannabis lawful.
Do I need a GP referral?
No GP referral is normally required to start the Releaf process, but the clinic needs evidence of your diagnosis and treatment history.
Does passing the checker guarantee a prescription?
No. It only indicates that you may meet the basic criteria. A specialist clinician must review your records and decide whether treatment is appropriate.
Will I need to attend a clinic?
Releaf consultations are conducted online, so you ordinarily do not need to travel to a clinic for the assessment.
Important: This page is informational and is not medical or legal advice. Eligibility, treatment suitability, pricing, and clinic terms can change. Confirm current details with Releaf and a qualified clinician.
