Medical cannabis
for a better you
Alternaleaf is the leading UK clinic, offering consultations for chronic pain, depression, anxiety and more, all without a GP referral.
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Who is Alternaleaf for?
To be eligible for medical cannabis you must:
Have been diagnosed with a chronic condition such as pain, anxiety or depression
Have been offered at least two conventional treatments*
Not be pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia
Medical cannabis has been prescribed for more than 50 conditions. Our caring doctors often talk to people experiencing issues with...
Neurological conditions
- Migraine
- Autism
- Epilepsy
- MS
- Parkinson’s
Mental Health
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- OCD
- ADHD
- Insomnia
Chronic Pain
- Back pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Cancer related
Women's Health
- Endometriosis
- Menopause
- Pre-menstrual dysphoria
Along with many more. Unsure if you're eligible? Complete our 30-second pre-screening questionnaire to find out.
Flexible, online appointments
Our online clinic gives you access to medical cannabis anywhere in the UK. With a video appointment system and excellent delivery service, we can achieve one simple goal: to help you on your journey to better help.
Who we are and how we help
Meet the medical cannabis experts
How it works
30 second
pre-screening
Complete a simple questionnaire to see if you could be eligible.
Online appointment
Book a video call with our caring clinical team. Then request your Summary Care Record (SCR) from your GP receptionist as early as possible.
Express delivery, UK-wide
If eligible, your plant medicine will be delivered free, directly to your door.
Follow-up care
Re-order medication and book follow-up appointments using our online portal.
Only pay if eligible
As an Alternaleaf patient, we give you the choice of paying per appointment £39 or spreading the cost monthly (£15 per month).
There are no hidden fees.
If medical cannabis isn't the right treatment, you won’t be charged.
UK’s most trusted medical cannabis clinic
Delivering best-in-class medical care. Discover why patients have rated us 4.7 on Google.
Real stories, real change
Legal since 2018
Medical cannabis has been legal on prescription in the UK since 2018. So, what does that mean?
Since 2018, only a handful of patients have received medical cannabis prescriptions through the NHS. However, many Brits legally access cannabis medications through private clinics, such as Alternaleaf.
It’s illegal to smoke, but medical cannabis is available on prescription in various legal forms, including flower (which can be inhaled using a dry herb vaporiser), vaporiser cartridges, oils, and edible options.
When cannabis is prescribed by a doctor in the UK, it is treated like any other prescription medication. This can provide a legal defence at work, and under the Equality Act 2010, individuals should be supported regarding their health conditions. However, it’s best to check with your employer, as some may have specific policies about medications based on safety.
When planning holidays, a valid prescription allows for travel abroad to some countries, but it's wise to be aware of varying regulations depending on your destination and mode of transport.
We’re here to support you as a patient and provide you with the documentation you need to verify your prescription, if ever needed.
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We have partnered with Blue Light and Defence Discount Card to proudly support all those eligible along with Veterans and families of Serving Personnel.
Frequently asked questions
Global Expertise, Local Care: We bring our world-renowned expertise in medical cannabis to the UK market. With a proven track record of serving over 150,000 satisfied patients globally, we can ensure that you receive the same exceptional standard of care when you transfer to us.
Our doctors and clinical team are highly experienced in their field to ensure you get the right treatment for your individual needs.
With us you can book consultations, meet with your specialist doctor, receive tailored prescriptions and medicines, all delivered to the comfort of your own home via our pharmacy partners.
Our pricing is transparent and competitive, and your doctor can discuss a wide variety of brands and formulations so your treatment plan is tailored to you. Our team is committed to providing judgement-free, empathetic and individualised care through each step of your treatment journey.
We care about helping you feel better so you can get back to doing the things you love. Start seeing the results you are looking for today.
We welcome screenshots from the NHS app, however to verify your eligibility, we will need a copy of your Summary Care Record (SCR). Without this, we won’t be able to process your first prescription.
No, you don't need a referral from your regular GP / Doctor. Simply complete the 30-second pre-screening form to check if you are eligible for prescribed medical cannabis and then book an appointment.
Yes. Medical cannabis was legalised on 1st November 2018 to permit its prescribing as a controlled drug in the UK. It must be prescribed and controlled by a specialist on the General Medical Council register and is only strictly available to treat patients with certain medical conditions. Alternaleaf adhere to this criteria.
Recreational use is still illegal in the UK.
Follow this link to read helpful and up to date information
Absolutely! If you're already a patient with us, switching to our membership is simple. Just head over to app.alternaleaf.co.uk/membership to sign up directly via Direct Debit.
The fact that you’ve already qualified at another clinic is a great sign that you may be eligible with us! To transfer, all you need to do is complete our eligibility questionnaire. Once you’ve answered a few quick questions, you’ll be able to book your first appointment with Alternaleaf.
Understanding Medical Cannabis Laws in the UK
Laws around medical cannabis in the UK can sometimes seem confusing. This is due to a number of factors, including recreational cannabis laws, medical cannabis law changes, CBD products and other notable aspects around cannabis in the UK. Here’s a clear breakdown of how the law treats cannabis both medicinally and recreationally in this country.
In the UK, when used recreationally, cannabis is illegal and classified as a Class B drug. This means that without a valid medical cannabis prescription, possession, cultivation or distribution of cannabis can lead to legal consequences, including imprisonment for up to five years or an unlimited fine.
On the other hand medical cannabis treatment has been legally available in the UK since November 2018. This means that when prescribed by a licensed specialist (sometimes informally referred to as ‘cannabis doctors’), you can legally access cannabis medication as flower, edibles, vape cartridges, or oils amongst other emerging forms.
This is not to be confused with CBD products, or CBD treatments, which have become popular in the UK over the last decade and are available to purchase over the counter in supermarkets and pharmacies. These products are legal as long as they do not exceed 1mg of THC per 'container' (bottle or packet). Some people find relief for certain symptoms with these products, but many medical cannabis patients worldwide are prescribed a wide range of different forms of cannabis containing other cannabinoids, such as THC, to provide additional symptom relief.
It’s important to carry the correct documentation if you are a legal cannabis patient. For example, if a patient has a prescription for medical cannabis from a licensed clinic, they must ensure that they carry a copy of their prescription, either physically printed or digitally stored on their mobile phone to verify their status as a medical cannabis patient if ever questioned by the police or other authorities.
Patients must also ensure that they keep their medication in the original packaging when travelling, as this makes it far easier for authorities to identify your prescription as authentic and yours.
Licence Requirements for Accessing Medical Cannabis in the UK
To ensure that medical cannabis access is safe, the industry is regulated by multiple authorities. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) oversees the regulation of medicines, including medical cannabis products. In addition, medical cannabis is also subject to controls by the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care.
Specialists who prescribe medical cannabis, sometimes informally referred to as ‘cannabis doctors’, must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). These specialists typically have relevant expertise in areas such as pain management, neurology, or psychiatry. They follow strict guidelines when prescribing medical cannabis.
Purchasing Medical Cannabis: Dispensaries and Private Clinics
Dispensaries, or pharmacies as they are more commonly known in the UK, work closely with medical cannabis clinics to provide medical cannabis to patients.
The process typically begins at a licensed clinic, like Alternaleaf, where a patient applies for a prescription through an initial medical cannabis consultation. If the application is successful, the prescription is then processed by the patient’s chosen pharmacy. The pharmacy will deliver the medication and be available to assist with any questions or issues regarding the prescription.
Medical cannabis products cannot be purchased from licensed pharmacies without a valid prescription, so it is key to apply for a medical cannabis prescription through a private clinic.
How Much Does Medical Cannabis Cost in the UK?
When discussing the cost of medical cannabis, it's important to differentiate between service fees and prescription costs. All UK medical cannabis clinics charge service fees, which can include appointment costs, prescription processing fees, and more.
At Alternaleaf, we are proud to offer our services at the best value, providing flexible payment options, including a monthly plan or pay-as-you-go. We believe that offering flexibility in how you pay for your treatment is essential.
When considering the price of your monthly prescription, several factors come into play. Your condition, symptoms, and specific needs will influence the quantity required, as well as the form and dosage of medication, which can further affect the price. To give you an accurate estimate of your personalised prescription cost, we encourage you to contact us directly so we can provide specific advice tailored to your needs.
Can You Drive While Using Medical Cannabis in the UK?
Understanding the laws surrounding driving and medical cannabis prescriptions is crucial. Being prescribed medical cannabis provides you with a medical defence under Section 5a, Part 3 of the Road Traffic Act (RTA) for having THC in your system if you're ever pulled over by the police. However, this defence only applies if you are not impaired by your medication. Additionally, you should avoid driving when taking a new form of medication for the first time, especially until you understand how it affects you.
This important advice will also be reiterated on your medication packaging, which will warn against driving if you feel drowsy or sleepy from the medication. As with any medication, it’s important to assess how you feel and ensure that you are safe to drive before getting behind the wheel. While holding a prescription provides a medical defence for having THC in your system, driving recklessly or violating other driving laws can indicate impairment.