How much does medical cannabis cost in the UK, and is it cheaper than Australia?

Prices for medical cannabis and over-the-counter (OTC) CBD in the UK have become a bit more reasonable in recent years, but there’s still confusion about what you’re actually paying for. Is it the THC content? The formulation? The name on the label? And how do UK prices compare to countries like Australia, which has had its own medical cannabis scheme since 2016?

This guide looks at what you’re getting for your money in 2025, how to read through the noise, and why the cheapest option might not always be the best.

Key takeaways for UK patients

• Medical cannabis costs in the UK typically range from £100–£250/month depending on formulation and dose
• Prescribed CBD is often better value per mg than OTC CBD, and far more reliable
• Products with THC now cost less than they did a few years ago
• Australian patients benefit from cheaper prescriptions and easier access, but UK prices are improving
• Choose a clinic based on quality, not just price

Understanding the cost of UK medical cannabis prescriptions

Medical cannabis pricing in the UK isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your prescription costs will depend on:

• The type of product (oil, flower, capsule, etc.)
• The ratio of THC to CBD
• Your required dose
• The manufacturer and import cost

At the moment, the average prescription cost for a balanced THC:CBD oil or flower sits somewhere between £150 and £250 per month. If you’re prescribed CBD-only medicines, you might pay less, often between £100 and £150, depending on your dose. Conditions requiring higher quantities (like some epileptic disorders) can increase that.

By contrast, some high-street CBD brands cost £15-£20 per 100 mg of CBD, even though they aren’t subject to the same regulatory scrutiny or medical oversight as prescribed products. In many cases, prescription CBD actually works out cheaper per mg and is far more consistent.

Medical cannabis vs over-the-counter CBD: What’s the difference?

In the UK, medical cannabis is only available via prescription from a GMC-registered specialist doctor. That includes full-spectrum THC products, CBD-only medicines, and those with a mied cannabinoid profile. These are grown and processed under strict GMP standards.

By comparison, over-the-counter CBD can be bought online or from shops, but it must contain less than 1 mg THC per container and is legally classed as a food supplement, not a medicine.

Are high street CBD products reliable?

The issue? 

A 2019 report by the Centre for Medical Cannabis found that over 60% of tested high-street CBD products didn’t contain the amount of CBD listed on the label. Some had no detectable CBD at all. Others contained illegal levels of THC or contaminants.

Prescribed medical cannabis avoids this entirely. You get lab-tested products, accurate cannabinoid content, and clinical oversight.

What are you really paying for with medical cannabis?

The cost of a UK medical weed prescription doesn’t just cover the product. It includes:

• Time with a specialist doctor
• Ongoing clinical support
• Access to regulated, pharmaceutical-grade cannabis
• Batch-level product consistency
• Full patient tracking and follow-up

With over-the-counter CBD, you’re essentially buying blind. There is no support team, no dose titration, and no guarantee the product matches the label.

How to manage your UK medical cannabis costs 

Medical cannabis isn’t always cheap, but there are ways to keep costs manageable:

• Start low, go slow: Avoid high starting doses unless necessary. Clinicians can help you titrate gradually.
• Ask about alternatives: Some oils or cultivars may be equally effective but more affordable.
• Choose the right plan: Most clinics offer flewible pricing options and membership subscriptions. 
• Track your dose stability: Once your dose is consistent, you’ll likely need fewer adjustments and less medication waste.

Is medical cannabis cheaper in Australia than in the UK?

Australia’s medical cannabis market launched in 2016 and has grown steadily, even though over-the-counter CBD is not yet available there.

In Australia, medicinal cannabis costs vary, but a typical patient can expect to spend an average of $278 per month, which is roughly equivalent to £150/month. Since 2019, costs in Australia have dropped by nearly 20%.

Patients also report smoother access. As Cannabis Access Clinics Australia notes, streamlined approvals and growing practitioner confidence have made prescriptions more accessible in the past two years.

UK prices are still slightly higher, but the trend is promising. As the UK system matures and more licensed producers enter the market, prescription costs are expected to continue falling.

Typical UK medical cannabis product prices in 2025

While individual prescriptions vary, most UK patients are prescribed one of three formats: dried flower, oral oils, or THC vape cartridges. Here’s a snapshot of current product types and prices to give you a real-world benchmark.

Common flower products (price per gram)

These flowers are typically prescribed for chronic pain, anxiety, or sleep disorders, with dose titration supported by your clinical team.

Common oil products (price per 30ml bottle)

Oils are commonly chosen for conditions requiring longer-acting relief or daytime dosing.

Common vape cartridge products (price per unit)

THC vapes are often used for breakthrough symptoms or rapid onset relief.

Why paying a bit more can mean better cannabis care

It’s tempting to focus on the clinic offering the lowest consultation fees or product discounts. But when it comes to cannabis-based treatment, quality really does matter.

What does good clinical support actually include?

Clinics that offer:

• Highly experienced prescribers
• Responsive patient support teams
• Access to a wide range of cultivars
• In-house pharmacists and care coordination

can cost a little more upfront but offer far more value long term.

If you’re managing a complex condition, need dose adjustments, or want support when travelling or trying new products, you’ll benefit from clinics that prioritise clinical quality and continuity of care. It’s worth spending a little more for peace of mind.

Share your UK medical cannabis clinic experience and help others navigate UK pricing

Medical cannabis costs in the UK are becoming more manageable, but it’s still important to know what you’re paying for. Whether you’re exploring a medical cannabis UK price list, researching THC oil cost in the UK, or simply trying to compare UK medical weed prices with those in Australia, quality and transparency should always guide your decisions.

If you’ve already received treatment through a UK medical cannabis clinic, your experience matters. Sharing your journey can help others understand the real-world value behind clinical care, product quality, and service.

At Cannabis Access Clinics, we believe patients deserve honest, practical insights. That’s why we offer a dedicated space to read and leave reviews of medical cannabis clinics across the UK. Your voice helps shape a more informed and accessible cannabis landscape for everyone.

If you’d like to contribute, we’d love to hear from you. Please consider sharing your experience today.