When it comes to medical cannabis, cost is one of the biggest concerns for many patients.
While medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in 2018, most cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) remain unlicensed and are not widely available on the NHS. In the last six years, only a handful of patients have been able to obtain an NHS prescription for an unlicensed CBPM, with the majority accessing it privately, through specialist clinics.
However, high consultation fees and a lack of transparency around pricing can prevent many people living with chronic conditions from even considering CBPMs.
Navigating a new medication comes with enough uncertainties without the fear of being stung by unexpected fees. Below we explore all the costs you need to consider before embarking on your treatment programme.
What key costs do I need to consider?
There are several different factors to consider when it comes to working out how much medical cannabis will cost. These include:
Consultation fees: Most clinics offer a free eligibility check, but costs for the initial consultation and quarterly follow-up appointments need to be factored in.
Product price: The cost of cannabis-based medicines varies significantly depending on the type of product and volume you are prescribed.
Prescription fees: Some clinics may charge repeat prescription fees each time you re-order your prescription. In some cases, this is free, with others charging up to £30.
Dispensing and delivery costs: You may be expected to pay an additional charge to cover the delivery of your prescription and any dispensing fees on behalf of the pharmacy.
Additional equipment: Depending on the type of product you are prescribed, you may need to invest in additional equipment such as a vaporiser and grinder for administering your medication. You’ll usually need to purchase these independently from the clinic, and they vary in cost significantly depending on your personal preference and individual needs.
A high-end vaporiser can cost between £250-£300, but more budget-friendly options are available for under £100.
How much do clinics charge?
Costs also vary depending on which clinic you choose. Some charge higher consultation fees, while others promote cheaper rates but add additional hidden fees, such as those for repeat prescriptions.
On average, patients spend between £200—£750 during the first year of treatment for initial consultations, follow-up consultations and prescription fees. This does not include the cost of the products themselves or any additional equipment.
Access schemes
Some clinics offer access schemes which aim to make medical cannabis more affordable. Sometimes they are only available if the patient meets their strict eligibility criteria, such as for veterans, those on low income and public sector workers. Others offer reduced clinic fees in exchange for contributing to registries to help collect real-world evidence on patient outcomes.
How much do products cost?
The cost of your monthly prescription will depend on your treatment plan, as decided with your specialist doctor.
The type of administration method you opt for also needs to be factored in, with oils and vape cartridges generally more expensive than flower. The cost of flower ranges from £5-£13 per gram, with oils varying from £2.00 to £9.97 per ml.
Some clinics advertise an average monthly prescription cost, which can seem competitive initially. However, how much you pay per month will always depend on the type, strength and volume prescribed.
In other words, even if a clinic advertises an average monthly cost, you could end up paying more than what was promised if the figure is based on a lower volume than what your doctor prescribes.
How much does medical cannabis cost with Emerald?
Emerald takes a slightly different approach. The clinic has removed the hidden and unnecessary costs associated with accessing medical cannabis in favour of a clear, simple and honest pricing structure that provides full transparency.
You pay an upfront annual fee for all consultations, and a monthly fee for your prescription based on your treatment plan. This approach gives patients full oversight of the expected costs from the outset, allowing them to more easily compare value and plan ahead.
All of Emerald’s costs, which include quarterly follow-up consultations, repeat prescriptions and postage, are all included in the average monthly price in the link below.
The example shown is based on the average prescription of 30 grams of cannabis flower per month, at £6 per gram. This is the market average, but as there is a range of products at different prices, your prescription may be higher or lower, depending on the treatment programme you agree with your doctor.
There are no cancellation fees and no other associated costs for accessing medical cannabis with Emerald.
How does it work?
As with the pricing structure, Emerald has tried to make the whole process to obtaining a prescription as simple as possible.
- Take the free eligibility test, and providing medical cannabis is deemed to be an appropriate treatment, give the team at Emerald permission to access your NHS summary of care records.
- You’ll have an initial appointment with one of their specialist doctors, who will decide on the most appropriate treatment plan and write your prescription.
- Once you have paid for your medication, it will be delivered securely and discreetly within 72 hrs.
- You’ll then have access to ongoing clinical care, with quarterly consultations and additional advice from Emerald’s patient support team.
- When you run out of medication, repeat prescriptions are free of charge and simple to request through Emerald’s platform.
Democratising access
Cost shouldn’t be a barrier to accessing an effective medication, and while medical cannabis won’t be right for everyone, all those who want to should have the option to try it.
Until there is a clear route to NHS access, keeping things simple and transparent is one way clinics can help democratise access and make this treatment more accessible for all those who could benefit.
To start your journey with medical cannabis, take Emerald’s free eligibility test today or find out more via the FAQs page.