What to Expect at Your First Medical Cannabis Consultation

Your First Medical Cannabis Consultation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Taking the step to attend a medical cannabis consultation is a significant moment for many patients. After months or even years of trying conventional treatments without adequate relief, the prospect of a new approach can feel both hopeful and uncertain. Knowing what to expect can help you feel prepared and make the most of your appointment.

Before Your Appointment

Most specialist clinics will ask you to complete an intake form before your consultation. This typically covers:

• Your current medical conditions and how long you have had them

• All medications you are currently taking, including supplements and over-the-counter products

• Previous treatments you have tried and your response to them

• Your symptoms and how they affect your daily life

• Any relevant family medical history

It is worth spending time on this form carefully. The more detail you provide, the more productive your consultation will be. If you have medical letters, discharge summaries, or test results from your GP or hospital, bring copies — or ask your clinic whether you can upload them in advance.

What Happens During the Consultation

Your appointment will typically last between 30 and 60 minutes and will be conducted either in person or via video call. The specialist — who will be a registered doctor on the GMC Specialist Register — will:

Review your medical history. They will go through your intake form in detail, asking follow-up questions about your conditions, symptoms, and treatment history. Be as honest and specific as possible. There is no judgment here; the doctor's goal is to understand your situation fully.

Assess your suitability. The specialist will consider whether a cannabis-based product for medicinal use (CBPM) is clinically appropriate for you. Key factors include whether you have tried at least two other treatments without adequate benefit, whether there are any contraindications (such as a personal or family history of psychosis), and whether your condition is one where there is evidence to support cannabis treatment.

Discuss your options. If the specialist believes a CBPM may help, they will explain the different types of products available — oils, capsules, dried flower for vaporisation — and discuss which formulation and ratio of CBD to THC might be most appropriate for your situation.

Explain the risks and monitoring process. The doctor will outline potential side effects, interactions with other medications, and how your treatment will be monitored over time. Follow-up appointments are a standard part of any CBPM prescription.

What If You Are Not Prescribed?

Not every first consultation results in a prescription. The specialist may decide that:

• Your condition does not yet meet the threshold for a CBPM prescription (e.g. you have not yet tried enough conventional treatments)

• More information is needed before a decision can be made

• A CBPM is not clinically appropriate for your specific situation

If this happens, ask the doctor to explain their reasoning clearly and what steps, if any, might make you eligible in the future. A second opinion from another specialist is always an option.

After Your Appointment

If a prescription is issued, it will be sent electronically to a licensed pharmacy. Your clinic will guide you through the dispensing process. Most pharmacies that dispense CBPMs offer postal delivery, so you do not need to travel to collect your medication.

You will also be scheduled for a follow-up appointment — typically within four to eight weeks — to review your response to the medication and adjust the prescription if needed.

Costs to Be Aware Of

Private medical cannabis consultations typically cost between £150 and £250 for an initial appointment. Follow-up appointments are usually less expensive. The medication itself is an additional cost, typically ranging from £150 to £400 per month depending on the product and dosage. CPGUK's resource guide on how much medical cannabis costs provides a detailed breakdown.

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CPGUK is here to help you prepare for your consultation. Call us on 0330 001 1100 or sign up for a free consultation.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.