Medical Cannabis Scotland

Since November 2018, patients in the UK have been able to access medical cannabis via private prescription, following its legalisation.

This offers a valuable option for individuals who haven’t had success with conventional treatments and are exploring alternative solutions.

Prescribing medical cannabis is done by qualified specialists who assess whether a patient is suitable for this type of treatment. It is typically considered when at least two traditional therapies have proven ineffective.

Conditions That May Be Treated with Medical Cannabis

Conditions that may benefit from medical cannabis treatment include:

Chronic Pain Conditions – fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, CRPS, neuropathic pain, and palliative care needs.
Mental Health and Neurodevelopmental Disorders – anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, insomnia, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and agoraphobia.
Cancer and Related Symptoms – appetite loss, nausea from chemotherapy, cancer pain, and associated emotional challenges.
Digestive Conditions – including IBS, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Neurological Conditions – such as epilepsy (adult and child), multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and recurring migraines or cluster headaches.

Unlike over-the-counter CBD products, which usually contain minimal cannabinoids, prescribed medication from a clinic may contain a broader cannabinoid profile, including THC, CBD, and other beneficial compounds like terpenes and flavonoids. Treatments are tailored to each patient’s individual needs and backed by clinical rationale.

How Curaleaf Dispensaries Support Patients

Curaleaf Dispensaries – Your Partner in Accessing Medical Cannabis in Scotland

Curaleaf Dispensaries are a UK-wide network of accredited pharmacies, including locations in Scotland, authorised to dispense private medical cannabis prescriptions.

We assist patients through the process of accessing cannabis-based medicines, from understanding initial requirements to collecting their prescribed medication safely and efficiently.

As a trained Curaleaf Dispensary, we work directly with clinics and patients to ensure you’re informed about treatment options, associated costs, potential side effects, and product suitability.

Are you eligible for a consultation?

Before you can receive a prescription, you must first be assessed by a licensed clinician. You can start by using our free eligibility checker, a simple way to find out whether you’re likely to qualify for treatment.

To be eligible for a consultation, the following basic criteria must be met:

You’ve already tried at least two conventional treatments without success
You’re not currently pregnant
You have no past history of schizophrenia or psychosis
You can provide or grant access to your summary care record (SCR)
You’re aware that treatment is paid for privately

While meeting these requirements increases your likelihood of approval, full eligibility is confirmed during your consultation with the prescribing clinician.

Understanding the costs

In Scotland, as with the rest of the UK, medical cannabis treatment is not currently covered by the NHS. As such, patients must pay for treatment through private clinics and pharmacies. It’s important to understand the costs associated with accessing medical cannabis, as they can vary based on your condition and individual needs.

Here is a breakdown of typical costs:

Initial Appointment: £50
First Follow-Up Consultation: £0
Repeat Prescription Fee: £0
Quarterly Check-Up: £50

For some patients, once they move to two appointments per year (from year two onwards), the cost of clinic fees will decrease over time. The cost of prescriptions dispensed by Curaleaf Dispensaries depends on your condition and individual circumstances. To ensure you understand the cost of your treatment, speak with your local pharmacy for further details.

Refer to a medical cannabis clinic and claim your exclusive Curaleaf Dispensaries discount.

To access your first consultation with a medical cannabis clinic, follow these steps:

Step 1:
Find your nearest Curaleaf Dispensary and start a referral. Select the pharmacy where you would like your prescription dispensed.

Click here to make an appointment

Step 2:
Complete the free eligibility checker and share access to your SCR.

Step 3:
If eligible, you’ll be invited to book a Zoom consultation at a discounted rate.

Step 4:
Speak with a specialist clinician who will assess your condition and determine your suitability for prescribing medical cannabis.

Step 5:
If approved, the doctor will issue a private prescription. Your selected pharmacy will then dispense your cannabis-based medicines, and you’ll pay for your prescription at this stage.

Availability

To learn more about accessing medical cannabis treatment in Scotland, speak with your local Curaleaf Dispensary today. Our team is here to help you understand the process, assess your eligibility, and access prescribed medication safely and confidently.