Do I Need a Referral for Medical Cannabis in the UK?

Self-Referral vs GP Referral

• Self-referral to private cannabis clinics is permitted and is by far the most common route in the UK
• Patients register directly with a clinic such as Sapphire, Releaf or Alternaleaf and book an initial consultation
• A GP referral is not legally required for private cannabis prescribing
• However, having a GP summary or referral letter significantly strengthens your assessment and may speed up the process

The ability to self-refer democratises access to a significant degree. Patients who face reluctance from their GP or who have already tried the NHS route unsuccessfully can access specialist assessment without needing GP cooperation.

What Medical Evidence Do You Need?

• At minimum: a clear diagnosis of the condition you are seeking treatment for
• Documentation of prior treatments tried and their outcomes (medications, therapies, doses, durations)
• A GP summary or medical records extract covering at least two to three years of relevant history
• Results of any relevant investigations (MRI reports, pain clinic letters, psychiatric assessments)

The strength of your clinical case rests on evidence. A patient who can demonstrate that they have tried multiple conventional treatments without adequate relief presents a far more compelling case than one with limited documented history.

How to Obtain Your Medical Records

• Request a Subject Access Request (SAR) from your GP surgery — they must provide this free of charge within one calendar month
• Many GP surgeries also offer a digital records download via the NHS App (Patient Access) — check if your surgery uses this
• Private consultants can write letters summarising relevant history if you have seen them recently
• Hospital discharge summaries and outpatient letters are particularly useful evidence for complex conditions

Obtaining your records takes time — start this process as early as possible, ideally before booking your cannabis clinic appointment. Having records ready on the day prevents the need for a follow-up consultation.

Conditions Where a Referral Is More Important

• Paediatric cases: children are always referred by specialist paediatricians — self-referral is not appropriate
• Psychiatric conditions: some cannabis clinics require a letter from a psychiatrist confirming diagnosis and prior treatment
• Cancer-related pain: oncology records and a pain clinic letter are typically required
• Complex neurological conditions: a neurology letter significantly supports the prescribing decision

The more complex your case, the more supporting documentation your clinician will want. Clinics dealing with complex cases often have pre-consultation checklists — download and review these before your first appointment.