Alternaleaf

Alternaleaf: online medical cannabis clinic in the UK

Alternaleaf operates as an online medical cannabis clinic in the United Kingdom, providing consultations and private prescriptions for conditions including chronic pain, depression, anxiety and other mental health or neurological issues. The clinic states that no referral from a GP is required and that patients can access treatment through video appointments and home delivery anywhere in the UK.

The service is aimed at adults with a diagnosis who have already been offered at least two conventional treatments, such as medication, talking therapy, physiotherapy or surgery. Alternaleaf indicates that it has prescribed medical cannabis for more than 50 conditions, grouped into chronic pain, mental health, neurological and women's health categories. Patients who are pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia are not eligible.

Assessment and treatment process

The clinic describes a four-step pathway. First, a 30-second online eligibility check. Second, an online video appointment with the clinical team, for which NHS medical records are required before prescribing. Third, express delivery of medication from a partner pharmacy, free of charge, to the patient's door. Fourth, follow-up care with reminders to reorder medication and book the next appointment.

Alternaleaf offers a range of over 100 different medications, with formats including flower for use in a dry herb vaporiser, oils, vaporiser cartridges and edible options. The clinic states that flower starts from £5 per gram and that medication costs can be as low as £20 per week, depending on the patient and the product chosen. Clinicians work with patients to build a treatment plan suited to their budget and needs.

Pricing and payment options

Two payment models are available. The Pay As You Go option costs £29 per appointment. The membership option costs £5 per month and covers the cost of all required online video appointments; the clinic presents it as the best value, saving £56 a year. Neither option includes the cost of medication. Both include personalised treatment, one free delivery per month and travel letters.

Alternaleaf states that there are no hidden fees and that patients who do not qualify receive a refund. The initial assessment is described as risk-free.

Clinical team and patient profile

The medical team includes Prof Anup Mathew, Lead Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Gerard Sinovich, Lead Consultant in Pain Medicine; and Nabila Chaudhri, Medical Director. The clinic describes its clinicians as experienced in prescribing medical cannabis for pain management, mental health, sleep disorders, neurological disorders, pharmacy and holistic health.

According to the information published by Alternaleaf, the clinic has treated over 200,000 patients globally, and more than half of its chronic pain patients had suffered for over 10 years before finding the service. It also reports that 83% of its patients experience no negative side effects. The clinic cites a survey of 500 UK doctors commissioned by Alternaleaf UK and conducted by Censuswide in May 2025, in which 7 out of 10 doctors said they would consider prescribing medical cannabis for chronic pain or mental health conditions if it were part of the NHS toolkit.

Legal context and regulation in the UK

Alternaleaf explains that medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 1 November 2018, although NHS availability is limited to a very small number of conditions, including epilepsy and severe reactions to chemotherapy. Prescriptions are obtained through licensed medical cannabis clinics such as Alternaleaf. The clinic notes that recreational cannabis remains illegal and classified as a Class B drug.

The sector is regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), with additional controls from the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care. Specialists who prescribe medical cannabis must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Patients are advised to carry a copy of their prescription, either printed or digitally stored, and to keep medication in its original packaging when travelling.

Patient feedback and recognition

Alternaleaf states that it has over 7,000 Trustpilot reviews with an Excellent rating. The clinic also reports having been featured in the news, although the specific outlets are not detailed in the available information.