ADHD and Medical Cannabis: What UK Patients Need to Know Before Booking a Consultation

If you’ve been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you might have already explored traditional medications such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. While these options can be effective for many, they don’t work for everyone. Some experience unwanted side effects or find they’re simply not the right fit. In recent years, more patients in the UK have started exploring medical cannabis as a potential treatment. But what exactly does that involve, and is it a realistic option?

Here’s what you need to know before booking a consultation with a medical cannabis clinic like Marucanna.

Is medical cannabis prescribed for ADHD in the UK?

At present, medical cannabis is not a first-line treatment for ADHD in the UK. Most GPs and NHS specialists will not prescribe it for this condition due to limited clinical evidence and strict prescribing guidelines. However, private medical cannabis clinics such as Marucanna can assess whether it might be suitable for individual cases, especially if you have co-existing conditions like anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain, areas where medical cannabis has more supporting data.

So while cannabis is not officially approved solely for ADHD, it may be considered if your symptoms overlap with other conditions that respond well to treatment.

Managing expectations: What cannabis can and cannot do

It’s important to be realistic. Medical cannabis is not a cure for ADHD. However, some patients report improved focus, reduced anxiety, better sleep and a general sense of calm, all of which can indirectly help manage ADHD symptoms.

Everyone’s experience is different. Cannabis affects people in varied ways depending on factors like dose, formulation, and individual neurochemistry. It’s also not guaranteed that you will be eligible for a prescription following your consultation.

The Marucanna clinic process: What to expect

At Marucanna, we follow a carefully regulated and evidence-based approach. Here’s how it works:

1. Eligibility screening

Before booking a full consultation, you’ll complete a short online screening form. This helps determine whether you may be eligible for medical cannabis treatment under current UK guidelines.

2. Medical history review

If you pass the initial screening, we’ll ask for your medical records. This allows our clinicians to understand your diagnosis, current treatments, and previous medication history.

3. Initial consultation

You’ll meet with one of our specialist doctors, either in person or online. During this consultation, we’ll discuss:

• Your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your daily life
• Any related conditions (such as anxiety or insomnia)
• Past and present treatments
• Whether medical cannabis might be appropriate

4. Prescription and treatment plan (if approved)

If our doctor believes you are a suitable candidate, they will recommend a personalised treatment plan. This may include THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, or balanced formulations depending on your symptoms and tolerance.

5. On-going monitoring and support

Treatment doesn’t stop at the prescription. We provide follow-up consultations, dosage reviews and patient support to ensure safety, compliance and effectiveness.

Cost and access: What you should know

Since medical cannabis for ADHD is not available on the NHS, all treatment through Marucanna is private and comes with associated costs. These include:

• Initial consultation fee
• Prescription costs (varies depending on formulation)
• Follow-up appointment fees

While the cost is a factor, many patients find value in the tailored care and symptom management they receive.

Is booking a consultation right for you?

If you’re struggling to manage ADHD symptoms and have tried traditional routes without success, booking a consultation may be worth considering. Especially if your condition includes anxiety, sleeping issues, or chronic discomfort, medical cannabis might offer additional benefits.

However, it’s vital to approach this option with realistic expectations. It is not a guaranteed solution, and not every patient will be eligible. But with the right guidance, a personalised treatment plan, and regular monitoring, some do find meaningful improvements.

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re considering medical cannabis as part of your ADHD care, book an eligibility screening with Marucanna today. Our experienced clinical team is here to provide honest, informed support and to help you explore whether this treatment is right for you.