Releaf, Mamedica, Alternaleaf & Curaleaf: Which Medical Cannabis Clinic Do Patients Recommend?

There’s a healthcare revolution happening in the UK. For too long, certain treatment options have been quietly dismissed, loudly ignored, or worse. But with medical cannabis becoming fully legal in late 2018 and now taking centre stage for second-line treatment options in the past year or so, more and more medical cannabis clinics are popping up across the country.

This is something we love to see at strains.uk. Not only does it offer patients more choice than ever before in terms of clinic options, it also means the number of medical cannabis strains available here in the UK continues to grow.

A broader range of legitimate products, prescribed under the guidance of qualified professionals, can make a huge difference to both individual patients and the wider industry. Yet not every clinic measures up.

So, to help UK medical cannabis patients make a properly informed decision on which of the top four clinics in the UK to sign up with, we’ve gone and done all the required heavy digging.

We went through the 100 most recent Trustpilot reviews for Releaf, Mamedica, Curaleaf, and Alternaleaf - we looked for positive and negative trends, and we’ll share the results with you here.

Key takeaways

1. Releaf is the best-rated clinic with the fastest prescriptions, highly responsive support, and reliable stock availability, making it the most recommended option.

2. Curaleaf offers friendly customer service and well-structured consultations, but stock inconsistencies and slow prescription fulfilment hold it back.

3. Mamedica has strong clinical expertise, but long wait times, poor communication, and regulatory concerns make it a frustrating choice for some patients.

4. Alternaleaf is the most affordable option, but serious delays, poor customer support, and unreliable stock make it the least dependable clinic in this comparison.

Why Trustpilot reviews matter

When it comes to real-world feedback, there is a great deal of noise online and a lack of overall transparency. Bias comes into it also - we all know that most people are quicker to leave a negative review than a positive one.

But Trustpilot goes to great lengths to make sure that all reviews are from genuine customers (or in this case, patients), and the site is open about how it handles suspiciously similar or fabricated feedback.

In short, while no review site is totally clear of any shenanigans, Trustpilot is the best we’ve seen. 

Side-by-side comparison of clinic selling points and Trustpilot ratings

Releaf: The best-rated clinic in the UK (4.73/5 Trustpilot rating)

Releaf opened its doors in February 2024, and to say that it has made waves in the UK medical cannabis sector from the get-go would be a slight understatement. The clinic quickly positioned itself as the fastest-growing medical cannabis clinic in the UK, and after combing through the Trustpilot reviews of all four top UK clinics, it isn't hard to see why. 

Releaf reviews sit above other clinics, not just on Trustpilot but all other review sites we have looked at.

Key strengths as identified through Trustpilot reviews:

• Fast, efficient prescription process.

• Highly responsive and professional Patient Support Team.

• Great Patient Portal.

• Non-judgmental, knowledgeable doctors.

• Minimal complaints - only 3% of reviews are 1-star or 2-star.

With their community recently surpassing 60,000 members, the success is no accident. Releaf has invested heavily in:

• Having the lowest patient-to-support specialist ratio in the sector. This means that patient treatment plans are supported by timely responses from highly trained staff, ensuring care that is truly best in class. The focus is not just on prescriptions but on helping patients take control of their health, listening to their experiences, and finding the best possible ways to support them.

• Assembling a world-class clinical team that brings together leading specialists in neurology, oncology, psychiatry, general medicine, and pain management. This diverse expertise ensures that patients receive personalised, evidence-based care rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

• Addressing one of the biggest frustrations in the UK medical cannabis space: stock shortages. By partnering with Glass Pharms and SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals, Releaf has secured a consistent and reliable supply of medical cannabis strains and oil, reducing unnecessary delays and uncertainty for patients.

• Cutting-edge technology to improve the patient experience. The Releaf Patient Portal offers one of the most advanced platforms in the industry, providing seamless appointment scheduling, prescription tracking, and access to expert medical guidance. This focus on digital innovation ensures that patients receive a smooth and efficient healthcare experience.

And the Trustpilot data certainly backs this all up. With an average rating of 4.73 out of 5 stars, only 3% of reviews are 1-star or 2-star, and a bunch of positive reviews covering the above points, Releaf is doing things right...

Everything about Releaf feels professional and efficient. Booking was simple, my appointment was on time, and my prescription was ready sooner than expected. Their portal is intuitive, and I appreciate how transparent they are about the whole process."

"The whole process is laid out clearly on their webpage, and their FAQs answered the rest of my questions. Chronic pain issue here - doc listened to the issue and offered a plan. It’s still early, but I would definitely recommend. Fast, professional, and efficient."

"I had an excellent first consultation with Dr. Ali. Attentive, patient, and highly knowledgeable, he took the time to address all my concerns, leaving no question unanswered. I left feeling fully informed and completely reassured - you’re in safe hands with him."

"I've now been with Releaf for seven months and they are fabulous. I've had a couple of problems with prescriptions not being added to the portal correctly, but the customer support team goes out of their way to help in the most efficient manner possible. Clinicians and support staff alike are friendly and personable. On top of that, the product has been wonderful.

Releaf patient concerns

While Releaf has overwhelmingly positive reviews (97% to 3%), we want to make sure that we provide a balanced, informative picture of the top four UK medical cannabis clinics. One patient expressed frustration with the onboarding process, citing issues with uploading their medical records, and another stated that they were not happy with one of their batches of medical cannabis flower.

Releaf has been great overall, but the onboarding process was frustrating. I had to go back and forth submitting medical records because they weren’t accepted the first time, which delayed my consultation. Everything was smooth once I got through that, but the initial setup could be easier."

"The service and prescription process have been fantastic, but one of the batches of flower I received was disappointing. It was drier than expected, and the effects weren’t as strong as previous orders. Customer support was helpful when I raised it, but I wish product quality was more consistent.

The clinic responded well to both of these issues, addressing the onboarding frustration by clarifying the legal requirements for medical records submission and offering direct support to help streamline the process.

Regarding product quality concerns, Releaf took a proactive approach, acknowledging the patient’s feedback while reinforcing its commitment to high standards in medical cannabis care. The patient in question still praised Releaf’s customer service and medical care, suggesting that while product experiences may vary, the clinic’s support and prescription process remain strong.

Given that only 3% of reviews fall into the 1-star or 2-star category, these concerns appear to be rare exceptions rather than systemic issues. Unlike other clinics that fail to engage with dissatisfied patients or try and dodge the blame for any negatives, Releaf actively responds to concerns, offering clarifications, resolutions, and ongoing support where needed.

While no clinic is without occasional criticism, Releaf’s overwhelmingly positive feedback and high level of responsiveness indicate a patient-first approach that sets it apart from many competitors.

Curaleaf Clinic: Strong customer service but inconsistent stock (4.42/5 Trustpilot rating)

Curaleaf Clinic, formerly Sapphire Clinics, takes the silver medal in Trustpilot ratings among the four major UK medical cannabis clinics. The name change followed its acquisition by Curaleaf International in 2022, with the official rebrand taking effect in early 2024. The move aimed to align the clinic with its global parent company and improve transparency for patients.

Curaleaf reviews are mostly positive, and the clinic seems to have a solid track record of providing top-level care and great patient support - with a few issues. 

Key strengths identified through Trustpilot reviews

• Patients frequently praise the friendly, professional support team, with staff members often mentioned by name

• Reliable and well-organised consultations, with most appointments running on time

• A judgment-free approach that makes patients feel comfortable discussing their treatment

• Decent pricing, though affordability is not a standout feature compared to some competitors
  

The support team earns consistently high praise, but delays in receiving prescriptions prevent Curaleaf from ranking higher.

Where Curaleaf falls short

• Prescription delays and stock inconsistency, with patients reporting long wait times for refills

• Slow communication, with unanswered emails and inconsistent response times

• Billing and refund issues, including unexpected charges and difficulties securing refunds

• Lack of transparency on delays, leaving patients unsure about when they will receive their medication

What Curaleaf patients are saying

Curaleaf has been brilliant for me. The consultation was straightforward, and the doctor actually listened instead of rushing me through. My first prescription arrived quickly, and the support team was very helpful."

"I've had no issues with Curaleaf at all. Prescriptions are usually filled without a problem, and the staff is polite and professional. I feel like I’m finally getting the treatment I need after years of struggling."

"The process was smooth, the consultation felt like an actual discussion rather than a box-ticking exercise, and the prescription arrived faster than I expected. Compared to my last clinic, this has been a huge improvement.

With the positives heavily outweighing the negatives, it’s clear that Curaleaf puts patients at the forefront of its operations. That said, issues with prescription delays and communication show that there are still areas for improvement as the clinic continues to grow.

Stock issues are ridiculous. Every time I go to reorder, the strain I need is out of stock. I’ve had to change prescriptions three times because they can’t keep a consistent supply."

"Took my payment, then I had to chase them for weeks to get my prescription. No updates, no explanations, just silence. If you’re relying on your meds, expect stress and delays."

"Avoid this clinic if you want reliable service. They make it impossible to get through to anyone when there’s a problem. My prescription was delayed for over two weeks, and I was left without medication while they ignored my emails.

While Curaleaf does respond to every negative review (which cant be said for one of the four clinics we looked at - more on that later), their responses were often time surface-level rather than offering any real help. They acknowledged issues but rarely provided firm solutions or follow-up action, leaving some patients understandably frustrated.

Mamedica Clinic: Clinical expertise but poor communication (4.29/5 Trustpilot rating)

Mamedica Clinic takes third place among the UK’s major medical cannabis providers, with a Trustpilot rating of 4.29 out of 5. 

The specialists and clinical team, in general, are very well-regarded, the consultation process is structured, and the access scheme for veterans and patients on social benefit payments makes ongoing care significantly more affordable than some of the competition. 

On paper, this should make Mamedica a standout clinic.

But, the reality shown by the Mamedica reviews is a little more complicated. With a worrying 15% of all recent reviews coming in at 1 or 2 stars, patients are growing frustrated with how the clinic handles the regular prescription delays and stock shortages, compounded by poor communication from customer support. 

For many, the experience starts well - thorough consultations and a smooth approval process - but begins to fall apart when it comes to actually receiving their medication or ongoing support.

Key strengths identified through Trustpilot reviews

• Professional and knowledgeable doctors who take time to understand patient needs

• Structured consultation process, ensuring appointments run smoothly

• A non-judgmental approach, making patients feel comfortable discussing medical cannabis

• Access scheme for veterans and benefit recipients, reducing costs for eligible patients

Where Mamedica falls short

• Prescription delays and stock shortages leading to gaps in treatment for many patients

• Billing complaints, including unexpected price changes and refund difficulties

• Lack of communication, with emails and calls often going unanswered

• Regulatory concerns, with some patients citing GDPR breaches and poor complaint handling

Now, that last point is an important one. Even though medical cannabis has been a legal treatment option in the UK since 2018, it is really only in the last 2 years that the wider public has been made aware of it. 

The stigmatisation that cannabis has been subject to over the past century or so is still well ingrained in UK society, and breaches of GDPR or poor handling of complaints only serve to reinforce the distrust that many people already feel towards medical cannabis providers and clinics.

What Mamedica patient's reviews show

After discovering Mamedica through social media, my partner signed up as a patient. The process was straightforward, with clear explanations at every stage. The whole process took about a week, including sign-up, consultation, and approval. Communication was better than expected—short hold times on calls, quick email responses, and helpful answers to questions. A staff member, Maia, helped us sort out missing documents, which was reassuring. Delivery could be faster, but overall, the experience was fine."

"The consultation process was thorough, and the doctor explained things well. My prescription was approved without issue, and customer service was responsive when I had questions. Delivery was a little slower than expected, but otherwise, the process was fine."

"The process of joining Mamedica was simple enough, and I had no issues with my consultation. The doctor was professional and gave clear explanations. The only downside was the delay in receiving my prescription, which took longer than I expected.

The above reflects what the majority of patients seem to experience, with straightforward processes and thorough, respectful consultations. But, issues arise when it comes to the delivery of medication and communication with customer service.

Worst products for extremely expensive prices. No quality control, no reasonable timeframes, and constantly sent product that is unusable and non-refundable. Drug dealers offer better service, prices, and quality. I will be reporting to the CQC and suggest everyone with issues does the same. After leaving this review, my account was mysteriously deleted when they realised I had complained to the CQC. This company needs to be investigated urgently."

"Avoid like the plague. During my application process, they committed multiple GDPR breaches—you can even see internal notes on your account. I booked a consultation, called a week before to confirm since I hadn’t heard anything, and was told my appointment had been cancelled due to a ‘glitch.’ I had taken time off work for this, but the advisor was dismissive and rude. When I asked for a refund in writing, she just wanted me off the phone. No attempt was made to help me reschedule. They cannot handle the number of customers they have at the moment."

"Disappointing experience—poor quality and wrong prescription. I’ve spent £500 on consultations and medication with Mamedica, and unfortunately, I have nothing to show for it. The quality has been poor, and to make matters worse, I was prescribed the wrong vape cartridge, which doesn’t even work. It’s 5 AM, and I’ve been up since 2 AM, frustrated and without the relief I was expecting. While customer service has been decent, my experience took a turn when I told them I wanted to leave as a client. The representative became rude and dismissive. For the money I’ve spent, the experience has been frustrating and far from what I expected. I wouldn’t recommend Mamedica based on my experience.

Some quite concerning points are brought up in the above reviews, including allegations of poor product quality, GDPR breaches, and rude staff in response to patients wanting to leave the clinic. These issues not only affect patient trust but also suggest larger problems within the clinic's operations.

We also found it pretty surprising that Mamedica have decided not to respond to any of the 1 or 2 reviews. Not only does this suggest a lack of care for customer feedback, but it also means that their side of the story isn't being heard - or they simply do not have an adequate response. 

Alternaleaf clinic: affordable pricing but high patient dissatisfaction (3.62/5 Trustpilot rating)

Last, and maybe not least in terms of all UK medical cannabis clinics - but certainly the lowest rated of the top four we looked at - is Alternaleaf. A somewhat dismal 3.62/5 Trustpilot rating with more than a third of all recent reviews (34%) giving the clinic just one or two stars.

While Alternaleaf reviews paint a pretty clear picture of the clinic's issues, the lowest price point for consultation and prescription fees seem to be the main draw. These already slightly lower-than-average prices have dropped even further over the past few months, and that seems to be in response to a high number of patient issues.

There will always be a spot for low-priced options in any market, which is what Alternaleaf are aiming for - but the question we think everyone interested in medical cannabis treatment should be asking themselves is, "How much is my treatment and health really worth?".

Key strengths identified through Trustpilot reviews

• Affordable £10 monthly membership, making it one of the lowest-cost clinics in the UK

• Friendly and professional doctors, with many patients appreciating the non-judgmental approach

• Thorough consultations, particularly for new patients unfamiliar with medical cannabis

• Straightforward initial setup process, with some reporting fast approval times

While cost is a major selling point, patients frequently report serious frustrations with service delays and support responsiveness.

Where Alternaleaf falls short

• Prescription delays are the most common complaint, with some patients waiting weeks for approval or refills

• Poor customer service, with patients struggling to get responses via email or phone

• Billing issues, including unexpected charges, refund difficulties, and confusion over monthly fees

• Inconsistent prescription handling, with some patients receiving incorrect orders or struggling to change medication

What are Alternaleaf patients saying?

Very helpful and friendly support staff and I feel I haven’t been left waiting any unreasonable time for my medicine in my first six months. There have been a couple of times I’ve had to phone regarding a small issue with my order, but I’ve always been impressed with how thorough and timely their response has been. The pricing at Alternaleaf is affordable compared to other clinics, but I do feel frustrated with how much I have to pay overall just to feel well. Compared to NHS treatment options, it feels unfair, but that’s more an issue with the system than the clinic itself."

"The consultation process was simple, and I had no issues getting approved. My doctor was professional and gave clear explanations. The only downside was the delay in receiving my prescription, which took longer than expected. I had to follow up a couple of times, but once the medication arrived, everything was fine."

"I can recommend Alternaleaf, but with a few caveats. The initial setup was easy, and my consultation went smoothly. The staff are friendly, and the process is straightforward. However, the repeat prescription system needs improvement. There have been delays, and stock isn’t always available, which can be frustrating. If they can improve their follow-up process, it would be a much better experience overall.

Even the positive patient commnets often come with a disclaimer, suggesting that Alternaleaf is often quite hit and miss in terms of quality, consistency and support. And then we have the more scathing reviews...

Alternaleaf have provided probably the worst service I’ve ever had from any company. I’ll start with the one positive - customer service agents have been friendly. Other than that, it has been a waste of time and money. My prescription approval took weeks longer than I was told, and when I finally got through, I was denied for a ridiculous reason that could have been clarified with a simple question. No transparency, no clear process, just frustration at every stage."

"A cautionary tale of incompetence. Alternaleaf fails at every level - delays, poor communication, lack of accountability, and outright unprofessional behaviour. I registered expecting efficient private healthcare but was met with a catalogue of failures. I missed an appointment because they sent a confirmation email at 4 AM on the day of the appointment. Their system for managing patients is a mess, and their staff are dismissive when you raise concerns. If they don’t fix these issues, I cannot recommend them to anyone."

"Fantastic when it works - but expect chaos when it doesn’t. The service is great for new patients, but once it’s time for a repeat prescription, the problems start. Getting the same medication twice is nearly impossible because stock runs out, and getting through to customer service is frustrating. I’ve been on hold for 20 minutes while writing this review. They take on too many patients without having the infrastructure to handle them. If they don’t improve, people will look elsewhere.

Again, that very last point is one to highlight. Alternaleaf is a multinational operation, and there are signs that the business is expanding faster than its staff. That’s not to say it can’t be an effective option for many patients - as plenty of positive reviews show exactly that. And if you are willing to gamble a little on the service, medication quality, and how well the clinic can handle potentially having too many patients, then Alternaleaf does offer the most affordable option.

The final verdict

Online reviews are not the be all and end all when it comes to finding the right UK medical cannabis for your needs. But they do offer us a glimpse into how each clinic operates beyond its marketing.

• Releaf is the obvious top choice. With only 3% of all the past 100 reviews being negative, and so many of the positive reviews really singing the clinic’s praises, it is hard not to recommend them as first choice. 

• Mamedica and Curaleaf both perform wel in terms of customer service and consultations, but stock inconsistencies and prescription delays seem to hamper both clinics.

• Alternaleaf is the cheapest option, but also has the highest number of complaints - and not by a small margin. Many of their positive reviews come with a minor gripe, and several are scathing about the service quality or their own experience. 

In the end, the decision is yours and yours alone - but hopefully, this write-up has cleared away some of the marketing fog and given you a bit of a clearer idea of what to expect from each of the top four UK medical cannabis clinics. As always, we recommend you do your own research and come to an informed decision before parting with any money or making the leap into legal UK medical weed.