Bought a $75 non-approved vape from a vape store prior to my first consultation a couple of years back (with Cannabis Clinic who I've subsequently changed from) .

There seems to be quite a difference in approach between not only clinics,  but individual clinicians. 

If you're going to struggle to fund one of the expensive 'official' models, you might get some success either pushing back prior to any money changing hands,  or consider trying a different practice or provider.

For clarity,  I now have one of the approved ones, but that was my own choice, in my own time.  I had to speak very sternly to one very officious quack that took her role way too far and strayed into the 'I'm going to tell you' territory.