Half of UK population may benefit from medicinal cannabis, finds report

A new report suggests that up to 50% of the UK population could be eligible for a medicinal cannabis prescription, but less than 1% of those have been able to access one.

The findings of a new survey have revealed that approximately 29.6 million people in the UK could be entitled to a prescription for medicinal cannabis, equating to just over half of the population. 

UK cannabis company, Releaf, surveyed 4,210 people for the report, the largest to date to explore attitudes towards medicinal cannabis among the general public.

Medical Cannabis was legalised in the UK in November 2018, with a growing evidence base to support its use in the treatment of symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety and other mental health conditions. Some of the most common illnesses which may be treatable with cannabis include pain, depression, cancer and migraine.

Despite the high prevalence of respondents living with health conditions that may be suitable for cannabis-based treatments, only two individuals surveyed said that they have received a prescription for medicinal cannabis, representing just 0.48% of the sample. 

According to the report, when compared to the entire UK population, this suggests that only 283,200 people, or less than 1% of patients that could potentially benefit from medicinal cannabis, are able to access it legally. 

Releaf’s report also asked respondents about the impact their conditions had on them and their daily life. 

The data showed that 45.6% of people surveyed who had a condition which could be treatable with medicinal cannabis reported living with significant distress and discomfort. 

Releaf is campaigning to raise awareness and tackle the stigma around medicinal cannabis in the UK. Photo: Releaf.

Over a third (32.83%) admitted their condition had limited their ability to work or study and one in four said they were worried about their future health. 

The most prevalent of the diagnosed conditions eligible for medicinal cannabis was anxiety, with 19.74% of respondents reporting that they had the condition.

Lack of awareness and societal stigma

The report also identified a lack of awareness around the legality of medicinal cannabis in the UK. Whilst 83.7% of respondents were aware cannabis could be used to relieve a range of health conditions, more than half (58.5%) were unsure of its legal status.

Concerns around its social stigma were also an issue, with 34.16% of respondents discouraged from using medicinal cannabis as they were worried it would be mistaken as being illegal, whilst approximately one in six worried their family and friends would disapprove. 

Releaf is campaigning to raise awareness and tackle the social stigma that still exists when it comes to cannabis. As part of this awareness drive the company recently hired vans to drive across London showcasing some of the most thought-provoking stats from their report. 

Releaf is campaigning to raise awareness and tackle the stigma around medicinal cannabis in the UK. Photo: Releaf.

Dr Stephen D’Souza, medical director at Releaf, commented: “Studies have shown for years the power of cannabis as a medicine to treat symptoms such as depression, migraines, gut health and more.

“Whilst it has been legal since 2018, we know the perceptions of medicinal cannabis are still closely associated with the effects you see from recreational users of cannabis. Long-term, our goal is to bring further research into the UK on the efficacy of medicinal cannabis, to help spread more awareness, and we hope this report will be a big step in trying to change these perceptions.” 

Releaf is campaigning to raise awareness and tackle the stigma around medicinal cannabis in the UK. Photo: Releaf.

The clinic says it is the first in the UK to offer the entire patient journey through one online platform. Prospective patients complete a video consultation with a specialist doctor, and if approved, are then offered a selection of strains along with a recommended dosage. They then have to subscribe to receive their prescription through the post.

Mason Soiza, founder and CEO, added: “Since medicinal cannabis prescriptions were legalised in 2018, we have seen a lack of prescriptions being issued. Our report reveals two factors that could be at least partially contributing to this; that people are unaware it is now legally available via a prescription and that people still attach a negative stigma to it. 

“However, findings from the report further show that more than two-thirds (67.67%) of people would consider using it as a treatment. With so many potential benefits available to users, it is important we all work to separate the beliefs that cannabis, when prescribed through legal means, can be a positive drug with life-altering effects – and that isn’t something we should label as bad or withhold from patients who clinically need the help it can provide.”

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