Prescriptions, patient numbers, and overall medical cannabis demand in the UK has jumped sharply in recent years. But what are the drivers behind this upturn, what does the data say, and is there anything that a medical cannabis patient should be aware of?
The recent rise in medical cannabis demand in the UK
Over the last few years the UK has seen a steep increase in demand for medical cannabis and cannabis-based products. What began as a cautious, tightly regulated prescribing environment after legal reform in 2018 has moved into a phase of rapid private-sector prescribing, changing the landscape for patients, clinicians and regulators.
Key numbers (what the data says)
Sharp increase in private prescribing: Data collected in the Care Quality Commission (CQC) annual controlled-drugs update shows prescriptions of unlicensed CBPMs in independent services rose from ~150,527 items (year to 31 March 2023) to about 346,600 items in the year to 31 March 2024 — an increase of roughly 130%. Cannabis Industry Council
Growing patient base and market forecasts: Industry reports estimate the active medical-cannabis patient population in the UK at around 50–60k patients and forecast continued growth beyond 2025. Prohibition Partners and other market analysts expect a multi-hundred-million-euro market in the coming years. Prohibition Partners
NHS registry & NHS prescribing remains limited: NHS England launched a patient registry for CBPM prescribing in April 2022 to better capture use and outcomes, but routine NHS prescribing remains narrow and most current prescribing is in the private sector. england.nhs.uk
Why demand is rising
Unmet clinical need / long-term sickness: A broad burden of chronic conditions (chronic pain, MS, fibromyalgia) and mental health concerns (depression, PTSD) has created demand for alternatives where traditional therapies failed. Curaleaf Clinic
Increased awareness and patient advocacy: Patient groups, media coverage and social networks have increased awareness of medical cannabis as an option. As awareness grows, more patients enquire and private clinics report rising volumes. lewissilkin.com
Private-sector accessibility: Because NHS access is still limited to a few licensed indications, many patients turn to private clinics and pharmacies where access is quicker. england.nhs.uk
Evolving clinical guidance & research: Emerging evidence and evolving guidance (including clinician resources from NHS/GMC) have reduced clinical uncertainty for some prescribers, encouraging more specialist clinicians to consider CBPMs where appropriate. england.nhs.uk
Commercial market activity: Investment, new clinic openings, and increased supply from specialist pharmacies have made the market more visible and easier to navigate for patients. Prohibition Partners
Okay, but what does this mean for me?
The rise in private prescribing has increased availability and access, but patients should be selective regarding the clinic that they receive help from – ensuring that they are CQC qualified. If you’re unsure of what clinics are out there, check out our directory of approved pharmacies – all certified for that extra piece of mind.
Your clinician will also be able to talk through the most appropriate treatment for you. With an abundance of new products and devices being developed, it makes it that bit easier to progress when you’ve got a trusted professional to help out.
You should also be aware that medical cannabis isn’t for everyone. Getting a CBPM prescription will only come after at least two other treatments have been trialed, and unfortunately there’s no guarantee that the third time will be the charm. With that being said, however, the increase of successful prescriptions does demonstrate the potential help that medical cannabis can offer to a variety of individuals.
For the time being, if you do have any burning questions, surrounding a medical cannabis prescription and whether it might be right for you, hit our contact page to speak to a friendly member of our team and we’ll get the ball rolling.
