Private cannabis clinics are seeing a surge in patients, with many opting for the drug to treat chronic pain and mental health conditions. According to Mamedica, a medical cannabis clinic in Westminster, the number of patients has increased by over 10 times in 2023, from 250 to 2,750.
The majority of patients at the clinic take medical cannabis for psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression, with 40% taking it to treat chronic pain. Julie Gould, a 64-year-old patient who has multiple sclerosis, uses medical cannabis to manage her symptoms. She started taking the drug after her neurologist prescribed it, and says it has been “miraculous” in helping her cope with her condition.
However, the availability of medical cannabis on the NHS is limited. According to the Department for Health and Social Care, licensed cannabis-based medicines are funded by the NHS where there is clear evidence of their quality, safety, and effectiveness. But most products on the market are unlicensed, and clinical guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) demonstrate a need for more research to support routine prescribing and funding decisions.
Campaigners are calling for medical cannabis to be made more widely available on the NHS, citing the benefits it has brought to patients. However, the government says more evidence is needed before any changes can be made. The Department for Health and Social Care has stated that until the evidence base improves, prescribers will remain reticent to prescribe and no decision can be made by the NHS on routine funding.
Despite the limited availability of medical cannabis on the NHS, private clinics are offering the drug to patients. However, this comes at a high cost, with patients often having to pay out of pocket for the treatment. This can be a significant burden for those who are already struggling financially.
Experts say that there is still a lot of stigma surrounding medical cannabis, which can make it difficult for patients to access the treatment. Prof Michael Lynskey, an epidemiologist who leads research on the T21 Project, says that attitudes towards medical cannabis may take longer to change.
The UK medical cannabis market is expected to be worth £300m in 2025, according to market researchers Prohibition Partners. However, the lack of clinical evidence and the stigma surrounding the drug are major barriers to its widespread adoption.
In conclusion, while private cannabis clinics are seeing a surge in patients, the availability of medical cannabis on the NHS is limited.
