A new study from the UK’s leading medical cannabis clinic, Mamedica, has found that 601,000 British adults say they used to be recreational cannabis users but now only use it to help with their health condition, and as a result over 1.5 million are incurring costs of £250 a month. Amidst an unrelenting cost-of-living crisis, as well as a worsening chronic pain epidemic, currently impacting around 15.5 million people in the UK, of which 12% are prescribed opioids, today’s findings highlight that despite the long-held preconceptions and stigmas associated with cannabis, increasing numbers are turning to it for relief. Despite medical cannabis being legalised in the UK in 2018, according to data released in January, over 89,000 prescriptions for unlicensed cannabis medicines were prescribed via private clinics between 2018 – 2022 – but fewer than five of these were issued by the NHS.
Discussing why so many still obtain cannabis through the grey or illicit market, Jon Robson, CEO and founder of Mamedica is available for an interview about the UK’s growing shift towards a more health-conscious approach to cannabis consumption.
The study further highlights several reasons cited by participants for this transition. According to Mamedica’s study staggering 2.4 million Britons stated that they would rather treat their mental health issues with medical cannabis over traditional meds as they believe it is safer. There are believed to be 7.3 million people in the UK regularly taking antidepressants, however, today’s research shows that around 1.5 million say they find their current medication ineffective.
Awash with products that lack quality control and can be laced with high-strength and hazardous substances, such as spice (synthetic cannabis), the adverse effects associated with recreational cannabis place a large proportion of users in a perilous position. Mamedica’s national study found that just under one in four buy cannabis through the illicit market and do not check to see what might be in it. Amongst a host of reasons, 630,000 said that they believed self-medicating via this route would help them save money on healthcare costs.
Medical cannabis has been studied extensively for its potential therapeutic benefits, including its known effectiveness in managing chronic pain and efficacy in reducing the number of people using highly addictive opioids for pain relief. Research also indicates how cannabinoids can significantly improve one’s quality of life including emotional regulation, improved sleep hygiene, and stimulating appetite.
The benefits of obtaining medication through secure and private prescriptions
The private market is ultimately designed to provide patients with a more holistic patient-centric experience that uses evidence-based research to determine which strain ought to be prescribed for a certain condition. As well as the proven financial benefit, being prescribed medical cannabis through a licensed specialist allows for a degree of personalisation that you are unlikely to get if self-medicating through non-professionals. Where traditional routes may typically subscribe to a one-size-fits-all approach, a private clinic will adopt an individualistic view to care.
All products which are listed at Mamedica are sourced from cultivators and manufacturers who are certified to supply products which comply with a medical grade standard called EU-GMP (good manufacturing practice). This ensures that their products are consistent, high-quality and safe for their intended use.
Jon Robson, CEO and founder of Mamedica says that it is clear that a growing number of people are utilising cannabis as a medicine, but that it is vital to consult a specialist doctor before doing so. He says:
“Our research today highlights a notable shift in consumer behaviour, suggesting a growing recognition of cannabis as a viable wellness tool. The issue still remains creating awareness in the wider healthcare system so we can ensure people are obtaining medication safely.
“There is a misconception amongst the very few recreational users who are aware of the regulated pathway, that prescribed medical cannabis is more expensive and lower in quality than the illicit market.
“All products released to be prescribed in the UK have to undergo rigorous testing. Within that testing process, you are able to identify exactly what’s in that particular cannabis strain or a particular vape cartridge, in terms of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol) and terpenes.
“Our understanding of cannabis strains and how they can benefit people differently is growing rapidly. The U.S. has the largest medical pool of data from patients, which we follow closely to guide us on what strains have helped patients. We’re also fortunate that the UK cannabis community is small yet aligned with advocating on individuals’ personal experiences with certain dosages and strains.”
