Why Are People Prescribed Medical Cannabis in the UK Today – A Statistical Look

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Around 60,000 people in the UK are currently prescribed medical cannabis. This is a number that is growing every day, as more evidence and research piles up on the cannabis plant’s therapeutic effects. Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 2018, although significant numbers of people only started treatment in the past five years. What are these people prescribed medical cannabis for?

Well, because the system is almost entirely run through private clinics rather than the NHS, the full picture is difficult to know for certain. However, there have been regular surveys of medical patients by researchers. And some clinics have released their data to studies or for marketing or educational purposes. This article will discuss the three most common groups of conditions or symptoms that people are prescribed medical cannabis for in the UK right now. The results may surprise you.

Chronic Pain is the Number One Reason for Medical Cannabis Prescriptions

Most clinics that have talked about their patient data in some form publicly, have said that chronic pain is the most prescribed for condition. One study of self-reported data from medical cannabis patients in the UK found 30% of several thousand respondents cited pain as a reason for seeking out a prescription.

All that adds up to possibly tens of thousands of Brits who are prescribed cannabis for pain. Although not yet entirely understood as to why, there is strong evidence for medical cannabis’ efficacy as as a painkiller when pharmaceuticals have failed. Medical cannabis has been shown by research to help patients off more harmful opioid medications. If chronic pain is causing struggle in your life, speak to a clinician today and see what is available for you.

Chronic pain conditions commonly prescribed cannabis in the UK today include:

  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Arthritis
  • Neuropathic pain such as nerve damage or fibromyalgia

While not a cure for chronic pain, studies have suggested cannabis may not only block pain but also help with ongoing mental management of it in the long term.

Neurological Conditions are Significant Minority

A smaller but still significant category is neurological conditions. CBD and THC-based medications are certified by the government and the NHS as effective treatments for certain rare forms of epilepsy. The NHS guidelines say it is allowed to prescribe in these cases, but only half a dozen people have ever actually received an NHS prescription for a cannabis-based medication.

Other neurological conditions that cannabis has shown some scientific promise in being therapeutic for  include:

  • Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
  • Huntington’s Disease
  • Tourette’s Syndrome
  • Multiple Sclerosis

Once again, cannabis is not considered a cure for any of the above (although there is mounting evidence it may be somewhat neuroprotective). However, it can help manage more severe symptoms. The ECS’ role in regulating automatic and involuntary movements is also of some interest to researchers looking at treating muscle spasticity.

Most of the above conditions should make one eligible for prescription cannabis in the UK, depending on the individuals medical records of course. Around 3% to 5% of UK cannabis patients fall into this category.

Anxiety and Depression Account for Around 10%

After chronic pain, most available datasets show around 10% of medical cannabis patients have been prescribed for psychiatric or mental health conditions.

When it comes to mental and psychological issues, finding the right weed strains for medical patients who require flower is extra important. As a uniquely psychoactive medicine, comparing different strains and their varied medical and subjective experiences can be an essential part of a cannabis prescription process for some patients.

Many patients reporting with chronic pain also had some symptoms of clinical depression or anxiety. This is known in healthcare as a comorbidity. Chronic pain can often lead to depression and anxiety as a consequence.

Cannabis and derived medicines are not just painkillers. Acting on various bodily functions through the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) means medical cannabis as a painkiller can also alleviate secondary symptoms.

When treating anxiety especially, clinical dosage guidelines are extremely important. It is well understood that, if dosed over a person’s tolerance, THC can cause short-term anxiety. Therefore it is vital that patients are taught and understand dosages during clinical consultations.

There is Some Overlap Between Symptoms

The above three categories account for around 90% of medical weed patients in some datasets. Other issues less frequently prescribed medical cannabis for, but certainly there is some evidence towards being useful, include:

  • Sleep disorders
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Women’s health issues
  • Eating or appetite problems

To some extent, chronic pain is also an overlap with all of these issues. But, once again, medical cannabis’ multi-faceted action makes it a unique painkiller that is as effective, if not more effective, than many opioid medications, while also having secondary benefits and fewer reported drawbacks.

Because of how data is collected, the public is not likely to have a full breakdown anytime soon. But the above, is as much a comprehensive look at what medical cannabis is prescribed for in the UK as you’re going to get outside of a large clinic’s private database.