Celebrating Six Years of Medical Cannabis in the UK
It has now been six years since the UK made a historic decision to legalise medical cannabis, a milestone that has not only changed the medical landscape but also shifted public perception toward alternative therapies. This anniversary provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on how far medical cannabis has come, the impact it’s had on patient lives, and the road ahead as we continue to destigmatise and expand access to this life-changing treatment.
A Brief History of Medical Cannabis in the UK
In November 2018, the UK legalised medical cannabis for prescription use, marking a significant shift in drug policy. This decision followed years of advocacy from patients, doctors, and activists, especially for children suffering from severe epilepsy who had found relief only through cannabis-based treatments. The change meant that specialist doctors could prescribe cannabis-based medicines for a limited number of medical conditions, particularly for patients who had exhausted other treatment options.
Despite initial excitement, early access to medical cannabis was challenging due to stringent regulations, limited prescriptions, and high costs. The process of obtaining a prescription was often long and cumbersome, with few patients able to access cannabis through the NHS, leading many to seek private prescriptions.
Shifting Public Perception and Destigmatisation
With legalisation, awareness around the therapeutic potential of cannabis has grown, shifting public perception from one rooted in stigma to a more educated, open approach. Many people, including doctors, have become advocates, seeing firsthand the benefits cannabis brings to patients who’ve struggled for years with traditional medications. The stigma associated with cannabis as a recreational drug remains, but public discourse is increasingly focused on the plant’s medical benefits and its ability to offer hope to those in need.
The Path Forward
Despite these successes, challenges remain. Access to medical cannabis through the NHS is still highly restricted, with most patients having to rely on private prescriptions. Additionally, while progress has been made, further research and clinical trials are essential to expand the list of approved conditions, increase physician education, and solidify cannabis as a recognised medical treatment.
Looking forward, there’s a push for broader access and inclusion of medical cannabis in the NHS, potentially easing financial burdens on patients. As research continues to validate its benefits, we can hope that medical cannabis will become a more mainstream treatment, accessible to all who need it.
How Mamedica Can Help
As we mark six years of medical cannabis in the UK, the impact on patient lives is undeniable. We’ve witnessed cannabis move from a stigmatised, tightly controlled substance to a medicine that’s bringing real, meaningful relief to patients.
Mamedica is committed to advocating for access to safe and regulated medical cannabis for those who may benefit from it.
If you would like to start your journey with Mamedica, you can check your eligibility here.