UK adults remain confused about the legal status and availability of medical cannabis, despite it being legalised in 2018, a new survey has revealed.
According to a new study of 2,000 adults, while four in every five respondents (79%) were aware of medical cannabis, only 26% of people know that medical cannabis can be prescribed for certain health conditions by both NHS and private healthcare professionals.
The over-55s were the most likely to know that prescriptions can be written by both private and NHS specialist consultants (32%), compared to the 18–34-year-old age group where only 20% know this to be true. Over-55s are also significantly more likely to be aware of medical cannabis (85%) compared to those under 35 years old (69%), according to the findings.
Around a third (31%) of young people said they had not heard of it, while 40% don’t know it has been available for prescription since 2018, and 33% aren’t aware that it can be prescribed for specific health conditions.
Younger people were also most likely to believe false statements about medical cannabis. Almost one in 10 (9%) think medical cannabis is in fact illegal and therefore unregulated; while another 6% believe that it can be purchased over the counter (OTC) without a prescription.
The research was commissioned by Wellford Medical Clinics, which legally prescribes for pain conditions, including chronic pain, arthritis, and neuropathic pain conditions.
The findings reveal the urgent need for better public education on medical cannabis, its availability, and its legal status, says Joshua Roberts, Chief Business Officer for Wellford,.
“The net result is that there are patients suffering who shouldn’t be,” he commented.
“Most worrying of all is that even some patients who have one of three specific conditions, that the NHS will consider prescribing for, still believe medical cannabis cannot be prescribed for any health condition.”
The study found that over a quarter (28%) of respondents who experienced symptoms of epilepsy or multiple sclerosis were not aware that medical cannabis could be prescribed. Similarly, 32% of those struggling with chronic nausea or chemotherapy side effects did not know either.
In the wake of NHS prescribing, the Cannabis Industry Council has repeated calls for a government reimbursement scheme to help more patients access medical cannabis.
Mike Morgan-Giles, CEO, added: “There are very few medical cannabis prescriptions on the NHS, despite more harmful medicines, such as opioids, being widely available. The vast majority of medical cannabis patients are instead prescribed via private clinics and pharmacies.
“The Cannabis Industry Council urges the Government to implement a reimbursement scheme for medical cannabis, thereby helping patients with the cost of their essential medication.”
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Author: News Editor
