High Stakes: The Rise of Cannabis Prescriptions in the UK

As dawn breaks over East London, a young woman steps into a private clinic, visibly anxious yet hopeful. She has booked a telemedicine appointment to obtain a prescription for high-strength cannabis to combat her debilitating anxiety and depression. This scenario is no longer an isolated incident but rather a burgeoning trend in the UK, where thousands are turning to cannabis as a remedy for their mental health issues despite ongoing debates about its legality and efficacy.

Flourishing Market in Medical Cannabis

The UK’s medical cannabis market, legalized in 2018, has rapidly morphed into a multi-million-pound industry dominated by private clinics. According to a report from Healthwatch England, over 90% of medical cannabis prescribed in the UK now comes from private sources. This development raises questions about regulation, medical ethics, and potential risks associated with high-strength cannabis strains.

Data from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) reveals that prescriptions for unlicensed cannabis products skyrocketed from under 300,000 in 2022 to over 600,000 in early 2025. These unlicensed products often feature THC levels above 30%, far exceeding traditional strains previously available, prompting concerns from health experts.

Accessibility and the Role of Private Clinics

Private clinics have positioned themselves as facilitators in this evolving framework, offering quick consultations—often available via video calls. Patients frequently express that the process feels alarmingly straightforward.

• Initial consultations can cost between £100 and £200, though many clinics offer free services to benefit claimants.
• Patients are commonly prescribed cannabis after one consultation, leading to concerns over proper medical oversight.
• Delivery to a patient’s doorstep has become a selling point for many clinics, further normalizing the use of cannabis for mental health treatments.

“We’re witnessing a sort of medical cannabis gold rush,” explains Dr. Sarah Cole, a psychiatrist based in Manchester. “While patients are often desperate for help, the lack of rigorous medical assessments can lead to dangerous prescribing practices.”

The Risks of High-Potency Cannabis

Medical professionals have expressed alarm regarding the increasing strength of cannabis products being prescribed. Experts like Professor David Harrison from the University of Glasgow warn that high-THC strains may worsen underlying mental health conditions. A recent study from the Journal of Psychiatry found a troubling link between high-THC cannabis use and increased rates of cannabis-induced psychosis, particularly among young adults.

“There’s a genuine risk of exacerbating existing mental health issues with these high-potency products,” Professor Harrison asserts. “Clinics seem to be capitalizing on a loophole, and we’re yet to see comprehensive studies validating the efficacy of these treatments for psychiatric disorders.”

Social Implications and Expert Concerns

The rise in cannabis prescriptions has sparked debate among policymakers and health professionals. Freedom of Information requests reveal that police guidelines have shifted, advising officers to exercise discretion when dealing with cannabis possession cases that might be for medical use. This lenience could inadvertently promote a pseudo-recreational culture under the guise of medical necessity.

“The potential for exploitation within this regulatory framework is troubling,” says Dr. Emily Watson, a public health expert. “Individuals may be encouraged to misrepresent their needs to gain access to a substance that could indeed harm them.”

This feeling of exploitation is exacerbated by clinics offering discounts and free consultations to those on benefits, effectively targeting vulnerable populations who may seek relief at any cost.

The Patient Experience

For many, including Sarah, a 34-year-old patient from Liverpool, the allure of cannabis prescriptions stems from desperation. “I tried conventional medications but struggled with the side effects. The idea of something natural felt empowering,” she recounts. “When I found out I could get cannabis prescribed without extensive evaluations, it was a game-changer.”

However, Sarah’s experience isn’t unique. Data from Mamedica indicates that nearly 51% of its over 12,000 patients are prescribed cannabis for mental health issues. If replicated across the industry, this suggests tens of thousands of individuals may be receiving similar treatment, potentially without adequate oversight.

Legislative Gaps and Future Directions

Despite the growing concerns, little has been done by the UK government to regulate the evolving landscape effectively. While medical cannabis was legalized in 2018 in response to advocacy for children with severe epilepsy, the rapid expansion into mental health applications seems to have outpaced regulatory responses.

• The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has called for a multi-agency review addressing the rapid changes in medical cannabis regulation.
• The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs initiated a review in 2023, yet concrete actions remain sparse.

“The current regulatory environment is fragmented at best,” warns Polly Greene, a legal consultant specializing in drug policy. “We urgently need coherent guidelines that reflect the unforeseen implications of the 2018 legalization.”

With the mental health crisis looming in the UK, the intersection of cannabis use and mental health treatment is poised to remain contentious, demanding urgent attention from health authorities, legal frameworks, and society as a whole.

As Sarah exits the clinic with her newly acquired prescription, she feels a mix of hope and uncertainty. For many, the question persists: are we really addressing the underlying mental health issues, or merely masking them with a pill wrapped in regulatory ambiguity?

Source: www.thesun.co.uk