Seven years after medical cannabis was legalised in the UK, new data from Releaf sheds light on how the treatment is changing patients’ lives, but also where progress is still needed.
This month, Releaf Cannabis Clinic published one of the most comprehensive surveys of UK medical cannabis patients to date, offering a rare insight into real-world outcomes and experiences across the country.
The ‘7 Years Legal survey’ collected responses from 1,669 active medical cannabis patients, on 65 detailed questions, exploring everything from demographics and treatment effectiveness to public confidence and experiences of stigma.
The findings reveal overwhelmingly positive outcomes among patients prescribed medical cannabis, with 97% reporting improved quality of life and 78% rating their treatment as “extremely effective” or “very effective”. On top of this, 91% said they would recommend medical cannabis treatment to others.
Managing complex conditions
The majority of Releaf’s patients live with chronic, often overlapping health conditions. Nearly half (47.5%) said they use medical cannabis primarily for chronic pain, while 31.4% treat mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Other indications include neurological disorders (9.5%), sleep disturbances (6.1%), and gastrointestinal or women’s health conditions.
More than seven in ten patients are prescribed medical cannabis for more than one condition, suggesting it may be helpful for multiple symptoms at once.
Improved quality of life
The findings suggest that medical cannabis is improving quality of life for the overwhelming majority of patients.
Two-thirds (65.8%) reported their quality of life had “improved significantly,” while a further 31% saw “some improvement.” Only 3% experienced no change or worsening.
For many, the benefits extend beyond symptom relief. A significant 85% of patients said treatment improved their ability to perform daily tasks, and 67% reported a positive impact on their capacity to work or study.
Safe and well-tolerated
Releaf’s data also offers some reassuring evidence in relation to the safety and side effects of cannabis-based medicines, suggesting that these are well-tolerated therapies, with high patient satisfaction.
Overall, 88% of patients said they experienced no side effects at all. Among those who did, most described mild, short-term effects such as fatigue or dry mouth, typically managed through dosage adjustment or product modification.
Social stigma
Despite the positive benefits reported, societal stigma remains a challenge for many patients.
Almost all of those surveyed (97%) had disclosed their medical cannabis use to someone, and support was generally high from partners, friends or family, but lower among employers or healthcare professionals.
Only 25% said they felt completely confident using their medication outside the home, while 45% said confidence “depends on the situation.” Around 20% admitted they worry about being judged or challenged when administering their medicine in public and only 8% have travelled with their prescription.
However, Releaf’s Medical Cannabis Card appears to be addressing some of these challenges. According to the survey, 72% of patients carry their card at all times and 74% said it makes them feel safer and more confident as a legal medical cannabis patient.
Driving and legal awareness
Only 60% of patients said they fully understood the legal framework surrounding driving and medical cannabis use. Over half (51.4%) avoid driving after medicating, while 40% drive when they feel safe and unimpaired.
Some patients also held incorrect or incomplete understandings about how cannabis flower must be used, not smoked, but vaporised, as required under UK law.
Releaf clinicians address this every consultation, said Medical Director, Dr Sue Clenton, adding: “This underlines the need for clearer guidance around driving laws and the safe administration of prescribed cannabis products.”
Alternative treatment to mainstream medicine
Seven years on from legalisation, Releaf’s latest survey demonstrates the significant impact that medical cannabis is having on many aspects of patient’s lives.
While challenges around public confidence, legal awareness, and social acceptance remain, as more patients share their stories and healthcare providers gain confidence in prescribing, medical cannabis may transition from alternative treatment to mainstream medicine.
Dr Clenton said: “The survey results demonstrate that medical cannabis is delivering transformative results for UK patients with exceptional efficacy rates and minimal side effects.
“The 1,669 voices in this report represent millions of potential patients who could benefit from safe, legal, and effective medical cannabis treatment.”
