Statistics

Medical cannabis in the UK has grown sharply in recent years, with around 60,000 active patients in 2025 and projections to reach 100,000 before year-end. Access remains uneven, NHS prescriptions are rare, and private clinics carry the load. This guide explores patient numbers, conditions, clinics, access challenges, and how the UK compares internationally.

Today, cannabis is a hot topic around the world as more countries are legalising it for medical application and/or recreational use. While recreational cannabis remains illegal, in recent years, the UK has seen a growing interest in medical cannabis, particularly since legalisation for medical use was put into place in November 2018. In this article, we will explore the key cannabis statistics that relate to the UK, taking every angle into account.

On the 1st of November 2018, medical cannabis was legalised in the United Kingdom following advice given by the Government’s Chief Medical Advisor, Dame Sally Davies. Strict restrictions were imposed around the classification of cannabis-based products for medicinal use in humans (CBPM), as well as the prescription and dispensing of medical cannabis.

The UK has long been one of the world’s leading cannabis exporters, yet patients at home still face barriers to access. Using INCB data, this blog explores how much cannabis the UK exports, how it compares to Canada and other nations, the role of GW/Jazz Pharmaceuticals, and the future of domestically cultivated flower from Glass Pharms® and Dalgety.

In 2019 Prohibition Partners estimated that around 4.7 million adults across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland consume cannabis, and almost 30% are believed to be using the plant to help manage chronic health conditions. However, by 2023 only 32,000 patients are thought to have secured a medical cannabis prescription despite its legalisation in the UK almost five years ago.

Cannabis remains the most commonly used drug in the UK, with 6.8% of adults reporting past-year use in 2024. By the end of 2025, up to 100,000 patients are expected to be prescribed medical cannabis, while billions still flow into the illicit market. This guide explores prevalence, motivations, health impacts, arrests, costs, and the outlook for reform and patient access.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the predominant phytocannabinoids found in both cannabis and hemp plants. CBD does not produce a psychoactive effect like the compound Tetrahidrocannabinol-9 (THC), but it does seem to possibly offer a significant array of wellness benefits. 

The increasing legalisation of CBD plus the discovery of its vast potential in possibly enhancing health and wellness is expected to drive the growth of the CBD market even further. This article examines CBD trends in Europe and the projections that have been made for the CBD industry.

CBD is now one of the fastest-growing wellness markets in the UK. This hub gathers the latest CBD statistics for 2025, covering market size, sales, demographics, regulation and consumer trends, alongside comparisons with Europe and the US. Fresh data gives patients and the public a clear view of the UK CBD landscape.

Extensive research indicates that cannabis has a complex relationship with mental health, as its effects can differ significantly based on various factors. These factors include the individual's age, genetics, mental health history, frequency of use and dosage size, as well as the specific strain and cannabinoid composition involved.