UK medical cannabis patient survey 2025: Seven years since legalisation

Key Statistics at a Glance

• 97% of patients report improved quality of life
• 78% rate their treatment as ‘extremely effective’ or ‘very effective’
• 88% have not experienced any side effects
• 91% were likely to recommend medical cannabis to others who may be eligible
• 72% have been prescribed medical cannabis to treat more than one condition

To see more, please download the Releaf Medical Cannabis Patient Survey 2025: Key Findings (PDF)

Survey Demographics

The survey included 65 questions, offering a detailed view of real-world experiences among UK medical cannabis patients.

Patient Profile

• 69% of respondents were men, 31% were women
• 56% were aged between 35 and 54
• 4 in 5 respondents are based in England
• More than 90% of the survey respondents identify as Caucasian or White British

Employment Status

• Common professions included sciences, technology, skilled trades, healthcare, social care, legal and financial services, and the arts.
• 16% were unable to work due to illness or disability.
• 8% were retired.

Conditions Being Treated

Primary Conditions

• 47.5% - Chronic pain
• 31.4% - Mental health conditions
• 9.5% - Neurological conditions
• 6.1% - Sleep disorders
• 2.6% - Gastroenterological conditions
• 1.6% - Women's health
• 1.4% - Cancer-related symptoms

Notably, 72% of patients treat more than one condition with medical cannabis, showing how the treatment can support multiple symptoms at once.

Treatment Effectiveness

The survey reveals remarkably high rates of treatment satisfaction:

Quality of Life Improvements

• 65.8% said their quality of life improved significantly
• 31% said it improved slightly
• Only 3% reported no change or worsening

Daily Functioning

• 85% said medical cannabis improved their ability to perform daily tasks
• 67% reported improved ability to work or study

Side Effects

The safety profile of medical cannabis was shown to be exceptional, with 88% of patients reporting no side effects. For those who did experience side effects, most were mild and manageable through dosage adjustment or treatment option modifications. 

Stigma and Social Attitudes

Despite the legal status of their medication, patients report that they still face social challenges:

Disclosure and Support

• 97% of patients have told others about their medical cannabis use
• Partners (86.3%), friends (78.4%), and family (72.1%) were the most common confidants
• Support levels were generally high among personal relationships, but lower among healthcare providers and workplace contacts

Public Confidence

• Only 25% of patients feel fully confident using medical cannabis outside the home
• 45% said confidence depends on the situation
• 20% worry about administering their medication outside their home

Driving and Legal Awareness

The survey revealed notable gaps in legal understanding:

• Only 60% of respondents were confident they understood the law regarding driving and medical cannabis
• 51.4% avoid driving if they've used medication earlier that day
• 40% drive regularly as long as they feel unimpaired and safe
• 22% were unsure or held incorrect understandings of the law about the legal requirement to vaporise (not smoke) prescribed flower. This is a point that is addressed in every Releaf consultation.

These findings underline the need for clearer guidance around driving laws and the safe administration of prescribed cannabis products. It is illegal to smoke prescribed medical cannabis in the UK. It must be administered through a vaporiser. 

Travelling with Medical Cannabis

• 8% have travelled with their medication both within the UK and internationally
• 27% haven't travelled yet but plan to take their treatment when they do
• Among those who have travelled, confidence levels varied significantly, with an average score of 7.3/10

The Medical Cannabis Card

Releaf's Medical Cannabis Card proved to be a significant factor in patient confidence and provider selection:

• 72% of patients always keep their card on their person
• 73% would feel confident using it to explain their treatment if questioned by police
• 74% say the card makes them feel reassured they're legally protected

These responses highlight how our medical cannabis card provides reassurance, strengthens legal confidence, and helps patients feel recognised within the healthcare system.

Looking Forward

This survey demonstrates that medical cannabis is delivering transformative results for UK patients, with exceptional efficacy rates and minimal side effects. However, persistent challenges around public confidence, legal awareness, and social acceptance continue to impact the patient experience.

As more patients share their stories and healthcare providers gain confidence in prescribing, medical cannabis can continue its transition from alternative treatment to mainstream medicine. The 1,669 voices in this report represent millions of potential patients who could benefit from safe, legal, and effective medical cannabis treatment.

About the Research

Conducted by Releaf in September 2025, the survey was completed by active UK medical cannabis patients via a secure online questionnaire and represents the largest dataset of its kind in the country.

Key contributors: Rupa Shah, Lucy McKinnon, Sophie Stephen.

For more information about medical cannabis treatment, visit www.releaf.co.uk