The £13 Billion Recipe: Medicinal Cannabis Could Boost the UK Economy
Report indicates that access via NHS would not only relieve the healthcare system but also generate billions by reintegrating chronic patients into the workforce
Expanding access to medicinal cannabis through the NHS (National Health Service of the UK) could add £4.5 billion to the economy over five years and £13.3 billion over a decade in the UK. The analysis, conducted by the Centre for Economic and Business Research (Cebr) at the request of Curaleaf Clinic, highlights an opportunity to improve lives, alleviate pressure on the healthcare system, and strengthen the economy.
Since its legalization in 2018, private prescriptions for medicinal cannabis have already contributed around £283 million to Gross Value Added (GVA), mainly by helping patients recover and return to work. The study suggests that NHS access could also reduce hospital admissions by 28% annually among eligible patients.
The human cost of limited access
Currently, a record 2.8 million people in the UK are unemployed due to long-term illnesses. A survey conducted by Cebr revealed that 62% of these patients feel they have exhausted all traditional treatment options.
Frustration with conventional medications is high: 55% report that they provide little relief, and 48% state that side effects negatively impact their quality of life. Exclusion from the workforce also takes a toll emotionally, with reports of loss of self-esteem (56%), decreased confidence (52%), and feelings of helplessness (46%).
A roadmap to improve access
Despite the potential benefits, lack of awareness remains a significant barrier. The research shows that 40% of people with chronic illnesses are unaware that medicinal cannabis is a legally available treatment in the UK. Additionally, 33% describe the current system as confusing and inaccessible.
However, there is strong public support for change. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of British adults believe that people with chronic health issues should have more treatment options. Among those directly affected, 71% advocate for wider availability of medicinal cannabis if it can help.
Dr. Simon Erridge, Research Director at Curaleaf Clinic, underscores the urgency of the issue in a note. "This analysis shows that medicinal cannabis is not just a health issue – it is also an economic issue. We urgently need a roadmap to improve access through the NHS, with the necessary investment in research to make this happen".