UK races against time to train doctors in medicinal cannabis
The UK faces a shortage of doctors and specialists in medicinal cannabis, as demand for treatments grows and the market approaches €300 million.
The demand for medicinal cannabis treatments in the UK is growing rapidly, but the number of professionals qualified to prescribe has not kept pace with this movement. Currently, between 50,000 and 60,000 patients are already using the therapy, and it is estimated that this number will reach 80,000 by the end of 2025. For many, it is a sign of progress. For others, a concern: how to ensure quality access in the face of a lack of trained doctors, pharmacists, and specialists?
Expanding market, lacking professionals
According to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), private prescriptions have increased significantly, reflecting a rapidly expanding market that is expected to exceed €300 million this year. However, the speed of this growth highlights the absence of prepared professionals, from prescribing doctors to nurses and pharmacists who can safely work in this field.
Challenges and paths for the future
Among the main barriers are stigma, lack of specific training, and little clarity on the legality of the treatment. Experts argue that the future of medicinal cannabis in the country depends on investments in education, training programs, and academic partnerships that consolidate its legitimacy. In the short term, the expectation is that new prescribers will emerge from other areas of healthcare, focusing on requalification and training within clinics themselves.
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More than just numbers and market forecasts, the sustainability of the British medicinal cannabis sector depends on the appreciation of those on the front lines: the professionals who give a face, voice, and security to the treatment of thousands of patients.
With information from Cañamo.