The Rise of Medical Cannabis in London: How Attitudes Are Changing in 2025

Since the legalisation of medical cannabis in the UK in November 2018, London has emerged as a focal point for its adoption and acceptance. Once stigmatised as a recreational drug, cannabis is increasingly recognised for its therapeutic potential, reshaping both public and medical perceptions in the capital. With over 62,960 UK patients forecasted to be using medical cannabis by the end of 2024, and a market projected to reach £300 million in 2025, the rise of medical cannabis in London reflects a broader shift towards evidence-based treatment and patient empowerment. This blog post explores how attitudes are evolving, drawing on recent statistics, patient experiences, and insights from healthcare providers in London.

A shifting public perception

The legalisation of medical cannabis, spurred by high-profile cases like that of Alfie Dingley, a young boy with severe epilepsy who received the first NHS cannabis prescription, has significantly altered public attitudes in London. A 2021 YouGov survey found that 51.4% of UK adults were aware that medical cannabis is legal, and a 2020 poll showed overwhelming public support for its use in medical contexts. In London, where diverse communities and progressive attitudes converge, this shift is particularly pronounced.

Residents in boroughs like Camden and Islington, known for their vibrant and open-minded communities, are increasingly viewing medical cannabis as a legitimate treatment rather than a taboo substance. For instance, Sarah, a 45-year-old office worker from Hackney, shared her experience: “I used to think cannabis was just for getting high, but after my chronic pain diagnosis, my doctor suggested medical cannabis. It’s changed my life, no more heavy painkillers with awful side effects.” Sarah’s story reflects a growing acceptance among Londoners, particularly as awareness spreads through patient advocacy groups and social media.

However, challenges remain. A 2022 survey revealed that 24% of UK adults were unaware that medical cannabis could be legally prescribed, and stigma persists in some communities due to its historical association with recreational use. In areas like Tower Hamlets, cultural and religious beliefs can still create barriers, with some residents hesitant to consider cannabis-based treatments due to misconceptions about its legality or effects.

Medical community’s evolving perspective

Healthcare providers in London are also adapting to the rise of medical cannabis, though cautiously. Since 2018, only specialist doctors on the General Medical Council’s Specialist Register can prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs), and only for conditions where other treatments have failed. This restriction, combined with limited NHS funding, has led to a reliance on private clinics in London.

Dr. Mikael Sodergren, a consultant at Imperial College NHS Trust and Chief Medical Officer at Curaleaf International, notes a gradual shift among London’s medical professionals: “Five years ago, many doctors were sceptical due to limited evidence and stigma. Now, we’re seeing more specialists open to prescribing CBMPs, especially for chronic pain and psychiatric conditions, as real-world evidence grows.” A 2021 survey by the Primary Cannabis Care Networks found that 51% of UK GPs supported cannabis-based medicines for patients who have exhausted conventional treatments, indicating a growing acceptance within the medical community.

Despite this progress, barriers persist. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved only three licensed CBMPs, Sativex for multiple sclerosis, Epidyolex for rare epilepsy, and nabilone for chemotherapy-induced nausea, leaving most prescriptions as unlicensed medicines. A 2024 report highlighted that fewer than five NHS patients in England received unlicensed CBMPs between 2018 and 2022, compared to 89,239 private prescriptions, underscoring the NHS’s cautious approach. London-based clinicians often cite the lack of robust randomised controlled trials and concerns about THC’s psychoactive effects as reasons for hesitancy.

Patient experiences driving change

London patients are at the forefront of the medical cannabis movement, with many sharing transformative stories that challenge outdated perceptions. Approximately 40% of UK medical cannabis patients use it for chronic pain, while a third treat psychiatric conditions like anxiety or PTSD, reflecting the diverse applications of CBMPs.

Take Michael, a 60-year-old retiree from Lambeth, who turned to medical cannabis after years of struggling with neuropathic pain: “I was on opioids for a decade, and they left me foggy and dependent. My consultant at a private clinic in London suggested cannabis oil. It’s not a cure, but I’m sleeping better and feel more like myself.” Michael’s experience aligns with findings from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry, which reported that patients often reduce their reliance on conventional medications with fewer side effects when using CBMPs.

Younger patients are also driving demand. Emma, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Shoreditch, uses medical cannabis for anxiety: “Living in London is intense, long hours, crowded tubes. Cannabis helps me manage my anxiety without the drowsiness of other medications.” Her story highlights the appeal of CBMPs in London’s high-stress urban environment, where mental health challenges are prevalent.

However, access remains a hurdle. The average cost of a medical cannabis prescription in London starts at £250 per month, with consultation fees adding to the burden. Patients in less affluent boroughs, like Newham, often face financial barriers, as NHS funding is limited to rare cases. The 2024 Cannabis Europa event highlighted that cost excludes many, particularly those with chronic conditions who are not working full-time.

The role of research and advocacy

London’s academic institutions, such as Imperial College London and King’s College London, are leading research into medical cannabis, bolstering its credibility. Studies at Imperial, for instance, are exploring CBMPs’ efficacy for neurological disorders and mental health conditions, contributing to the UK Medical Cannabis Registry’s growing dataset. This research is critical, as NICE and NHS England have called for more evidence to support broader prescribing.

Advocacy groups like Drug Science and patient-led initiatives, such as Project Twenty21, are also shifting perceptions by providing data and support. Project Twenty21, for example, offers discounted access to CBMPs while collecting real-world evidence, with a steady increase in participation, particularly among Londoners over 65. These efforts are helping to destigmatise medical cannabis and encourage more specialists to prescribe it.

Looking ahead: The future of medical cannabis in London

In 2025, the medical cannabis landscape in London is poised for further growth. The UK market is expected to reach £18.7 million this year, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.06% through 2029. London’s private clinics are expanding, and campaigns for NHS reform, such as the Medical Cannabis (Access) Bill scheduled for its second reading on May 20, 2025, could ease prescription restrictions. However, challenges like high costs, regulatory hurdles, and ongoing stigma must be addressed to ensure equitable access across boroughs like Southwark and Barnet.

As Prof. Lynskey from Drug Science notes, “London is at the heart of the UK’s medical cannabis revolution, but we need better education and funding to make it accessible to all who need it.” Patients and providers agree that continued research, advocacy, and policy reform will be key to sustaining this momentum.

Conclusion

The rise of medical cannabis in London reflects a profound shift in attitudes, driven by patient success stories, growing medical acceptance, and a robust private sector. While barriers like cost and limited NHS access persist, the capital’s diverse and dynamic population is embracing cannabis as a viable treatment option. For Londoners like Sarah, Michael, and Emma, medical cannabis offers hope and relief, paving the way for a future where it is as commonplace as any other prescription. If you’re considering medical cannabis, consult a specialist at a London clinic to explore your options and join the growing number of patients redefining healthcare in 2025.