Why Women are Driving the Next Wave of Medical Cannabis Prescriptions in the UK

Medical cannabis has steadily grown in the UK over the last few years, but one trend stands out more than any other. Women are becoming one of the fastest-growing patient groups. They are seeking help for chronic pain, hormonal conditions, mental health symptoms, and long-term issues that have often been underdiagnosed or poorly treated in traditional care pathways.

This shift is not simply a demographic change. It highlights long-standing gaps in women’s healthcare and the increasing willingness of patients to explore regulated alternatives when standard treatments fall short.

Why women are turning to medical cannabis

Many women report years of feeling dismissed or told their symptoms are normal. Others have tried multiple medications without relief, or they experience side effects that make daily life more difficult. Women are increasingly considering medical cannabis as awareness grows, as it provides a personalised, monitored approach that allows adjustments based on symptom patterns.

Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain

Endometriosis is one of the most common reasons women explore medical cannabis. Pain can be severe, long-term, and poorly controlled with standard treatments. Many women describe temporary relief from hormonal therapies or painkillers, but ongoing symptoms lead them to look for additional support.

PMDD and menstrual-related mood symptoms

Some women seek help for mood instability linked to their cycle. Medical cannabis is not a cure, but patient-reported outcomes show that certain formulations may help ease tension, irritability, or sleep disturbance around menstruation.

Menopause-related symptoms

A growing number of women are using cannabis-based medicines to manage sleep difficulty, anxiety, hot flushes, or chronic pain during menopause. Many say they prefer this approach when they cannot tolerate HRT or want alternatives alongside standard treatment.

Migraine

Migraine disproportionately affects women, and some patients explore medical cannabis after years of using triptans or preventive medication with mixed results. Although evidence is evolving, clinics report consistent interest due to the impact migraines have on work, family life, and mental wellbeing.

Anxiety, sleep, and trauma-related symptoms

Women often carry a high mental and emotional load, including stress from work, caregiving, and daily responsibilities. Some explore medical cannabis for support with anxiety or chronic insomnia when other therapies have not been effective.

Why these conditions are often underserved

Women’s pain and health concerns have historically been undervalued or overlooked. Several factors contribute to this gap:

Slow diagnosis pathways

Conditions like endometriosis can take years to diagnose. In the meantime, women often struggle with pain, fatigue, and reduced quality of life.

Limited treatment options

Many women feel trapped between medications that help only slightly or cause side effects that disrupt daily functioning.

Stigma

Some patients feel uncomfortable discussing cannabis because they worry family or colleagues might judge them, even when the prescription is fully legal.

Difficulty accessing specialist care

NHS waiting times for gynaecology, pain management, and neurology remain long in many areas. Delays lead some women to seek private medical cannabis consultations as an alternative route to symptom management.

The role of medical cannabis in women’s health

Medical cannabis is not a universal solution, but its flexibility allows clinicians to tailor treatment. Different products, cannabinoid ratios, and dosing methods can be matched to specific symptom patterns. For example:

• Higher CBD formulations are often chosen for daytime use
• THC-dominant products may be used cautiously for pain or sleep
• Balanced profiles can support patients who have multiple overlapping symptoms

This customised structure can be especially valuable when treating conditions that change throughout the month or fluctuate with stress, hormones, or physical activity.

Patient stories are shaping the shift

Many clinics note that women are more likely to share their experiences online or through support groups. These patient-led communities help improve understanding and reduce stigma. Hearing that others with similar symptoms found relief often encourages women to seek regulated clinical advice rather than relying on untested alternatives.

Women’s voices are also influencing clinicians. Real-world outcomes reported by patients are helping doctors understand how cannabis-based medicines may fit within modern care pathways.

The challenges women still face

Despite the increase in interest, barriers remain.

Cost

Private treatment is still out of reach for many households. Prescriptions at a lower cost can assist, but the total expenditure can escalate, particularly when long-term care is required.

Limited NHS involvement

NHS prescribing remains highly restrictive, which means most women must use private clinics even when their symptoms significantly impact daily life.

Lack of awareness

Some women are unsure whether cannabis-based medicines are legal, safe, or appropriate for them, which delays treatment.

Professional uncertainty

Many GPs have limited training on medical cannabis and feel unable to offer detailed guidance.

What the future may look like

As more women seek treatment and share their experiences, awareness is growing across the healthcare sector. Several changes could support improved access:

• Increased research into menopause, endometriosis, and female pain conditions
• Better medical education to address women’s symptoms holistically
• Clearer prescribing guidance
• Wider acceptance of patient-reported outcomes
• More affordable private treatment options

Women’s health has been neglected for decades. The rise in medical cannabis prescriptions is not a trend but a reflection of real unmet need. As understanding continues to grow, women are likely to remain at the centre of the next wave of medical cannabis developments in the UK.