In the latest episode of the Business of Cannabis podcast, Tim Kirby, CEO of Releaf, engages in a critical dialogue with Robert Jappie, a regulatory law partner at Fieldfisher LLP. They analyze the ongoing challenges surrounding access to medical cannabis in the UK, which was legalized in 2018.
Despite the legalization, only a small percentage of patients—estimated at less than 5% of those who could benefit—have received legal prescriptions. Meanwhile, approximately 1.2 million individuals continue to self-medicate using cannabis sourced from illegal markets. This disparity highlights a significant gap in the healthcare system’s ability to cater to patient needs.
Key issues include fragmented regulatory oversight and a lack of clear guidance for both patients and healthcare providers. Clinics are often left uncertain about the legal framework, which complicates the prescribing process. Furthermore, the conversation touches on the affordability of medical cannabis, where high costs deter many patients, alongside the stigma still associated with cannabis use.
Both Kirby and Jappie emphasize the urgent need for coherent policy reforms to create a more accessible and trustworthy environment for patients seeking medical cannabis. They argue that clearer pathways and enhanced education around medical cannabis are essential to improve patient outcomes and reduce reliance on illegal sources.
This episode is part of a series aimed at raising awareness and fostering dialogue about the evolving landscape of cannabis legislation and its impact on public health in the UK. For those interested in following the series, previous episodes are available for viewing online.
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