In the UK, the future of medical cannabis hinges on robust clinical foundations. Dr. Sue Clenton, Medical Director at Releaf, argues that beyond expanding access, the UK must develop a new generation of confident and well-informed prescribers. Despite the legalization of medical cannabis and a growing body of evidence supporting its use, only about 150 out of 40,000 doctors on the General Medical Council (GMC) specialist register are prescribing cannabis-based treatments. This low uptake stems not from policy barriers but from cultural stigma among clinicians.
Many doctors hesitate to prescribe cannabis due to concern over peer perceptions and potential impacts on their professional standing. As societal acceptance of medical cannabis increases, the medical community remains cautious. Clenton recalls her own journey from feeling uncertain to embracing cannabis as a treatment option, noting that a cultural shift from secrecy to acceptance is essential.
To address this issue, training on cannabis-based medicine must become a priority in medical education. Currently, the endocannabinoid system, which is crucial to human biology, receives minimal attention in UK medical schools. As a result, many healthcare professionals feel unprepared and skeptical about prescribing cannabis. Incorporating cannabis education at the undergraduate level, similar to antibiotics and antidepressants, is vital.
Effective training programs should be: – Accessible: Available online or in-person without significant barriers. – Free or Funded: Clinicians should not incur costs for necessary training. – Accredited: Recognized by the NHS and medical authorities.
Currently, many doctors who join Releaf’s clinical team do so only after experiencing a paradigm shift due to a specific patient case, often involving pain management or palliative care. This reactive approach is insufficient; structured training pathways must be established to foster proactive engagement with cannabis medicine.
The recruitment process at Releaf has revealed a common theme: while many doctors express curiosity about cannabis, they remain reluctant to act. Even some charities supporting cannabis research lack awareness that cannabis is already legal for prescription in the UK, highlighting a disconnect between research and clinical application. This gap results in missed opportunities for patients who often explore cannabis after exhausting other treatment options.
The urgency for action is clear. To elevate medical cannabis prescribing to a level that meets clinical standards, the medical community must work towards normalizing its use. This process begins with education, encourages open dialogue, and ultimately leads to full clinical acceptance of cannabis as a therapeutic option. For those already prescribing cannabis, it is crucial to promote education confidently, prescribe without apprehension, and lead discussions without shame. Prescribing cannabis should represent high-quality, compassionate care, rather than a risk to professional reputation.
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