Six years after medical cannabis legalisation in the UK: Where have we got to?

Medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in 2018 but can only be prescribed for a chronic condition where two previous medications or treatments have failed. In November 2018, the UK government rescheduled cannabis-based medicinal products, moving them from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. This change recognised that cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) have therapeutic benefits and can be prescribed by specialist doctors.

At Mamedica, we support patients with a variety of conditions. Our clinicians are specialists in mental health, chronic pain, neurological conditions, and more, and provide virtual consultations to eligible patients across the UK.

Mamedica has experienced significant growth since launching in 2022, and continues to support patients across the UK who have not found sufficient support from traditional healthcare. This blog delves into some of our most notable accomplishments within the medical cannabis industry, which have established us as the leading medical cannabis clinic in the UK.

1. Supporting patients across the UK

In June 2022, we launched our services to patients for the first time. We are fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and General Pharmaceutical Council and since then, we have supported patients of all backgrounds who have not found traditional treatment routes effective. Our mission will always centre around providing safe and effective medical cannabis treatment to those who are eligible.

2. Mamedica in the press

Mamedica has been featured in some of the UK’s leading national and regional publications, highlighting our research on the impact of chronic pain on adults living in the UK, the lack of access to ADHD treatment, and the UK’s escalating dependence on painkillers. We’ve received dedicated coverage for our personalised approach to medical cannabis treatment, including our prescription delivery services.

Our first Change Maker and Mamedica patient Richard Mascarenhas spoke to GB News about being diagnosed with chronic pain when he was just 29 years old. Richard shared how medical cannabis has helped manage his debilitating symptoms while helping him get his life back on track.

6. We are the most-followed medical cannabis clinic in the UK

We are so proud of our incredible social media community. Our goal is to increase awareness around CBPMs, provide answers to patient queries, and share information on the benefits of medical cannabis. With Mamedica patients StevoTheMadMan and Drew Gilchrist sharing their personal experiences with accessing safe and legal medical cannabis treatment, we have grown a large online community that has made our clinic the most followed medical cannabis clinic on Instagram in the UK.

7. Launched the Access Scheme

We launched our Access Scheme to help veterans and patients who are receiving benefits access medical cannabis treatment at a discounted rate. Patients who meet the eligibility criteria will be charged a one-off fee of £200 for lifetime access to consultations and clinic support.

8. Published landmark research on chronic pain

We commissioned research on the impact of chronic pain in the UK. This report highlighted the lack of relief and personalised care that adults in the UK have to deal with when accessing treatment for their chronic pain. It also showed the disproportionate impact chronic pain has on women.

And we have got more to come!

We are adding new CBPMs to our range while striving to provide our patients with the best possible care. In fact, we have some exciting new developments in the works that will improve our patient processes even further. Keep an eye out for our upcoming announcements!