British medical experts are raising concerns over a growing addiction crisis linked to cannabis, even as the UK expands access to medicinal cannabis. Since November 2018, over 30,000 patients have been prescribed cannabis for conditions such as arthritis, epilepsy, anxiety, and multiple sclerosis, with specialist clinics emerging nationwide to meet demand.
Despite the medical benefits, experts warn that the rise in legal prescriptions may inadvertently fuel addiction. The UK has not relaxed recreational cannabis laws, but the increasing availability of medical-grade products has led to concerns about dependency. Patients like Chris Cowan, 47, who self-medicated illegally for years before receiving a prescription, highlight the stigma and challenges faced by users.
Cowan began using cannabis at age 13 and later found it alleviated his depression and PTSD. He now receives prescribed dried flower through a strict medical process at the Curaleaf Clinic in London. However, experts caution that the lack of regulation in the illegal market, where 1.8 million Britons still obtain cannabis, poses risks of contamination and addiction.
Meanwhile, facilities like Celadon's top-secret growing site in the UK produce medical cannabis under tight security. The global medical cannabis industry was valued at $6.82bn in 2020 and is projected to reach $53.88bn by 2030. As the UK navigates this green rush, experts urge a balanced approach to harness therapeutic benefits while mitigating addiction risks.
