- Independent survey of 300 veterans found 71% have self-medicated with alcohol, drugs and other substances, including street-bought cannabis.
- Almost half (48%) of veterans said they would consider using medical cannabis to alleviate health symptoms while 7% said they currently use medical cannabis or have used it in the past.
- Specialist medical cannabis clinic Wellford launches free lifetime care for veterans and calls on UK Government to follow Canada’s lead and reimburse veterans for medical cannabis.
London, UK (12 October 2026) – A nationwide survey of UK veterans reveals two out of three (68%)1 have been diagnosed with long-term physical or mental health conditions since leaving the armed forces.
The independent poll of 300 veterans, commissioned by Wellford Clinics, found 29% had been diagnosed with depression, 28% with anxiety, 25% with a sleep disorder or persistent sleep problems, 19% with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 17% with chronic pain.
The survey also revealed 71%2 of veterans have self-medicated with alcohol, drugs and other substances since returning to civilian life. Among respondents, 37% said they used alcohol, 34% used prescription medicines, 31% used over-the-counter medicines, 8% used street-bought cannabis and 5% used other street-bought drugs.
Asked why they self-medicated, veterans said it helped them to cope with symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain and PTSD as well as the challenges of returning to civilian life. Others said they self-medicated because they couldn’t access their GP or didn’t feel their issues were taken seriously by healthcare professionals.
The research confirmed many veterans are reluctant to ask for help if they’re struggling with their health. More than half (61%3) said they needed health support after leaving the armed forces but didn’t seek help. Over one in five (22%4) said they don’t feel able to ask others for help if they’re struggling with their mental health and one in six (16%) don’t know where to seek mental health support. Just under two out of three (65%5) said there isn’t enough healthcare support specifically for veterans.
Dr Daniela Tonucci, Medical Director of Wellford Clinics, said: “Veterans are among the bravest members of our community who stepped up to protect our country and our values. But as our survey shows, serving in the armed forces can exact a heavy toll on their health with veterans experiencing very high rates of anxiety, chronic pain, depression, insomnia and PTSD. It’s sad to see so many veterans self-medicating with alcohol, drugs and other substances because they can’t get the help they need.”
On the back of this survey, Wellford Clinics is today launching free lifetime clinical care for eligible veterans. The clinic is also joining forces with veterans to call on the UK Government to follow Canada’s lead and reimburse veterans for the cost of their medical cannabis medication.
Almost half (48%) of the veterans surveyed said they would consider using medical cannabis to alleviate the symptoms of mental or physical health conditions while 7% said they currently use medical cannabis or have used it in the past.
Richard Guest, Chief Commercial Officer at Wellford, said: “Our Veterans Access Scheme ensures veterans who are eligible for medical cannabis treatment won’t pay appointment or prescription fees. We hope it will reduce the number of veterans who rely on self-medication and street-bought cannabis. As a responsible and regulated healthcare organisation, we can’t offer prescription medicine for free. But as a country we could do more to support veterans. In partnership with veterans, we’re calling on the UK Government to reimburse veterans for the cost of their medical cannabis. The Canadian Government has reimbursed veterans for medical cannabis since 2007. We believe UK veterans deserve similar support.”
Armed forces veteran and Wellford Clinics patient Ian Foster said: “There are over two million veterans across the UK.6 As Wellford’s survey shows, many are living with long-term physical and mental health conditions. For a lot of veterans, medical cannabis is a vital medication that helps them to work and live day-to-day. If Canada can reimburse veterans for the cost of medical cannabis, why can’t the UK? Please show your support for veterans by signing our petition calling on the UK Government to introduce a medical cannabis reimbursement scheme for veterans. With your support, we can make change happen.”
The online petition calling on the UK Government to introduce a Canadian-style medical cannabis reimbursement scheme for veterans can be accessed via the UK Parliament website.
