The Wellford Medical report titled “From Stigma to Solution” explores the UK public’s awareness, attitudes, and access to medical cannabis. Despite legalization in 2018, the majority of the UK population remains misinformed about how and when medical cannabis can be prescribed—only 26% know it’s available both privately and through the NHS, and many still associate it with recreational use or illegality. The report highlights widespread support, particularly among older adults, but also identifies barriers including cost, stigma, misinformation, and lack of clear access pathways. Clinical evidence from France and elsewhere shows strong efficacy for cannabis in managing chronic pain, anxiety, chemotherapy side effects, and more, often with fewer risks than opioids. The report calls for unified industry action to improve education, combat misinformation, and pressure the UK government to fund long-promised clinical research. Ultimately, it advocates for medical cannabis as a safer, more compassionate alternative to conventional treatments—if systemic barriers can be addressed.
