9 in 10 UK Cancer Patients Say Cannabis Helps, Survey Finds
Takeaways
- More than 90% of surveyed UK cancer patients using prescribed medical cannabis reported at least moderate effectiveness.
- 97% reported improved quality of life; 78% rated treatment “very” or “extremely” effective.
- Most reported no side effects and limited stigma, though support was weaker among some healthcare providers and workplace contacts.
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LONDON — For many people living with cancer, everyday life can feel harder to manage as symptoms affect energy, mood, and the ability to maintain normal routines. Seven years after medical cannabis legalization in the United Kingdom, a new survey indicates an ancient medicine is providing relief.
According to the survey’s results, more than 90 percent of cancer patients who use cannabis reported prescribed plant medicine was at least moderately effective in addressing their symptoms. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of respondents called the improvement they experienced “significant.”
Cancer-related symptoms, including pain, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, and “low moods,” are widely recognized as having a significant negative impact on quality of life. Responses from respondents to the survey highlighted positive changes in day-to-day wellbeing and symptom management.
What the survey found
Survey findings included:
- 97 percent of patient respondents reported improved quality of life.
- 78 percent rated their treatment as “extremely effective” or “very effective.”
- 88 percent said they had not experienced any side effects.
- 91 percent indicated they would recommend medical cannabis to others who may be eligible.
- 72 percent were prescribed medical cannabis to treat more than one condition.
- Only 14.6 percent reported experiencing stigma after becoming a medical cannabis patient.
Stigma and support: where patients felt it most
Although 97 percent of patients said they told others about their cannabis use, only 14.6 percent reported experiencing stigma — suggesting social pushback is not defining most patients’ treatment experiences, the researchers said. In practice, the wider findings indicate even stigmatized patients continue to employ cannabis within a regulated medical setting as a routine part of managing the mental health challenges associated with their illness.
Patients were least likely to be stigmatized by friends and family, the researchers added. They reported less support for cannabis medicine among healthcare providers and workplace contacts.
Methodology
The survey, conducted by medical cannabis clinic Releaf, included sixty-five questions, offering a detailed view of real-world experiences among UK medical cannabis patients. Respondents represented a broad spectrum of career fields, including sciences, technology, skilled trades, healthcare, social care, legal and financial services, and the arts. Eight percent were retired, and 16 percent were unable to work because of their illness.
Patient profile
- 69 percent of respondents were male; 31 percent were female.
- 56 percent were between the ages of 35 and 54.
- More than 90 percent identified as Caucasian or White British.
Primary complaints treated with cannabis
- 47.5 percent chronic pain
- 31.4 percent mental health conditions
- 9.5 percent neurological conditions
- 6.1 percent sleep disorders
- 2.6 percent gastroenterological conditions
- 1.6 percent women’s health
- 1.4 percent cancer-related symptoms
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