An estimated 1.8 million UK adults use illicit cannabis to self-treat chronic health conditions despite legal medical options | Research

The takeaway

A nationally representative UK survey estimated that approximately 1.77 million adults purchase illicit cannabis to treat medically diagnosed conditions, with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, PTSD, and MS among the conditions most associated with this practice.

UK healthcare policymakers evaluating medical cannabis access; harm reduction advocates working to transition users from illicit to regulated markets.

1.77 million UK adults self-treat with illicit cannabis

What the researchers found

Among 10,965 weighted respondents, 5,700 (52%) reported chronic health conditions, and 364 (6.38%) of those purchased illicit cannabis for self-treatment. Population modeling estimated 1,770,627 (95% CI 1,073,791-2,467,001) UK adults use illicit cannabis for health conditions. Conditions most associated with illicit use included chronic pain, fibromyalgia, PTSD, MS, and other mental health disorders. Male sex, younger age, London residence, and unemployment were also associated.

Why it matters

Despite cannabis-based medicinal products being rescheduled in the UK in 2018, the illicit market for medical use appears to have grown rather than shrunk. This suggests significant barriers to accessing legal prescriptions, including cost, availability, and prescriber willingness.

The numbers in context

10,965 respondents. 52% had chronic conditions. 6.38% of those used illicit cannabis for health. Estimated 1.77 million UK adults (95% CI 1.07-2.47 million). Most common condition: anxiety (14.48% of respondents). Illicit cannabis associated with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, PTSD, MS.

How the study worked

Cross-sectional population survey conducted through YouGov (September 2022) with weighting to represent the UK adult population of 53.4 million. Multivariable logistic regression for associated factors.

What this study cannot tell us

Self-reported survey data. Cannot verify medical diagnoses or actual cannabis purchases. YouGov panel may not fully represent all demographics. Cannabis users may be more likely to respond to cannabis-related surveys. Point-in-time estimate may not reflect trends.

How to read the evidence

Nationally representative survey with appropriate weighting and regression analysis, though self-reported and cross-sectional.

When this study was published

2024 study

The bigger picture

The scale of illicit medical cannabis use in the UK highlights a public health concern beyond legalization debates. These users face risks from unregulated products and lack clinical oversight, suggesting the legal medical cannabis pathway needs to become more accessible.

Questions still open

What are the main barriers preventing these users from accessing legal prescriptions? Are outcomes different for illicit self-treaters vs legally prescribed patients?

Common questions

Why do people buy illicit cannabis instead of getting a prescription?

Barriers include cost (legal prescriptions are expensive and not covered by the NHS), limited prescriber willingness, restricted qualifying conditions, and the perception that the illicit market offers more product variety.

Is self-treating with illicit cannabis dangerous?

Risks include unknown potency and contaminants in unregulated products, lack of clinical monitoring, potential drug interactions, and no dosing guidance. These are the same risks that legal medical programs aim to reduce.

Read the original research

Illicit Cannabis Use to Self-Treat Chronic Health Conditions in the United Kingdom: Cross-Sectional Study.

JMIR public health and surveillance, 10, e57595

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Erridge, Simon; Troup, Lucy; Sodergren, Mikael Hans. (2024). Illicit Cannabis Use to Self-Treat Chronic Health Conditions in the United Kingdom: Cross-Sectional Study.. JMIR public health and surveillance, 10, e57595. https://doi.org/10.2196/57595