An estimated 1.8 million UK adults use illicit cannabis to self-treat chronic health conditions despite legal medical options
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?What are the main barriers preventing these users from accessing legal prescriptions?
- ?Are outcomes different for illicit self-treaters vs legally prescribed patients?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 1.77 million UK adults self-treat with illicit cannabis
- Evidence Grade:
- Nationally representative survey with appropriate weighting and regression analysis, though self-reported and cross-sectional.
- Study Age:
- 2024 study
- Original Title:
- Illicit Cannabis Use to Self-Treat Chronic Health Conditions in the United Kingdom: Cross-Sectional Study.
- Published In:
- JMIR public health and surveillance, 10, e57595 (2024)
- Authors:
- Erridge, Simon(22), Troup, Lucy, Sodergren, Mikael Hans(2)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05295
Evidence Hierarchy
Watches what happens naturally without intervening.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked 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.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05295APA
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
MLA
Erridge, Simon, et al. "Illicit Cannabis Use to Self-Treat Chronic Health Conditions in the United Kingdom: Cross-Sectional Study.." JMIR public health and surveillance, 2024. https://doi.org/10.2196/57595
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Illicit Cannabis Use to Self-Treat Chronic Health Conditions..." RTHC-05295. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/erridge-2024-illicit-cannabis-use-to
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.