A recent multi-clinic patient survey in the UK indicates that nearly all individuals prescribed medical cannabis for mental health conditions reported an improvement in their symptoms. This extensive survey, conducted in April 2026, gathered responses from 6,282 patients across several UK clinics, including Mamedica, Alternaleaf, CB1 Medical, and Curaleaf.
The findings, reported by Leafie.co.uk, highlight patient-reported outcomes for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Of the 5,128 patients specifically treated for these conditions, 97.6% reported symptom improvement. Additionally, 92.3% noted better sleep quality, and 93.5% indicated an improvement in their day-to-day functional ability.
Patient-Reported Outcomes and Clinical Context
The survey further revealed that 88.3% of respondents considered medical cannabis to be the most effective treatment they had tried for their condition, with 90.7% reporting it was more effective than previous interventions. These results emerge at a time when UK mental health services are under considerable pressure, with published estimates from the STAR*D trial suggesting that approximately 30% of patients with major depression do not achieve adequate symptom relief after multiple treatment attempts.
Jon Robson, chief executive of Mamedica, commented that the data demonstrates “consistent improvements across symptoms, sleep and daily functioning, particularly among patients who have already undergone multiple treatment pathways without adequate relief.”
Understanding the Evidence
It is important to note that the clinics involved stressed that these cross-sectional, voluntary survey findings should not be interpreted as definitive evidence of efficacy for anxiety, depression, or PTSD more broadly. However, the results contribute to a growing body of real-world evidence, including data from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry and Project Twenty21, which supports considered prescribing for patients who have not benefited from first-line interventions.
Dr. Imogen Kretzschmar, a consultant psychiatrist, observed that the findings align with patterns seen in clinical practice. She stated, “Improvements in sleep, anxiety and functional capacity are clinically interdependent, and when they occur together, they represent meaningful change for patients.” Dr. Kretzschmar also emphasised the importance of careful patient selection, risk assessment, and ongoing monitoring, noting that these treatments are not appropriate for all individuals.
Access and Future Research for Medical Cannabis for Mental Health
In the UK, access to medical cannabis is strictly regulated. Only doctors listed on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register are permitted to prescribe it, and only when conventional treatments have failed or proved inappropriate. Prescribing decisions typically involve multidisciplinary team review, with continuous monitoring and follow-up. Clinics are regulated by the Care Quality Commission, ensuring that treatments are pharmaceutical-grade, prescription-only medicines, distinct from illicit cannabis.
Call for Further Trials
This survey marks the first instance of multiple UK medical cannabis clinics pooling patient experience data at this scale. The consortium intends to repeat the survey annually to establish a recurring benchmark for patient-reported outcomes across the sector. Based on their clinical experience and patient outcomes, the clinics are advocating for increased government and research council funding for randomised controlled trials examining cannabis-based medicinal products in treatment-resistant anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Simon Erridge, director of research at Curaleaf Clinic, highlighted that these outcomes build upon data published by the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. He suggested that the findings support calls for further randomised controlled trials to explore whether medical cannabis could be considered earlier in the treatment pathway for these patients or within the NHS. Mike Barnes, chair of the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS), reinforced this, stating that the data is “too substantial to set aside” and underscores the need for better trials and government funding for rigorous independent research.
Nabila Chaudri, medical director and pharmacist at Alternaleaf Clinic, added that the results underscore the potential impact on patients’ day-to-day lives, particularly for those who have found limited success with other treatment options.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hemp Gazette does not provide medical recommendations, diagnoses, or treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any decisions regarding your health or any medical condition. Statements concerning the therapeutic uses of hemp, cannabis, or cannabinoid-derived products have not been evaluated by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Medicinal cannabis products in Australia are accessed via prescription pathways under TGA regulation.
