A report suggests that the UK economy could benefit from a £13.3 billion boost over a decade if access to medical cannabis through the NHS is increased, potentially returning thousands to work and improving health outcomes. The study, conducted by the Centre for Economics and Business Research and Curaleaf Clinic, indicates that wider use of cannabis-based medication could significantly improve health conditions.
An analysis of UK data on long-term illness, employment, and hospital admissions, coupled with evidence from countries like Germany, suggests that this access could assist thousands of people suffering from long-term health conditions to return to work, while also reducing hospital admissions by an estimated 28 per cent annually among those eligible.
The economic modelling projects that expanding NHS access to medical cannabis could unlock £1.3 billion per year by getting Britain back to work – rising to £4.5 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) over five years, and £13.3 billion over a decade.
Since its legalisation in 2018, private prescriptions have reportedly already contributed around £283 million in GVA by helping people recover and return to work.
Last year, data from the Office for National Statistics revealed record levels of long-term illness, with seven per cent of the working-age population out of work.
Two-thirds of individuals unable to work due to long-term illness have exhausted all conventional treatment options, leading to feelings of helplessness, decreased self-esteem, and a decline in mental wellbeing.
Dr Simon Erridge, director of research at Curaleaf Clinic, said: “As a doctor, I see daily how chronic illness doesn’t just affect someone’s health. It removes them from the workforce, creates economic hardship, and leads to a cascade of social and psychological problems that can worsen the cycle of ill health.”
He said the report points towards a way forward by offering people more choice and control over their treatment, potentially enabling them to return to the workforce.
Fatma Mehmet, who turned to medical cannabis after her experience of living with chronic pain impacted her physical and mental health, said expanding access via the NHS can only be a good thing.
“As someone independent and career-driven, not being able to get out of bed and go to work made me feel as if my identity was being stripped away,” she said. “When I felt like I was at rock bottom and out of options, I discovered medical cannabis. I now have the ability to work, lead a team, and regain my independence.”
She added: “Expanding medical cannabis via the NHS would mean greater choice for more people, which can only be a good thing.”
The research showed that 64 per cent of respondents believe individuals with chronic illnesses should have more treatment options to help them return to work. Over half of those who have been prescribed medication said it provides little relief, while 48 per cent reported it negatively affects their quality of life.
It was reported that half of those who have not previously been prescribed medical cannabis would consider trying it if it were more widely available on the NHS.
Pushpin Singh, managing economist at the Centre for Economics and Business Research, concluded: “Our analysis shows that appropriately prescribed medical cannabis can help people with chronic conditions return to work.
“Expanding NHS access would benefit patients while delivering significant productivity gains and cost savings to the UK economy.”