Nearly 2 Million Unlicensed Cannabis Items Prescribed

In England, the past 12 months have seen nearly two million privately prescribed, unlicensed cannabis items issued, prompting urgent warnings about patient safety. Data from the NHS Business Services Authority reveals a stark increase, with 1,967,268 items dispensed between June 2025 and May this year, a significant rise from previous years. Cannabis flower constituted the majority of these prescriptions, which are predominantly from private clinics rather than the NHS.

The 2018 law change permitted medicinal cannabis prescriptions in the UK. However, patient safety commissioner Professor Henrietta Hughes has highlighted that the rapid expansion of this market has outpaced the necessary safeguards. She emphasized the need to strengthen prescribing rules and monitor for potential harm, particularly given the dramatic increase in prescription numbers since the law's inception.

A concerning case involved Oliver Robinson, who died in 2023 after developing a psychological dependence on cannabis. His coroner's report noted that medicinal cannabis was prescribed without full consideration of his existing care, and communication between the clinic and his other doctors was lacking. This has led to calls for 'Oliver's Law' to tighten regulations, especially for mental health patients.

Professor Hughes stressed the importance of a more coordinated health system to prevent missed warning signs and enhance oversight. She called for urgent improvements in information sharing and remote prescribing standards, advocating for a system that can identify and intervene in emerging risks earlier to prevent avoidable harm. This call for action is echoed by the family of Oliver Robinson, who noted the market's rapid growth compared to its protective safeguards.

Curaleaf Clinic stated that patient safety is a top priority and they comply with all professional and regulatory standards, having enhanced their clinical information and communication processes. A Government spokesperson advised patients to follow healthcare professional advice. Meanwhile, the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society has developed a good practice guide to ensure responsible prescribing and is encouraging clinics to adopt these standards to mature the sector with a strong focus on governance and patient safety.