How did medical cannabis contribute to Oliver Robinson's death?

A coroner ruled that Oliver Robinson's death by misadventure was contributed to by emotional dysregulation, including psychological dependence on cannabis obtained from illicit sources and a private clinic.

What concerns have been raised about private cannabis clinics?

Experts and Oliver Robinson's family have raised concerns that private cannabis clinics may prioritize profit over patient care and that the current system is open to commercial exploitation.

What was the monthly cost of Oliver Robinson's cannabis addiction?

Oliver Robinson was spending up to £1,000 per month on medically prescribed cannabis, which his family states led to his addiction and despair.

Home / Health / Medical Cannabis Linked to Man's Death

Medical Cannabis Linked to Man's Death

1 Feb

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Summary

Man died after developing £1,000 monthly addiction to medical cannabis.
Coroner ruled medical cannabis contributed to his death by misadventure.
Family calls for law tightening amid concerns over private clinics.

The family of Oliver Robinson, 34, has shared their grief after his death in November 2023, stating he was driven to despair by a £1,000-a-month addiction to medically prescribed cannabis. Mr. Robinson, who battled depression and anxiety, began using cannabis after a single video consultation with a private clinic in April 2022.

His brother, Alexander, expressed that Oliver would still be alive if these private cannabis clinics did not exist, highlighting the significant financial and emotional toll the addiction took. This marks a potential first instance where medical cannabis has been identified as contributing to a death.

A coroner ruled Mr. Robinson died by misadventure, noting psychological dependence on cannabis obtained from both illicit sources and a private clinic. The prescriber, Dr. Urmila Bhoskar, was referred to the General Medical Council for not being qualified to treat an adult.