As March marks Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, new research from Zerenia Clinic, a specialist UK medical cannabis clinic, reveals a growing demand for policy change to improve access to medical cannabis treatments for those suffering from MS and other chronic conditions.
A nationwide survey conducted by Zerenia Clinic highlights strong public support for reducing regulatory barriers surrounding medical cannabis:
The new findings revealed that 40% of UK adults believe that strict regulations and complicated prescription processes are the biggest obstacles to accessing medical cannabis treatments.
With 58% of respondents saying that increasing public education and awareness campaigns would help reduce the stigma associated with medical cannabis use for chronic conditions like MS, over 2 in 3 adults (68% ) in the UK think the government should invest more in research on cannabis-based treatments for chronic pain and neurological disorders.
MS is a lifelong condition affecting over 150,000 people in the UK, with around 7,100 new diagnoses each year. Symptoms such as chronic pain, muscle spasticity, and mobility issues can significantly impact daily life. Scientific evidence suggests that medical cannabis may help alleviate some of these symptoms by reducing central neuropathic pain and pain from muscle spasms, helping to ease muscle stiffness and improving the overall quality of life for people living with MS.
Currently, the NHS only recommends a four-week trial of Sativex, a THC: CBD spray, for adults with moderate to severe symptoms. However, many patients turn to other forms of medical cannabis to manage their symptoms more effectively.
Despite growing evidence of the benefits of medical cannabis, many people with MS still struggle to access these treatments due to restrictive UK policies. Dr Guillermo Moreno, Scientific Director at Khiron Europe, emphasises, “Medical cannabis can be life-changing for those with chronic pain and neurological conditions. When other treatments fail, cannabis-based therapies offer rapid relief and help patients regain control of their lives. The UK must take urgent steps to improve access and invest in further research.”
Zerenia Clinic remains committed to challenging misconceptions about medical cannabis and advocating for improved policies that enable more people to benefit from these treatments.
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