December Medical Cannabis Headlines & Sector Update
December 15, 2025 | IN NEWS | BY Kate Thorpe
Each month, we bring together the key news stories shaping the medical cannabis landscape in the UK and beyond. From policy developments and emerging research to clinical practice, patient experience and sector growth, this update highlights the issues driving debate, influencing care, and affecting access for patients and clinicians alike.
It is designed to keep our members and stakeholders informed, grounded in evidence, and connected to what matters most across this rapidly evolving field.
Families call for action on ‘failures’ of medical cannabis policy
Families marked the seventh anniversary of the legalisation of medical cannabis in the UK with further calls for urgent government action on NHS access. Following the launch of a new awareness video, Medcan Family Foundation hosted a parliamentary event on Tuesday, 4 November, for cross-party MPs, during which the charity also announced that it has secured first-stage funding for a new randomised controlled trial into CBPMs in treatment-resistant epilepsy. Separately, an open letter signed by over 600 families, leading experts and MPs has called for a public inquiry into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)’s failure to implement the 2018 law.
New research on cannabis patients and police training needs
Researchers behind a new paper say that police training can significantly improve understanding around prescription CBPMs and reduce stigma to protect patient rights, avoid wrongful enforcement, and build public trust in the police’s handling of medical-cannabis cases. The recent study examined how well UK police officers understand laws introduced in 2018. Researchers delivered a 3-hour knowledge-exchange workshop to 94 trainee constables. The results show that after the session, officers’ knowledge had improved and there was a reduction in stigmatising attitudes.
Releaf releases findings from 2025 cannabis patient survey
To mark the seventh anniversary of medical cannabis legalisation in the UK, medical cannabis clinic Releaf conducted a nationwide study of 1,669 patients. The findings show that the overwhelming majority of patients (97%) report an improved quality of life since starting treatment, and 91 % would recommend medical cannabis to others who may be eligible. However, only 25 % feel fully confident using their medication outside the home, highlighting continued stigma and uncertainty. Almost half (47.5%) of prescriptions are for chronic pain, followed by 31.4% for mental health conditions.
Alternaleaf launches UK’s first women’s health cannabis service
Medical cannabis clinic, Alternaleaf, has launched the country’s first women’s health service dedicated to cannabis-based treatments for gynaecological and hormonal conditions.
The new unit, led by the company’s Medical Director and Pharmacist Nabila Chaudhri, aims to address the ‘gender care gap’ as increasing numbers of women seek alternatives to conventional painkillers and long NHS waiting times. A team of gynaecologists and women’s health specialists will focus on conditions such as endometriosis and perimenopause-related symptoms, including anxiety and depression. According to Alternaleaf, the number of female patients has grown by 50% every three months over the past year.
Curaleaf Laboratories enters partnership with ANTG
Curaleaf Laboratories has announced a new partnership with Australian Natural Therapeutics Group (ANTG), one of Australia’s most respected producers of pharmaceutical-grade medicinal cannabis. Under this agreement, Curaleaf Laboratories will manufacture and distribute ANTG’s range of products across the UK to expand access to medicinal cannabis for eligible patients and healthcare professionals.
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