Recent research suggests that prescribing medical cannabis for chronic pain could lead to significant savings for the NHS—up to £4 billion annually. Conducted by the York Health Economics Consortium, the study highlights that replacing traditional treatments with medical cannabis can save the NHS around £729 per patient each year while improving health outcomes. This potential saving is based on the reduction in the need for other prescription drugs, such as opioids, fewer GP visits, and reduced demand for alternative therapies.
With approximately 5.45 million people in the UK experiencing moderately to severely disabling chronic pain, this shift to medical cannabis could be transformative, both economically and in terms of patient care. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) reported a 118% increase in private prescriptions for cannabis-based medicines between 2021 and 2023, showing a growing demand for alternatives to traditional pain management.
According to NICE guidelines, the cost-effectiveness of a treatment is key to whether it can be widely prescribed through the NHS. The findings of this study suggest that medical cannabis could meet these guidelines, potentially making it a viable option for millions more people in the future.
In addition to health benefits, medical cannabis for chronic pain could bring economic benefits by reducing time off work and increasing patient earnings.
For more on how medical cannabis can help manage chronic pain, visit Lyphe Clinic’s dedicated chronic pain page to explore personalised treatment options.
Lyphe Clinic offers personalized medical cannabis treatment plans for chronic pain, helping patients manage conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain. These treatments have been shown to reduce opioid reliance, alleviate pain, and improve sleep quality, ensuring better overall outcomes for patients. Learn more about how medical cannabis can help manage chronic pain here.
Book an online appointment
Lyphe is your patient-first path to wellness, so book an appointment with one of our medical cannabis expert Doctors and get the relief you need.
Disclaimer
The content provided on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. We strongly advise readers to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns.
To reflect its medicinal nature rather than recreational use, we prefer the term ‘medical cannabis’ over terms such as ‘marijuana’, “grass”. or ‘dope’ which may carry negative connotations.
The opinions expressed in the blog belong to the respective authors, who are not medical professionals, and may not necessarily align with those of Lyphe Clinic. Lyphe Clinic does not endorse any specific products or services mentioned, except those provided through Lyphe Clinic.
Readers should be aware that the legality of medical cannabis varies by location, and this disclaimer may be subject to periodic updates.
Related Insights
Whilst you’re here you might also like to read…
