Fixing the UK’s Medicinal Cannabis Shortage

The UK’s medicinal cannabis sector is at a crossroads. Since its legalisation in 2018, patient access has been fraught with difficulties, with many forced to rely on private prescriptions or, in some cases, the illicit market.

Now, an added problem has emerged - supply shortages. Even UK-based producers are struggling to meet demand, leading to a growing reliance on imports from countries such as Canada, Australia, South Africa, and Colombia. But with international supply chains facing their own challenges, it’s clear that this isn’t a sustainable solution.

The question is, what can the UK do about it?

Why Are We Facing a Shortage?

While medicinal cannabis is technically legal, access remains heavily restricted. The NHS has barely embraced it, meaning most patients have to go private. As a result, demand has soared, while domestic production has struggled to keep up.

Many UK-based producers simply don’t have the capacity to meet patient needs. Regulations around growing and processing cannabis remain rigid, making it difficult for new businesses to enter the market. Even those with licences face complex hurdles, from high security costs to slow regulatory approvals. Because of this, some UK cultivators are now importing cannabis to fulfil their orders - an ironic twist for a country that could, with the right policies, be a leader in this space.

On top of that, the countries supplying medicinal cannabis to the UK aren’t always reliable. Colombia, once considered a key exporter, has seen its cannabis industry shrink due to political and regulatory issues. Australia, while a significant supplier, has also faced shortages. And while Canada and South Africa remain important sources, logistical delays and red tape can cause bottlenecks.

The Need for a Domestic Solution

Relying on imports may have been a temporary fix, but it’s not a long-term strategy. If the UK is to stabilise its medicinal cannabis market, it needs to focus on self-sufficiency.

The first step is increasing domestic cultivation. Some UK companies, such as Dalgety and Celadon Pharmaceuticals, have already invested in high-security growing facilities. However, these efforts need to be expanded. The government must make it easier for new growers to enter the market by streamlining licensing and cutting unnecessary bureaucracy. If more producers are given the chance to operate, the UK could reduce its dependence on foreign supply chains and create a more stable system for patients.

Equally important is improving access for those who need medicinal cannabis. The NHS has been slow to prescribe it, largely because many doctors are unsure about its benefits or wary of the complex regulations surrounding it. Training and clearer guidelines for healthcare professionals would go a long way in addressing this issue. If the NHS prescribed medicinal cannabis more widely, it could bring prices down, reduce pressure on the private market, and ultimately improve supply consistency.

Regulatory reform is another crucial factor. Right now, medicinal cannabis companies in the UK must navigate a complicated web of rules set by the Home Office, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and the Food Standards Agency (FSA). This fragmented approach makes it difficult for businesses to grow and innovate. A more coordinated, efficient regulatory framework would encourage investment, speed up approvals, and make the industry more resilient.

Ensuring Long-Term Stability

Building a strong medicinal cannabis industry isn’t just about cultivation - it’s about the entire supply chain. The UK needs better processing and manufacturing facilities to ensure that raw cannabis can be turned into finished products locally. Right now, much of this work is still done overseas, adding another layer of complexity to supply chains. Investing in UK-based processing plants would mean greater control over production and fewer delays for patients.

At the same time, the government and industry need to work together to educate the public. Many people still see medicinal cannabis through the lens of outdated stigma, and misinformation is widespread. A better understanding of its benefits - and its legal status - could lead to more informed discussions about its role in healthcare. Patient advocacy groups have been pushing for greater awareness, but more support is needed to shift perceptions.

In the meantime, the UK should ensure that any necessary imports come from stable, well-regulated sources. Until domestic supply catches up, securing reliable trade agreements with trusted partners is essential to preventing further disruptions.

The Future of Medicinal Cannabis in the UK

The UK is at a tipping point. It can either continue relying on an unstable supply chain or take the necessary steps to build a self-sufficient, well-regulated medicinal cannabis market. Expanding domestic production, improving NHS access, reforming regulations, and strengthening the supply chain are all essential if we want to create a system that works for patients, businesses, and healthcare providers alike.

With the right policies, the UK could become a leader in medicinal cannabis, ensuring consistent access for those who need it while driving economic growth in a rapidly expanding industry. But without action, the current shortages could become a long-term problem - one that leaves patients struggling to access essential treatment. The time to act is now.

Published 16th April 2025