Thousands of Brits prescribed cannabis for mental health conditions

Freedom of Information data shows private clinics prescribed 659,293 unlicensed cannabis products in 2024 and 88,214 in the first two months of 2025, often for conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Private clinics in Britain are increasingly prescribing unlicensed, high-potency cannabis to patients for mental health conditions. A Daily Mail audit and Freedom of Information data reported a large rise in private prescriptions in recent years. The data cited 659,293 unlicensed cannabis products prescribed privately in 2024 and 88,214 in the first two months of 2025. NHS prescribing remains more tightly controlled and is limited to licensed indications. Key facts: - Freedom of Information data shows 659,293 unlicensed cannabis products were prescribed privately in 2024 and 88,214 in Jan–Feb 2025. - Private clinics were reported to prescribe for conditions including anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD and ADHD, and some patients receive prescriptions after a single video consultation. - Psychiatric experts warned of increased risk of dependence and psychiatric side-effects and said there is limited trial evidence that cannabis benefits psychiatric disorders. - A government spokesman said regulators are expected to address private providers and that private prescribing is under review. Summary: Experts quoted in the report said the rise in private prescribing is worrying because of potential links to drug-induced mental health problems and increased demand on health services. The current status is a marked increase in unlicensed private prescriptions alongside tighter NHS controls. Officials have said regulators will review private providers, and further regulatory action has been announced as under consideration. Undetermined at this time.