The UK Medical Cannabis Market: Growth, Diversification, and Opportunities

The UK medical cannabis market has rapidly grown since legalization in 2018, with private actors and diverse product offerings such as flowers, oils, and capsules expanding, despite high costs and ongoing accessibility challenges. Competition among over 30 suppliers, mainly from Europe and Canada, is also intensifying as patient demand shifts toward tailored, quality-assured products.

In recent years, the UK medical cannabis market has evolved dramatically, becoming one of the most dynamic in Europe. According to a recent report by Cannamonitor, the growth of private prescriptions and product diversity continues to accelerate. This article analyzes the key dynamics shaping this market, from the rise of diversified products to regulatory challenges, exploring how the sector could continue to evolve in the coming years.

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Rapid Growth of the UK Medical Cannabis Market

Since the legalization of medical cannabis in the UK in 2018, the UK medical cannabis market has experienced impressive growth. The number of prescribed products increased from only 278 in 2019 to over 124,000 in 2022, with a forecast of over 350,000 prescriptions in 2023. Compared to France, this market trend has largely been driven by private actors, as the NHS remains hesitant, issuing only a few prescriptions through the public system. In response to this lack of support, private clinics have emerged to provide an alternative for patients, thereby promoting broader, albeit costly, access to cannabis-based treatments.

This private access model, along with a liberal approach to product formats, has enabled a rapid expansion of the range of available products in the UK medical cannabis market. Flowers, oils, vapes, and capsules now offer a range of options for both prescribers and patients, allowing them to personalize their treatments.

However, this growth also raises questions about access equity and the high cost of treatments for severe conditions. Although competition in the UK medical cannabis market has led to price reductions and initiatives aimed at improving access for vulnerable populations, significant challenges remain.

Product Diversity in the UK Medical Cannabis Market

Despite the availability of around 200 diverse products, the UK medical cannabis market remains dominated by flower prescriptions, which accounted for 79% of products supplied in 2023, with a marked preference for high-THC strains.

The popularity of flowers contrasts with that of oils, which have seen absolute growth but lost market share in 2023, now representing 20% of prescriptions. More innovative formats, such as capsules and vapes, still struggle to capture a significant portion of the market.

High-THC flower strains continue to gain market share in the UK medical cannabis market, but demand for a more diverse product range may emerge as patients and prescribers become more educated. Concurrently, interest in CBD-balanced products and non-inhaled formats, such as oils, capsules, or tablets, could grow, providing patients with a wider array of therapeutic relief options.

Increasingly Competitive Supply Between Europe and Canada

The supply of the UK market relies primarily on European imports, with approximately 75% of products provided to patients coming from countries such as Portugal, Spain, North Macedonia, and Denmark. However, Commonwealth countries like Canada, Australia, and South Africa also play a significant role.

The market share of Canadian products doubled between 2022 and 2023, especially in the high-THC flower segment, where Canadian products represent 56% of sales. However, in 2024, Portuguese and Macedonian producers responded to this trend by introducing strains with over 24% THC. Also in 2024, the first domestically grown products in the UK were launched on the market.

The competition among more than 30 producers creates a highly competitive market environment, which could influence the diversity of products available to UK patients.

Market Concentration in the UK Medical Cannabis Market Around Popular Strains

The UK medical cannabis market shows a strong concentration around a few popular flower strains. Among the more than 100 strains available by prescription, the top 10 varieties account for 60% of the market, while the 20 most popular varieties total 80% of demand. Among these, indica-dominant hybrids such as Gorilla Glue #4 and GSC (Girl Scout Cookies) are among the most favored by patients.

This concentration reflects a strong preference for well-known varieties, often chosen for their quick therapeutic effects and high THC content.

Market Prospects: Evolving Patient Needs

Although the demand for high-THC flowers continues to grow, the UK medical cannabis market may, in the future, favor a more diversified, patient-centered approach that goes beyond THC content. As the market evolves and patients become more informed, characteristics such as terpene profiles, the specific effects of different strains, and alternative consumption methods are likely to gain popularity.

For suppliers, this presents an opportunity to develop innovative, well-differentiated products tailored to the diverse needs of patients and to position themselves in a rapidly transforming UK medical cannabis market. The market, with its growing demand for products that comply with good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards, remains an attractive destination for suppliers worldwide, although quality and accessibility challenges persist.

Yet, the rapid growth of the UK medical cannabis market may soon encounter regulatory challenges. The surge in prescriptions for high-THC products raises concerns about a shift from medical use toward quasi-recreational use, particularly among a predominantly male and younger audience. In this context, health authorities might consider the implementation of plain packaging to limit visual appeal, along with additional marketing and advertising restrictions to prevent the normalization of cannabis use among younger demographics.

Driven by growing demand and an ever-expanding range of products, the UK medical cannabis market stands at a decisive crossroads. Growth prospects remain high, and for companies that prioritize innovation, quality, and accessibility, the UK market offers solid opportunities in a rapidly changing environment. With the support of a balanced regulatory framework, the market could continue its evolution toward a sustainable industry focused on patient well-being.

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(Featured image by David Peterson via Pexels)

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