By Kathryn Chatfield

Copyright dailystar

A report suggests that the NHS’s increased access to medical cannabis could potentially boost the economy by £13.3 billion over ten years and help thousands return to work. The study, conducted by the Centre for Economics and Business Research and Curaleaf Clinic, suggests wider use of cannabis-based medication could improve health outcomes. The research, which analysed UK data on long-term illness, employment, and hospital admissions, along with evidence from countries like Germany, proposed that this access could help thousands of people with chronic health conditions to re-enter the workforce. It also predicted a 28 per cent annual reduction in hospital admissions among those eligible. The economic modelling projects that expanding NHS access to medical cannabis could unlock £1.3 billion annually by getting Britain back to work – escalating to £4.5 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) over five years, and £13.3 billion over a decade. Since its legalisation in 2018, private prescriptions have reportedly already contributed around £283 million in GVA by aiding people to recover and return to work. Last year, data from the Office for National Statistics revealed record levels of long-term illness, with seven per cent of the working-age population out of work. Two-thirds of individuals unable to work due to long-term illness have exhausted all conventional treatment options, leading to feelings of helplessness, lower self-esteem, and a decline in mental wellbeing. Dr Simon Erridge, director of research at Curaleaf Clinic, observed: “As a doctor, I see daily how chronic illness doesn’t just affect someone’s health. “It removes them from the workforce, creates economic hardship, and leads to a cascade of social and psychological problems that can worsen the cycle of ill health.” He said that the report points towards a future where patients have more choice and control over their treatment, potentially enabling them to rejoin the workforce. Fatma Mehmet, who turned to medical cannabis after chronic pain severely impacted her physical and mental health, believes that expanding access through the NHS can only be beneficial. “As someone independent and career-driven, not being able to get out of bed and go to work made me feel as if my identity was being stripped away,” Fatma said. “When I felt like I was at rock bottom and out of options, I discovered medical cannabis. I now have the ability to work, lead a team, and regain my independence.” She added: “Expanding medical cannabis via the NHS would mean greater choice for more people, which can only be a good thing.” The research found that 64 per cent of respondents believe individuals with chronic illnesses should have more treatment options to help them return to work. Over half of those prescribed medication reported it offers little relief, while 48 per cent said it negatively impacts their quality of life. The study also revealed that 33 per cent described the current system as confusing, inaccessible or unclear. Almost half of those who have not previously been prescribed medical cannabis stated they would consider trying it if it were more widely available on the NHS. Pushpin Singh, managing economist at the Centre for Economics and Business Research, concluded: “Our analysis shows that appropriately prescribed medical cannabis can help people with chronic conditions return to work. “Expanding NHS access would benefit patients while delivering significant productivity gains and cost savings to the UK economy.”