UK Medical Cannabis Awareness Month: Campaigners, Clinicians and Industry Leaders Join Forces to Drive Momentum

Over the last few years, Medical Cannabis Awareness Week has become an important date in the diaries of many patients, activists and organisations in the sector.

First founded by the patient advocacy group PLEA (Patient-Led Engagement for Access) at the height of the Covid pandemic in 2020, it now takes place every November to mark the anniversary of the rescheduling of medical cannabis on 1 November, 2018. 

This year, the sector has gone a step further, celebrating Medical Cannabis Awareness Month, with over 30 organisations coming together to create awareness, dispel misinformation, and break down stigma through social media campaigns and in-person events.

It falls as the Advisory Council of the Misuse of Drugs is conducting a major review of the legislative framework around the prescribing of cannabis-based medicines, with stakeholders including clinics, producers, manufacturers, pharmacists, patient advocates, scientists and charities uniting to move the conversation forward. 

Here’s a quick look at the highlights so far, and what’s still left to look forward to. 

Following the launch of a moving new awareness video, Medcan Family Foundation hosted a parliamentary event on Tuesday, 4 November, for cross-party MPs.

The film has now received over 1 million views, with more than 20,000 people visiting the action page to write to their MP. At the same time, attendance and engagement from MPs at the event were said to match that of larger, well-established organisations such as the Epilepsy Society. 

The charity also announced during the event the launch of a new randomised control trial into CBPMs in treatment-resistant epilepsy, for which it has secured first-stage funding to design and scope in collaboration with professionals experienced in both clinical trial development and cannabis.

Patients and families from the campaign group End Our Pain have also been sharing their stories on social media, and over 600 people have signed an open letter calling for urgent government action on the lack of NHS access. 

Among other recommendations, campaigners say they want to see funding for NHS prescribing of CBPMs in chronic conditions and a public inquiry into the failure to implement the 2018 law.

Follow End Our Pain to hear more stories and support the campaign.

On Thursday 6 November, the Cannabis Industry Council Awards returned to London for a second year, honouring exceptional contributions across every corner of the sector. From clinical excellence and scientific innovation to sustainability, patient advocacy, and the quiet dedication of those working behind the scenes, winners on the night included:

Dr Luisa Searle, Clinician of the Year Dr Simon Erridge & Dr Mikael Sodergren, Contribution to Science Guy Coxall, Social Impact Jamie Bartley, Green Award Leila Simpson, Unsung Hero

The international patient-led organisation We, The Patients, brought its educational event series on Medical Cannabis and Chronic Pain to London for the first time on Friday 7 November, in partnership with PatientsCann UK.

The one-day event was held at the historic venue, the Charterhouse, and for the first time in its 650 years of history, patients were permitted to medicate with cannabis inside the premises. Speaking after the event, organisers described it as a moment of “connection, recognition and hope for all patients”.

The Talman Group brought together investors, innovators, and industry leaders for a day of insight and exchange at The Savoy in London on Monday, 10 November.

Designed for investors, the event delivered valuable perspectives on the latest market trends, regulatory developments, and emerging business opportunities across Europe and beyond. The event was described as an “outstanding success” with a thoughtfully curated agenda, expert-led discussions, and exclusive networking.

And still to come… 

Bringing Medical Cannabis Awareness Month to a close, the inaugural Cannabis Health Symposium will take place on Tuesday 25 November at Conway Hall, London.

The one-day, CPD-accredited event is designed to provide UK healthcare professionals with expert-led, clinically grounded education on cannabis-based medicinal products. The forum will offer practical insights and help clinicians build the confidence needed to safely and effectively integrate CBPMs into patient treatment protocols. 

Over the course of the day, attendees will hear expert-led presentations, clinical case studies, and gain practical guidance to obtain a deeper understanding of how medical cannabis can safely and effectively support patients with a range of health conditions.

Get your tickets here