84% Of Polled UK Doctors ‘Open To Prescribing Cannabis For Chronic Pain’

According to the results of a recent survey commissioned by medical cannabis clinic Alternaleaf, 84% of polled UK doctors indicated that they would be open to prescribing cannabis for chronic pain if it was part of the NHS toolkit.

“The survey of 250 practicing doctors in the UK, commissioned by the medical cannabis clinic Alternaleaf, found that eight in 10 (78%) believe opioids are prescribed too frequently for pain relief, while one in three say the NHS is not prepared for the dramatic increase in patients predicted.” reported Cannabis Health News in its original coverage.

“An early economic analysis published last year found that prescribing cannabis-based medicines for chronic pain could save the NHS almost £4 billion annually (based on current prevalence rates).” the outlet also reported.

A separate report recently published by the advocacy group Transform Drug Policy Foundation found that adult-use cannabis legalization could generate as much as £1.5 billion in revenue and savings.

The report, which was posted on the organization’s social media account, determined that over £1.2 billion would be generated from taxes and fees annually, and an additional £284 million would be saved annually by the nation’s criminal justice system no longer enforcing cannabis prohibition policies.

“There would be costs incurred for Govt by regulatory infrastructure – inspection, monitoring, compliance, trading standards etc – but largely covered by licensing/other fees.” the organization stated on social media.