Headlines are declaring that cannabis doesn’t work for mental health. Our patients — thousands of them — are living proof that the picture is far more complex than that.

The Lancet meta-analysis reviewed randomised controlled trials using oral cannabis formulations. The lead researcher himself acknowledged that ‘in real life, people typically use smoked cannabis, and there is even less evidence’ — meaning the studies did not reflect how most patients actually medicate. ‘No evidence of effect in these trials’ is not the same as ‘this medicine does not work.’

United Patients Alliance represents patients who have, in many cases, exhausted every conventional option. SSRIs. CBT. Opioids. Pregabalin. For them, a meta-…

[20:45, 10/08/2026] +44 7805 000972: UPA Statement on Mental Health Prescribing 🌱🧠

UPA is deeply concerned that the Robinson case, the recent Lancet umbrella review of cannabinoids’ benefits and harms, and public comments by Prof Bowden‑Jones may together have a chilling effect on the responsible prescribing of medical cannabis to appropriate patients in the UK. These developments risk over‑emphasising potential harms, under‑stating areas of proven or emerging clinical benefit, and could drive a blunt, top‑down regulatory response that restricts access, increases stigma and deters clinicians from considering cannabis‑based treatments where they may be clinically indicated.

Rather than waiting for the government or regulators to impose further restrictions, UPA believes the sector must respond collectively now. We therefore call for direct, structured engagement between UPA, clinics, clinicians, professional bodies, and patient groups to interpret this evolving evidence base, agree on proportionate standards for prescribing, risk assessment, and monitoring, and demonstrate professional leadership. This will ensure that any future regulatory changes are co‑designed with clinicians and patients, strengthening safety without undermining lawful, evidence‑based access to medical cannabis.