A new study by Releaf, a UK-based medical cannabis clinic, has identified Glasgow as the 16th highest location for medical cannabis use in the UK. The study analysed patient data from Releaf, the UK’s fastest growing medical cannabis clinic, across different locations in the UK, creating a popularity score by considering the population size of each area. This ranking showcases where cannabis-based treatments are most prevalent, reflecting the increasing acceptance of these therapies nationwide.
| Top 20 areas for Medical Cannabis Use in the UK | ||
| rank | Location | Popularity score |
| 1 | Norwich | 100 |
| 2 | Ipswich | 72.74 |
| 3 | Nottingham | 68.37 |
| 4 | Reading | 61.54 |
| 5 | Exeter | 61.51 |
| 6 | Newport | 58.175 |
| 7 | Cambridge | 53.8 |
| 8 | Poole | 50.27 |
| 9 | York | 49.96 |
| 10 | Bournemouth | 48.9 |
| 11 | Preston | 47.33 |
| 12 | Southampton | 47.13 |
| 13 | Bristol | 38.97 |
| 14 | Liverpool | 38.64 |
| 15 | Brighton | 36.8 |
| 16 | Glasgow | 34.14 |
| 17 | Plymouth | 32.84 |
| 18 | Manchester | 29.62 |
| 19 | Belfast | 29.12 |
| 20 | Northampton | 23.46 |
Many people turn to medical cannabis for relief from chronic pain, mental health conditions, neurological disorders, and sleep issues, where conventional treatments often fall short. Patients also use medical cannabis to stimulate appetite, support sleep, and reduce reliance on opioids or other addictive medications. As a natural, patient-focused treatment option, medical cannabis is empowering people to manage their health more holistically, offering tailored relief that addresses both physical and mental wellbeing, improving the quality of life. In fact, 40% of Releaf medical cannabis patients are over the age of 45, highlighting its appeal and effectiveness for those seeking alternative solutions later in life.
Why Some Areas Use More Medical Cannabis
A high ranking for medical cannabis usage in any area can result from several key factors. Areas with a higher proportion of older residents may have increased rates of chronic pain, as age-related conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and neuropathy become more prevalent with age. Accessibility also plays a role; areas with a lack of good quality healthcare can lead more residents to consider a private cannabis prescription for their health needs. Cultural openness towards holistic therapies and a stable socio-economic profile can support cannabis adoption, as residents may have both the interest and resources to explore these options. Additionally, local health policies or proactive healthcare providers supporting cannabis prescriptions can further drive usage in specific regions.
Patient Success Story
Wojciech, 35-year-old from Glasgow, battled relentless insomnia that left him exhausted and unable to enjoy life for years. Nights were spent staring at the ceiling, his mind racing, and mornings brought no relief as he woke feeling drained and foggy. He tried everything—sleep aids, herbal remedies, and even Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)—but nothing provided lasting relief. Prescription sleeping pills caused severe side effects like sleep paralysis and heart issues, leaving Wojciech desperate for a solution. It wasn’t until a friend recommended medical cannabis that he found hope.
After a consultation with Releaf, Wojciech was prescribed a strain specifically for insomnia. The results were life-changing. For the first time in years, he experienced deep, restorative sleep and woke up feeling energised and focused. Unlike traditional sleep aids, cannabis left him feeling relaxed yet in control, without the foggy or drugged sensation he had feared. Medical cannabis didn’t just improve his sleep—it gave Wojciech his life back, helping him rediscover peace, energy, and the ability to dream again. For those struggling with insomnia, Wojciech encourages them to explore every option.
“Medical cannabis has made all the difference for me. It’s restored my ability to sleep, to live, and to dream again. If it can do that for me, I believe it can help others, too.”
ENDS
If using the story or using our statistics, please credit and link to the source where the statistics came from: https://releaf.co.uk/blog/who-uses-medical-cannabis-in-the-uk
Methodology & sources:
- Patient data from Releaf’s community of over 40,000 and prescription records.
- Popularity score: For each location, we calculated the percentage of medical cannabis patients in relation to the total population.
- Scaling the Ratio: We then applied Min-Max scaling to these percentages to standardise them on a scale of 0 to 100. In this scale, the location with the highest patient-to-population ratio received a score of 100, while the lowest received 0. All other locations were scored relative to these benchmarks.
To ensure confidentiality and safeguard proprietary data, we adjusted scores relative to population size. This approach enables us to showcase regions with the highest medical cannabis usage while preserving patient privacy and protecting competitive insights.
About: Releaf is the UK’s fastest growing medical cannabis clinic dedicated to providing safe, effective, and patient-focused cannabis-based treatments. Our expert doctors personalise treatment plans to manage chronic pain, mental health conditions, neurological issues, and more. With a focus on accessibility, quality care, and comprehensive support, we empower thousands of patients to take control of their health and improve their quality of life.
