Guide to accessing medical cannabis launches
Patient advocacy group PLEA has launched a new website to guide patients through every stage of
understanding and accessing medical cannabis treatment in the UK.
Established in 2020 to challenge inequalities and remove barriers to access this treatment, PLEA’s
new patient resources support members of the public to make informed decisions when it comes to
navigating medical cannabis care.
From access schemes such as Project Twenty21 and a medical cannabis clinic directory to managing
stigma and talking to your doctor about cannabis, the resources are available to read, watch online
and to download, making it easier for patients to access high-quality information in one place.
Created by patients, for patients, the videos, printable brochures, and how-to guides are a
much-needed benefit for those seeking independent, trustworthy medical cannabis information.
Abby Hughes, Outreach Director from PLEA, said
“Our fantastic Patient Working Group has worked together to plan and develop the resources they
wish they had had access to before now – written by patients, for patients and with support from our
brilliant Advisory Board. The Working Group shapes all that we do, with our PLEA Community
Members having the first say in what that is. With projects already brewing around Community,
Outreach, Research and Education, anyone that would like to add their voice to the mix is encouraged
to join as a Community Member or to apply to our Patient Working Group – our next snapshot survey
will be going out soon.”
Lucy Stafford, Advocacy Director from PLEA, said
“Medical cannabis is the most affordable and accessible it’s ever been, but the lack of clear and
unbiased information on treatment options can be confusing for patients. These resources will
support patients to make informed decisions on how to access this treatment, in addition to the
peer-support shared in our Community Forum. At PLEA, we continue to campaign for NHS access for
all – until then, we will assist patients in accessing the most appropriate treatment for them.”
The mobile-friendly resources are available from PLEA’s website
pleacommunity.org.uk/resources and are free to access.
Notes for Editors
1. PLEA is a non-profit organisation advocating for the patient community.
2. Visit pleacommunity.org.uk/resources to access the patient resources
3. Please contact hello@pleacommunity.org.uk with any questions and follow on Twitter
@PLEA_community
4. Every year in November, PLEA host Medical Cannabis Awareness Week to bring together
patients, doctors, sector organisations, supporters and advocates to call for fair access to
medical cannabis on the NHS
