Although this is a re-hashed press release we’ve reported it as a story because it appears considering the legal status of cannabis in the UK this could look like they are just marketing to a ready made market
The companies argue (according to the article)
According to a 2023 systematic search of 18 papers related to psychoactive drug use in university students in the UK and Ireland, illicit cannabis use among students is rife.
One such survey of 2810 students in the UK in 2018 reported that 56% of respondents had used drugs, 94% of which said used cannabis.
While its difficult to determine what percentage of students are using cannabis to self-medicate, it’s clear that this demographic is underrepresented in terms of medical cannabis prescriptions.
According to a survey by Integro Medical Clinics, it was found that under-25s account for less than 8% of their patients.
Further research from UCAS showed a 450% increase in mental health declarations from students over the past decade, while a survey by the mental health charity Student Minds reported that 1 in 3 have poor mental wellbeing, according to the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS).
However, despite students who report feeling increasing pressure due to the cost-of-living crisis and an increasing workload post-covid, few are able to afford medical cannabis prescriptions.
It’s probably better they are buying prescribed cannabis ( that is if they can actually afford it) but the other side of that question is how rigorous is the determination of medical as let’s be honest it is a readymade market to sell into.
Just like Australia the real question is being ignored – legalization of adult use cannabis .
Grow Pharma and Integro Medical Clinics are set to expand their flagship medical cannabis access program to all UK university students.
Citing a rise in mental health issues among students, the expansion of the access scheme aims to lower the prices of access to medical cannabis for this largely low-income demographic, in what it described as an ‘extremely underrepresented demographic’.
Unlike other groups that the ‘Grow Access Project’ (GAP) has expanded to recently, including Blue Light Card holders, the clinics have taken extra precautions to establish a risk protocol for younger recipients in an effort to ensure patient safety.
“To be absolutely clear. We are not suggesting that all students should consume cannabis. We are striving to help those who are eligible – who have a pre-existing diagnosed condition – by providing a lower cost option,” Integro’s clinical lead and specialist pain consultant, Dr Sunny Nayee, said.
What does the scheme offer?
Grow has a long history of offering affordable access to medical cannabis in the UK, launching what was initially known as the The Grow Open Access Initiative in 2020.
Aimed at providing an accessible route for UK citizens on benefits and armed forces veterans and shifting these demographics away from the illicit market, the scheme has expanded and developed over recent years.
Last month, the now rebranded GAP program was extended to include Blue Light Card holders, dramatically widening eligibility to include an estimated 3.5m card holders.
The Blue Light Card is the UK’s foremost discount provider for the emergency services, NHS, social care sector, and armed forces.
Now, recognising the often underrepresented and largely low-income student demographic, GAP has expanded to include all UK university students, estimated to include over 2m people.
Eligible participants will be able to get a free first appointment, lower repeat prescription costs, and discounted products on a select range of medicines.
This enables them to find out if they are approved for a cannabis prescription, what their first prescription will be and how much it will cost before incurring any fees.
Furthermore, GAP will not be limited to student with mental health issues, but will be available to all suffering from chronic pain and a number of neurological conditions.
Why students?
According to a 2023 systematic search of 18 papers related to psychoactive drug use in university students in the UK and Ireland, illicit cannabis use among students is rife.
One such survey of 2810 students in the UK in 2018 reported that 56% of respondents had used drugs, 94% of which said used cannabis.
While its difficult to determine what percentage of students are using cannabis to self-medicate, it’s clear that this demographic is underrepresented in terms of medical cannabis prescriptions.
According to a survey by Integro Medical Clinics, it was found that under-25s account for less than 8% of their patients.
Further research from UCAS showed a 450% increase in mental health declarations from students over the past decade, while a survey by the mental health charity Student Minds reported that 1 in 3 have poor mental wellbeing, according to the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS).
However, despite students who report feeling increasing pressure due to the cost-of-living crisis and an increasing workload post-covid, few are able to afford medical cannabis prescriptions.
