Danny WilkinsonMedical cannabis has long been a controversial topic in the UK, one often avoided by mainstream media and journalists due to its polarising nature. Once seen as a fringe or risky subject, it’s now gaining recognition as a legitimate form of treatment for a range of chronic conditions. Since being legalised in 2018 for medical use, the conversation around cannabis has shifted from hushed tones to headlines and East Leeds is not excluded from this changing landscape.
Though legal, medical cannabis is still not widely prescribed through the NHS. This is partly due to its regulatory status, which limits broad clinical research and contributes to a lack of understanding among healthcare professionals. As a result, many patients, desperate for relief, resort to unsafe sources such as street dealers or the dark web, putting their health at serious risk. In these unregulated markets, potency and product contents can vary drastically, further endangering users.
“Despite being legal since 2018, only a handful of NHS prescriptions have been issued,” said Nabila Chaudhri, Medical Director at Alternaleaf UK. “Until access improves, most patients rely on private clinics like Alternaleaf. We ensure patients speak with non-judgmental, knowledgeable doctors who understand how different cannabis strains treat different conditions. Our team works with thousands of patients every year, and we’re advocating for wider NHS access.”
Private clinics, regulated and legal in the UK, prescribe medical cannabis for over fifty conditions, including chronic pain, mental health conditions and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease. Doctors and clinicians at clinics, such as Alternaleaf, prescribe different strains of medical cannabis for a wide range of conditions. The knowledge and insight into the different strains has led to a rise in regulating which terpenes are best for the patient. Terpenes are natural, active, organic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis and the different types of terpenes in the strains of cannabis give different therapeutic effects.
“Medical cannabis is used to manage over 50 conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep disorders, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-related nausea,” said Chaudhri. “It works by targeting the body’s endocannabinoid system – a complex network that regulates mood, pain, appetite and sleep – helping patients who haven’t responded to traditional treatments find relief.”
The medication is delivered to the patient’s door in three forms: a flower that is vaped, an oil or a lozenge. The form in which medication is prescribed is determined by the type of condition; for example, vaping is usually the fastest pain relief for those prescribed for chronic pain conditions. As acceptance grows, specialised clinics like Alternaleaf UK are prescribing medical cannabis for those in need.
“The UK’s regulatory framework is one of the strictest in the world,” said Chaudhri. “Patients must have one of the 50+ qualifying chronic conditions and must have already tried at least two other forms of treatment. After a clinical assessment by one of our GMC-registered, specially trained clinicians, eligible patients are prescribed medical cannabis, which is then delivered directly to their homes.”
Costs vary depending on the individual’s needs, but for many, affordability remains a concern. “At Alternaleaf, consultations start at £39. There’s also an optional £10 monthly membership, which includes ongoing support,” said Chaudhri. “Treatment plans are tailored to be both clinically appropriate and affordable, so patients can access the care they need without compromising safety.”
Despite growing recognition, stigma remains one of the biggest barriers. “The biggest challenge is the ongoing stigma,” said Dr Chaudhri. “Patients face prejudice from landlords, police, or even their GPs, simply for using prescribed medicine. We’re tackling this through billboard campaigns, political advocacy, and public education. But there’s still a long road ahead.”
A Safer Future for East Leeds
For many in East Leeds, awareness of legal medical cannabis remains low. As education spreads and private clinics continue to fill the NHS gap, more people may find relief without risking their health on the street. It’s no longer a fringe idea, it’s a valid, doctor-led treatment that could soon be more visible in everyday life.
With changing laws, increasing awareness, and safer access, the future of medical cannabis in East Leeds and across the UK looks more hopeful than ever.
To find out more, visit: https://www.alternaleaf.co.uk/
