The UK medical cannabis market is rapidly evolving, and recent data sheds light on the growth, product trends, and emerging consumer preferences. In 2023, the market continues to demonstrate exponential growth, driven by increasing demand for high-THC flower and a more diversified product landscape.
Cannamonitor’s latest analysis of over 180,000 privately prescribed items in England reveals key insights into the market’s direction, as well as what lies ahead for producers, distributors, and patients. In this article, we’ll explore the latest market trends, product categories, and the growing dominance of THC-dominant flower varieties.
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Steady Growth in the UK Medical Cannabis Market
The UK medical cannabis market has seen significant growth in recent years, with the number of prescribed items more than doubling annually. In 2022, over 180,000 items were privately prescribed across England and Wales, with a strong upward trend expected to continue through 2023. The data suggests that by the end of this year, the total number of prescriptions will surpass 250,000, marking a new high for the sector.
This rapid growth is fueled by increasing awareness of medical cannabis benefits, particularly for chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy, and growing acceptance of cannabis-based medicines within the medical community. Regulatory progress, although gradual, has also contributed to the market’s expansion, as access to these treatments becomes easier for patients.
Nº of Prescribed Items
The Changing Landscape of Medical Cannabis Product Types
As the market grows, so too does the variety of cannabis products available to patients. While traditional cannabis oils continue to hold a place in the market, they have lost ground in recent years. Oils represented 20% of all prescriptions in 2022, but their market share has declined as patients shift their focus toward flower-based products.
Flower, in contrast, has emerged as the clear leader in the UK medical cannabis market, accounting for 79% of all prescriptions in 2022. Innovative product formats like vape cartridges and edibles, such as gummies, have also started to enter the market, although their impact remains limited, with negligible presence in prescription data to date..
UK Medical Cannabis Product Categories
Flower: The Most Dominant Cannabis Product in the UK
Flower has cemented itself as the most popular cannabis product in the UK, especially THC-dominant strains. Of the 79% of prescriptions for flower, a staggering 93% are for THC-dominant varieties. Despite the availability of over 110 different strains, the UK flower market is highly concentrated: the top 10 varieties account for 60% of all flower prescriptions, and 20 varieties dominate 80% of the market.
Patients appear to favor indica-leaning hybrids, with popular strains like GG#4 and Girl Scout Cookies consistently topping the list of preferred varieties. These strains are known for their calming effects and therapeutic benefits, particularly for managing pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
A European-Driven Supply Chain
The UK market is notably different from many other international medical cannabis markets, which are often dominated by Canadian producers. In the UK, 75% of prescribed products come from European suppliers, primarily in Portugal, Spain, and Macedonia. These countries have become key production hubs, leveraging favorable growing conditions and regulatory frameworks to supply the UK with high-quality cannabis products.
However, Canadian producers are beginning to make inroads into the UK market. Between 2022 and 2023, prescriptions for Canadian products doubled, driven by the increasing demand for higher-THC flower. Canadian suppliers now account for the majority of the high-THC flower category, offering products with potency levels that appeal to patients seeking stronger therapeutic effects.
UK Flower Product Varieties and Sources
Rising Demand for High-THC Flower Products
One of the most significant trends shaping the UK medical cannabis market is the rising demand for higher-THC flower products. While there has been growth across all THC categories, it’s the >24% THC segment that has seen the most dramatic increase. In 2022, this category accounted for just 3% of flower prescriptions; by 2023, it had surged to 22%.
The demand for higher THC potency is likely driven by patients seeking stronger effects for pain management and other serious medical conditions. Canadian producers are well-positioned to benefit from this shift, as 56% of high-THC products (>24%) prescribed in the UK come from Canada. In contrast, European suppliers such as Portugal continue to dominate the lower-THC categories, offering products that appeal to patients with different needs.
UK Medical Cannabis Flower Potency
Conclusion: The Future of the UK Medical Cannabis Market
As the UK medical cannabis market continues to expand, it is clear that high-THC flower products are driving the growth. Flower remains the most popular format, and with demand for higher potency products on the rise, Canadian producers may increase their foothold in the UK. However, the European supply chain still holds the majority share, particularly for lower-THC products.
The market is poised for further development, with more product formats likely to emerge, and new players potentially entering the scene as demand increases. For brands and distributors, staying ahead of consumer preferences and product trends will be key to maintaining competitiveness in this dynamic market.
As the medical cannabis landscape in the UK continues to evolve, Cannamonitor will provide ongoing, data-driven insights to help businesses, healthcare providers, and patients navigate the changes. To access the full report and detailed market analysis, be sure to pre-order the Cannamonitor report today.