Publications

Maple Tree regularly produces insights into the UK's medical cannabis industry.

Our reports, available for download, provide a comprehensive overview of market trends, legislative updates, and opportunities in this dynamic sector.

Our publications are essential for investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders seeking in-depth knowledge and guidance. Each report includes detailed analyses and recommendations, ensuring you stay ahead in understanding and capitalising on the medical cannabis market.

For tailored insights specific to your business needs, Maple Tree also offers bespoke report services. Contact us to discuss how we can support your objectives with customised research and analysis.

2023

UK Medical Cannabis: Five Years On

Five years ago, the UK stood at the edge of a revolutionary change in its medical and economic landscape: the legalisation of medical cannabis following a landmark legal battle.

As Maple Tree pause at this five year mark to reflect on the journey so far, we're positive about the achievements so far and cautiously optimistic about the UK’s ability to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

Overview

Despite initial legislative challenges, the UK's medical cannabis industry holds considerable potential, with the possibility of generating £2 billion in revenue and creating 97,000 jobs. Since 2019, there has been a consistent increase in private prescriptions for unlicensed cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs), surpassing 140,000 between November 2018 and November 2022. This growth signifies a growing acceptance and acknowledgement of the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis, with numerous patients reporting improvements in symptoms and overall quality of life.

However, the industry faces several hurdles. Being in its early stages, it struggles with issues related to quality, distribution, and cultivation. While the prices of cannabis products are aligning with market expectations, consultation costs remain variable, reflecting the industry's evolution. A significant issue is the low public awareness about the legality of medical cannabis. Additionally, restrictive prescribing practices, limited mainly to specialist consultants acting privately, pose barriers, with only a handful of NHS prescriptions issued.

Maple Tree proposes six key recommendations for the UK government:

Enhance NHS funding pathways for CBPM prescriptions.
Enable general practitioners to prescribe cannabis for common ailments.
Amend the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to encourage overseas investment.
Review NICE guidance to expand CBPM prescriptions on the NHS.
Allow cultivation of hemp flowers for CBD extraction under industrial licenses.
Establish an Office of Medicinal Cannabis for consolidated legislation and licensing.

These recommendations are aimed at improving patient access, clarifying guidelines for practitioners, and promoting a more conducive environment for business investments. The full report provides further detailed insights and findings, charting the course for the sector's development in the coming years.

2021

Recommendations for Government

Maple Tree drafted a special discussion paper for the Government, in early 2021, outlining ten recommendations for the UK Medical Cannabis and CBD Market.

The discussion paper aims to reduce the red tape currently hampering what could be a multi-billion pound industry, transforming the lives of our patients.

Overview

The market is currently hindered by outdated laws and regulations, which isn’t helped by a declining economy and unemployment levels at an all time high.

Ten Recommendations for Government, produced by Maple Tree, calls on the Government to review its restrictive approach to the cannabis industry - which could create tens of thousands of jobs, and bring much needed capital to the country. The papers includes facts, figures and information including how:

Reducing red tape to create 97,000 new jobs and transform patient access to medical cannabis
The UK is currently the largest exporter of medical cannabis in the world, despite importing the great majority of its CBD products and 100% of medical cannabis
A domestic cannabis sector could help stimulate the UK post-pandemic

In November 2018, the government announced medical cannabis could be prescribed for patients by specialist doctors, but so far just three NHS prescriptions and 6,000 private prescriptions have been issued.

Publications

UK Medical Cannabis: Five Years On

Recommendations for Government

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