80% of NHS Doctors Would Prescribe Cannabis for Women's Health Issues

Liz Filmer
17 Aug 2025

A recent survey of NHS doctors has revealed a growing interest in alternative treatments for complex health issues. Nearly half of the 500 participating doctors were GPs, and about 75% noted that the treatment options for women’s health issues like endometriosis and menopause are inadequate.


Additionally, over two-thirds (67%) expressed concerns that chronic pain patients consume much of their time and face limited treatment alternatives. The survey highlighted worries about the overprescribing of opioids, with 75% of doctors believing standard treatments for chronic pain have serious long-term side effects.

When asked about alternative treatments, nearly 90% (87%) of doctors said they would consider prescribing medical cannabis for chronic pain, and 80% of GPs would use it for women's health issues, if available in the NHS toolkit.

Dr. Nikki Ramskill emphasized the need for tailored treatments for women's conditions, stating that existing options seldom address the underlying causes. Many women are left suffering due to limited information and options available.

Kirstie Baker, a 56-year-old from Cardiff, found relief from menopause symptoms through medical cannabis after struggling with ineffective treatments. She noted the lack of discussion around menopause and the importance of raising awareness of medical cannabis.

Is Medicinal Cannabis Being Prescribed on the NHS?

Recent data shows a significant increase in private prescriptions in the UK, but access through the NHS remains nearly nonexistent. Nabila Chaudhri from Alternaleaf highlighted the need for greater awareness and access to medical cannabis as a treatment option for women's health.

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Liz Filmer