The Future of Cannabis Medicine in Northern Ireland
Cannabis-based medicines have been legal in the UK since 2018, but for patients in Northern Ireland, access has been slower and more complex than many hoped. With growing public awareness, new research, and increased clinical support, Northern Ireland is now on the cusp of a more accessible and evidence-driven future for cannabis medicine.
This article explores how access is evolving, what’s changing, and what patients can expect in the coming years.
Where We Are Now
In Northern Ireland, medical cannabis prescriptions are technically legal, but:
NHS access is extremely limited, restricted to rare childhood epilepsy syndromes, MS-related spasticity, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Most patients rely on private clinics like Keltoi to access cannabis-based treatments for conditions such as chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, and insomnia.
Local stigma remains a barrier, as many people still associate cannabis with recreational use rather than evidence-based medicine.
Why Access Has Been Slow
Northern Ireland shares the same regulatory framework as the wider UK, but there are some unique challenges:
Smaller healthcare infrastructure: Fewer prescribing specialists and less local investment in training.
Lack of local cultivation: Most products are imported, which can create delays and raise costs.
Conservative prescribing culture: Many doctors are hesitant to prescribe cannabis-based medicines due to limited clinical trial data.
Signs of Change
Despite these challenges, momentum is building:
Rising patient numbers: More people are seeking treatment through private clinics, creating demand for greater choice and lower prices.
Growing public support: Communities and patient groups are calling for improved access, helping reduce stigma.
Increased clinical education: More doctors are attending training sessions and conferences on cannabinoid medicine.
Potential for local supply: Northern Ireland is seeing interest from pharmaceutical companies looking to establish local cultivation and manufacturing facilities, which could drive down costs and speed up access.
The Role of Private Clinics
Private clinics are currently leading the way in providing safe, regulated cannabis treatment in Northern Ireland by:
Offering consultations with GMC-registered specialists
Providing personalised prescriptions tailored to each patient’s needs
Sourcing pharmacy-dispensed, batch-tested products
Supporting patients with legal and travel documentation
Clinics like Keltoi are not only filling the gap in access but also collecting real-world data to help shape future NHS and government policy.
Looking Ahead: What the Next 5 Years Could Bring
Local Cultivation & Production
Northern Ireland’s pharmaceutical and agricultural industries are well-positioned to create a domestic cannabis supply chain, reducing reliance on imports, Growth Industries Pharmaceuticals are planning to begin cannabis production in Northern Ireland.Expanded Product Range
As more patients register and research advances, expect to see innovative formats like patches, wafers, and inhalers introduced.Policy Reform
With evidence from private clinics, there may be renewed pressure on the NHS to broaden eligibility criteria.Reduced Stigma
As cannabis medicine becomes mainstream and more widely discussed, Northern Ireland is likely to follow other countries in normalising its use.Better Integration with Primary Care
In time, GPs and specialists may collaborate more closely on cannabis prescribing, making the process smoother for patients.
How Keltoi is Shaping the Future
Keltoi Clinic is proud to be helping to lead this change by:
Providing safe, evidence-led treatment plans
Supporting patients who’ve exhausted traditional therapies
Offering education to patients and healthcare professionals
Advocating for wider access and fair pricing
Takeaway
Cannabis medicine in Northern Ireland is moving from a niche treatment to a recognised therapeutic option — and patients are driving that change. With increased education, local industry investment, and evidence from private clinics, the next few years could see a much more accessible and affordable system.