- In 2025, Alternaleaf reported record-breaking patient volumes, supporting individuals with both mental health challenges and chronic physical conditions
- Norwich, Belfast and Bristol emerge as the UK cities with the largest proportion of Alternaleaf patients
- Shropshire-based Claire-Elizabeth Carpenter, 34, who experiences chronic pain, says medical cannabis helps her “to work, to focus and get on with life”.
Alternaleaf, one of the UK’s leading digital medical cannabis clinics, has reported a sharp rise in demand, with patient consultations increasing by 348 per cent over the course of 2025.
Established in the UK in 2023, the clinic provides tailored care for patients living with over 50 mental and physical health conditions. These range from anxiety and depression to chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, and women’s health conditions including menopause and endometriosis.
The latest figures highlight sustained growth throughout the year, with consultation numbers for both new and existing patients more than tripling.
“Over the past year, we’ve seen record numbers of patients turning to medical cannabis to manage symptoms, transform quality of life and get back to work,” said Nabila Chaudhri, Alternaleaf’s Medical Director.
“Our patients come from every part of the UK and from every walk of life. They include doctors, nurses, business owners, electricians, journalists, IT professionals and others. As a fully online clinic, patients can book consultations when it suits them and have their medication delivered to their home within 24 hours of placing an order.”
Alternaleaf patients live throughout the UK. In 2025, the Top Cities for Alternaleaf patients (patients per 100,000 residents) were:
- Norwich
- Belfast
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- Nottingham
- Liverpool
- Glasgow
- Manchester
- London
- Leeds.
The surge in demand comes as growing numbers of patients say medical cannabis has significantly improved their quality of life.
An Alternaleaf study of over 300 chronic pain patients found those using medical cannabis reduced their painkiller use by 64 per cent. Among the same group, 71 per cent saw a drop in side effects after reducing or stopping prescription painkillers in favour of medical cannabis.
Similarly, a recent Alternaleaf survey of more than 750 patients prescribed medical cannabis for mental health conditions found 97% said it improved their wellbeing and happiness, while 68% said it enables them to work.
“Medical cannabis must not be conflated with street cannabis,” said Nabila. “Medical cannabis is quality-controlled medicine, which has been legally prescribed in the UK since 2018. When taken under medical supervision, medical cannabis can safely alleviate symptoms without unwanted side effects transforming quality of life for patients.”
Alternaleaf patient Claire-Elizabeth Carpenter is among thousands prescribed medical cannabis for chronic pain.
The 34-year-old marketing specialist, who lives in Shropshire, was born with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) – a rare genetic tissue disorder that causes unstable joints, stretchy and easily bruised skin and a lifetime of chronic pain – and other co-morbidities.
At age 18, Claire-Elizabeth was prescribed powerful opioids to try to manage the constant pain. “I’ve been on various types of medications since I was a teenager including codeine. I was taking the maximum dose and still experiencing severe pain and mobility issues. I’ve been taking opioids for so long, my stomach can’t tolerate some pain medications anymore.”
Claire-Elizabeth was prescribed medical cannabis by a specialist pain consultant at Alternaleaf almost one year ago. “Medical cannabis enables me to manage my pain. When I’m taking medical cannabis, the pain becomes manageable. My attention gets a bit better. I’m able to work, to focus and get on with life.”