If you believe that cannabis should be more accessible for people who need it, you’re not alone.
Across the UK, thousands are turning to cannabis for relief from pain, insomnia, anxiety, inflammation, seizures, and countless other symptoms.
And yet, access remains tightly restricted. For many, it’s a story of frustration and quiet suffering. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
At High & Polite, we believe in the healing power of cannabis. Not just because the science supports it, but because we see it transform lives.
We believe people have a right to choose natural medicine. And that includes cannabis.
So how do we take this belief and turn it into action?
This guide is for anyone who wants to advocate for better cannabis access in the UK.
Whether you’re new to the movement or ready to deepen your involvement, here’s how to become a powerful voice for change, with confidence, compassion, and clarity.
1. Educate yourself on the current landscape
Knowledge is power. Start by understanding the UK’s current cannabis laws and how they affect access.
Medicinal cannabis is legal in the UK as of 2018. But in practice, NHS prescriptions are rare and limited to a few severe conditions. Most patients must go through private clinics, paying high fees out of pocket.
Meanwhile, recreational cannabis remains illegal, and possession can lead to fines, warnings, or even jail time.
Explore:
- The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
- The Cannabis-Based Products for Medicinal Use (CBPMs) guidelines
- The work of clinics like Sapphire, Lyphe, and The Medical Cannabis Clinics
Understanding this context will help you advocate more effectively.
2. Stay grounded in the science and personal stories
When you advocate, people may challenge your beliefs. That’s why it’s key to be grounded in evidence and human experience.
Cite the science:
- Cannabis has been shown to help with chronic pain, MS, epilepsy, PTSD, Crohn’s, insomnia, and more.
- It supports homeostasis and reduces inflammation, a root cause of many chronic conditions.
- It can act on the endocannabinoid system to balance mood, immunity, and metabolic function.
But also highlight the stories:
- A mother using CBD to reduce her child’s seizures.
- A veteran managing PTSD through cannabis after failing with pharmaceuticals.
- A cancer patient finding relief from chemo-induced nausea.
Numbers matter. But stories change hearts.
3. Connect with others in the movement
You are not alone in this fight. One of the most empowering steps is to connect with other advocates, patients, doctors, researchers, and organisations.
Look into:
- United Patients Alliance (UPA)
- PLEA (Patient-Led Engagement for Access)
- Drug Science’s Project Twenty21
- The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS)
- Local cannabis patient support groups
Joining forces gives your advocacy more reach and resilience. Collaboration is stronger than shouting into the void.
4. Speak up – in real life and online
It might feel intimidating, but your voice matters.
Start where you’re comfortable:
- Post on social media about safe cannabis use, your personal experiences, or recent studies.
- Write to your MP asking them to support fairer cannabis laws.
- Share articles or videos with friends and family.
- Start a blog or podcast discussing cannabis and natural healing.
You never know who might read your words and feel less alone, or more inspired to act.
5. Engage politically, but stay respectful
Change at the top level requires pressure. MPs need to hear from their constituents that this issue matters.
Tips for contacting your MP:
- Be polite and clear.
- Share why cannabis access matters to you or someone you love.
- Include reliable resources.
- Ask them to support specific initiatives, such as wider NHS access or rescheduling cannabis.
Remember: MPs are more likely to act if they sense growing public support. Your message adds to that pressure.
6. Promote safe, responsible use
We don’t just want access, we want safe access.
That means:
- Promoting dry herb vaping, oils, tinctures, and edibles over smoking.
- Encouraging proper dosage education and awareness of THC/CBD ratios.
- Supporting testing and regulation to ensure product safety.
- Educating others on how cannabis fits into a holistic lifestyle: nutrition, stress, sleep, supplements, exercise.
This isn’t just about cannabis. It’s about a metabolic approach to health. Cannabis is one tool in the wider kit.
7. Normalise the conversation
One of the biggest barriers to cannabis access in the UK is stigma.
You can help break it by:
- Talking openly and without shame about cannabis as medicine
- Avoiding fear-based or sensational language
- Framing cannabis use as part of a wider self-healing journey
- Correcting myths and misinformation gently but firmly
This is how we change culture: one conversation at a time.
8. Support ethical businesses and products
Put your money where your values are. Support brands and services that:
- Educate their customers
- Prioritise safety and sustainability
- Provide clear lab reports and transparent practices
- Advocate for patient rights
This includes:
- UK-based CBD brands with high testing standards
- Clinics that offer fair pricing or discounts
- Organisations lobbying for legal reform
Your choices influence the market.
9. Stay patient and stay active
Legal and cultural shifts take time. But they do happen. Think of how quickly public opinion has changed on issues like LGBTQ+ rights or mental health.
Cannabis is next.
But only if we keep going. Stay loud. Stay visible. Stay kind. And remember, every step forward matters, no matter how small.
You are not just advocating for cannabis. You are advocating for:
- Natural healing
- Patient empowerment
- Freedom of health choice
- A better, more honest healthcare system
And that’s a cause worth fighting for.
Want to take your advocacy further?
- Subscribe to our newsletter for cannabis news, education and events.
- Follow us on social media (@highandpolite) and share our posts to spread the word.
- Join a patient organisation or write to your MP today.
Together, we can make access to cannabis not just a privilege, but a right.
