In November, the patient-led event “We, The Patients” featured in London for the first time. We are proud to have supported the event and be a part of a patient focused initiative, dedicated to driving change and breaking stigmas. The event was held at The Charterhouse and created a memorable environment, for discussions dedicated to understanding Chronic Pain and Medical Cannabis.
The day featured a series of talks with powerful perspectives from clinicians, patients and industry experts. There was a clear shared purpose: to advance patient access and break down the barriers currently facing the medicinal cannabis community.
Key Insights and Perspectives
The event featured a range of engaging and informative sessions, highlighting both clinical understanding and lived experience:
- Clinical Keynote: Curaleaf International’s Medical Director, Dr. Mikael Sodergren, delivered an insightful keynote address that provided a deep dive into the clinical potential of medical cannabis.
- Scientific Insight: Attendees benefited from an in-depth exploration of the endocannabinoid system, furthering the scientific understanding of how cannabis interacts with the body.
- Powerful Patient Stories: Perhaps the most impactful moments came from moving, first-hand accounts shared by patients. These stories underscored the daily realities of managing chronic pain and the significant role medical cannabis plays in improving their quality of life.
The Challenge of Stigma and Misconception
Despite growing clinical evidence, patient access to medical cannabis globally remains limited by several challenges:
- Stigma: Social prejudice and historical mischaracterizations continue to isolate patients and complicate treatment discussions.
- Education: Due to the nature of medical cannabis there are limitations to education among the public and, in some cases, healthcare professionals which contributes to reluctance and misinformation.
- Misconceptions: The persistent confusion between medical use and illicit use continues to create regulatory and social obstacles.
Driving Change and Shaping a Compassionate Future
Initiatives like “We, The Patients,” alongside organisations such as PatientsCann UK, are playing a vital role in driving the necessary change. By actively amplifying patient voices and prioritising shared experiences, these events help shape a more informed, empathetic, and compassionate future for those seeking medical cannabis treatment.
We are committed to supporting these vital forums that bridge the gap between clinical science, industry innovation, and the patient experience.
