Guest Episode 3 | From Law to Limbo: The Broken Promise of UK Medical Cannabis (Releaf x Fieldfisher LLP)

The third in our series of guest episodes features a discussion between CEO of Releaf, Tim Kirby, and Robert Jappie, Partner Fieldfisher’s Regulatory Group. Tim and Robert discuss Together, they explore the disconnect between the UK’s 2018 rescheduling of medical cannabis and the lack of meaningful access for patients today. Robert outlines the legal and regulatory hurdles that continue to obstruct progress, while Tim highlights the everyday impact these roadblocks have on clinics and patients. The episode also delves into the rise of self-medication and the persistent use of illicit sources. Tim and Robert examine the factors behind this trend, from affordability and education to stigma and patient trust, despite the existence of a legal framework. Finally, they unpack the complex compliance landscape for cannabis clinics in the UK. From advertising restrictions to tight prescribing protocols, the conversation reveals how clinics like Releaf build patient trust while navigating a shifting and often restrictive regulatory environment.