Medicinal Cannabis Matters: Friday Roundup - 22 May 2026

Industry Recognition Reflects Continued Growth

The shortlist for the Business of Cannabis Awards 2026 has officially been announced, and we’re incredibly proud to share that Medicann has been recognised across multiple categories.

This year, Medicann has been shortlisted for:

• Cannabis Clinic of the Year

• Cannabis Team of the Year

Alongside this, Medicann founder Gary Whipp has been shortlisted for Business Leader of the Year, while Tasha Whipp has been recognised in the Industry Rising Star Award category.

Being recognised for these awards in the medicinal cannabis sector reflects how far we’ve come and the ongoing commitment to improving patient care, education and access across the UK and Channel Islands.

Prescribing Trends Continue to Evolve

New reporting from Leafie suggests that cannabis flower is no longer the fastest-growing prescribed product category within the UK medicinal cannabis market.

The article points towards increasing diversification in prescribing, with more patients exploring oils and other medicinal cannabis depending on their condition, lifestyle and clinical needs.

This reflects a sector that is becoming more personalised. As prescribing options evolve, clinicians are able to tailor treatment plans more carefully, helping patients access options that best suit their individual circumstances and preferences.

The Daily Reality of Living with Chronic Pain

A recent feature from Open Access Government explores the everyday realities faced by people living with chronic pain, highlighting the physical, emotional and social impact these conditions can have over time.

For many patients, chronic pain affects far more than discomfort alone. It can impact mobility, sleep, work, relationships and mental wellbeing. The article reinforces the importance of expanding access to supportive treatment options and improving understanding around long-term pain management.

Medicinal cannabis continues to become part of this wider conversation, particularly for patients who have struggled to find sufficient relief through traditional treatments.

Medicinal Cannabis and Opioid Reduction

New findings suggest that medicinal cannabis may help reduce opioid use among chronic pain patients, while also lowering wider healthcare costs.

This is an area receiving increasing attention internationally, as healthcare providers look at ways to support patients with safer, more sustainable long-term pain management strategies. For some patients, medicinal cannabis may provide symptom relief while reducing dependence on stronger medications that can carry significant side effects and risks over time.

While treatment should always be clinically guided and personalised, research like this continues to strengthen conversations around alternative approaches to chronic pain care.

This week’s stories reflect a medicinal cannabis sector that continues to grow through evidence and patient need.

From changing prescribing trends and industry recognition to chronic pain awareness and opioid reduction research, the focus remains on improving patient outcomes and expanding access to safe, regulated care.

If you are considering whether medicinal cannabis may be suitable for your condition, you can check your eligibility online in just two minutes. The process is confidential and provides a straightforward starting point before speaking with a specialist clinician.

Disclaimer: This blog post and the following featured articles are for information only and any articles on external platforms may be amended at any time. Articles that we refer to in our weekly roundup do not reflect the views of Medicann.