[PRESS RELEASE] – LONDON, Oct. 12, 2026 – Wellford Clinics, in partnership with armed forces veterans, has initiated a parliamentary petition calling on the U.K. government to fund a medical cannabis reimbursement scheme for veterans. Medical cannabis can be legally prescribed in the U.K. but is not readily available on the National Health Service (NHS). This has created a significant barrier for many veterans, as those prescribed medical cannabis for chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions must pay privately for their medication.
An independent survey of 300 veterans reveals 71% have self-medicated with alcohol, drugs and other substances, with 8% reporting use of street-bought cannabis to self-medicate.1 Almost half (48%) of the veterans surveyed said they would consider using medical cannabis to alleviate the symptoms of mental or physical health conditions, while 7% said they currently use medical cannabis or have used it in the past.1
To reduce some of the financial barriers to accessing private treatment that veterans currently face, Wellford has launched a Veterans Access Scheme, meaning veterans who are eligible for medical cannabis treatment will not be required to pay for appointment or prescription fees, saving them up to £240 each year. The program aims to remove access barriers to regulated, specialist-led health care, and has been developed in recognition of the significant physical and mental health challenges experienced by many former service personnel.
In line with current regulations on prescription medicines, Wellford cannot offer discounts on medication.[2] Therefore, we are calling for the U.K. government to recognize that eligible veterans who pay for medical cannabis should be able to access a government-funded reimbursement scheme to further alleviate the financial barriers. Such a reimbursement scheme would bring the U.K. in line with comparable countries. Australia and Canada fund or reimburse eligible veterans for medical cannabis.[3],[4] Wellford believes U.K. veterans deserve similar support.
Richard Guest, chief commercial officer at Wellford, said: "Our new Veterans Access Scheme ensures veterans who are eligible for medical cannabis treatment don’t pay appointment or prescription fees. We hope it will reduce the number of veterans who rely on self-medication and street-bought cannabis. As a responsible and regulated health care organization, we can’t offer prescription medicine for free. But as a country, we can do more. In partnership with veterans, we're calling on the U.K. government to reimburse veterans for the cost of their medical cannabis. The Canadian government has reimbursed veterans for medical cannabis since 2007, and it is time that the U.K. follows suit for our veterans."
Dr. Daniela Tonucci, medical director of Wellford Clinics, said: "Veterans are among the bravest members of our community who stepped up to protect our country and our values. But as our survey shows, serving in the armed forces can exact a heavy toll on their health, with veterans experiencing very high rates of anxiety, chronic pain, depression, insomnia and PTSD. It’s sad to see so many veterans self-medicating with alcohol, drugs and other substances because they can't get the help they need."
Armed forces veteran and Wellford Clinics patient Ian Foster said: "There are over 2 million veterans across the U.K. As Wellford's survey shows, many are living with long-term physical and mental health conditions. For many veterans, medical cannabis is a vital medication that helps them to work and live day-to-day. If Canada can reimburse veterans for the cost of medical cannabis, why can't the U.K.? Please sign our petition calling on the U.K. government to introduce a medical cannabis reimbursement scheme for veterans. With your support, we can make change happen."
The online petition calling on the U.K. government to introduce a Canadian-style medical cannabis reimbursement scheme for veterans can be accessed via the U.K. Parliament website.
