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A sudden push by GPs across the UK to reduce or completely withdraw prescription painkillers from patients has left many in agony, with some turning to medical and illegal cannabis for relief, Kearney FM has learned.
Patients suffering from chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, and post-surgical complications, report being told their much-needed medications are no longer available due to concerns over long-term use and dependency. The shift, encouraged by national guidelines aiming to reduce opioid reliance, is causing widespread distress.
“I’ve been on painkillers for years just to get through the day, and now my GP says I have to stop,” said one patient, who wished to remain anonymous. “There’s no real alternative being offered—I feel abandoned.”
Medical professionals argue that opioids and other strong painkillers can lead to addiction and serious side effects. However, critics say the abrupt withdrawal leaves patients with no viable solutions, forcing them to seek relief elsewhere.
Cannabis: The New Go-To for Pain Relief
As prescription painkillers become harder to access, many patients are turning to medical cannabis, which can legally be prescribed for certain conditions, though access remains limited. Others, unable to obtain a legal prescription, are resorting to buying cannabis illegally.
“The demand for cannabis, both medical and illegal, has skyrocketed,” said a local cannabis advocate. “People are desperate—they’re in pain and feel they have no other options. It’s a situation that’s spiraling out of control.”
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 2018, but strict regulations make it difficult for many to access. Private prescriptions can cost hundreds of pounds per month, leaving patients reliant on illegal sources.
A Growing Crisis
Aaron Kearney, Managing Director of Kearney FM, expressed concern over the situation:
“This isn’t just about painkillers—it’s about the systemic failure to address chronic pain in a compassionate and effective way. By taking away essential medication without offering adequate alternatives, we’re pushing people toward illegal activities and worsening their quality of life.”
Kearney added, “The UK prides itself on its healthcare system, but this sudden shift is leaving vulnerable people behind. It’s a crisis in the making.”
Calls for Reform
Advocates are urging the government to strike a better balance between reducing dependency on painkillers and ensuring patients aren’t left to suffer. Campaigners are also pushing for better access to medical cannabis, particularly for those with chronic pain conditions that don’t respond to conventional treatments.
“This approach isn’t working,” said one pain specialist. “We need more funding for research, greater access to non-opioid treatments, and a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes patients’ well-being.”
As the debate over pain management intensifies, thousands of patients across the UK are left navigating a challenging new reality, forced to choose between enduring unbearable pain or seeking relief through unconventional—and often illegal—means.
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