By Dr Simon Erridge

With the November 2025 Budget approaching, the Labour Government faces growing pressure to show how it will help people back into secure, rewarding employment

But while debates about tax thresholds and business incentives go on, one of the simplest ways to strengthen both our economy and our public health system remains overlooked: expanding NHS access to medical cannabis.

According to ONS data, around 2.8 million people are currently unable to work due to long-term illness. Conditions such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, anxiety and PTSD don’t just affect people’s health, they also strip their income, and the sense of identity and independence which comes with employment.

The impact this has on both the economy and the nation’s wellbeing is enormous, yet, for many of these individuals, existing treatments simply haven’t worked.

In fact, our research suggests........

© LBC