We noted with interest the recent Statista survey reporting that just over a quarter of 2000 respondents “consider cannabis/CBD products to be a good alternative to traditional medical products” with 19% opposing legalisation and a fifth concerned about potential risks.
Considering medical cannabis has been legal since November 2018, the figures of those supporting cannabis/CBD are still very low across the general population so it’s good to see the team behind Project Twenty21 taking the initiative and enlisting the support of student ambassadors taking part in Freshers Week across the country.
A YouGov poll in 2020 reported that two thirds of 18-24 year olds supported full cannabis legalisation, suggesting this age group have a very different attitude to cannabis/CBD compared to other age groups.
Student ambassadors
Drug Science, which runs Project Twenty21, has produced shareable social media assets, posters and flyers for its team to distribute at universities across the UK to raise awareness of the history and propaganda surrounding cannabis, and the need for more evidence-based analysis. Drug Science is also hosting a virtual conference event aimed at students and young people on 6th October.
Some clinics participating in Project Twenty21 have agreed to offer UK students a discount on consultation fees to help improve patient access to medical cannabis treatment and support for young people suffering from conditions such as anxiety and chronic pain.
Medical cannabis is legal
Speaking about the Freshers Fair campaign, Mags Houston, Head of Project Twenty21 said, “We need people to know that cannabis is now a legal medicine in the UK, that the beneficial evidence is growing and we’re trying to make medical cannabis more affordable for those who need it most”.
“Students and young people can play a key role in helping us get the word out there by talking to friends and family, putting posters up around their university campuses and ensuring that any healthcare student peers, in particular, are aware of the latest research.”
As Freshers Week draws to a close, it will be interesting to see if the campaign reaches outside the student demographic and into homes up and down the country.