Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK for approaching eight years now – since 2018 – and it has been spreading across the globe for the past two decades. Some 80,000 people in the UK are now medical cannabis patients, and that number that is growing every day. So, it was only statistically going to happen that some of those people are famous faces. Including some you might not expect.
These celebrities have found the benefits of medical cannabis for a variety of reasons, from chronic pain to mental and physical conditions. They each chose different treatment options from CBD to cannabis oils to vaped flower. One found medical cannabis in interesting circumstances, another recently discovered it’s therapeutic potential and two of these famous faces became public advocates for the emerging field of medicine.
Pam St. Clements (AKA Pat Butcher) Swears by CBD Oil
In 2017 iconic long-term Eastenders actor Pam St. Clements visited the USA for a road trip. But not just any road trip. The veteran actress was part of an ITV show called Gone To Pot: American Road Trip in which she accompanied various celebrities exploring America’s relationship with cannabis, from the medical to the recreational.
Upon returning from the US after filming the three-part show, St. Clements immediately sought out medical cannabis in the UK to treat her polymyalgia rheumatica. The actress had previously tried steroids for several years, and they had been proving less and less effective.
She eventually found CBD oil and now treats with it every day. She says it has lessened her pain considerably, allowing her to sleep better, have more energy and get more exercise.
St. Clements’ case is just one example of tens of thousands of positive patient stories from across the UK in recent years. Testimonies like these demonstrate medical cannabis products’ efficacy as lower back pain treatments, or for chronic pain in general. Patients interested in top quality CBD or a mix of CBD and THC containing medicines can contact a licensed private clinic today that will handle the whole process from initial consultation to follow up care plans.
Chart Topping Rapper Documents his Medical Cannabis Treatment Online
Jordan Stephens, one half of three-times-platinum-selling pop-rap duo Rizzle Kicks, has recently started medical cannabis treatment for his diagnosed ADHD. After initially documenting the process to his thousands of fans on social media, he has seen been sponsored by clinic Alternaleaf to continue doing so.
Stephens has previously been open about his struggles with his mental health, past drug addictions and the consequences of fame at a young age. He has for several years been a campaigner for men’s mental health issues, and in 2024 wrote a best-selling book exploring those topics.
As part of his medical cannabis treatment process he has written several spoken word poetry pieces about his hopes and the experience so far. Stephens, in podcasts and written interviews, has often highlighted that an estimated 12.5% of men in the UK have a mental health disorder yet far less than that number ever seek help or treatment.
Whoopi Goldberg Was an Early and Outspoken Advocate Across the Pond
Multiple major award-winning actress, TV host and performer Whoopi Goldberg has been a long-term advocate for medical cannabis in the US. She began medical cannabis treatment for her endometriosis and menstrual cramps in the early days of medical legalisation in California in the late 90s. The evidence of modern science is catching up to this idea, with the body’s endocannabinoid system increasingly considered as pivotal in long-term treatment for the condition.
Goldberg didn’t stop at treatment however. She found it so revolutionary for her life, that she felt compelled to evangelise it’s medical potential to the world. And, also, it was a business venture. Today Goldberg runs a cannabis product brand for US audiences called Emma & Clyde. It’s top selling items include a CBD, THC and arnica mixed topical gel.
Although celebrity investment is good for expanding the medical cannabis market, it does create some issues. Especially when it comes to high-street sales legal CBD. With more brands on the market than ever before, knowing the best option can be a hassle. That’s why resources like supreme cbd reviews from expert comparison sites are invaluable in understanding if a product is actually top quality or just marketing hype.
Sir Patrick Stewart Takes Cannabis Lozenges for His Arthritis
Possibly one of the UK’s most-respected actors, the veteran thespian Sir Patrick Stewart began medical cannabis treatment for his ortho-arthritis in 2017. That was while living in California, although he has since also been prescribed in the UK.
The 85-year-old actor had been taking a range of pharmaceuticals for treatment, but dropped them all when he discovered medical cannabis. He was apparently prescribed a topical CBD containing spray and THC lozenges. Stewart says the treatment has reduced his pain, helped him sleep better and physically improved the joint stiffness in his hands.
The same year he began his treatment in the US he publicly backed medical legalisation in the UK several times, including supporting an Oxford University study into studying cannabis for chronic pain. His efforts may well have played a role in influencing public perception, before the government legalised medical cannabis in 2018.