Torridge town sees medicinal cannabis use grow more than anywhere else in the UK

The number of medical cannabis patients in Bideford has grown faster than any other area in the UK, according to the latest data.

New patient data from Releaf, a leading medical cannabis clinic, showed the town had recorded the highest percentage growth in active medical cannabis patients in 2025.

The company said between January and December 2025, Bideford’s Releaf patient numbers rose from 24 to 109, representing a growth of more than 350%.

With a population of around 18,000, the town has effectively outpaced major cities such as Manchester, Birmingham and London, which had a growth of around 175% over the same period.

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Releaf says this indicates a broader shift in how people are engaging with their healthcare, seeking out alternative treatment options, with the fastest growth occurring in smaller towns.

North Devon and Torridge face well-documented challenges around access to NHS care, with patients in some parts of the region experiencing long and uncertain waiting times for routine and specialist appointments.

Data has repeatedly highlighted inequalities, particularly for people living in rural and coastal communities such as Ilfracombe, where distance, transport and service availability can affect how quickly care can be accessed.

Dr Tasawar Hussain, a general practitioner at Releaf, said: “Growth in patient numbers reflects increasing awareness of prescribed medical cannabis as a regulated treatment option.

“What’s particularly notable is that this growth is being seen across a wider range of communities, not just in major cities, suggesting access to specialist care is becoming more visible in different parts of the UK.”

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