Patient Voice is part of the Cannabis Trades Association’s Sector Strategy Committees (SSCs) and exists to bring together the many organisations, advocates and patients who represent the medical cannabis community in the UK.
The committee provides a calm, neutral space where different advocacy groups can come together to share ideas, experiences and concerns. It is built on respect, equality and understanding, creating a place where everyone has an equal voice and a shared goal – improving the lives of patients.
The CTA created Patient Voice because, as a recognised stakeholder to government, we are in a unique position to listen to all sides and bring them together. By gathering the key points raised by different advocacy groups, we can help shape a clear and balanced strategy that reflects the needs of all patients.
We are a neutral force, independent of any single clinic, campaign or commercial interest. Our focus is on achieving outcomes that benefit every patient, no matter how or where they access their medicine.
How Patient Voice Works
- A Neutral Table: Meetings are chaired independently, giving every advocacy group the opportunity to be heard.
- Equal Seats, Different Voices: Every organisation has an equal right to participate. The aim is collaboration, not conformity.
- A Charter of Respect: All participants agree to openness, confidentiality and patient-centred discussion.
- Collective Action, Independent Identity: Shared goals, such as reducing stigma and improving access, can be coordinated into joint statements or campaigns that each group can adapt for their own communities.
- Listening and Learning: Regular listening sessions capture real patient experiences and feed them into the CTA’s wider policy work and submissions to government, regulators and the NHS.
- Transparency and Continuity: Meeting summaries, rotating chairs and consistent communication help build trust and accountability.
Our Vision
To bring together and empower patient-led organisations until equality of access and acceptance make the need for advocacy redundant.
Patient Voice exists for all those who wish to see a stronger, fairer and more united future for medical cannabis patients in the UK. Working together now means that future patients will not have to fight the same battles again.
