Remembering Hannah Deacon

Published: 1 June 2025
Last Updated: 24 July 2026
Last Reviewed: 24 July 2026
Author: Weed Supermarket Editorial Team

A Pioneer of Medical Cannabis Advocacy in the UK

Few individuals have had as much influence on the development of medical cannabis policy in the UK as Hannah Deacon.

Following her passing in May 2025 at the age of 45, tributes came from across the medical, political and patient communities in recognition of her determination, compassion and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.

Although many people know Hannah through the campaign to help her son Alfie, her contribution extended far beyond one family. Her work helped shape public discussion around cannabis-based medicines and remains an important chapter in the history of medical cannabis in the UK.

Who Was Hannah Deacon?

Hannah Deacon was a British medical cannabis campaigner whose advocacy became widely recognised following her efforts to obtain effective treatment for her son, Alfie Dingley.

Alfie was diagnosed with PCDH19-related epilepsy, a rare condition associated with severe and frequent seizures.

After conventional treatments failed to provide adequate control, Hannah and her family sought alternative options that were available outside the UK.

A Mother’s Determination

In 2017, Hannah and her family travelled to the Netherlands, where Alfie was able to receive cannabis-based treatment under medical supervision.

According to the family, the treatment resulted in a substantial reduction in the frequency and severity of his seizures.

At that time, however, access to similar treatment in the UK was extremely limited.

Rather than accepting the situation, Hannah began campaigning for wider access to cannabis-based medicinal products for patients with genuine clinical need.

Helping Change UK Law

Hannah’s campaign attracted widespread public attention and support.

Working alongside healthcare professionals, politicians, patient groups and other families, she helped raise awareness of the challenges faced by patients seeking access to specialist cannabis-based medicines.

Public support grew rapidly, with hundreds of thousands of people backing petitions calling for change.

In November 2018, the UK government amended legislation to allow specialist doctors to prescribe certain cannabis-based medicinal products in limited circumstances.

Although many people and organisations contributed to this significant policy change, Hannah’s campaign became one of its most recognisable driving forces.

Advocating Beyond Her Own Family

Following the legal changes, Hannah continued to campaign for improved patient access, greater clinical understanding and further scientific research.

Her work included supporting organisations focused on:

Patient advocacy.
Medical education.
Clinical guidance.
Healthcare professional training.
Improving access to evidence-based cannabis medicines.

She became widely respected for bringing together clinicians, researchers, policymakers and patient groups in constructive discussion.

Medical Cannabis in the UK Today

Since legislative changes in 2018, specialist doctors in the UK have been able to prescribe certain cannabis-based medicinal products in carefully defined circumstances.

Access remains tightly regulated, and prescribing decisions are made according to clinical judgement, available evidence and current guidance.

Medical cannabis should not be confused with consumer CBD products, which are regulated under separate legal frameworks.

The Importance of Scientific Research

Throughout her advocacy, Hannah consistently encouraged greater scientific understanding of cannabis-based medicines.

Research continues in areas including:

Treatment-resistant epilepsy.
Neurological disorders.
Chronic pain.
Multiple sclerosis.
Cancer-related symptoms.
Other conditions where cannabinoids continue to be investigated.

While evidence has grown considerably, researchers continue to emphasise the importance of large, high-quality clinical trials.

A Lasting Legacy

Hannah Deacon’s influence extends well beyond changes to legislation.

She demonstrated how determined patient advocacy can contribute to public awareness, encourage scientific discussion and influence policy development.

Her work also helped bring greater attention to families living with rare medical conditions and the challenges they often face when accessing specialist treatments.

Although opinions regarding cannabis policy continue to differ, Hannah’s commitment to improving outcomes for patients earned widespread respect across healthcare, politics and patient communities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Hannah Deacon?

Hannah Deacon was a British medical cannabis campaigner best known for advocating improved access to cannabis-based medicinal products following her son Alfie’s diagnosis with treatment-resistant epilepsy.

Why is Hannah Deacon important?

She became one of the UK’s most recognised patient advocates and played a significant role in raising awareness of medical cannabis and supporting legislative change in 2018.

Did Hannah Deacon change UK law on her own?

No. Legislative change resulted from the work of many patients, families, clinicians, campaigners and policymakers, although Hannah became one of the most prominent public figures associated with the campaign.

Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?

Certain cannabis-based medicinal products may be prescribed by specialist doctors in limited clinical circumstances under UK law.

Is medical cannabis the same as CBD?

No. Prescription cannabis medicines and consumer CBD products are different categories of products and are regulated under different legal frameworks.

Final Thoughts

Hannah Deacon’s determination transformed a deeply personal challenge into a campaign that helped shape national discussion around medical cannabis.

Her legacy continues through the patients, families, clinicians and researchers whose work has been influenced by her advocacy, as well as through the greater public awareness she helped create.

Whether viewed from a medical, legal or humanitarian perspective, Hannah’s contribution remains an important part of the modern history of medical cannabis in the United Kingdom.

Compliance Statement

This article is provided for educational and historical purposes only. It discusses developments relating to medical cannabis policy in the UK and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Decisions regarding treatment should always be made in consultation with appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.

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Remembering Hannah Deacon: Medical Cannabis Pioneer