Can your photographs help change how people see medical cannabis patients?
Researchers at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) want to hear from people in the UK who have a legal prescription for medical cannabis. By taking part, you can help show the world what life is really like as a prescribed patient.
About the study
The MedCan Project: Seeing Stigma — Liverpool John Moores University, 2025
Many people who use medical cannabis with a legal prescription still face unfair judgement from others. This can happen at work, in healthcare settings, or in everyday social life. The Seeing Stigma study wants to understand this experience from the inside, in your own words and through your own eyes.
This study uses a method called Photovoice. You take photographs in your daily life, then share what those images mean to you. Your photographs become evidence. They help researchers, policymakers, and the public understand the reality of living as a prescribed medical cannabis patient in the UK.
The research team has already taken patient stories to parliament. This is your chance to make your voice part of that conversation.
What is Photovoice?
Photovoice is a research method where you take photographs to tell your story. You do not need to be a photographer. You just need a mobile phone or camera and the ability to share a few images by email, along with a short note about what each photo means to you. There are no right or wrong answers.
Who can take part?
You are eligible if all three of the following apply to you.
Aged 18 or over
You must be an adult aged 18 or older to take part in this study.
Living in the UK
You must currently be living in the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Prescribed patient or carer
You are currently prescribed medical cannabis by a doctor, or you are a carer for someone who is.
This particular study is about medical cannabis used with a legal UK prescription. It does not include recreational cannabis use. If you are unsure whether you qualify, you can register your interest and the research team will confirm your eligibility.
What would I need to do?
Taking part is straightforward and entirely on your own terms.
Register your interest
Complete a short online form. This does not commit you to anything. The team will send you a full information pack.
Take photographs
Using any camera or mobile phone, take photos that represent your life as a prescribed patient. No photography experience is needed.
Share by email
Send your photographs to the research team along with a few words about what each image means to you.
Optional interview
You may be invited to a short online conversation about your photographs. You can say no, or stop at any point.
Your privacy and safety
Your wellbeing and confidentiality come first throughout this study.
Ready to get involved?
Register your interest now. Completing the form takes just a few minutes and commits you to nothing. The research team will send you the full participant information pack and answer any questions you have.
Lead researcher
Dr Metcalf McGrath leads the MedCan Project at LJMU. Her team has previously carried patient research directly to parliament. You can contact her directly if you have any questions before deciding whether to take part.
