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Name tag

Lucy MacKinnon

Education

Joint Honours Degree in Journalism and Media and Communications.

Experience

Junior Journalist at Orange Fox Media, creating content for vaping publications, media partnerships, and blogs. Journalist at The Cannavist, securing the UK's first commercial cannabis publication deal with WHSmiths and Easons in Ireland. Published numerous articles covering different aspects of the cannabis industry and interviewed experts. Collaborated on official media partnerships, including the Europe CBD Expo official show guide.

Written For

Vapouround, Evade Magazine, StudyInn.

Lucy is a respected journalist and content writer within the medical cannabis sector. Passionate about removing the stigma that surrounds cannabis-based treatments, and improving patient outcomes, Lucy is dedicated to creating high quality content that educates, informs, and raises awareness of medical cannabis in the UK. During her time at Releaf Lucy has spearheaded our 2023 market research report, Say No To Pain, which, as the UK’s largest study of attitudes towards medical cannabis, provided invaluable insight into the current medical cannabis climate in the UK. She has also been a large contributor to our blog and education section, and as well as producing medical cannabis patient travel guides, Lucy has helped to create one of the largest medical cannabis glossaries available online. Lucy started her content career in the vaping industry as a junior journalist and quickly segued into cannabis journalism in 2019. Lucy has previously written for The Cannavist, the UK’s first cannabis-based publication sold in high-street retailers such as W H Smiths and Easons in Ireland, has collaborated on official media partnerships including the Europe CBD Expo show guide, and has conducted in-depth interviews industry members, healthcare professionals, and patients alike.

Releaf articles

A tale of two tolerances: Is Texas really banning THC?

You may have heard of the Texas THC ban - a new initiative introduced by lawmakers concerned about public health. But, while the State seeks to ‘ban THC’ and criminalise even trace amounts of THC in over the counter products, they’re simultaneously proposing to widen access to medical marijuana products, by altering the Texas Compassionate Use Program parameters.

Royal Rumours: Medical cannabis fit for a king?

Rumours are circulating that King Charles III may be using medical cannabis to ease cancer symptoms—but is there any truth behind the tabloid headlines? In this blog, we unpack the claims, explore the monarch’s long-standing support for alternative therapies, and explain how medical cannabis is legally accessed in the UK today.

Real patient voices: Father’s Day focus for ‘Medical Cannabis and Me’

Yesterday, the 15th of June, was Father’s Day. So, for the fifth edition of our latest series, ‘Medical cannabis and me: Real patient voices’ we’re taking on the Father’s Day theme. Here we share insights from three fathers who recently embarked upon their medical cannabis journeys. Their main motivation? Getting healthier, and happier, so that they can benefit not only their wellbeing and quality of life - but their children’s too.

Decriminalising cannabis: What Sadiq Khan’s proposal could mean for medical cannabis patients

While Sir Sadiq Khan’s proposal for cannabis decriminalisation could change the future of cannabis policing, in the present day patients still need clarity, and ultimately, protection. At Releaf we’re proud to stand beside them, offering legitimacy, safety, and support - but as we look ahead, we won’t forget the complex history that’s brought us to this point.

Real patient voices: Multiple sclerosis, medical cannabis, and me

Today marks the fourth instalment of our most recent series: ‘Medical cannabis and me: Real patient voices’, a space dedicated to highlighting first-hand accounts of Releaf patients using cannabis-based treatments to manage their health conditions. In this edition, we’re paying special attention to individuals who have turned to Releaf for MS symptom management.

Keeping patients safe: Clarifying legal and clinical claims in medical cannabis advocacy

Last month, Seed Our Future, a national campaign who raise awareness of UK cannabis law, published a report that discusses the differences between smoking and vaping prescribed cannabis. Advocacy efforts like this play a vital role in shaping public understanding and pushing for reform, but, they only serve patients well when the information they share is accurate.

Real patient voices: How medical cannabis has helped alleviate digestive discomfort

If you’re an avid Releaf reader, you’ll know we recently started to share our patient’s voices on our blog, in the form of their testimonials, in our latest series ‘Medical cannabis and me: Real patient voices’. And considering next Wednesday its World Digestive Health Day, we thought it would be particularly fitting to pay special attention to those who’ve found relief in this area this week.

Motivated Mondays: Why the start of the week is popular for healthcare

Are Mondays really the worst day for healthcare appointments—or the best? While some research claims early-week consultations are more likely to be missed, Releaf’s latest data tells a different story. From booking patterns to attendance rates and prescription orders, we explore why Mondays might just be the most proactive day in medical cannabis care.

Earth Day special: Is cannabis natural?

Is medical cannabis natural? This Earth Day, explore the origins, environmental impact, and sustainability of cannabis-based medicines. Learn how plant-based treatments like medical cannabis fit into the natural vs synthetic medicine debate—and why they may be better for the planet.

THC talk: How much THC is too much?

Medical cannabis has been legally available and accessible in the UK since 2018. But, unlike CBD products that are available over the counter, here in the UK there is no limit for THC content in prescribed cannabis based treatments. This begs the question: how much THC is too much? And, why does this matter for patients, clinicians, and the future of cannabis-based medicine?

Medical cannabis and me: Real patient voices

Every month, we have the luxury of sitting down with real Releaf patients to hear their stories, from their struggles to their successes, to their experiences with medical cannabis

Healthcare history in the making: Releaf integrate with NHS Spine

Releaf has integrated with NHS Spine, allowing patients in England to instantly share their medical records via NHS login, streamlining the sign-up process for medical cannabis treatment. This milestone not only improves patient access and continuity of care but also helps normalise cannabis-based medicines within mainstream healthcare systems.

Inspirational stories for International Women's Day: Taking back control with medical cannabis

On Saturday the 8th of March, International Women’s Day is celebrated. Dedicated to recognising the achievements, resilience, and strength of women around the world, International Women’s Day is something we’re proud to take part in here at Releaf. This year, we’ve decided to celebrate by sharing five inspirational stories from women in the UK accessing medical cannabis through our services.

Expert Insights: GP’s perspective on medical cannabis prescribing in the UK

In the UK, there's still a lot of confusion centred around medical cannabis. Many are unsure of what conditions medical cannabis can be used to treat, where these treatments can be accessed, and what kind of healthcare professionals are allowed to prescribe them. With misinformation and misunderstanding perpetuating the narrative we’re here to address these issues, and answer these questions with expert insights.

Which rare conditions are treated at Releaf?

Next Friday, it’s Rare Disease Day, an event that takes place every year on the last day in February to act as a day of observance for rare conditions and the individuals they affect. This year, we’ve put together this blog to discuss which of the 83 conditions currently treated at Releaf are classed as rare, and, how frequently patients with these conditions are seen at our service.

"Since starting my treatment plan with Releaf, I’m genuinely shocked at how well it has worked."
Chloe Durrington, Releaf patient

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