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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

Want to contribute to medical cannabis research in the UK?

When research papers say things like ‘1 in 5 MS patients have used cannabis to manage their symptoms’, have you ever wondered who these people actually are, or what their lives are like? Well, if you’re thinking of becoming a Releaf medical cannabis patient, you could be one of these people in the very near future!

Releaf medical cannabis: why a varied formulary is essential

Every patient is unique, and so are their medical needs. As a medical cannabis clinic, having a varied formulary allows us to cater to a large cohort of patients, from those with chronic pain or insomnia, to those with anxiety and depression, or MS and Parkinson’s, and offer them each unique, individualised treatment plans.

Dignity Action Day: Medical cannabis in care homes and hospitals

As the first of February, today marks Dignity Action Day! On Dignity Action Day, health and social care staff in the UK make an extra effort to raise awareness for more dignified, respectful ways of behaving towards those who use their services. Paying particular attention to those that are vulnerable, Dignity Action Day was originally named ‘Dignity in Care’ and was set up as a fundraising effort back in 2008.

One year of Releaf: Your Health. Your Body. Your Choice

365 days ago, on the 1st of February 2024 Releaf medical cannabis clinic officially launched. Ever since then, lives have been changed on a daily basis - and our patient stories attest to this. To celebrate this milestone, and change many more lives, we’re reducing the price of our initial consultations by £60 - offering appointments with specialist GMC registered clinicians for just £39.99. Simply use the code 1YEAR60 at checkout.

Experts explain: Dr Maria Knöbel on medical cannabis and menopause

Around the world, medical cannabis and menopause are subjects that have been unfairly deaminised and stigmatised for generations. From a lack of public awareness and professional understanding, to misinformation and misconceptions, thankfully, now this rhetoric is starting to change - and that’s something we’re keen to be a part of.

Africa: Travelling with medical cannabis

For anyone in the UK, embarking on a journey across the African continent sounds like an incredibly exciting and exhilarating experience, however the intricacies of travelling with prescribed medications, particularly medical cannabis, require careful consideration.

Europe: Travelling with medical cannabis

Europe is a fantastic continent where ancient castles and cathedrals majestically meet modern cities and beautiful beaches, offering almost any kind of adventure you could dream of. We’d love for everyone to have the opportunity to explore different European cities like Rome, Barcelona, Paris, Berlin, or Amsterdam, and a medical cannabis prescription shouldn’t get in the way of this.

Reflecting on medical cannabis research: Yes We Can

Almost a year after launching, the Cannabis Industry Council’s ‘Yes We Can’ research report was published, revealing what UK based medical cannabis patients think about various aspects of the medical cannabis industry. Here, we take a look at what they found, and, what this could mean.

A UK first for medical cannabis patients: Releaf and Glass Pharms join forces to solve supply issues sustainably

Announced in The Sunday Times, Releaf have made history with the launch of a range of domestically, UK-grown medical cannabis cultivars. Releaf patient Chloe Durrington became the first person ever in the UK to receive prescribed medical cannabis flower that was grown here in the UK, by Glass Pharms®, just 200 miles from her home. Want to be among the first people in the UK to receive UK-grown medical cannabis on prescription? Check your eligibility here or speak to your Releaf clinician.

Long‐term safety and treatment effects of cannabidiol in children and adults with treatment‐resistant epilepsies

This paper explores the ongoing expanded-access program (EAP) for patients with treatment-resistant epilepsies (TREs), evaluating the long-term safety and treatment effects of cannabidiol (CBD). It provides important insights into the efficacy of CBD in reducing seizure frequency and highlights its generally well-tolerated nature. Join us as we delve into the abstract, results, contributions, and practical implications of this significant study in the realm of medical cannabis research and clinical trials.

Releaf’s research recap: UK medical cannabis facts

At Releaf, one of our core commitments is to provide accurate, reliable and relevant information about medical cannabis treatments here in the UK, and in order to do this we’ve conducted our own research on numerous occasions.

Can you get a medical cannabis card for Crohn’s disease in the UK?

Crohn's disease is an autoimmune condition that can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It is characterised by inflammation of the digestive tract, which can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss and fatigue. While there is no known cure for Crohn's disease, patients have a range of treatment options available to them here in the UK, with medical cannabis being one of them.

What the professionals say about medical cannabis on holiday

We know that dream holidays can create memories that last a lifetime, and we want to do everything we can to help you make those memories, whilst staying medicated. Here we’ve collated advice from the UK Home Office, Government, International Narcotics Control Board, and The Sanskara Platform so that you can scope out the horizons for your next destination. 

Real stories, Real impact: How we’re making a difference across the UK.

At Releaf, our mission is to enhance the quality of life of individuals across the UK by giving them back control of their health. And throughout 2024, as well as providing patient-focused care and unwavering support through our expert clinical and patient support teams, we’ve had the privilege of speaking with our patients one on one to find out more about their health journeys. 

New Year, new me, new treatment: Medical cannabis in 2025.

Explore the potential of medical cannabis in 2025 as an alternative healthcare option in the UK. Learn how Releaf helps patients address health concerns like anxiety, chronic pain, and more with personalised, patient-centred treatment plans. Discover the benefits, conditions eligible for treatment, and how to take the first step toward a healthier you this New Year.

Discussing medical cannabis at Christmas

With extended families coming together and immediate families typically spending long periods of time together over the Christmas period, catching up on what everyone has been up to over the last year is a common course conversation takes.

Releaf Unwrapped: What we got up to in 2024

This year, we’ve taken a leaf from Spotify’s book and put together a collection of our favourite moments during 2024. As the year draws to a close, here we reflect on our milestones, growth, and most importantly, the transformative difference we’re making for patients.

Releaf in the Press: Highlights from the Medical Cannabis Sector 2024

Releaf has been at the forefront of the UK medical cannabis sector throughout 2024, garnering widespread media attention for its innovative patient-first approach and groundbreaking initiatives. From leading the conversation around accessibility to driving awareness of medical cannabis treatment options, Releaf has consistently made headlines, shaping the narrative of this rapidly evolving industry. With notable features in national publications and influential platforms, the spotlight on Releaf reflects its commitment to transforming lives and redefining the future of medical cannabis care in the UK.

"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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