A break-down of Releaf's prescription process
8 min read
Sam North
For most patients, starting any new treatment option comes with a mix of hope and hesitation, along with a list of niggling doubts and questions.
Questions like "Maybe this will be the treatment option that finally makes a difference?", "What if the sign-up process is complicated?", "Will it take weeks of paperwork and phone calls?", and "What if it turns out to be more hassle than help?" are not uncommon, but they are easily answered.
Here at Releaf, we have taken what some private medical cannabis clinics make into a bureaucratic maze and turned it into a smooth, efficient process that gets the vast majority of new eligible patients from eligibility check to prescription delivery in just five to seven working days.
But how does it all work?
From the moment you first land on the Releaf website to the second your prescription arrives, here is exactly what to expect as a new Releaf patient.
Contents
Step 1 to 3: Eligibility check and medical record review
Step 1 - Answer the three questions in our medical cannabis eligibility checker
Here at Releaf, we offer a fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker. It takes less than 30 seconds to complete, and after answering just three questions, you'll instantly find out if you potentially qualify for a fully legal medical cannabis prescription in the UK.
If so, you will be prompted to the next step.
Step 2 - Create a free Releaf account
Once you have completed the eligibility checker and received confirmation that you may qualify for treatment, the next step is to create your free account for the Releaf Patient Portal.
The Releaf Patient Portal is a bespoke piece of health tech that we have built from the ground up to make sure that every Releaf patient can easily manage their consultation bookings, prescriptions, payments, and delivery updates.
Think of the Patient Portal as your personal cannabis treatment dashboard, where you will find all the information you need regarding your treatment plan.
Step 3 - Consent to medical record retrieval
Before we can book you in for your initial consultation, one of the 26 + specialists that make up our world-class clinical team need to review your medical history. Simply use our incorporated NHS login tool to grants us instant, safe and secure access to your health records when creating your account, and we can get this started straight away.
Our team of doctors and nurses need to have a full overview of your medical history to make sure that your newly prescribed treatment aligns with your medical background and current treatment needs.
Alternatively, you can ask your GP to provide you with a copy of your medical records, which you can then manually upload through the Releaf Patent Portal.
Step 4 to 6: Initial consultation, prescription, and MDT approval
Step 4 - Book and pay for your initial consultation
Once we have received and reviewed your medical records, you can log into the Patient Portal and book your initial consultation.
To book a consultation, log into your Patient Portal and select the 'Book Consultation' tab (third from the top on the left-hand cascading menu).
Click on the day that suits you best, choose a time slot on that day, and then pay for the consultation to secure your booking.
Should you be found to be ineligible during your initial consultation, and you have supplied all the necessary information accurately and truthfully, you will be entitled to a refund for your medical cannabis consultation through our money-back guarantee.
Step 5 - Attend your initial consultation
All Releaf consultations are held virtually, allowing you to access Releaf medical cannabis from the comfort of your own home. Each initial consultation is run by one of our highly trained specialist doctors and takes around 30 minutes. During the consultation, the specialist will assess your medical history, symptoms, and current treatment plan.
This is your opportunity to discuss your condition in detail, ask any questions, and explore whether medical cannabis may be a suitable option for you.
If the specialist finds that medical cannabis is an appropriate treatment option for your health needs, they will then discuss the different medical cannabis flower and oil options that are available to help treat your condition, and issue a provisional prescription.
This prescription is then sent to our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) for approval.
Step 6 - Prescription review and approval by the MDT
All new private medical prescriptions in the UK require approval from an MDT, and medical cannabis is no exception.
Releaf’s MDT is made up of prescribing specialists, GPs, nurses, and patient support experts, all working together to ensure that every prescription meets the highest medical and regulatory standards. This step is essential in maintaining the safety, effectiveness, and compliance of your treatment.
During the review process, the MDT will:
- Review your prescription to confirm it has the potential ability to help with your medical history and condition
- Ensure all regulatory guidelines are met, which then helps prevent any issues with pharmacy dispensing
- Double-check potential interactions with any existing medications you may be taking
Once your prescription passes the MDT review (which usually takes less than 24 hours), your prescription will be added to your Patient Portal, and you will receive a notification to proceed to payment.
Step 7 and 8: Payment, dispensing, and delivery
Step 7 - Prescription payment and dispensing
Once your prescription has been approved, you will be able to log into your Patient Portal to complete payment.
To do so, select the ‘Prescriptions’ tab (second from the top on the cascading left-hand side menu).
Here you will find a summary of your prescription. The cost of your medication will be clearly displayed, with no hidden fees. Once you have reviewed your prescription details and are ready to proceed, click ‘Pay Now’ to complete the payment process.
As soon as we receive payment, your prescription will be sent to our pharmacy partner, Xeal Dispensary, who will then dispense and dispatch your medication.
Step 8 - Tracked delivery to your door
Your medication will be shipped via tracked delivery, so you will always know when to expect it. Keep in mind that medical cannabis is still a controlled substance, and you will be required to sign for your medication delivery.
Releaf-branded products are typically delivered within two to four working days of the prescription being handed to our pharmacy partner. Other options that we source from international suppliers may take up to seven working days (although these also often arrive sooner).
Once you have your medicine, carefully read the instructions on how to take it. If you are unsure about anything whatsoever, please do not hesitate to reach out to our amazing Patient Support Team at support@releaf.co.uk and +44 (0) 20 3657 3346. They are here to assist you in any way possible and are always happy to answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between the prescription process for new and existing patients?
For new patients, every first-time prescription must be reviewed and approved by Releaf’s multidisciplinary team (MDT) before payment. This ensures that the prescribed treatment is suitable, meets UK medical regulations, and aligns with the patient’s medical history.
For existing patients, the flow is slightly different.
When a repeat prescription is issued for Releaf patients, they usually don’t need to be discussed or approved at the daily MDT meeting unless the patient or clinician involved has expressed concerns, or requested adjustments or changes to said treatment plan. Instead, after the prescription has been paid for, it is sent to one of Releaf’s specialist doctors for sign off, and then straight for dispensing to simplify, and speed up the process.
How long does the Releaf prescription process take?
The process for new patients typically takes five to seven working days, from eligibility check to prescription delivery.
Will my GP find out that I have applied for a medical cannabis prescription?
Yes, as we need to request your medical records (or you can ask for a copy yourself) - but you do not need a GP referral.
Accessing your GP's medical records is an important and legally required step, as it allows our world-class clinical team to better understand your medical history and gain insight into your current condition/s.
The wrap-up
And that is it, from quickly and easily checking your UK medical cannabis eligibility to doorstep medical cannabis delivery in less than five days, all without any of the common hurdles of private healthcare.
Our vision is to provide the highest quality medical cannabis care in the UK. We have worked tirelessly to make sure every eligible UK patient has access to safe, effective, and fully regulated medical cannabis treatment options. Whether you are new to medical cannabis or looking for a smoother, more patient-friendly experience, Releaf is here to guide you every step of the way.
To learn more, check out the rest of our New Patient blog series, including:
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It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Sam North, a seasoned writer with over five years' experience and expertise in medicinal cannabis, brings clarity to complex concepts, focusing on education and informed use.
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All of our articles are written by medical cannabis experts, guided by strict sourcing guidelines, and reference peer-reviewed studies and credible academic research. Our expert clinical team and compliance specialists provide valuable insights to ensure accuracy when required. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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Further reading
What to expect: your first medical cannabis consultation
At Releaf, we’re on a mission to make accessing medical cannabis treatments as easy as possible for those that need them, and one of the ways we’re doing this is by breaking down barriers, answering FAQs, and debunking myths. So today, we’re discussing what to expect at your first medical cannabis consultation with Releaf.
Lucy MacKinnon
How do I access my medical cannabis consultation?
Becoming a Releaf medical cannabis patient and accessing your medical cannabis consultations is easy, and the entire process can be done from the comfort of your own home.
Sam North