Cannabis Articles About Medical Conditions

Conditions

Learn how medical cannabis aids various health conditions. Explore insights, research, and patient stories for informed treatment guidance.

Releaf and brainstrust: A brand-new partnership to support brain tumour patients

We are proud to announce a new partnership between Releaf and brainstrust, the UK charity supporting people affected by a brain tumour. Together, we want to make sure that anyone living with a brain tumour has access to compassionate, expert care through the most trusted medical cannabis clinic in the UK. Here is what the partnership means and how patients currently in treatment can get in touch.

5 min read

10.07.2026

Sam North

National Cancer Survivor’s Day: How medical cannabis supports patients living with cancer

Living with cancer involves far more than the diagnosis itself, with symptoms like pain, nausea and poor sleep affecting everyday life. For National Cancer Survivors' Day 2026, this guide explores how medical cannabis may support eligible patients in managing cancer-related symptoms as part of a wider, clinician-led care plan.

10 min read

07.06.2026

Patrick Bawn

What 24 cancer patients told us about medical cannabis for symptom relief: findings from Releaf's 2025 UK patient survey

Releaf's 2025 UK Medical Cannabis Patient Survey is the largest survey of active UK medical cannabis patients ever conducted. Of the 1,669 respondents, 24 selected cancer-related as their primary condition category. All 24 reported an improvement in quality of life, 83.3% rated their treatment extremely, very, or moderately effective, 83.3% experienced no side effects, and 95.8% would recommend medical cannabis to others. Here is what these patients told us about managing their symptoms alongside conventional oncology care.

7 min read

03.06.2026

Sam North

Decoding Cannabis: what the first placebo-controlled cannabis migraine trial means for patients in 2026

The first randomised, placebo-controlled trial of vaporised cannabis for migraine attacks has finally been published. Researchers at UC San Diego compared THC, CBD, a balanced combination, and placebo across 247 treated migraines. The balanced ratio came out clearly ahead, with sustained benefit at 24 and 48 hours and no serious adverse events. We unpack what the trial proves, where it falls short, and how the results sit alongside Releaf's UK patient survey data on medical cannabis for migraine.

8 min read

26.05.2026

Sam North

What the UK’s largest active medical cannabis patient survey revealed about gastroenterological conditions

96.1% of UK gastroenterological patients surveyed in Releaf’s 2025 medical cannabis survey said their prescribed medical cannabis treatment was effective at managing their symptoms, 97.4% reported improvements in their overall quality of life, and 98.7% said they would recommend medical cannabis treatment to someone with a similar qualifying condition.

8 min read

19.05.2026

Sam North

94.4% of patients with sleep conditions report effective treatment: results from the UK’s largest medical cannabis survey

Based on UK patient data from 329 respondents within a wider survey of 1,669 participants, 94.4% say medical cannabis is effective for sleep-related conditions, with 82% noticing changes within the first week and 97.9% experiencing improved quality of life. The findings come from the largest ever survey of active UK medical cannabis patients.

9 min read

04.05.2026

Sam North

Decoding Cannabis: does cannabis cause cognitive decline? What a 44-year study found

A major Danish study followed more than 5,000 men for over four decades to understand how cannabis use affects cognitive decline. The findings challenge common assumptions, showing no evidence of accelerated decline. But what does this actually mean for your brain health over time?

10 min read

15.04.2026

Sam North

Stress Awareness Month 2026: 10 tips to manage stress and how medical cannabis can help

Stress can build up slowly and affect how we sleep, feel and cope day to day. For Stress Awareness Month 2026, this guide explores 10 practical ways to manage stress more effectively, while also looking at how medical cannabis may support symptom relief as part of a wider treatment approach.

11 min read

13.04.2026

Patrick Bawn

World Parkinson's Day 2026: A detailed look at medical cannabis and Parkinson’s disease

The relationship between medical cannabis and Parkinson’s disease is a growing area of clinical interest, with more and more papers exploring its potential impact on symptoms like sleep disorders, anxiety, pain and tremors. In support of World Parkinson’s Day, this guide takes a detailed look at what recent clinical research tells us about cannabis-based treatment options for Parkinson’s disease.

12 min read

15.04.2026

Patrick Bawn

91.1% of neurological patients report effective treatment: results from the UK’s largest medical cannabis survey

Results from the UK’s largest medical cannabis patient survey highlight strong effectiveness, improved quality of life, and low levels of reported side effects among neurological patients. Based on 494 respondents, the findings offer a detailed, real-world view of how prescribed treatment is working across a range of neurological conditions in the UK.

8 min read

07.04.2026

Sam North

Medical cannabis for anxiety and mental health: is the evidence being misinterpreted?

Recent mainstream media coverage has suggested there is no evidence medical cannabis helps mental health conditions, but that conclusion depends on how the data is interpreted. This article reviews clinical research alongside UK patient outcomes across anxiety, depression, and PTSD to show what the evidence actually says and where conclusions are simply too narrow.

12 min read

19.03.2026

Sam North

UK medical cannabis for chronic pain: what 792 current patients reported

In November 2025, Releaf conducted the largest medical cannabis patient survey ever carried out in the UK. This blog focuses on 792 people prescribed medical cannabis for chronic pain, sharing patient-reported data on effectiveness, quality of life, daily functioning, side effects, stigma, and confidence in real-world settings.

9 min read

11.02.2026

Sam North

UK medical cannabis for cancer-related pain, nausea, and vomiting in 2026

Cancer and its treatment can be associated with a wide range of symptoms and side effects. As we once again look to raise awareness for those living with cancer this World Cancer Day, we’re assessing the evidence and recommendations for the use of medical cannabis for cancer-related pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and more.

6 min read

05.02.2026

Emily Ledger

The Releaf guide to upper back pain causes and treatments options (2026)

Upper back pain can feel tight, sharp, or persistent, often affecting the area between your shoulder blades. This guide explains common causes, what different pain patterns may mean, and the treatment options that can help, including when to seek medical advice and where medical cannabis may fit into a wider pain management plan in 2026.

29 min read

02.02.2026

Sam North

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2026: Eliminating cervical cancer for good

Each year in the UK, more than 3,200 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Every January, health organisations and charities around the world come together to raise awareness about the signs and treatments of the disease and the importance of attending screening appointments for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

6 min read

22.01.2026

Emily Ledger

Self-care for the mind and body: Ideas and activities for Blue Monday and beyond

The third Monday in January has become known in the UK as “Blue Monday” - a day which is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. But what makes this day so trying? And more importantly, what self-care tips could help us overcome it?

8 min read

12.01.2026

Emily Ledger

The Releaf guide to lower back pain causes and treatments, 2026

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical support. This guide explains the entire gamut of lower back pain, what causes it, and the treatment options that may help, including medical cannabis, physiotherapy, exercises, and when to seek further care.

29 min read

07.01.2026

Sam North

What are the qualifying conditions for a UK medical cannabis prescription?

In this article we will look at the different medical conditions and routes of access UK patients can legally obtain a medicinal cannabis prescription through. Releaf recently conducted public surveys and published a report with the data titled Say No To Pain revealing 58.5% of the British population are likely to be unaware of the current medical cannabis laws.

10 min read

13.10.2026

Sam North

Decoding Cannabis: What the science says about menopause and medical cannabis

Menopause can bring complex physical and emotional symptoms that affect daily life. This Decoding Cannabis article explains how UK medical cannabis and CBD may help ease sleep issues, anxiety, and pain when used under clinical guidance. With UK regulation and medical oversight at its core, the piece highlights evidence, safety, and how cannabis may support women through the menopause transition

11 min read

08.05.2025

Sam North

Releaf and MS-UK's Upcoming Webinar

On the 12th of November, at 3 PM, Releaf is teaming up with MS-UK (the UK's leading multiple sclerosis charity) to bring patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals a free webinar discussing the increasingly significant role of medicinal cannabis in treating symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis.

5 min read

08.11.2024

Sam North

Real Voices: How Loved Ones React to Medical Cannabis

Starting your journey with medical cannabis treatment can be daunting, especially if it’s not something you’ve tried before. Many people are hesitant, not because they doubt the efficacy of the medication, but because of the social stigma which can come with it.

8 min read

14.10.2024

Sarah Sinclair

Sharing patient voices: My life with medical cannabis

To those looking for inspiration, we hope these testimonial snippets offer the encouragement you need to explore alternative options. Hallmark - take note - some of these stories are truly Oscar worthy!

8 min read

26.09.2024

Lucy MacKinnon

How to decide if medical cannabis is right for your condition

Patients in the UK have been able to access legal, regulated medical cannabis products for almost six years. Since the legalisation of medical cannabis in 2018, tens of thousands of patients have experienced the benefits of this incredible plant and its derivatives. But how do you know if medical cannabis is a good option for your health condition?

6 min read

25.09.2024

Emily Ledger

Exploring the potential of medical cannabis on Tourette's Awareness Day

Today, June 7th, is International Tourette's Awareness Day. A day dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of Tourette's Syndrome (TS) and to also celebrate the strength and resilience of those who live with it.

10 min read

16.12.2024

Sam North

Can medical cannabis help people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

Yes, cannabis-based therapy options are showing huge promise in helping reduce chronic pain, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal upset, muscle spasms and stiffness, anxiety, and also the reliance on heavy (and sometimes totally ineffective) pharmaceutical options that come along with the diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).

11 min read

31.05.2024

Sam North

Experts, insights, and experiences: Medical cannabis and mental health

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 highlights growing pressure on mental health services across the UK. As more people search for effective treatment options, medical cannabis is gaining attention as a prescribed alternative. This article brings together clinician insight and real patient experiences, alongside the latest UK evidence, to explain how it fits into modern mental health care.

10 min read

08.05.2026

Lucy MacKinnon

Understanding medical cannabis: A guide for Fibromyalgia patients

Fibromyalgia is an incurable chronic pain condition and one that can be pretty complicated to treat. It affects around 2 percent of the UK population, more women than men, and while it does sometimes develop in children, it is more often picked up in middle age.

9 min read

07.05.2025

Sam North

Ease the Transition: How medical cannabis can help during the menopause

Menopause is a natural process characterised by the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. It is associated with a number of symptoms that can cause significant disruption to everyday life. Yet, despite perimenopause and postmenopause affecting approximately 13 million people in the UK, there remains a distinct lack of awareness and education about menopause, as well as access to effective therapies.

9 min read

07.05.2024

Emily Ledger

Multiple sclerosis week: Exploring cannabis-based treatments for MS

This week is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week, where we shine a spotlight on this chronic disease that affects more than 130,000 people in the UK (and millions worldwide), and see how the change to UK medical cannabis laws is opening up new treatment options.

11 min read

16.12.2024

Sam North

How medical cannabis may help endometriosis patients

Endometriosis is estimated to affect around 10% of those with a womb between puberty and menopause, but still, effective treatments, and research into the condition itself, are severely lacking. This can, understandably, be extremely frustrating for those affected.

9 min read

25.04.2024

Lucy MacKinnon

World Parkinson's Month: a review of medical cannabis and Parkinson’s disease

Every hour, another two people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and while there is still no cure for the disease, there are treatments available to manage common Parkinson’s symptoms such as tremors, sleeping concerns, pain, and mental health concerns.

10 min read

22.11.2024

Lucy MacKinnon

Rare conditions medical cannabis may be prescribed for in the UK

With Rare Disease Day upon us, let's take this opportunity to have a look at how certain rare health conditions may benefit from medical cannabis and how medical cannabis has already been prescribed in the UK to treat some rare conditions.

9 min read

29.02.2024

Sam North

International Epilepsy Day 2026: medical cannabis access in the UK

International Epilepsy Day 2026 offers a timely look at epilepsy care in the UK. With over 630,000 people affected here in the UK, this guide explains how peoplle with epilepsy can legally acces medical cannabis treatment, along with seizure management research, and how legal frameworks continue to shape treatment options.

14 min read

09.02.2026

Sam North

Sweet dreams, Sound health: Unraveling the secrets to better sleep

Earlier this month, Self Care Week was celebrated all over the UK - but we think its importance rings true all year round. That’s why we’ve launched our latest blog series: Wellness Wednesday; to take a look at alternative, natural and holistic approaches to improving our wellbeing.

7 min read

15.11.2024

Lucy MacKinnon

Menopause Awareness Month: Shedding light on medical cannabis and the menopause

October is known as the month of falling leaves, cosy jumpers, and the start of spooky season – but, what you may not have known is that October is also World Menopause Awareness Month, with Menopause Awareness Day taking place on the 18th.

9 min read

02.02.2024

Lucy MacKinnon

The ABCs of SCRs: Accessing your Summary Care Record

When exploring medical cannabis as a treatment option in the UK, your journey begins with an essential step: a thorough evaluation of your eligibility. Here the clinical team have to establish a comprehensive understanding of your health history, which they do by asking for permission to access your health records, or your Summary Care Record (SCR).

7 min read

26.01.2024

Lucy MacKinnon

Rhodes to recovery: Greek study suggests medical cannabis can improve patient's quality of life

Recently, a team of researchers in Greece published the latest evidence that suggests medical cannabis can improve health related quality of life for patients living with various chronic diseases. These findings build on other studies from around the world, such as those conducted in the UK, and in Australia, which have also discovered a correlation between cannabis-based treatments and an improvement in quality of life.

5 min read

31.01.2024

Lucy MacKinnon

From taboo to treatment: Patients reflect on 5 years of legal cannabis

Patients in the United Kingdom were elated when the Home Office announced the legalisation of medical cannabis on November 1st 2018. Approximately 20,000 patients are prescribed legal cannabis-based medicinal products, mostly flowers, five years later. I spoke to six patients to find out how they feel about the law and what real-world impact it has had on their day-to-day lives.

17 min read

21.08.2023

Editorial Team

Itching for a new treatment? Cannabinoids show potential in psoriasis management

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin condition that affects an estimated 2.1 million people in the UK, and August marks its month of awareness. This extremely prevalent dermatological issue is currently incurable, and subjects patients to uncomfortable red, itchy patches of skin that can crack and bleed, which can be very painful.

7 min read

31.01.2024

Lucy MacKinnon

My cannabis journey: Nigel Burt

At forty five years old, Nigel Burt is waiting for his 23rd operation. This time to remove another section of bowel that is causing him daily discomfort and pain that he is only able to control by using medical cannabis. As a graphic designer Nigel has won awards for his work which has seen him in VR and 3D development with Samsung, Panasonic, Vodafone, Product Earth, Jordan F1, and Williams F1.

7 min read

31.01.2024

Editorial Team

Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?

Medicinal cannabis can provide people suffering from a wide variety of conditions with the relief they need that they have not been able to get before. Despite this, many people do not know whether or not medicinal cannabis is actually legal, and many people around the country will just assume that it is illegal due to the stigma that surrounds it. In this article, we will answer questions about the legality of medicinal cannabis in the United Kingdom, as well as how you can get medical cannabis if you feel like you need it.

7 min read

26.01.2024

Lucy MacKinnon

Conditions

Articles

Control your health journey