FAQ
Find answers to frequently asked questions about medical cannabis, along with articles covering usage, benefits, regulations, and patient insights.
Accessing medical cannabis in Northern Ireland
Patients across the UK are facing significant challenges when it comes to healthcare, from long waiting lists, to an increasing prevalence of mental health issues and complex, chronic conditions. This blog aims to answer some common questions about accessing medical cannabis treatment in Northern Ireland and walk you through it step-by-step.
How to refer a friend to Releaf
With medical cannabis finally becoming a mainstream talking point throughout both the UK public and Parliament (the most recent debate happened just last month), the weight of a century’s worth of stigma and misinformation is slowly beginning to lift.
Medical cannabis as complementary therapy: A holistic approach to care
National Complementary Therapy Week takes place between the 20th and 26th of March every year to build awareness for adjunctive or complimentary treatments, and holistic approaches to care.
Can I get a weekend medical cannabis appointment?
Since opening our doors back in February of 2024, we have worked tirelessly to put together a truly world-class clinical team made up of over 25 highly trained doctors, supported by a unit of nurses, prescribing pharmacists, and patient support staff. They’re here to support you every day of the week.
How fasting affects medical cannabis patients
Health and wellness have hit it big in the UK over the past two decades or so. From a country where over 70% of the adult male population smoked tobacco just 55 years ago to today, where that number is closer to 10% - and yoga studios, organic farmers markets, and CrossFit gyms have become as common as Greg's - it's obvious that a monumental shift has taken place.
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.
Managing medication side effects: Why more patients are exploring medical cannabis
Medical cannabis has been available in the UK since the 1st of November 2018. Since then, a growing number of patients have shown interest in medical cannabis as an alternative therapy - often due to the undesirable side effects of medications such as opioids, NSAIDs, and SSRIs. Could medical cannabis offer a safe and effective alternative to these conventional treatments?
Nursing a healthier future: How nurses are integral to medical cannabis treatment plans.
If you’re a Releaf patient, you may have already met Kim during one of your follow up consultations - but, if you’ve not yet had this pleasure, we’re pleased to introduce you to Kim Kaye, our Head of Nursing.
MPs show greater support for medical cannabis than the British public
A recent YouGov poll found greater support for prescription cannabis among MPs than the general public, challenging the common assumption that public opinion is more progressive than political sentiment. We take a closer look at the potential factors behind these figures.
Can medical cannabis patients grow their own plants in the UK?
Medical cannabis has been a legal treatment option in the UK since November 1, 2018, but it has only become more 'popular' in the past year or so.
Top tips for vaping cannabis
For patients just starting cannabis-based treatment, the idea of vaping their prescribed medical cannabis flower may seem intimidating, overwhelming, or even slightly weird. Fair enough - we know that vaping is a pretty new concept for most patients.
Unlocking rights: Key housing guidance for medical cannabis patients
Medical cannabis may have been legal in the UK since 2018, but many patients have been left feeling confused about their rights when it comes to taking their medication - both in public and the comfort of their own homes. Recently, the Cannabis Industry Council published further, much-needed guidance regarding medical cannabis and housing.
Medical cannabis treatment: What is an MDT?
Along with adapting to a whole new treatment option, patients just starting with medical cannabis treatment can sometimes find themselves feeling a little inundated by the terminology, acronyms, and jargon that accompany their treatment plan. One of the key terms for new patients to get their head around is MDT: Multidisciplinary Team.
The True Potential of Hemp: What the Future Holds
From the very start of cannabis stigmatisation and prohibition, hemp was unfairly lumped into the same category as 'marijuana,' 'weed,' or even the evocative 'ganja,’
Navigating Releaf's New Patient Portal
Last week, we launched our brand new, built-from-the-ground-up Releaf Patient Portal. We have invested over £2 million into this bespoke piece of tech, and it's been a long time in the making.
What is and isn't legal for medical cannabis patients in the UK
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 2018, but there is still a lot of confusion and misinformation out there around its regulation and the rights of medical cannabis patients.
How often should I see my doctor?
Medical cannabis treatment is quite an individual process, which means there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how often you should see your doctor. Each and every patient we see here at Releaf responds at least slightly differently to their treatment protocol. This is the main reason our world-class clinical team takes such a personalised approach to each patient's care and why it is essential that all patients see their doctor regularly.
How to take Releaf medical cannabis flower and oil
Just started medical cannabis treatment with Releaf? A little confused about what is the most effective way to take your Releaf medical cannabis flower or oil?
Veganuary - is medical cannabis oil vegan?
As we progress into the New Year, thousands of people around the country (and the world) are embracing lifestyle changes, from cutting back on their alcohol intake for Dry January to setting targets for improving their mental health.
What you need to know about medical cannabis delivery
Here at Releaf, we understand that getting your medication quickly, safely, discreetly, and tracked from dispatch to delivery is one of the most important aspects of every patient's medical cannabis treatment journey.
Why medical cannabis is never prescribed in resin form
Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) are now prescribed in a variety of forms in the UK. But one product type you won’t find in the formulary is cannabis resin.
FAQ: Is it illegal to smoke medical cannabis in the UK?
In the UK, it is always illegal to smoke cannabis. While medical cannabis can be prescribed to suitable patients in the UK through private healthcare clinics like Releaf, it is only prescribed with the intention, and with strict instructions, of being vaped - not smoked.
Alcohol and CBMPs: What medical cannabis patients should know for Dry January
The hectic festive season is finally drawing to a close, which can only mean one thing: hundreds of thousands of people across the country will be taking part in Dry January.
Why Releaf patients aren't given a 'medical cannabis menu'
Why don’t we let patients choose their cannabis medicine from a menu? It’s a question that new patients sometimes ask, and it’s worth unpacking.