General

General

Discover general insights on medical cannabis, including benefits, usage tips, research updates, and expert advice for safe and effective treatment.

Releaf: Introducing Beyond the Script - Cannabis conversations that matter

In a world where convenience meets curiosity, Releaf proudly launches Beyond the Script — a podcast designed to make cannabis conversations more accessible than ever. With expert guests, powerful insights, and over 2,000 views on our debut episode, we’re breaking down medical cannabis topics in a way that’s engaging, credible, and easy to digest.

6 min read
07.07.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

You’re not alone: 100,000 people have started their medical cannabis journey with Releaf

More than 100,000 people across the UK have completed Releaf’s free medical cannabis eligibility checker and created a secure patient account. This isn’t just a number. It reflects a growing shift in how patients think about their health, and a not-so-quiet turning point in how UK medical cannabis is seen, accessed, and supported.

12 min read
07.07.2025
Sam North

Decoding Cannabis: Is there hope for sleep apnoea beyond the CPAP mask?

Sleep apnoea doesn’t just disrupt breathing, it wrecks rest, energy, and wellbeing. A large US study found that medical cannabis helped many patients manage fatigue and improve sleep quality. In the UK, Releaf offers structured, specialist-guided access to the same kinds of treatments. If CPAP isn’t working, this could be a clinically supported option worth exploring.

12 min read
03.07.2025
Sam North

Omura Homefill System: An accessibility tool designed to fill flowersticks easily

Dried cannabis flower is the most popular form of medical cannabis in the UK. It is prescribed to be inhaled using a device called a dry herb vaporiser (smoking cannabis remains illegal), which gently heats the product releasing a cannabinoid and terpene rich vapour. But administering cannabis flower can be daunting at first, particularly for patients with limited dexterity. In this guide, we'll walk you through the features of the Omura Homefill System, a tool designed to streamline your medication administration process.

4 min read
02.07.2025
Emily Ledger

The UK medical cannabis conversations that mattered most for 2025 (so far)

What mattered most for UK medical cannabis patients in 2025? In this midyear review, we spotlight one Releaf blog per month, covering legality, absorption, stigma, stop and search, and more. Each post is written to inform and empower patients navigating a changing clinical and legal landscape.

9 min read
04.07.2025
Sam North

Decoding Cannabis: Can CBD, CBG and CBN help block chronic pain at the source?

A new preclinical study explores whether cannabinoids like CBD, CBG and CBN can directly reduce chronic pain by targeting the sodium channel Nav1.8. The findings suggest these non-psychoactive compounds may help slow pain signalling at its source. In this edition of Decoding Cannabis, we break down what the study found, what it means for patients, and how Releaf is helping lead the change.

11 min read
26.06.2025
Sam North

Omega oil and medical cannabis: A powerful partnership

Medical cannabis is becoming increasingly popular among patients seeking holistic alternatives to conventional therapies. As such, it is important to be aware of the interactions between cannabis and other compounds found in medications and our diet, including omega-3 fatty acids. We’re taking a look at the potential complementary benefits of using medical cannabis in combination with omega-3 - an essential nutrient for many aspects of our health.

7 min read
25.06.2025
Emily Ledger

From our COO: Introducing SOMAÍ THC400 - A simpler way to medicate.

As Releaf’s Chief Operating Officer, I’ve had the pleasure of contributing behind the scenes to many of our blog features over the past 18 months. Today, I’m excited to take a more personal step forward and join the ranks of our esteemed authors, by writing my first blog post as part of Releaf’s Internal Expert’s series. And, I couldn’t have picked a better time! I’m thrilled to share some big news: we’ve expanded our formulary to include a brand-new, Releaf-exclusive cannabis-based extract cartridge: the SOMAÍ THC4000 Hybrid Essentials.

6 min read
24.06.2025
Graham Woodward

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.

11 min read
20.06.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

Don't brush it off: Why your gynaecological health deserves attention

Gynaecology is an often overlooked area of healthcare. But with almost a third of women and people with wombs estimated to experience severe reproductive health problems, empowering women to recognise and address the signs and symptoms is vital. In honour of Cervical Screening Awareness Week, we're taking a closer look at the most common gynaecological conditions and exploring the importance of listening to your body and advocating for your health.

6 min read
18.06.2025
Emily Ledger

Experts Explain: Hypertension and medical cannabis

At Releaf, “How does medical cannabis affect blood pressure?” is one of the more common questions we hear from new patients, but the honest answer is, it depends. Every patient is different, and the effects of prescribed medical cannabis can and do vary depending on a range of factors. We spoke to one of our medical cannabis doctors, Dr Lorenzo Bernaudo to find out more.

10 min read
17.06.2025
Sam North

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.

11 min read
16.06.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

Decoding Cannabis: How medical cannabis (THC and CBD) helps manage neurological conditions

A major 2023 clinical review has brought new clarity to how cannabis medicines are being used in neurological care. This blog unpacks the evidence across epilepsy, MS, Parkinson’s, Tourette’s, and more, and explains how private UK clinics like Releaf are helping patients access personalised treatment when other options have fallen short.

12 min read
12.06.2025
Sam North

Pride, PTSD, and plant-based approaches

Each year in June, LGBTQ+ Pride events take place around the world. These events offer an opportunity to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, honour their contributions, and recognise the ongoing struggle for equality. But June also marks PTSD Awareness Month and, as these two important events coincide, it is important to recognise the increased rates of PTSD among LGBTQ+ individuals, understand the reasons behind this, and improve awareness of available treatment options.

6 min read
11.06.2025
Emily Ledger

How does cannabis impact concentration and focus?

Problems with concentration and focus are commonly reported by patients living with chronic conditions, and to make matters worse, they’re also a common side effect of some conventional pharmaceutical treatments. For some patients, this can have a significant impact on everyday life, leaving many looking for alternative or additional therapies - including medical cannabis. But how does cannabis impact concentration and focus: could it help, or, make things worse?

7 min read
04.06.2025
Emily Ledger

When fear won’t let go: What a human-produced cannabinoid means for trauma reduction

Why do some people carry fear long after danger has passed, or react to safe situations in the same way as when they are in actual danger? A new cross-species study explores how 2-AG, a molecule in the brain’s endocannabinoid system, may influence trauma responses. The findings offer fresh insight into PTSD, fear generalisation, and the potential role of cannabinoid-based treatment.

6 min read
10.06.2025
Sam North

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.

9 min read
02.06.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

Beyond the physical: Understanding the emotional and cognitive impact of MS

MS isn’t just physical. Many people experience hidden symptoms like anxiety, depression, memory problems and brain fog - issues that often go unseen and untreated. This World MS Day, we’re highlighting the emotional and cognitive impact of MS, and why these symptoms deserve just as much care as the visible ones.

8 min read
30.05.2025
Sam North

World Digestive Health Day: Can medical cannabis support gut health?

Each year at the end of May, World Digestive Health Day is celebrated all around the globe. In honour of this important awareness campaign, we’re taking a closer look at the role of digestive health, and the potential benefits of medical cannabis for certain digestive health disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease.

8 min read
28.05.2025
Emily Ledger