General

General

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

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.

4 min read
13.03.2025
Sam North

The Impact of Smoking on Chronic Health Conditions: Why Quitting Matters

These days, we are all well aware of the health implications of smoking tobacco. As a result, smoking rates have been consistently on the decline in recent decades. But for many, quitting smoking is easier said than done - and for those with chronic health conditions, this could pose an even more pressing concern. In honour of No Smoking Day 2025, we’re taking a closer look at how smoking impacts chronic conditions such as chronic pain, neurological disorders, and mental health.

6 min read
12.03.2025
Emily Ledger

What to expect in your first six months as a UK medical cannabis patient

The first six months of any new treatment regime come with a mix of queries, adjustments, milestones, and sometimes, a couple of small roadblocks. But for most patients just starting down the path towards better health with UK medical cannabis (where the treatment option has been so heavily stigmatised for far too long) the learning curve can feel a bit steeper. We’ll cover it all to make sure you feel comfortable and confident during your first few months as a Releaf medical cannabis patient.

8 min read
06.03.2025
Sam North

Accelerate Action: Medical cannabis for women's health

This Saturday the world will once again observe International Women’s Day, an annual celebration of the achievements of women and girls around the world. But while we might have come a long way in improving equality, women continue to face disparities in many areas of life, including healthcare.

5 min read
05.03.2025
Emily Ledger

Inspirational stories for International Women's Day: Taking back control with medical cannabis

On Saturday the 8th of March, International Women’s Day is celebrated. Dedicated to recognising the achievements, resilience, and strength of women around the world, International Women’s Day is something we’re proud to take part in here at Releaf. This year, we’ve decided to celebrate by sharing five inspirational stories from women in the UK accessing medical cannabis through our services.

9 min read
04.03.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

How Brits feel about online healthcare services

Accelerated by the pandemic, an increasing number of healthcare providers are now offering online services, whether through their booking systems or virtual appointments. But how do patients really feel about digital healthcare? We take a look.

6 min read
03.03.2025
Sarah Sinclair

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.

10 min read
28.02.2025
Sam North

How chronic health conditions affect mental health and wellbeing

It is estimated that around 26 million people in the UK live with at least one long-term health condition. Many of these individuals also experience poor mental health, such as anxiety or depression, which may also require treatment. In this article, we explore how medical cannabis therapy could help to address both the physical manifestations of various health conditions, as well as some commonly comorbid mental health problems.

7 min read
26.02.2025
Emily Ledger

Holistic health: How medical cannabis can support eating disorder recovery

Recovery from an eating disorder looks different for everyone. To mark the beginning of Eating Disorder Awareness Week (24 February-2 March 2025) this blog explores the potential role of medical cannabis, to support quality of life and wellbeing, as part of that journey.

7 min read
24.02.2025
Sarah Sinclair

Which rare conditions are treated at Releaf?

Next Friday, it’s Rare Disease Day, an event that takes place every year on the last day in February to act as a day of observance for rare conditions and the individuals they affect. This year, we’ve put together this blog to discuss which of the 83 conditions currently treated at Releaf are classed as rare, and, how frequently patients with these conditions are seen at our service.

7 min read
21.02.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

Is my medical cannabis Indica or Sativa?

Starting medical cannabis treatment can feel like learning a new language. Not only is it fairly different to your standard pharmaceuticals, which most of us have grown up around and almost inherently understand, but medical cannabis treatment comes with its own terminology that can feel overwhelming at first.

8 min read
20.02.2025
Sam North

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?

8 min read
19.02.2025
Emily Ledger

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.

5 min read
17.02.2025
Sarah Sinclair

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!

6 min read
14.02.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

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.

5 min read
13.02.2025
Sam North

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.

5 min read
12.02.2025
Emily Ledger

Safer Internet Day: How Releaf keep online users safe

At Releaf, we know how critical online safety is. We’ve implemented numerous procedures and protocols to ensure our patients remain safe, and their privacy is protected and secure, throughout every step of their journey. What better time to give a recap of these processes than Safer Internet Day?

7 min read
11.02.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

Exploring different diets for different health conditions

Diet has been linked to a huge number of health conditions, many of which represent a significant risk of morbidity. Yet, while many of us may make a conscious effort to eat a relatively healthy diet, we may overlook how different diets can benefit or exacerbate certain existing health conditions.

7 min read
09.02.2025
Emily Ledger

NHS investment in cannabis-based research

Medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in 2018 following high-profile campaigns by patients and advocates, primarily concerning the use of cannabis-based medicines in the treatment of refractory epilepsy. Over six years on, only a handful of patients have received an NHS prescription for medical cannabis. But could the completion of long-awaited NHS-backed medical cannabis clinical trials help improve access to these medicines in the future?

4 min read
07.02.2025
Emily Ledger

How to request a travel certificate for medical cannabis

The last thing that any of us want when travelling is extra stress. Everyone should have the freedom to feel safe and secure when travelling, no matter what their medical needs may be. Unfortunately, though, this isn't always seamless for medical cannabis patients.

5 min read
06.02.2025
Sam North

Westminster Hall debate: Barriers to accessing medical cannabis in the UK

Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, led Thursday’s Westminster Hall debate, highlighting critical issues in the medical cannabis industry, with the most apparent being the masses of patients that could benefit from these treatments, yet struggle to access them.

4 min read
04.02.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

World Cancer Day: Personalising care with medical cannabis

Cancer affects the lives of millions of people around the world and everyone’s story is different. As a clinic offering personalised medical cannabis treatment, Releaf is embracing the theme for World Cancer Day on Tuesday 4 February and advocating for patients to be front and centre of their care.

7 min read
03.02.2025
Sarah Sinclair

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.

11 min read
01.02.2025
Lucy MacKinnon