General
Discover general insights on medical cannabis, including benefits, usage tips, research updates, and expert advice for safe and effective treatment.
What Is CBN? A Quick Guide to Cannabinol
As recognition of medical cannabis in the UK gradually improves, more people are becoming aware of the various compounds that contribute to the plant’s therapeutic effects. But while CBD and THC continue to hold on to the spotlight, there are a whole host of cannabinoids that receive less attention, including cannabinol (CBN). So, what is CBN? In this article, we’re covering everything you need to know.
CBD vs THC law in the UK: What’s legal, and what’s not
What’s legal, and what isn’t, when it comes to CBD vs THC in the UK? This guide breaks down the legal status of both cannabinoids, explains why THC requires a prescription, and outlines how medical cannabis works for those who qualify. If over-the-counter CBD isn’t enough, there may be a clinically guided, THC containing alternative available.
Medical cannabis, the DVLA and prescribed medicines
Despite medical cannabis being legal in the UK for almost six years, there is still confusion— and mixed messages—around the rights and responsibilities of patients when it comes to driving with their prescription.
The lesser-known terpenes in cannabis and their therapeutic benefits
Cannabis is an extremely complex plant containing a huge number of active compounds, from cannabinoids such as THC and CBD to terpenes like linalool, myrcene, and pinene. But while you may have heard of some of the more prominent terpenes found in cannabis, there are many others that you may not be familiar with - but that doesn’t mean they don’t hold any therapeutic potential. Let’s take a closer look at some of these lesser-known cannabis terpenes and their properties.
Behind the blue line: Educating police on medical cannabis rights in the UK
What happens if you’re stopped by police while using prescribed cannabis? Six years since legalisation, confusion still reigns - so we decided to do something about it. Find out how Releaf is helping educate law enforcement, one conversation at a time. Because medical cannabis patients deserve clarity, dignity, and protection.
90,000 interactions. One clinic. Medical cannabis matters
Thousands of people are taking their health into their own hands - are you one of them? From prescription ordering to eligibility checks, this data-driven snapshot reveals just how many are turning to Releaf for trusted medical cannabis support. Discover what the numbers really say - and what they mean for you.
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.
Online cannabis dispensaries in the UK: How they really work
In the UK, getting a medical cannabis prescription isn’t like popping down to the chemist. This blog breaks down how online cannabis dispensaries actually work, why your meds can take a few days to arrive, and how Releaf ensures safe, consistent delivery every time (even during a snowy Christmas). From regulation to real people, we explain what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Finding a medical cannabis specialist near you
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK for the treatment of a wide range of conditions since 2018. Yet, many prospective patients may not know how to access this potentially life-changing medication. In this article, we’ll help you answer common queries such as, “Where can I find a medical cannabis doctor near me?” and “Is there a medical cannabis dispensary near me?”.
Peace of mind price tags: Why all our medical cannabis flowers are £7.99 per gram for Releaf+ patients
Many Releaf patients say their medical cannabis treatment has been ‘transformative’ or ‘life-changing’ - but some have also told us at first, they were wary of the cost. Unknown pricing adds uncertainty - and unnecessary stress. But at Releaf, we believe consistency matters. That’s why all prescribed cannabis flowers are priced at £7.99 per gram for those on our subscription plan: Releaf+. Read on to find out more about our consistent costs, how the Releaf+ subscription supports it, and why £7.99 per gram offers more than affordability - it offers confidence.
Mindful choices and modern medicine: Understanding alcohol, medical cannabis, and the path to wellness
In many parts of the world, alcohol consumption is simply an accepted part of life. Many of us use alcohol to unwind with friends, when we're catching up with family, or to celebrate all manner of special occasions - and for most, such consumption is nothing to be concerned about. But it is important to be able to draw the distinction between healthy and unhealthy relationships with alcohol. As we recognise Alcohol Awareness Week, we're taking a closer look at the implications of alcohol use for our health and wellbeing. We'll explore its relationship and potential interactions with medical cannabis and provide practical advice for maintaining a healthy relationship with alcohol.
How blogs convert: Educational content is key
Releaf’s educational content is carefully planned, clinically informed, and always human written. In a space flooded with noise, we’ve built a resource that patients trust. From first click until they are fully set up (and beyond), our blog helps people feel informed, understood, and ready to take the next step, and the data shows it works.
Therapeutic use exemptions in sport: Medical cannabis
Can professional athletes legally use medical cannabis? In this guide, we break down Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), what WADA and UKAD rules say, and how to navigate cannabis prescriptions in sport - without compromising your health or career.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.