General
Discover general insights on medical cannabis, including benefits, usage tips, research updates, and expert advice for safe and effective treatment.
How does medical cannabis interact with diabetes?
World Diabetes Day takes place every year on the 14th of November and this year, we’d like to contribute to the cause and raise awareness for medical cannabis - an alternative option for diabetes symptom management in the UK.
The rise of alternative options: Being kinder to your body
Being kind can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. It can mean taking out your elderly neighbour’s bins every week or going out of your way to make a loved one - or even a stranger - feel appreciated. But it can also mean taking care of yourself by making considered choices for a healthier and more well-rounded life.
How does cannabis oil work in the body?
Here at Releaf, medical cannabis oil is the second most commonly prescribed cannabis-based medication, right after medical cannabis flower - so to continue our 'New Patient' blog series, we are focusing on all things medical cannabis oil.
Medical cannabis and the NHS: A £4 billion solution for chronic pain
As new findings from an early health economic analysis suggest that prescribing medical cannabis on the NHS to treat chronic pain could save the state healthcare provider almost £4 billion every year, we take a closer look at the research.
Make way for Movember: Men's health and medical cannabis
It’s Movember once again - a time when moustaches become commonplace on our streets, at work, and even in our homes. But this important event is about much more than questionable facial hair. It is a time of raising awareness around men’s health and bringing people together to talk, support, and donate. In honour of this Movember 2024, we’re taking a closer look at men’s health, including testicular and prostate cancer, mental health and suicide prevention, and the potential role of medical cannabis.
How to clean a grinder
Medical cannabis flower is the most commonly prescribed cannabis-based medication here in the UK. But unlike most treatment options, both traditional and alternative, it is not delivered to patients in a fully 'ready-to-administer' form.
Top tips for stress management with medical cannabis
We all experience stress occasionally— and sometimes it can even be useful. But if left unchecked it can become problematic, particularly for those living with long-term health conditions, the symptoms of which can be exacerbated by stress.Â
How strong is medical cannabis flower?
When we discuss the 'strength' (or potency) of a given medical cannabis cultivar, it is easy to fall into the trap of simply looking at the THC levels. This is only one part of the picture - but a crucial one, nonetheless.
Experts interviewed: Medical cannabis and ADHD awareness
As October draws to a close, so does ADHD Awareness Month - but, its sentiment stands strong year round. In fact, just last year, a study of over 7 million people showed ADHD diagnosis rates increased 20-fold between 2000 and 2018 in the UK, and a 50-fold increase was noted in prescriptions for ADHD medications amongst men aged between 18 and 29.
Six years of medical cannabis: What does it mean to you?
Friday the 1st of November 2024 marks six years of medical cannabis in the UK. For the last six years, (since November 1, 2018) specialist doctors like those working at Releaf have been able to prescribe medical cannabis flower, and cannabis oil, to eligible patients when traditional treatments have proved ineffective.
Terpene Trivia: Where else can I find cannabis terpenes?
Cannabis is an extremely complex and versatile species, with different plants potentially containing a distinct range and different concentrations of various compounds. Take terpenes, for example. There are estimated to be more than 200 terpenes present in cannabis, with different combinations contributing to the variable features and properties of different cultivars. However, these aromatic and often therapeutic compounds are far from unique to cannabis.
What temperature should I vape my medical cannabis flower?
Medical cannabis flower is the most prescribed CBPM in the UK, and it is intended to be administered through a dry herb vaporiser.
Drug Science Research: medical cannabis education amongst healthcare professionals
While awareness of medical cannabis has grown in recent years, there remains a huge knowledge gap when it comes to healthcare professionals and their understanding of this treatment.
Can medical cannabis oil help me?
Medical cannabis has been a legal treatment option in the UK for just shy of six years now. However, it’s only within the past twelve months that the UK media has started to embrace the therapeutic potential of this remarkable plant, and its derivatives. This has recently led to a marked shift in public opinion and understanding of cannabis-based treatments.
Who uses medical cannabis in the UK?
Medical cannabis was legalised almost 6 years ago as an alternative treatment option for a large volume of health conditions when conventional approaches have proved ineffective.
Why medical cannabis is not prescribed for schizoaffective disorder in the UK
Medical cannabis has been prescribed for a wide range of conditions in the UK since the legislation of cannabis-based treatments on the 1st of November 2018. Since then, tens of thousands of patients have received a prescription for cannabis-based medicines; however, there are several conditions, including schizoaffective disorder, for which medical cannabis is not considered a suitable option. But why is this?
How to take medical cannabis oil
Today, we continue our 'New Patient' blog series in the same vein, but this time, we'll give a brief (but in-depth) overview of how medical cannabis is taken and why sublingual administration is the most commonly prescribed method.
THC Vapes: the what, the where, the why, and the warning
In this article, we explore the distinction between illegal, unregulated THC vape pens and legally prescribed medical cannabis flower. Understanding the difference is crucial— especially for patients— when it comes to making informed choices about your health.
Women and medical cannabis: addressing gender-specific health issues
Women and people who menstruate face several unique health challenges, in addition to a higher risk of some medical conditions. Yet, women often struggle to access effective solutions for these conditions, leaving many forced to live with the burden of their symptoms.
2024 breakthroughs: The latest research shaping the future of cannabis-based medicines
The medicinal potential of cannabis and its derivatives has been a focus of medical research for hundreds of years. Yet, there remains a significant number of unknowns around this complex and versatile plant. With that in mind, we’re taking a closer look at some of the most significant medical cannabis research published so far in 2024.
What health records do I need for medical cannabis?
Welcome back to our 'New Patient' blog series, where we cover all the frequently asked questions, along with treatment tips and product options for new patients interested in UK medical cannabis.
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.
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day
Tomorrow is World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, which falls on the second Saturday of October each year and marks a time to reflect on the importance of compassionate and effective care for those facing life-limiting and terminal illnesses.
World Mental Health Day: Exploring medical cannabis and psychiatric care
Every year, on the 10th of October, World Mental Health Day is celebrated on an international scale. Drawing attention to the prevalence of mental health conditions in modern society, and advocating for better support, treatment, and awareness, World Mental Health Day takes on a new theme every year and in 2024 it’s workplace mental health.