Industry
Stay updated with the latest trends, news, and developments in the UK medical cannabis industry, from regulations to market growth and innovations.
Experts Explain: Not what the doctor ordered. Why smoking medical cannabis is harmful
At Releaf, we’re keen to share our Expert’s insights, especially those that explain the benefits of vaping medical cannabis, and why the UK medical cannabis law is the way it is - and that’s exactly what we’re doing in this blog.
It’s Official: Releaf are the most trusted medical cannabis clinic in the UK
As of the 6th of June 2025, Releaf are leading the medical cannabis sector in the UK in both patient advocacy and patient trust according to the only metric that really matters: Real patient feedback.
Decriminalising cannabis: What Sadiq Khan’s proposal could mean for medical cannabis patients
While Sir Sadiq Khan’s proposal for cannabis decriminalisation could change the future of cannabis policing, in the present day patients still need clarity, and ultimately, protection. At Releaf we’re proud to stand beside them, offering legitimacy, safety, and support - but as we look ahead, we won’t forget the complex history that’s brought us to this point.
Keeping patients safe: Clarifying legal and clinical claims in medical cannabis advocacy
Last month, Seed Our Future, a national campaign who raise awareness of UK cannabis law, published a report that discusses the differences between smoking and vaping prescribed cannabis. Advocacy efforts like this play a vital role in shaping public understanding and pushing for reform, but, they only serve patients well when the information they share is accurate.
What is HHC: Is it legal or prescribed in the UK?
HHC is a synthetic cannabinoid with growing online hype but no clinical backing. In this guide, we explain what HHC is, how it’s made, what it does in the body, and why it’s not a safe substitute for medical cannabis, especially under UK law.
Seized cannabis repurposed for research in Thai/UK operation
Following a joint Thai/UK customs operation, over two tonnes of confiscated cannabis are being redirected to medical research. It's an unusual yet symbolic shift in how governments are choosing to handle cannabis: not as mere contraband, but as a potential public health asset.
Introducing Releaf’s on-screen support initiative for a more accessible patient experience
It’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) - a day dedicated to improving digital accessibility and inclusion. With around one billion people living with disabilities globally, and a world increasingly reliant on digital resources, digital accessibility has never been more important. To mark the 14th annual GAAD, we’re taking a closer look at our new In-Clinic Accessibility Layer - Releaf’s video-based dashboard support service.
Setting new standards: Releaf becomes a GMC designated body
Releaf is proud to announce that we are now a GMC designated body—one of the first medical cannabis clinics in the UK to achieve this prestigious status. This major milestone means we can directly oversee the professional standards of our prescribing doctors, ensuring our patients receive safe, regulated, and consistently high-quality care. It’s not just a badge of honour—it’s a commitment to clinical excellence and leadership in the medical cannabis industry.
Synthetic cannabis - what is it exactly, and is it dangerous?
Synthetic cannabis has nothing in common with real cannabis, despite the name. It’s an unregulated, dangerous class of drugs with unpredictable and often severe effects. In this blog, we break down the science, the history, and the human cost of synthetic cannabinoids like Spice and Black Mamba
Motivated Mondays: Why the start of the week is popular for healthcare
Are Mondays really the worst day for healthcare appointments—or the best? While some research claims early-week consultations are more likely to be missed, Releaf’s latest data tells a different story. From booking patterns to attendance rates and prescription orders, we explore why Mondays might just be the most proactive day in medical cannabis care.
UK Police say the smell of cannabis no longer constitutes grounds for stop and search
Last week, Avon and Somerset Police announced they have trained their frontline officers to no longer use the smell of cannabis as grounds for stop and searches, following IOPC guidance, and ISoPP recommendations.
UK music festivals recognise medical cannabis
While a lack of clear guidance has often led to unnecessary stress for medical cannabis patients, particularly when arranging travel plans or attending public events such as music festivals, things seem to be slowly improving. Several UK music festivals have provided medical cannabis guidance in the run-up to this year’s events. We’re taking a closer look at these considerations and how they represent a significant step in the wider acceptance of medical cannabis.
Real patient voices: Stress awareness special - Releaf medical cannabis patient's real stories
Welcome to our second instalment of ‘Medical cannabis and me: Real patient voices’ our new blog series that shares real patient voices, their insights, and accounts of their experiences, with medical cannabis.
Why patients are turning away from traditional healthcare options
With 57% of UK medicines in short supply and 110M unnecessary prescriptions issued yearly, Releaf offers a trusted alternative with medical cannabis care.
Decoding Cannabis: Why thousands are replacing opioids with cannabis for pain relief
Opioids have long been the default for managing most chronic pain issues. Albeit powerful at targeting pain, many would argue they have been overly prescribed, and they are often alarmingly hard to come off. Yet quietly, another option has been slowly but surely making inroads in chronic pain treatment: medical cannabis.
Earth Day special: Is cannabis natural?
Is medical cannabis natural? This Earth Day, explore the origins, environmental impact, and sustainability of cannabis-based medicines. Learn how plant-based treatments like medical cannabis fit into the natural vs synthetic medicine debate—and why they may be better for the planet.
Decoding Cannabis: The science behind oral CBD absorption and bioavailability
In 2025, CBD oil is readily available in the UK - but how much of it is actually absorbed by the body when you take it orally? In this first instalment of our new blog series, ‘Decoding Cannabis’, we dissect a recent lab study that looks into one of the biggest issues with orally administered CBD oil - low rates of absorption.
THC talk: How much THC is too much?
Medical cannabis has been legally available and accessible in the UK since 2018. But, unlike CBD products that are available over the counter, here in the UK there is no limit for THC content in prescribed cannabis based treatments. This begs the question: how much THC is too much? And, why does this matter for patients, clinicians, and the future of cannabis-based medicine?
Inside SOMAÍ: How premium cannabis-based medicines are made
SOMAÍ Pharmacetuicals are industry leaders in the medical cannabis space, and it’s clear to see why. With their manufacturing facilities upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and strict quality controls, SOMAÍ’s innovative cannabis-based medicines range provides symptomatic relief to thousands of individuals all around the world, including Releaf patients here in the UK.
Flintshire County Council discuss protection for Welsh medical cannabis patients
Last week, Flintshire County Council became the first Welsh authority to announce they will protect those using medical cannabis from discrimination.
No prescription? No problem. Here’s what you’ll find in the Releaf CBD shop
The Releaf CBD store is open to anyone with an email address, a registered UK phone number, and a delivery address, and offers UK residents a new way to access the best CBD products - no UK medical cannabis prescription needed.
Healthcare history in the making: Releaf integrate with NHS Spine
Releaf has integrated with NHS Spine, allowing patients in England to instantly share their medical records via NHS login, streamlining the sign-up process for medical cannabis treatment. This milestone not only improves patient access and continuity of care but also helps normalise cannabis-based medicines within mainstream healthcare systems.
Experts Explain: Medical cannabis advertising and promotion in the UK
This week, we sat down with Releaf’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer Rupa Shah to discuss her expert insights on the challenges, regulations, and future of medical cannabis marketing in the UK.
A different approach to healthcare: Releaf’s patient centred care
Here in the UK, the NHS means so much to us. It’s the backbone of healthcare, providing free, universal access to desperately needed care. But, it cannot be denied that the NHS is under enormous strain and pressure right now.