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Blog
Industry

Industry

Stay updated with the latest trends, news, and developments in the UK medical cannabis industry, from regulations to market growth and innovations.

Articles

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

A tale of two tolerances: Is Texas really banning THC?

You may have heard of the Texas THC ban - a new initiative introduced by lawmakers concerned about public health. But, while the State seeks to ‘ban THC’ and criminalise even trace amounts of THC in over the counter products, they’re simultaneously proposing to widen access to medical marijuana products, by altering the Texas Compassionate Use Program parameters.

9 min read
23.06.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

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

As Releaf’s Chief Medical 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.

5 min read
11.06.2025
Graham Woodward

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.

12 min read
03.06.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

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.

10 min read
03.07.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

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.

10 min read
01.09.2025
Sam North

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.

5 min read
16.05.2025
Sam North

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.

5 min read
15.05.2025
Emily Ledger

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.

5 min read
12.05.2025
Dr Sue Clenton

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

10 min read
09.05.2025
Sam North

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.

5 min read
06.05.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

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.

6 min read
30.04.2025
Emily Ledger

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.

10 min read
24.04.2025
Sam North

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.

9 min read
22.04.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

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.

8 min read
17.04.2025
Sam North

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?

8 min read
15.04.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

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. 

6 min read
14.04.2025
Jacob Allen

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.

6 min read
02.04.2025
Lucy MacKinnon