Medical Cannabis
Explore UK-focused medical cannabis articles, including legal updates, patient experiences, treatment options, and the latest research within the British cannabis landscape.
Green Friday UK: Releaf’s biggest ever discounts
This year, our patient survey, the largest of its kind in the UK, found that 97% of patients reported an improved quality of life and 91% they were likely to recommend medical cannabis to others who may be eiligible.
Say hello to the new Releaf Starter Kits: PAX or Storz & Bickel
Available right now, Releaf’s new Starter Kits give patients the choice between the compact PAX Mini and the medical-grade Storz & Bickel Venty. Each kit includes carefully selected accessories and CBD products designed to support precise, effective administration of prescribed medical cannabis. Available exclusively through the Releaf Shop for anyone with a Releaf login.
Inside the clinic: UK medical cannabis specialist doctors discuss CBG
CBG is attracting attention as one of the most versatile minor cannabinoids in medical cannabis. This blog brings together reflections from Releaf’s UK medical cannabis specialists on what early research and clinical experience suggest about its potential in patient care.
NHS access to medical cannabis could add over £13 billion in the UK economy over 10 years
A new report has found that rolling out access to medical cannabis on the NHS could unlock an estimated £13.3 billion for the UK economy over the next decades, in addition to helping thousands of people get back to work. The report comes as medical cannabis patient numbers saw a significant increase between 2023 and 2024, with almost all patients accessing the medications through private clinics.
New best practice guidelines for prescribing UK medical cannabis released
The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS) has released new prescribing guidelines for cannabis-based medicines following the CQC’s report on sector standards. Here’s what the update means for clinicians, patients, and the future of regulated medical cannabis care in the UK.
Decoding cannabis: Can UK medical cannabis help with depression this World Mental Health Day?
To mark World Mental Health Day 2025, we continue our Decoding Cannabis blog series by exploring a major 2024 review of 156 studies on medical cannabis and depression. The evidence suggests that balanced THC and CBD prescriptions may help support mood and emotional well-being, while THC-heavy options can sometimes worsen symptoms. The findings highlight cannabis’s emerging role in UK mental health care
How medical cannabis may be of benefit to breast cancer patients
Medical cannabis is not a cure for breast cancer, but growing evidence suggests it may help relieve treatment-related symptoms such as pain, nausea and anxiety. This guide explores current research, the role of clinical oversight, and how Releaf provides safe access to personalised cannabis-based care for breast cancer patients in the UK.
UK Government appeals for medical cannabis evidence
The UK government has launched a new review into medical cannabis laws, asking patients, families, and healthcare professionals to share their experiences. With Releaf patients already contributing to research efforts with our survey results due for release in November, this marks a crucial step in shaping access to cannabis-based medicines.
Releaf at PAUSE Live for menopause awareness month
October is Menopause Awareness Month, and PAUSE Live - the UK’s largest menopause and women’s health event - is coming back for its third edition. This year, Releaf are proud to be attending the event for the second year in a row. Read on to learn more about this year’s event, our presence, and the potential of medical cannabis for menopause and women’s health symptoms.
Real Patient Voices: Medical cannabis, menopause, and me
The menopause is an unfortunate, yet inevitable, reality for every person born with a womb. Sleepless and restless nights, joint and bone aches, mood swings, temperature fluctuations, and that all-encompassing, nail-biting anxiety accompany this hormonal change for many, making daily life not just difficult - sometimes, they make life feel down-right gruelling.
Decoding Cannabis: First placebo-controlled study of cannabis for migraine (THC/CBD)
The first randomised controlled trial of cannabis for migraine compared THC, CBD, THC with CBD, and placebo. Results showed that THC and CBD combined offered the strongest benefits, while THC alone provided partial relief and CBD alone had a limited effect. We explain the findings, what they mean for patients, safety considerations, and how this all affects medical cannabis access in the UK.
Cannabis strains UK: Access to medical cannabis strains with Releaf
When people look up cannabis strains, they often find a jumble of terms. In medical care, it’s a bit more focused. Here’s what patients in the UK can expect: THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, and balanced strains, plus terpene profiles that shape effects. Here, Releaf makes patient access simple and reliable.
Patient experiences with SOMAÍ vape cartridges
In October 2024, Releaf was proud to announce our partnership with SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals - an initiative developed around a dedication to providing high-quality medical cannabis products to patients in the UK. Since then, we’ve introduced a new product offering to our patients - the SOMAÍ medical cannabis vape cartridge, which is suitable for a range of symptoms and conditions. So, let’s take a closer look at our partnership with SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals and what our patients are saying about these new cartridges.
Decoding Cannabis: Recent study on THC oil for Alzheimer’s agitation and sleep
Recent research suggests that THC-dominant cannabis oil affects core Alzheimer’s symptoms like agitation, appetite loss, cognitive function and sleep. We decode the study and explain what it means for families navigating dementia care in the UK.
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Treatment options and patient support
This week marks Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week, and in honour of the occasion, we’re taking a look at the impact of this common disease and how different treatments - including medical cannabis - could help patients to manage their symptoms.
Beyond The Script: Your UK podcast on medical cannabis
This summer, we here at Releaf were celebrating the launch of our new podcast, ‘Beyond the Script’. Exploring a range of topics related to medical cannabis, from patient perspectives to political changes, ‘Beyond the Script’ aims to break down complex topics into easy to digest conversations, with help from some of the leading experts in the industry.
Travel Tuesday: Taking medical cannabis to Spain
From Madrid to Barcelona, to Malaga and Seville, the Spanish mainland has an abundance of dreamy destinations for you to explore and unwind in. And while contacting the embassy, airline, or local authorities isn’t likely to be part of your regular routine when it comes to planning a much-needed getaway - if you’d like to take your medical cannabis prescription with you - it’s likely to become a reality. This blog will cover the basics of what you need to know when travelling to Spain with medical cannabis.
Decoding Cannabis: THC, CBD, and the search for better MS symptom control with medical cannabis
Medical cannabis is emerging as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis symptoms like pain, spasticity, poor sleep, and fatigue. In this blog, we focus on a recent study from the United States examining how cannabinoids may support MS symptom management. We also break down how UK patients can legally access treatment and what a personalised Releaf prescription typically looks like.
Where to access free support services in the UK, and how Releaf can help
Living with a chronic health condition can have a significant impact on many aspects of everyday life, often making access to support services essential. Thankfully, in the UK there is a wide range of organisations dedicated to offering services for a range of challenges from support for chronic illness and mental health to free financial and addiction services.
Real patient voices: Managing medical cannabis and work
This blog is the ninth in our Real Patient Voices series, spotlighting the stories of Releaf patients across the UK. In this edition, we explore how medical cannabis can be used while working, and how patients like Daisy, Lisa, and Ryan maintain employment, productivity, stigma, and self-advocacy with prescribed cannabis treatments.
When patients turn to medical cannabis: Insights from Releaf’s data
From lunchtime sign-ups to end-of-month prescriptions, our latest data analysis reveals when and why patients choose medical cannabis with Releaf.
Decoding Cannabis: Is medical cannabis effective for period pain?
Can cannabis really help with period pain? We break down a 2022 review exploring THC, CBD, and the science behind medical cannabis for menstrual cramps.
What makes Releaf patients smile? Celebrating Happiness Happens Month with you
With so many sad things going on in the world, it can often be hard to stop and appreciate the small things that make us smile. But that’s what Happiness Happens Month is all about. In honour of this much-needed month of celebration, we’re taking a look at what keeps Releaf’s patients feeling positive and happy - and what we can do to help.
From our clinical team: Why we’re involved in medical cannabis
Releaf’s doctors, nurses, and specialists share why they decided to get involved in medical cannabis, reflecting on personal experiences, patient stories, and the limits of conventional treatments. From Oncology to Neurology, Psychiatry, pain management, and nursing, each voice highlights how clear, compassionate prescribing can transform quality of life. Together, their stories show the growing role of medical cannabis in modern healthcare.