Medical Cannabis
Explore UK-focused medical cannabis articles, including legal updates, patient experiences, treatment options, and the latest research within the British cannabis landscape.
The World Health Organisation's involvement in medical cannabis
World Health Day is upon us once more, and with it comes the opportunity to reflect on how the World Health Organisation (WHO) has helped shape recent global medical cannabis policies, changed public perception towards this intriguing plant, and continues to lead the way in promoting health and well-being for all.
Medical cannabis and employment: what you need to know
This article explores the rights medical cannabis patients have in their workplace, focusing on their legal rights under the Equality Act 2010. Advocate for fair treatment and inclusive atmospheres in the workplace confidently, using this guide as a base on how to navigate employment policies and legislations as a UK-based medical cannabis patient.
What is the difference between medical cannabis and recreational weed?
With the introduction of legal medical cannabis in November 2018, here in the UK one question on the lips of many is: "What exactly is the difference between medical cannabis and recreational weed?". And a valid question it is!
Indica vs Sativa differences: what the newest research reveals about these classifications
The traditional distinction between indica vs sativa strains has shaped how medical cannabis patients and recreational weed users think about marijuana for decades. Modern research shows terpene profiles and cannabinoid ratios matter far more than these labels. This guide explains what science says about the sativa vs indica differences, and how the specialists doctors who make up Releaf’s world-class clinical team match patients with the right treatment.
Attending UK music festivals with medical cannabis
Medical cannabis has now been legal in the UK for over five years. Yet, there remains significant uncertainty around the rules and regulations for using cannabis-based medicines in public spaces. As summer slowly approaches, we’re taking a look at the guidelines for attending UK music festivals with a medical cannabis prescription.
Understanding medical cannabis and ADHD
An estimated 2.6 million people are living with ADHD in the UK and diagnoses are on the rise as general awareness of neurodivergent disorders grows. At the same time, many patients are reporting benefits from medical cannabis, with ADHD now one of the most common conditions for which it is prescribed.
Experts explain: How GPs play a pivotal role in ongoing medical cannabis treatments
In the UK, General Practitioners sit on the forefront and frontline of healthcare, and they are typically a person's first port of call when something arises with their health. But, unfortunately, in the UK, GPs cannot issue a prescription for cannabis-based treatments to a patient who has never received them before. They can, however, assist in shared care agreements, hold follow-up appointments, and issue repeat prescriptions for medical cannabis.
Prescribed cannabis oil vs vaping medical cannabis flower
If you’re able to obtain a prescription for medical cannabis in the UK, the chances are you’ll be prescribed it as an oil or as dried flower for vaping. But what’s the difference between these two delivery routes? How do they both work? And how do you know which one is right for you?
Medical cannabis for elderly patients: safety, benefits, and considerations
As we age, the need for medical care and support grows. From decades-long niggles to sudden, serious health concerns - the golden years can be challenging and uncertain. Conventional approaches to health are the go-to for most seniors, but many pharmaceutical options can have heavy, concerning, and risky side effects.
What to know before starting medical cannabis treatment with Releaf
Starting medical cannabis treatment can feel daunting. This guide explains how treatment works in the UK, what information you need to provide, and what happens next, helping you understand the process clearly before your first consultation with Releaf.
Mental health in the changing seasons
As we head into the spring and out of the dark, cold months of winter, we’re shedding some light on how the changing seasons play an often overlooked role in our mental health. From ‘Blue Monday’ to ‘Yellow Day’, we’ll explore seasons' significance in common mental health struggles and the role of medical and wellness interventions.
National Blood Donor Month: Can I donate blood as a medical cannabis patient in the UK?
Blood donation is vital for many areas of health care, including emergency blood transfusions, as well as for medical research and the development of new treatments. This National Blood Donor Month, we’re looking at the importance of blood donation in the UK and around the world, and looking into how your status as a medical cannabis patient could affect your eligibility to give blood.
What to expect: your first medical cannabis consultation
At Releaf, we’re on a mission to make accessing medical cannabis treatments as easy as possible for those that need them, and one of the ways we’re doing this is by breaking down barriers, answering FAQs, and debunking myths. So today, we’re discussing what to expect at your first medical cannabis consultation with Releaf.
World Panic Day: medical cannabis for anxiety
With roots stretching back more than two decades, World Panic Day was created to bring attention to the alarming rise in anxiety disorders and the need for improved understanding, support, and treatment. It is a day to educate others about the realities of living with anxiety, to dispel myths and misconceptions, and to promote acceptance.
The declining mental health of university students and how medical cannabis is helping
Life is full of ups and downs, highs and lows, stressful periods, and the odd moment of calm. This rollercoaster of emotions can be even more intense and challenging for university students, as there are just so many things to juggle - exams, assignments, social life, work, family, the pressure of figuring out what to do with your life, or if you have even made the right choice with your chosen academic path.
The Releaf medical cannabis card explained
Releaf offers every patient a medical cannabis card with their prescription to help ensure peace of mind when administering their medicine in public. Here’s everything you need to know about how it works.
How diet interacts with medical cannabis oil
While we may be cautious about drug-drug interactions, many of us likely give little thought to potential food-drug interactions. In this article, and to commemorate this year’s Nutrition and Hydration Week, we’re taking a closer look at how diet can influence the effects of medical cannabis oil.
A Rheumatologist’s perspective: Q&A on medical cannabis and fibromyalgia
Hello, and welcome to the first of many conversations with Releaf’s specialist doctors. This week we’re speaking to our expert Rheumatologist, Dr Hanna Gul, about the benefits medical cannabis may be able to offer to patients who are struggling with fibromyalgia.
How does medical cannabis affect the body
To launch our New Patient blog series, we're beginning with a beginner's guide that explores the effects of medical cannabis on the body.
How the UK healthcare industry is investigating medical cannabis
This article will take a deep dive into the global evidence base for the medicinal use of cannabis, with a specific focus on clinical trials and emerging areas of research in the UK. We’ll explore how the findings can inform modern healthcare and potentially make a real difference to millions of patients in the UK.
What is prescribed cannabis oil?
In today's article, we are going to put a spotlight on all the medical cannabis oil options that are now legally prescribable here in the UK and take a close look at how they may be able to aid patients in managing symptoms relating to a huge range of health conditions.
Rare conditions medical cannabis may be prescribed for in the UK
With Rare Disease Day upon us, let's take this opportunity to have a look at how certain rare health conditions may benefit from medical cannabis and how medical cannabis has already been prescribed in the UK to treat some rare conditions.
How do lifestyle changes influence your medical cannabis dose?
Finding the perfect dosage size for medical cannabis can be tricky. Unlike some traditional medication options, there really is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Eating disorders and medical cannabis
As February draws to a close each year in the UK, Eating Disorder Awareness Week is held to shine a light on the prevalence of eating disorders, and raise awareness for the struggles they cause. As a UK based medical cannabis clinic, we felt it was important to honour this important topic, and discuss the emerging potential of medical cannabis in the treatment of various eating disorders.