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Medical Cannabis

Medical Cannabis

Explore UK-focused medical cannabis articles, including legal updates, patient experiences, treatment options, and the latest research within the British cannabis landscape.

Articles

95.4% of women reported effective medical cannabis treatment: Releaf survey findings for International Women’s Day 2026

In November 2025, Releaf commissioned the largest UK medical cannabis patient survey ever conducted (1,669 responses). This cohort analysis examines women treated for conditions such as endometriosis, menopause symptoms, severe period pain, and PMDD, covering reported treatment effectiveness, speed of perceived benefit, quality of life changes, daily functioning, side effects, stigma, and confidence using prescribed medication in public and when travelling.

12 min read
08.03.2026
Sam North

How UK medical cannabis delivery works (and why delays sometimes happen) in 2026

Medical cannabis delivery in the UK follows strict legal safeguards. Most prescriptions arrive within 2 to 5 working days, but compliance rules and courier regulations can occasionally extend timelines. Here’s how the process works, why licensed couriers are required, and what happens if a delivery is missed.

6 min read
14.05.2026
Sam North

International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Building inclusive futures

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an important date in the ongoing movement to end the Gender Gap. Despite still being a minority in many fields, women have made some of the most influential contributions to scientific development and progression in history. In honour of this year’s event, we’re honouring the women and girls who continue to push the boundaries of science and how their contributions are shaping the world of health care.

6 min read
11.02.2026
Emily Ledger

UK medical cannabis for chronic pain: what 792 current patients reported

In November 2025, Releaf conducted the largest medical cannabis patient survey ever carried out in the UK. This blog focuses on 792 people prescribed medical cannabis for chronic pain, sharing patient-reported data on effectiveness, quality of life, daily functioning, side effects, stigma, and confidence in real-world settings.

9 min read
11.02.2026
Sam North

Travel Tuesday: Travelling to Germany with medical cannabis

Germany is one of Europe’s largest countries, and with many stunning and historic cities and towns to visit, from Berlin and Hamburg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, it attracts tens of millions of tourists every year. But what is it like to travel to Germany as a medical cannabis patient? We’re taking a look at everything you need to know when travelling to Germany with medical cannabis.

5 min read
10.02.2026
Emily Ledger

UK medical cannabis for cancer-related pain, nausea, and vomiting in 2026

Cancer and its treatment can be associated with a wide range of symptoms and side effects. As we once again look to raise awareness for those living with cancer this World Cancer Day, we’re assessing the evidence and recommendations for the use of medical cannabis for cancer-related pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and more.

6 min read
05.02.2026
Emily Ledger

The Releaf guide to upper back pain causes and treatments options (2026)

Upper back pain can feel tight, sharp, or persistent, often affecting the area between your shoulder blades. This guide explains common causes, what different pain patterns may mean, and the treatment options that can help, including when to seek medical advice and where medical cannabis may fit into a wider pain management plan in 2026.

29 min read
02.02.2026
Sam North

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2026: Eliminating cervical cancer for good

Each year in the UK, more than 3,200 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Every January, health organisations and charities around the world come together to raise awareness about the signs and treatments of the disease and the importance of attending screening appointments for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

6 min read
22.01.2026
Emily Ledger

Travel Tuesday: What to know when travelling to Portugal with medical cannabis

As a prescribed patient, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations with travelling to Portugal with medical cannabis - as well as to any other country around the world. In our latest travel guide, we explain the steps you should take to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip to one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations.

5 min read
13.01.2026
Emily Ledger

The Releaf guide to lower back pain causes and treatments, 2026

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical support. This guide explains the entire gamut of lower back pain, what causes it, and the treatment options that may help, including medical cannabis, physiotherapy, exercises, and when to seek further care.

29 min read
07.01.2026
Sam North

Decoding Cannabis: what a recent scoping review reveals about cannabis for rheumatoid arthritis

A recent scoping review has dug into how cannabinoids interact with inflammation, joint tissue, and pain signalling in rheumatoid arthritis. This article breaks down what the researchers found, how THC and CBD influence key inflammatory pathways, and what these insights may mean for people living with arthritis in the UK. We also look at how this evidence compares with current patient experiences.

8 min read
10.12.2025
Sam North

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.

4 min read
25.11.2025
Sam North

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.

6 min read
16.01.2026
Sam North

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.

7 min read
30.10.2025
Sam North

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.

5 min read
29.10.2025
Emily Ledger

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.

4 min read
22.10.2025
Emily Ledger

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

7 min read
14.10.2025
Sam North

​​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.

12 min read
09.10.2025
Sarah Sinclair

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.

4 min read
03.10.2025
Sam North

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.

7 min read
02.10.2025
Emily Ledger

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.

7 min read
01.10.2025
Lucy MacKinnon

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.

11 min read
25.09.2025
Sam North