Medical Cannabis
Explore UK-focused medical cannabis articles, including legal updates, patient experiences, treatment options, and the latest research within the British cannabis landscape.
How chronic health conditions affect mental health and wellbeing
It is estimated that around 26 million people in the UK live with at least one long-term health condition. Many of these individuals also experience poor mental health, such as anxiety or depression, which may also require treatment. In this article, we explore how medical cannabis therapy could help to address both the physical manifestations of various health conditions, as well as some commonly comorbid mental health problems.
Expert Insights: GP’s perspective on medical cannabis prescribing in the UK
In the UK, there's still a lot of confusion centred around medical cannabis. Many are unsure of what conditions medical cannabis can be used to treat, where these treatments can be accessed, and what kind of healthcare professionals are allowed to prescribe them. With misinformation and misunderstanding perpetuating the narrative we’re here to address these issues, and answer these questions with expert insights.
Holistic health: How medical cannabis can support eating disorder recovery
Recovery from an eating disorder looks different for everyone. To mark the beginning of Eating Disorder Awareness Week (24 February-2 March 2025) this blog explores the potential role of medical cannabis, to support quality of life and wellbeing, as part of that journey.
Which rare conditions are treated at Releaf?
Next Friday, it’s Rare Disease Day, an event that takes place every year on the last day in February to act as a day of observance for rare conditions and the individuals they affect. This year, we’ve put together this blog to discuss which of the 83 conditions currently treated at Releaf are classed as rare, and, how frequently patients with these conditions are seen at our service.
Is my medical cannabis Indica or Sativa?
Starting medical cannabis treatment can feel like learning a new language. Not only is it fairly different to your standard pharmaceuticals, which most of us have grown up around and almost inherently understand, but medical cannabis treatment comes with its own terminology that can feel overwhelming at first.
Managing medication side effects: Why more patients are exploring medical cannabis
Medical cannabis has been available in the UK since the 1st of November 2018. Since then, a growing number of patients have shown interest in medical cannabis as an alternative therapy - often due to the undesirable side effects of medications such as opioids, NSAIDs, and SSRIs. Could medical cannabis offer a safe and effective alternative to these conventional treatments?
Nursing a healthier future: How nurses are integral to medical cannabis treatment plans.
If you’re a Releaf patient, you may have already met Kim during one of your follow up consultations - but, if you’ve not yet had this pleasure, we’re pleased to introduce you to Kim Kaye, our Head of Nursing.
MPs show greater support for medical cannabis than the British public
A recent YouGov poll found greater support for prescription cannabis among MPs than the general public, challenging the common assumption that public opinion is more progressive than political sentiment. We take a closer look at the potential factors behind these figures.
Can medical cannabis patients grow their own plants in the UK?
Medical cannabis has been a legal treatment option in the UK since November 1, 2018, but it has only become more 'popular' in the past year or so.
Want to contribute to medical cannabis research in the UK?
When research papers say things like ‘1 in 5 MS patients have used cannabis to manage their symptoms’, have you ever wondered who these people actually are, or what their lives are like? Well, if you’re thinking of becoming a Releaf medical cannabis patient, you could be one of these people in the very near future!
Top tips for vaping cannabis
For patients just starting cannabis-based treatment, the idea of vaping their prescribed medical cannabis flower may seem intimidating, overwhelming, or even slightly weird. Fair enough - we know that vaping is a pretty new concept for most patients.
Unlocking rights: Key housing guidance for medical cannabis patients
Medical cannabis may have been legal in the UK since 2018, but many patients have been left feeling confused about their rights when it comes to taking their medication - both in public and the comfort of their own homes. Recently, the Cannabis Industry Council published further, much-needed guidance regarding medical cannabis and housing.
Safer Internet Day: How Releaf keep online users safe
At Releaf, we know how critical online safety is. We’ve implemented numerous procedures and protocols to ensure our patients remain safe, and their privacy is protected and secure, throughout every step of their journey. What better time to give a recap of these processes than Safer Internet Day?
Exploring different diets for different health conditions
Diet has been linked to a huge number of health conditions, many of which represent a significant risk of morbidity. Yet, while many of us may make a conscious effort to eat a relatively healthy diet, we may overlook how different diets can benefit or exacerbate certain existing health conditions.
NHS investment in cannabis-based research
Medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in 2018 following high-profile campaigns by patients and advocates, primarily concerning the use of cannabis-based medicines in the treatment of refractory epilepsy. Over six years on, only a handful of patients have received an NHS prescription for medical cannabis. But could the completion of long-awaited NHS-backed medical cannabis clinical trials help improve access to these medicines in the future?
How to request a travel certificate for medical cannabis
The last thing that any of us want when travelling is extra stress. Everyone should have the freedom to feel safe and secure when travelling, no matter what their medical needs may be. Unfortunately, though, this isn't always seamless for medical cannabis patients.
Time to Talk Day: Personalised care for mental health during menopause
The 6th of February is the UK’s annual Time to Talk Day, an awareness event that aims to kickstart conversations around mental health. In honour of this important date, we’re discussing the importance of awareness of the mental health struggles commonly encountered during menopause. Personalised care is crucial in effectively managing menopause symptoms and achieving adequate relief - and medical cannabis could play a surprising role.
World Cancer Day: Personalising care with medical cannabis
Cancer affects the lives of millions of people around the world and everyone’s story is different. As a clinic offering personalised medical cannabis treatment, Releaf is embracing the theme for World Cancer Day on Tuesday 4 February and advocating for patients to be front and centre of their care.
One year of Releaf: Your Health. Your Body. Your Choice
365 days ago, on the 1st of February 2024 Releaf medical cannabis clinic officially launched. Ever since then, lives have been changed on a daily basis - and our patient stories attest to this. To celebrate this milestone, and change many more lives, we’re reducing the price of our initial consultations by £60 - offering appointments with specialist GMC registered clinicians for just £39.99. Simply use the code 1YEAR60 at checkout.
Medical cannabis treatment: What is an MDT?
Along with adapting to a whole new treatment option, patients just starting with medical cannabis treatment can sometimes find themselves feeling a little inundated by the terminology, acronyms, and jargon that accompany their treatment plan. One of the key terms for new patients to get their head around is MDT: Multidisciplinary Team.
Could cannabis help with neuropathic pain?
Neuropathic pain is a common type of pain that is caused by damage to the nervous system. It can be linked to various sources, including disease and injury; however, sufficient treatment can often be difficult to achieve. As medical cannabis becomes more widely available, a growing number of patients may wonder whether it could be an effective alternative or add-on therapy to conventional treatments for neuropathic pain.
Experts explain: Dr Maria Knöbel on medical cannabis and menopause
Around the world, medical cannabis and menopause are subjects that have been unfairly deaminised and stigmatised for generations. From a lack of public awareness and professional understanding, to misinformation and misconceptions, thankfully, now this rhetoric is starting to change - and that’s something we’re keen to be a part of.
Parenting and wellbeing: Medical cannabis stories that break the stigma
Ahead of Parent Mental Health Day (Thursday 30 January) we’re breaking down the stigma around medical cannabis and parenting with the real-life stories of those who have found improved health and wellbeing for themselves and their families as a result.
Not what the doctor ordered: A Q&A on why medical cannabis shouldn't be smoked
In the UK, one of the most prominent misconceptions that shrouds understanding and acceptance of medical cannabis is the idea that medical cannabis is smoked. However, contrary to widespread belief, this is not the case, and in the UK, medical cannabis will never be prescribed with this intention in mind.