Medical Cannabis
Explore UK-focused medical cannabis articles, including legal updates, patient experiences, treatment options, and the latest research within the British cannabis landscape.
CBD vs THC law in the UK: What’s legal, and what’s not
What’s legal, and what isn’t, when it comes to CBD vs THC in the UK? This guide breaks down the legal status of both cannabinoids, explains why THC requires a prescription, and outlines how medical cannabis works for those who qualify. If over-the-counter CBD isn’t enough, there may be a clinically guided, THC containing alternative available.
Medical cannabis, the DVLA and prescribed medicines
Despite medical cannabis being legal in the UK for almost six years, there is still confusion— and mixed messages—around the rights and responsibilities of patients when it comes to driving with their prescription.
Decoding Cannabis: Can cannabis suppress tumour growth?
Can cannabis actually help suppress tumours? From brain and breast cancer to colon and lung models, the lab results are intriguing, but far from conclusive. In this Decoding Cannabis blog, we explore the latest preclinical studies on THC, CBD, and synthetic cannabinoids, compare them with other natural compounds, and share what UK patients battling cancer are prescribed UK medical cannabis for right now.
The lesser-known terpenes in cannabis and their therapeutic benefits
Cannabis is an extremely complex plant containing a huge number of active compounds, from cannabinoids such as THC and CBD to terpenes like linalool, myrcene, and pinene. But while you may have heard of some of the more prominent terpenes found in cannabis, there are many others that you may not be familiar with - but that doesn’t mean they don’t hold any therapeutic potential. Let’s take a closer look at some of these lesser-known cannabis terpenes and their properties.
Behind the blue line: Educating police on medical cannabis rights in the UK
What happens if you’re stopped by police while using prescribed cannabis? Six years since legalisation, confusion still reigns - so we decided to do something about it. Find out how Releaf is helping educate law enforcement, one conversation at a time. Because medical cannabis patients deserve clarity, dignity, and protection.
90,000 interactions. One clinic. Medical cannabis matters
Thousands of people are taking their health into their own hands - are you one of them? From prescription ordering to eligibility checks, this data-driven snapshot reveals just how many are turning to Releaf for trusted medical cannabis support. Discover what the numbers really say - and what they mean for you.
FAQ: Is it illegal to smoke medical cannabis in the UK?
In the UK, it is always illegal to smoke cannabis. While medical cannabis can be prescribed to suitable patients in the UK through private healthcare clinics like Releaf, it is only prescribed with the intention, and with strict instructions, of being vaped - not smoked.
Online cannabis dispensaries in the UK: How they really work
In the UK, getting a medical cannabis prescription isn’t like popping down to the chemist. This blog breaks down how online cannabis dispensaries actually work, why your meds can take a few days to arrive, and how Releaf ensures safe, consistent delivery every time (even during a snowy Christmas). From regulation to real people, we explain what’s really going on behind the scenes.
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.
Finding a medical cannabis specialist near you
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK for the treatment of a wide range of conditions since 2018. Yet, many prospective patients may not know how to access this potentially life-changing medication. In this article, we’ll help you answer common queries such as, “Where can I find a medical cannabis doctor near me?” and “Is there a medical cannabis dispensary near me?”.
Peace of mind price tags: Why all our medical cannabis flowers are £7.99 per gram for Releaf+ patients
Many Releaf patients say their medical cannabis treatment has been ‘transformative’ or ‘life-changing’ - but some have also told us at first, they were wary of the cost. Unknown pricing adds uncertainty - and unnecessary stress. But at Releaf, we believe consistency matters. That’s why all prescribed cannabis flowers are priced at £7.99 per gram for those on our subscription plan: Releaf+. Read on to find out more about our consistent costs, how the Releaf+ subscription supports it, and why £7.99 per gram offers more than affordability - it offers confidence.
Real Patient Voices: With age comes wisdom - medical cannabis and me
Chronic pain, sleep difficulties, and reduced mobility often increase with age - but often, so does wisdom. In this latest edition of our Real Patient Voices series, we share the experiences of Peter, Mary, and Simon - Releaf patients in their 60s, 70s, and beyond - who turned to cannabis-based treatments later in life. From managing trigeminal neuralgia to regaining energy in the garden, their stories highlight how it’s never too late to explore new approaches to wellbeing.
Mindful choices and modern medicine: Understanding alcohol, medical cannabis, and the path to wellness
In many parts of the world, alcohol consumption is simply an accepted part of life. Many of us use alcohol to unwind with friends, when we're catching up with family, or to celebrate all manner of special occasions - and for most, such consumption is nothing to be concerned about. But it is important to be able to draw the distinction between healthy and unhealthy relationships with alcohol. As we recognise Alcohol Awareness Week, we're taking a closer look at the implications of alcohol use for our health and wellbeing. We'll explore its relationship and potential interactions with medical cannabis and provide practical advice for maintaining a healthy relationship with alcohol.
Decoding Cannabis: Can cannabinoids help with gut and digestive health?
The gut does far more than digest. It's a second brain of sorts, wired with nerves, hormones, and immune cells, all working in sync with the microbiome. This blog focuses on new research and explores how cannabinoids interact with that system, drawing from one of the most comprehensive clinical reviews to date, along with real experiences from Releaf patients living with chronic GI conditions.
How blogs convert: Educational content is key
Releaf’s educational content is carefully planned, clinically informed, and always human written. In a space flooded with noise, we’ve built a resource that patients trust. From first click until they are fully set up (and beyond), our blog helps people feel informed, understood, and ready to take the next step, and the data shows it works.
Therapeutic use exemptions in sport: Medical cannabis
Can professional athletes legally use medical cannabis? In this guide, we break down Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), what WADA and UKAD rules say, and how to navigate cannabis prescriptions in sport - without compromising your health or career.
Releaf: Introducing Beyond the Script - Cannabis conversations that matter
In a world where convenience meets curiosity, Releaf proudly launches Beyond the Script — a podcast designed to make cannabis conversations more accessible than ever. With expert guests, powerful insights, and over 2,000 views on our debut episode, we’re breaking down medical cannabis topics in a way that’s engaging, credible, and easy to digest.
You’re not alone: 100,000 people have started their medical cannabis journey with Releaf
More than 100,000 people across the UK have completed Releaf’s free medical cannabis eligibility checker and created a secure patient account. This isn’t just a number. It reflects a growing shift in how patients think about their health, and a not-so-quiet turning point in how UK medical cannabis is seen, accessed, and supported.
Decoding Cannabis: Is there hope for sleep apnoea beyond the CPAP mask?
Sleep apnoea doesn’t just disrupt breathing, it wrecks rest, energy, and wellbeing. A large US study found that medical cannabis helped many patients manage fatigue and improve sleep quality. In the UK, Releaf offers structured, specialist-guided access to the same kinds of treatments. If CPAP isn’t working, this could be a clinically supported option worth exploring.
Omura Homefill System: An accessibility tool designed to fill flowersticks easily
Dried cannabis flower is the most popular form of medical cannabis in the UK. It is prescribed to be inhaled using a device called a dry herb vaporiser (smoking cannabis remains illegal), which gently heats the product releasing a cannabinoid and terpene rich vapour. But administering cannabis flower can be daunting at first, particularly for patients with limited dexterity. In this guide, we'll walk you through the features of the Omura Homefill System, a tool designed to streamline your medication administration process.
From Stigma to Solution: New research into UK medical cannabis
New research reveals how much the UK public really knows — and doesn’t know — about medical cannabis. From access confusion to growing support among older adults, we unpack Wellford’s findings and how Releaf is working to close the gap between interest, education, and safe access.
Real patient voices: Treating ADHD with medical cannabis
If you’ve been following the Releaf blog, you’ll know our ‘Medical Cannabis and Me: Real Patient Voices’ series shares honest insights and lived experiences of from individuals here in the UK using cannabis-based treatments to help manage their health. For the sixth edition of this blog series, we’re paying special attention to those who’ve joined the Releaf community looking for additional ADHD support.
Safe, trusted, and built for you: why UK patients choose Releaf for medical cannabis
With almost 2,000 verified Trustpilot reviews and an average score of 4.7, Releaf is the most trusted medical cannabis clinic in the UK. We provide regulated prescriptions, consistent access to high-quality medication, and a UK-based clinical and support team that actually cares. With unlimited clinical support, personalised treatment, and our custom-built patient platform, we are changing what safe, effective cannabis care looks like in the UK.
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.