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.

Can medical cannabis benefit symptoms of motor neurone disease (MND)?

Right in time for Motor Neuron Disease Day, which is on the 21st of June, we’ve put together this blog to explain the potentials of cannabis-based treatments when managing MND symptoms like pain, low mood, muscle stiffness, and poor sleep.

9 min read
20.06.2024
Lucy MacKinnon

How does medical cannabis affect blood pressure?

Slowly but surely, medical cannabis prescriptions are becoming more accessible to patients in the UK. A growing body of research indicates that cannabis-based medicines can be effective in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder to chronic pain and epilepsy.

6 min read
19.06.2024
Emily Ledger

How does Releaf deliver patients their prescribed medication?

Here at Releaf, we are constantly improving our processes and medical cannabis delivery service to ensure that our patients receive their prescribed medication in a timely and efficient manner, and for good reason. This isn't any old online shopping order they're waiting on. It's their medication - something that is vital to their health and wellbeing.

3 min read
18.06.2024
Sam North

Men's Health Week 2024: Prostate cancer and potential management strategies

Men’s Health Week is an annual international initiative aimed at providing awareness and education on health issues specific to men. The week serves as an important reminder for men to prioritise their health and well-being while also opening up an avenue of conversation where men can feel comfortable discussing their health concerns without any fear of judgement.

11 min read
14.06.2024
Sam North

Taking medical cannabis on holiday? Here’s what you need to know

With the summer holidays fast approaching, many of you will be either looking at, or looking forward to, getting away for a much-needed break. But, for those who are prescribed medical cannabis, you may be wondering what protocols are involved when travelling internationally with cannabis-based medicines - but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

10 min read
13.06.2024
Lucy MacKinnon

What are the potential long term effects of medical cannabis use?

While many of the currently available clinical studies focusing on medical cannabis have shown positive results and a high safety profile, there are still lingering concerns about the potential long-term effects of its administration.

5 min read
11.06.2024
Sam North

A UK first for medical cannabis patients: Releaf and Glass Pharms join forces to solve supply issues sustainably

Announced in The Sunday Times, Releaf have made history with the launch of a range of domestically, UK-grown medical cannabis cultivars. Releaf patient Chloe Durrington became the first person ever in the UK to receive prescribed medical cannabis flower that was grown here in the UK, by Glass Pharms®, just 200 miles from her home. Want to be among the first people in the UK to receive UK-grown medical cannabis on prescription? Check your eligibility here or speak to your Releaf clinician.

9 min read
10.06.2024
Lucy MacKinnon

The potential of Alpha-Pinene in medical cannabis treatments

In our educational series, we’ve been exploring the effects of terpenes—beyond their aroma—to better understand their importance in medical cannabis treatment. Here we take a closer look at the potential of Alpha-Pinene.

9 min read
10.06.2024
Sarah Sinclair

The medicinal potential of humulene in cannabis: A comprehensive guide

In the latest in our educational series looking beyond the aroma to explore the therapeutic potential of terpenes, we examine humulene. As well as being associated with the distinct, hoppy smell of beer, humulene is one of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis and has some interesting medicinal properties worthy of further exploration.

7 min read
06.06.2024
Sarah Sinclair

How the law changed: UK legalisation of medical cannabis

On the 1st of November 2018, legislation was introduced that was celebrated by patients, families, and advocates all over the UK. The rescheduling of cannabis meant that cannabis-based medicines could be legally prescribed for a range of conditions, marking a historic moment. But how did the law change come about? And has it lived up to the expectations of those who continue to fight for fair access to medical cannabis?

9 min read
05.06.2024
Emily Ledger

What are the most common side effects of medical cannabis?

While cannabis-based treatment options have been shown to offer patients a very favourable safety profile with a wide range of therapeutic benefits - like almost all medical options, there are side effects to consider.

7 min read
04.06.2024
Sam North

Can medical cannabis help people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

Yes, cannabis-based therapy options are showing huge promise in helping reduce chronic pain, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal upset, muscle spasms and stiffness, anxiety, and also the reliance on heavy (and sometimes totally ineffective) pharmaceutical options that come along with the diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).

11 min read
31.05.2024
Sam North

Is there an age limit to medical cannabis?

In the UK, people of any age are eligible to receive a prescription for cannabis-based medicines, but there is a little more to the story...

3 min read
30.05.2024
Sam North

Behind the scenes: The approval process for UK medicines

Have you ever read the list of side-effects for a newly-prescribed medication and wondered whether it’s really safe to consume? Rest-assured that the drug has been through a lengthy and strict approval process before making its way to your local pharmacy.

10 min read
28.05.2024
Sarah Sinclair

Limonene: The citrus-scented terpene in medical cannabis

Limonene is up there with the most abundant of all the 400-odd terpenes produced by Cannabis sativa L. plants. Research into limonene has already shown that this fascinating little compound may offer medical cannabis patients a range of positive health benefits, both physical and psychological.

8 min read
24.05.2024
Sam North

Medical cannabis and public transport: what you need to know

This week we continue our ‘what you need to know’ series, outlining medical cannabis patient’s rights when it comes to travelling on public transport. From possession of CBPMs, to administering them on buses, trains, and trams, this blog gives an overview of UK legislation and public transport policies, to help you stay safe.

7 min read
23.05.2024
Lucy MacKinnon

How do dry herb vaporisers work?

For thousands of years, the main method of cannabis consumption has been smoking. But in recent years, as medical cannabis has become more prominent and consumers are generally looking for healthier alternatives, the dry herb vaporiser has been on the rise. So, how do they work? And importantly, are dry herb vaporisers worth it?

6 min read
22.05.2024
Emily Ledger

Beyond aroma: The therapeutic potential of caryophyllene in cannabis

Today, we begin a new series aimed at helping patients fully understand the specific terpenes found in the highest concentrations in cannabis and how they may impact your medicine. The starting point is caryophyllene, an extremely interesting compound and the only terpene known to activate cannabinoid receptors in the body.

7 min read
21.05.2024
Sam North

Medical cannabis and hayfever - friend or foe?

Longer days, lush green leaves—and a streaming nose; all sure-fire signs that spring is finally here in abundance. But is your medical cannabis prescription a help or a hindrance?

9 min read
20.05.2024
Sarah Sinclair

Experts, insights, and experiences: Medical cannabis and mental health

Mental health is something that affects everyone, it’s something each individual in society has - all year round. But, this week, it’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Between the 13th and 19th of May, an extra effort is made to discuss the importance of mental health and how we can take care of it. And we wanted to join suit.

13 min read
17.05.2024
Lucy MacKinnon