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.

Will medical cannabis get me 'high'?

Next up in our "New Patients" series, we explore the very first question that pops into almost all prospective patients' minds - "Will cannabis-based treatment options get me ‘high’?"

3 min read
09.04.2024
Sam North

Are you medicating with Dispenseree?

With millions of people thought to be self-medicating with cannabis in the UK, websites like Dispenseree have become increasingly popular despite their illegality. But there are numerous risks when it comes to buying cannabis online, especially when it's for medicinal use.

8 min read
08.04.2024
Sarah Sinclair

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.

8 min read
05.04.2024
Sam North

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.

11 min read
04.04.2024
Lucy MacKinnon

Sativa vs Indica: What’s the Difference, Effects & Benefits

The terms indica and sativa are widely used when talking about different types of medical cannabis, with each previously thought to have its own distinct therapeutic effects. But with little evidence to support this, experts are calling for a new, science-backed approach to classify products more accurately.

12 min read
01.04.2024
Sarah Sinclair

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.

8 min read
29.03.2024
Emily Ledger

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.

11 min read
28.03.2024
Sarah Sinclair

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. 

9 min read
27.03.2024
Lucy MacKinnon

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?

14 min read
26.03.2024
Sarah Sinclair

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.

13 min read
25.03.2024
Sam North

What we need to know before cannabis treatment commences

We want to make your first steps down the road towards better health as smooth as possible. That's why we've put together this straightforward guide to help you understand what we need to know before beginning your medical cannabis treatment.

10 min read
22.03.2024
Sam North

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.

9 min read
21.03.2024
Emily Ledger

Can I donate blood as a medical cannabis patient in the UK?

Donating blood is one of the most selfless acts we can undertake, but only about 7% of adults give blood (in England). While it is an extremely safe procedure and one that can potentially save someone's life, there are certain criteria that prospective donors must meet.

10 min read
19.03.2024
Sam North

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.

8 min read
18.03.2024
Lucy MacKinnon

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.

13 min read
15.03.2024
Sam North

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.

11 min read
14.03.2024
Sam North

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.

6 min read
13.03.2024
Lucy MacKinnon

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.

9 min read
12.03.2024
Sarah Sinclair

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.

12 min read
11.03.2024
Emily Ledger

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.

9 min read
08.03.2024
Lucy MacKinnon

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.

5 min read
07.03.2024
Sam North

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.

14 min read
05.03.2024
Sarah Sinclair

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.

15 min read
04.03.2024
Sam North