Political
Explore the politics of medical cannabis in the UK and worldwide, including policy changes, legal developments, and debates shaping the industry.
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.
Health, hope, and reintegration: How medical cannabis supports the economy and society
Medical cannabis is reshaping both health and economics in the UK. From easing NHS costs and creating new jobs, to helping patients return to work and family life, the benefits extend far beyond the clinic. This article explores the ripple effects that show medical cannabis is part of a wider economic and social story.
Royal Rumours: Medical cannabis fit for a king?
Rumours are circulating that King Charles III may be using medical cannabis to ease cancer symptoms—but is there any truth behind the tabloid headlines? In this blog, we unpack the claims, explore the monarch’s long-standing support for alternative therapies, and explain how medical cannabis is legally accessed in the UK today.
Decriminalising cannabis: What Sadiq Khan’s proposal could mean for medical cannabis patients
While Sir Sadiq Khan’s proposal for cannabis decriminalisation could change the future of cannabis policing, in the present day patients still need clarity, and ultimately, protection. At Releaf we’re proud to stand beside them, offering legitimacy, safety, and support - but as we look ahead, we won’t forget the complex history that’s brought us to this point.
Flintshire County Council discuss protection for Welsh medical cannabis patients
Last week, Flintshire County Council became the first Welsh authority to announce they will protect those using medical cannabis from discrimination.
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.
Westminster Hall debate: Barriers to accessing medical cannabis in the UK
Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, led Thursday’s Westminster Hall debate, highlighting critical issues in the medical cannabis industry, with the most apparent being the masses of patients that could benefit from these treatments, yet struggle to access them.
Human Rights and Medical Cannabis: Your right to education
Human Rights Day is an annual event that celebrates of the anniversary of the introduction of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Success stories: Medical cannabis to become widely available in France
Patients in France could soon have widespread access to medical cannabis on prescription as a three-year pilot study prepares to come to a close.
How Labour’s election win could impact medical cannabis patients
As Keir Starmer becomes the new UK Prime Minister, what impact—if any—will a Labour government have on medical cannabis policy? On Friday, 5 July, the UK woke up to a new era as Keir Starmer was elected as the first Labour Prime Minister in 14 years.
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?
Update on Ukraine: legalising medical cannabis, one by law at a time
Ukraine’s President signed off on Law 3528-IX, also known as The Medical Cannabis Law, back in February. This kickstarted the legalisation of medical cannabis, designed to offer relief to those suffering from conditions like chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the continued war with Russia. Here we take a look at some of the updates and amendments that have been made to accommodate for the legalisation of medical cannabis in Ukraine.
MPs' reflect on 5 years of medical cannabis prescriptions
Medical cannabis was a highly politicised topic between 2015 and 2018 when the UK Home Office finally conceded that cannabis does have medicinal properties and could no longer maintain its prohibition. The evidence was undeniable, and the science was too clear to hide any longer.
A marriage of inconvenience: UK Health Secretary excluded from medical cannabis matters
In the heart of UK healthcare policy, Victoria Atkins' appointment as Health Secretary stirs controversy due to her explicit recusal from cannabis-related decisions, spotlighting the intricate dance of politics, personal interest, and the quest for equitable medical cannabis access.
Three’s not a crowd: CBPMs should be digitally prescribed, say The Home Office, NHS England, and The ACMD
Two weeks ago, Chris Philp MP revealed he is in support of the proposals made by NHS England and the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), that would allow for the electronic prescription of schedule 2 and schedule 3 drugs.
A cause for concern: Home Affairs Committee calls for improvements in access to medical cannabis
For the second time in a matter of months, official organisations, in this case the Home Affairs Committee, have raised concerns to the government about issues in accessing cannabis-based medicines in the UK.
Blunt's EDM urges government to grant GPs cannabis prescription rights
On Monday the 3rd of July an Early Day Motion was submitted by MP Crispin Blunt, calling on the government to allow general practitioners the right to prescribe cannabis-based medications. This motion aims to open up prescription rights to the 36,000 General Practitioners that are currently practising in the UK in the hope of making medical cannabis more accessible.