Releaf
Get the latest Releaf Cannabis Clinic news, updates, and announcements. Stay informed about our services, events, and medical cannabis expertise.
The Impact of Smoking on Chronic Health Conditions: Why Quitting Matters
These days, we are all well aware of the health implications of smoking tobacco. As a result, smoking rates have been consistently on the decline in recent decades. But for many, quitting smoking is easier said than done - and for those with chronic health conditions, this could pose an even more pressing concern. In honour of No Smoking Day 2025, we’re taking a closer look at how smoking impacts chronic conditions such as chronic pain, neurological disorders, and mental health.
Experts Explain: Investing in innovative technologies: Releaf’s custom-built platform.Â
At Releaf, we’re here to help those with life-affecting illnesses, and in an industry where outdated systems often slow down patient care, we knew we needed to take a different approach.Â
Rugby, Recovery, and Regulations: Where does medical cannabis fit in?
Ahead of the Rugby Six Nations finals this month, we’re exploring how medical cannabis could aid recovery off the pitch and provide relief for athletes suffering from long-term injuries.
What to expect in your first six months as a UK medical cannabis patient
The first six months of any new treatment regime come with a mix of queries, adjustments, milestones, and sometimes, a couple of small roadblocks. But for most patients just starting down the path towards better health with UK medical cannabis (where the treatment option has been so heavily stigmatised for far too long) the learning curve can feel a bit steeper. We’ll cover it all to make sure you feel comfortable and confident during your first few months as a Releaf medical cannabis patient.
Inspirational stories for International Women's Day: Taking back control with medical cannabis
On Saturday the 8th of March, International Women’s Day is celebrated. Dedicated to recognising the achievements, resilience, and strength of women around the world, International Women’s Day is something we’re proud to take part in here at Releaf. This year, we’ve decided to celebrate by sharing five inspirational stories from women in the UK accessing medical cannabis through our services.
How fasting affects medical cannabis patients
Health and wellness have hit it big in the UK over the past two decades or so. From a country where over 70% of the adult male population smoked tobacco just 55 years ago to today, where that number is closer to 10% - and yoga studios, organic farmers markets, and CrossFit gyms have become as common as Greg's - it's obvious that a monumental shift has taken place.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Releaf medical cannabis: why a varied formulary is essential
Every patient is unique, and so are their medical needs. As a medical cannabis clinic, having a varied formulary allows us to cater to a large cohort of patients, from those with chronic pain or insomnia, to those with anxiety and depression, or MS and Parkinson’s, and offer them each unique, individualised treatment plans.
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.
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.
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.
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.