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Blog
Research

Research

Explore the latest findings in medical cannabis research, from clinical trials and scientific studies to emerging trends and expert analysis.

Articles

Decoding Cannabis: Over the limit, but not impaired? What the science shows

The UK (and many other countries) sets its drug-driving THC limit at 2 µg/L of blood, but is that a measure of impairment, or just detection? A 2026 simulator study found frequent cannabis users were no more impaired than non-users 12 to 15 hours after smoking, despite still exceeding that threshold. We decode what the research really shows, and why it is relevant for medical cannabis patients who are worried about getting behind the wheel.

8 min read
11.06.2026
Sam North

The ripple effect: medical cannabis: another tool to support patients and carers

This Carers Week, we are thinking about all the people across the UK who help care for someone in need. Proper treatment that delivers the best clinical outcomes is often about far more than a single option, but rather a range of choices that fit the patient. For an increasing number of patients in the UK, medical cannabis is another tool that helps, and when it does, the people supporting them can feel the difference too. We surveyed 1,669 Releaf patients, and their answers point to a benefit that reaches beyond the patient alone.

5 min read
16.06.2026
Sam North

What 24 cancer patients told us about medical cannabis for symptom relief: findings from Releaf's 2025 UK patient survey

Releaf's 2025 UK Medical Cannabis Patient Survey is the largest survey of active UK medical cannabis patients ever conducted. Of the 1,669 respondents, 24 selected cancer-related as their primary condition category. All 24 reported an improvement in quality of life, 83.3% rated their treatment extremely, very, or moderately effective, 83.3% experienced no side effects, and 95.8% would recommend medical cannabis to others. Here is what these patients told us about managing their symptoms alongside conventional oncology care.

7 min read
03.06.2026
Sam North

Decoding Cannabis: what the first placebo-controlled cannabis migraine trial means for patients in 2026

The first randomised, placebo-controlled trial of vaporised cannabis for migraine attacks has finally been published. Researchers at UC San Diego compared THC, CBD, a balanced combination, and placebo across 247 treated migraines. The balanced ratio came out clearly ahead, with sustained benefit at 24 and 48 hours and no serious adverse events. We unpack what the trial proves, where it falls short, and how the results sit alongside Releaf's UK patient survey data on medical cannabis for migraine.

8 min read
26.05.2026
Sam North

Medical cannabis for anxiety and mental health: is the evidence being misinterpreted?

Recent mainstream media coverage has suggested there is no evidence medical cannabis helps mental health conditions, but that conclusion depends on how the data is interpreted. This article reviews clinical research alongside UK patient outcomes across anxiety, depression, and PTSD to show what the evidence actually says and where conclusions are simply too narrow.

12 min read
19.03.2026
Sam North

Women’s History Month: Celebrating women’s contributions to medicine and science

Women’s History Month takes place every March, offering an opportunity to celebrate the important contributions of women to societies around the world. From scientific discoveries and life-changing inventions to driving social change, women have always played a vital role in the betterment of society. However, their achievements have so often been unrecognised and uncredited. So, in honour of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating women’s contributions to medicine and science. **

6 min read
06.03.2026
Emily Ledger

UK medical cannabis for chronic pain: what 792 current patients reported

In November 2025, Releaf conducted the largest medical cannabis patient survey ever carried out in the UK. This blog focuses on 792 people prescribed medical cannabis for chronic pain, sharing patient-reported data on effectiveness, quality of life, daily functioning, side effects, stigma, and confidence in real-world settings.

9 min read
11.02.2026
Sam North

UK medical cannabis for cancer-related pain, nausea, and vomiting in 2026

Cancer and its treatment can be associated with a wide range of symptoms and side effects. As we once again look to raise awareness for those living with cancer this World Cancer Day, we’re assessing the evidence and recommendations for the use of medical cannabis for cancer-related pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and more.

6 min read
05.02.2026
Emily Ledger

Decoding Cannabis: missing data in research and what it means for you

Missing data is one of the most common reasons medical cannabis studies can look inconsistent. This Decoding Cannabis guide explains what missing data means, why it happens in real-world research, and how it can affect results without anyone doing anything misleading. You’ll also learn a simple checklist to help you spot higher-quality studies, so you can make more sense of cannabis headlines and claims.

8 min read
27.01.2026
Sam North

Decoding Cannabis: what a recent scoping review reveals about cannabis for rheumatoid arthritis

A recent scoping review has dug into how cannabinoids interact with inflammation, joint tissue, and pain signalling in rheumatoid arthritis. This article breaks down what the researchers found, how THC and CBD influence key inflammatory pathways, and what these insights may mean for people living with arthritis in the UK. We also look at how this evidence compares with current patient experiences.

8 min read
10.12.2025
Sam North

Men’s Health Month 2025: what the UK’s largest cannabis study reveals about men’s health

This Men’s Health Month, Releaf's study of active UK medical cannabis patients (the largest to date) shows how men are using treatment to improve their quality of life, reduce chronic pain, support their mental and general wellbeing, and move beyond outdated stigma. The data reflects a wider shift toward openness, ownership, and long-term health management among men seeking more stable and effective support.

9 min read
21.11.2025
Sam North

Decoding Cannabis: First placebo-controlled study of cannabis for migraine (THC/CBD)

The first randomised controlled trial of cannabis for migraine compared THC, CBD, THC with CBD, and placebo. Results showed that THC and CBD combined offered the strongest benefits, while THC alone provided partial relief and CBD alone had a limited effect. We explain the findings, what they mean for patients, safety considerations, and how this all affects medical cannabis access in the UK.

11 min read
25.09.2025
Sam North

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.

12 min read
04.09.2025
Sam North

Decoding Cannabis: Can CBD oil with THC help you sleep better?

A new gold-standard study found that a balanced CBD:THC oil may help people with chronic insomnia sleep longer, feel more rested, and function better the next day. With clear improvements in sleep quality, melatonin production, and morning alertness, the findings offer hope for patients who have tried other natural sleep aids without success.

8 min read
21.08.2025
Sam North

Decoding Cannabis: Could CBG become the most versatile cannabinoid in medicine?

CBG has been called the mother of all cannabinoids, but could it also be the most versatile? This blog explores new findings from a 2024 clinical review, highlighting how CBG may affect brain health, inflammation, infections, cancer, and pain. The research is still early, but the signals are encouraging, and human trials are now on the horizon.

11 min read
14.08.2025
Sam North