Discover how cannabis contributes to wellness. Learn about its role in holistic health and lifestyle balance.
Early research is showing that THCV may influence blood sugar control and other aspects of metabolism, though the human evidence is still in the preliminary stage. THCV is not currently approved as a weight-loss treatment in the UK.
Acne is estimated to affect approximately 95% of people aged between 11 and 30 years old and is the eighth most common skin disease worldwide. In the UK specifically, it’s one of the most common skin conditions, with the country in the top 10 globally for diagnoses in adolescents and young people. Our skin contains part of the endocannabinoid system, the complex cell-signalling network responsible for keeping our skin healthy by regulating important bodily processes like inflammation and oil (sebum) production.
We all know the stereotype: men don't discuss their wellbeing, and often struggle to ask for help. This is even more true when it comes to mental health issues. This Men's Health Week, we are flipping it. Drawing on what 1,118 male patients told us about medical cannabis, plus the first-hand stories of four of them, we look at what happens when men stop putting it off and actually do something about how they feel.
In November 2025, Releaf commissioned the largest UK medical cannabis patient survey ever conducted (1,669 responses). This cohort analysis examines women treated for conditions such as endometriosis, menopause symptoms, severe period pain, and PMDD, covering reported treatment effectiveness, speed of perceived benefit, quality of life changes, daily functioning, side effects, stigma, and confidence using prescribed medication in public and when travelling.
Upper back pain can feel tight, sharp, or persistent, often affecting the area between your shoulder blades. This guide explains common causes, what different pain patterns may mean, and the treatment options that can help, including when to seek medical advice and where medical cannabis may fit into a wider pain management plan in 2026.
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical support. This guide explains the entire gamut of lower back pain, what causes it, and the treatment options that may help, including medical cannabis, physiotherapy, exercises, and when to seek further care.
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.
Living with a chronic health condition can have a significant impact on many aspects of everyday life, often making access to support services essential. Thankfully, in the UK there is a wide range of organisations dedicated to offering services for a range of challenges from support for chronic illness and mental health to free financial and addiction services.
Can cannabis really help with period pain? We break down a 2022 review exploring THC, CBD, and the science behind medical cannabis for menstrual cramps.
Around the world, a growing number of people are becoming aware of the potential health benefits of cannabis and its derivatives. Cannabinoids like CBD and THC are becoming increasingly recognised for their therapeutic properties, but knowledge of other cannabis compounds, such as cannabichromene (CBC) often remains limited. We’re on a mission to inform you about this lesser-known cannabinoid - so, let’s learn!
Most people have heard of CB1 and CB2 receptors, but cannabinoids affect far more than just those two targets. This blog explores the wider network of receptors and brain chemicals that shape how cannabis works in the body. For UK patients, it’s a step toward more informed, personalised treatment.
World Breastfeeding Week is upon us, taking place from the 1st to the 7th of August. In honour of this important international event, we’re taking a closer look at everything you need to know about the guidelines and evidence related to medical cannabis and breastfeeding, the implications for yours and your baby’s health, and our stance as a medical cannabis clinic in the UK.
ADHD diagnoses are on the rise, and more adults are searching for support that actually works. We spoke to Releaf psychiatrist Dr Imran Ali about what's driving the shift, why access remains a challenge, and how medical cannabis is helping some patients reduce anxiety, improve focus, and feel more in control of their symptoms.
When it comes to our health, it’s often the voices of those who know us best that guide us forward. This International Day of Friendship, we highlight how personal connection, and personal recommendation through Releaf’s Refer-a-Friend scheme is helping real individuals here in the UK support the ones they love.
Chronic pain, sleep difficulties, and reduced mobility often increase with age - but often, so does wisdom. In this latest edition of our Real Patient Voices series, we share the experiences of Peter, Mary, and Simon - Releaf patients in their 60s, 70s, and beyond - who turned to cannabis-based treatments later in life. From managing trigeminal neuralgia to regaining energy in the garden, their stories highlight how it’s never too late to explore new approaches to wellbeing.
In many parts of the world, alcohol consumption is simply an accepted part of life. Many of us use alcohol to unwind with friends, when we're catching up with family, or to celebrate all manner of special occasions - and for most, such consumption is nothing to be concerned about. But it is important to be able to draw the distinction between healthy and unhealthy relationships with alcohol. As we recognise Alcohol Awareness Week, we're taking a closer look at the implications of alcohol use for our health and wellbeing. We'll explore its relationship and potential interactions with medical cannabis and provide practical advice for maintaining a healthy relationship with alcohol.
More than 100,000 people across the UK have completed Releaf’s free medical cannabis eligibility checker and created a secure patient account. This isn’t just a number. It reflects a growing shift in how patients think about their health, and a not-so-quiet turning point in how UK medical cannabis is seen, accessed, and supported.
What mattered most for UK medical cannabis patients in 2025? In this midyear review, we spotlight one Releaf blog per month, covering legality, absorption, stigma, stop and search, and more. Each post is written to inform and empower patients navigating a changing clinical and legal landscape.
Medical cannabis is becoming increasingly popular among patients seeking holistic alternatives to conventional therapies. As such, it is important to be aware of the interactions between cannabis and other compounds found in medications and our diet, including omega-3 fatty acids. We’re taking a look at the potential complementary benefits of using medical cannabis in combination with omega-3 - an essential nutrient for many aspects of our health.
Gynaecology is an often overlooked area of healthcare. But with almost a third of women and people with wombs estimated to experience severe reproductive health problems, empowering women to recognise and address the signs and symptoms is vital. In honour of Cervical Screening Awareness Week, we're taking a closer look at the most common gynaecological conditions and exploring the importance of listening to your body and advocating for your health.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or teacher, it’s vital to ensure children stay safe around medical cannabis. This blog covers expert advice, safe practices, and guidance on having age-appropriate conversations.
Why do some people carry fear long after danger has passed, or react to safe situations in the same way as when they are in actual danger? A new cross-species study explores how 2-AG, a molecule in the brain’s endocannabinoid system, may influence trauma responses. The findings offer fresh insight into PTSD, fear generalisation, and the potential role of cannabinoid-based treatment.
Each year at the end of May, World Digestive Health Day is celebrated all around the globe. In honour of this important awareness campaign, we’re taking a closer look at the role of digestive health, and the potential benefits of medical cannabis for certain digestive health disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease.
Brain fog is a common symptom of a number of health conditions; however, it can also be associated with lifestyle factors, hormones, and some medications. In this article, we’re exploring the causes of brain fog, recommended ways of tackling its symptoms, and whether medical cannabis could be helpful.
