Explore UK-focused medical cannabis articles, including legal updates, patient experiences, treatment options, and the latest research within the British cannabis landscape.
A guide for new medical cannabis patients, covering frequently asked questions, treatment tips, product options, and everything needed to start confidently.
Discover essential tips, legal guidance, and travel advice for taking medical cannabis abroad. Learn how to prepare, stay compliant with local laws, and enjoy a stress-free holiday with your medication.
Explore UK-focused medical cannabis articles, including legal updates, patient experiences, treatment options, and the latest research within the British cannabis landscape.
A guide for new medical cannabis patients, covering frequently asked questions, treatment tips, product options, and everything needed to start confidently.
Discover essential tips, legal guidance, and travel advice for taking medical cannabis abroad. Learn how to prepare, stay compliant with local laws, and enjoy a stress-free holiday with your medication.
Medical cannabis treatment is quite an individual process, which means there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how often you should see your doctor. Each and every patient we see here at Releaf responds at least slightly differently to their treatment protocol. This is the main reason our world-class clinical team takes such a personalised approach to each patient's care and why it is essential that all patients see their doctor regularly.
But just how long after your initial consultation should your first follow-ups be?
And how frequently should you have follow-ups as time goes on?
Key takeaways
Medical cannabis treatment is highly personalised, necessitating regular consultations with your doctor to ensure optimal outcomes.
The standard follow-up schedule for Releaf patients includes a first follow-up 60 days after the first consultation, and subsequent follow-ups every 120 days.
Regular appointments allow for the monitoring of treatment progress, adjustment of dosages, and addressing any changes in symptoms.
The Releaf+ subscription offers enhanced flexibility with unlimited appointments, exclusive pricing, and extra support features.
Additional appointments can be scheduled outside of the standard routine if health changes or new symptoms arise, ensuring that patient needs are continuously met.
Contents
What is the standard schedule for follow-ups for Releaf patients?
All Releaf patients will have their first follow-up 60 days after their initial consultation.
It doesn't have to be booked in for the exact two-month mark, as you have the flexibility to book your own online appointments through our world-first healthcare Patient Dashboard, but there is an expectation that you will be seen by their doctor around 60 days after your initial consultation, as this is how long a prescription lasts.
After this first follow-up, as long as everything is going as expected, you will continue with follow-ups every 120 days.
Why is it important to see your doctor regularly for medical cannabis treatment?
Seeing your doctor regularly throughout your medical cannabis treatment journey helps ensure that the medication continues to meet your health needs effectively. Over time, the impact of health conditions and the symptoms that are presenting can and do change.
Regular 120-day appointments allow our specialists to monitor your treatment progress, adjust dosages or prescribed products if needed, and discuss any concerns or changes in symptoms.
What happens between appointments?
All Releaf patients have repeat prescriptions to cover them between appointments, so there is no need to worry about running out of medication. This can all be easily accessed and managed through your Patient Dashboard.
It is important to follow your treatment plan as directed by your doctor. Taking too much or too little of your prescribed medical cannabis can result in less effective treatment, which is why it is essential to stay in touch with your doctor and follow their dosing and administration advice closely.
Flexible care with the Releaf+ subscription
The above follow-up schedule is the standard for all Releaf patients, but there is a way to have even more flexibility and convenience when it comes to your medical cannabis treatment.
Our Releaf+ subscription service offers patients the option to have unlimited appointments with their doctor, and whenever they like. We have found that many of our patients enjoy the peace of mind and extra support that comes with this service, especially in the early stages of their treatment journey. Releaf+ members also get member-only prices for medication, free repeats, and free delivery of all of their prescribed medical cannabis products.
When should I see my doctor outside the standard schedule?
All patients can request additional appointments outside their regular follow-up schedule, as needed. If you feel that your health situation has changed, or if you are experiencing new symptoms, it is important to book an appointment with your Releaf doctor as soon as possible.
If you feel that you need any extra support or guidance during your treatment, contact our Patient Support Team. They are available to answer any questions and help you book an appointment with your Releaf doctor as soon as possible.
You can head to our fact and free medical cannabis eligibility checker - it takes less than 30 seconds to complete, and once done, you have a much clearer understanding of your eligibility for medical cannabis treatment in the UK.
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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A recent paper clearly highlights the huge gap between how many adults in the UK rely on illicit cannabis to help control the symptoms of their health conditions, compared to the numberlegally prescribed. An estimated 1.77 million UK adults still self-medicate with street-bought cannabis, with only around 100,000 having a legal UK medical cannabis prescription right now, despite medical cannabis being a fully legal treatment option since November 2018.
*“Skinny weed”* refers to the cannabinoid THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin), a non-intoxicating cannabis compound that is showing promise as an appetite suppressant by blocking the CB1 receptor. Unlike THC, which triggers the munchies, THCV seems to do the opposite.
Each year in June, LGBTQ+ Pride events take place around the world. These events offer an opportunity to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, honour their contributions, and recognise the ongoing struggle for equality. But June also marks PTSD Awareness Month and, as these two important events coincide, it is important to recognise the increased rates of PTSD among LGBTQ+ individuals, understand the reasons behind this, and improve awareness of available treatment options.
