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

What were the headline findings?

Who were the cancer patients that took part in the survey? 

Somewhat unsurprisingly, the demographic profile of this cancer cohort leans a little older than the wider survey respondents. While younger people can, of course, be diagnosed with cancer, the reality is that the rate of cancer diagnosis rises with age. 

• All who took part were over the age of 35, with 19 of the 24 being aged 45 or older. 

• Two-thirds (16 of 24) of the group were male

• 22 of the 24 identified as White or white British.

• Only 8 had been receiving treatment with Releaf for less than 3 months

How effective was medical cannabis for the cancer cohort?

Very. 

In fact, the 24 who took part reported some of the most positive effects out of the entire survey. That goes for the symptoms their treatment was originally prescribed for, along with secondary symptoms, and overall quality of life. 

• 70.9% (17 of 24) reported their treatment as either extremely or very effective. 

• 16.7% answered that it had been moderately effective 

• 12.5% said that it was too early to tell

How quickly did patients find effective relief? 

Now, this is again one of the more striking findings. For most patients, the positive impact offered by their medical cannabis prescription was noticeable within the first week, and for a quarter of the group, from the very first dose.

 

As noted above, 12.5% said it was too early to tell or “were unsure.” We will run a new survey later this year and share more data on how their treatment progressed. 

Did medical cannabis treatment have a positive impact on the cancer respondents' quality of life?

Yes. This is where the cancer cohort really stands out. Not one respondent reported that their prescribed treatment failed to boost their overall quality of life in some way. For the vast majority, the impact was meaningful, and this mostly resulted in a noticeable difference to how they manage their day-to-day. 

 

Anyone who knows someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, or has faced such a diagnosis themselves, also knows how much of an impact it can have on everyday life. The physical demands and mental toll that both cancer and its conventional treatment options place, having another option that can ease a certain amount of that load is genuinely meaningful. 

Overall, 87.5% of the cohort report benefits to their daily functioning:

• 54.2% (13 of 24) said their treatment had significantly improved their ability to perform daily tasks

• 33.3% (8 of 24) said it had slightly improved their ability to perform daily tasks

• 8.3% (2 of 24) said there had been no change

• Only 1 of the 24 said it had worsened their ability to perform daily tasks

23 of 24 cancer patients were very likely to recommend medical cannabis to someone with a qualifying condition

A 95.8% endorsement rate is rare to find in the world of healthcare, where even long-established traditional treatment options rarely return such positive feedback from the patients actually prescribed them. 

And the one respondent who didn't answer with a "very" or "extremely" still landed on somewhat likely. No one in the cohort said they would not recommend it.

 

What side effects did the cancer cohort report?

Most patients in this cohort reported that their prescribed Releaf treatment was well tolerated, with 20 of 24 reporting no side effects. The four who did report some less-than-totally-positive outcomes described them as mild and well managed through discussion with their prescribing specialist, resulting in changes to either their dosing routine or treatment options. 

Across the four respondents, the only effects mentioned were:

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Feeling high or intoxicated

None of the side effects were serious enough for any of these four respondents to consider stopping their treatment. 

Considering medical cannabis as supportive care for cancer? Here's what to do next

The picture this small snapshot paints is very positive, but it is just that: what can only be described as a small, early to mid-stage set of patient voices. The sample size means the findings are directional rather than definite, but with said, this data should not be dismissed. 

The consistently positive reports across all of the major metrics should give cancer patients, their clinical team, and their loved ones time to pause and consider medical cannabis treatment alongside more traditional cancer treatment options. 

If the side effects of chemotherapy (or other heavy-hitting treatments) are taking a serious toll on quality of life, causing nausea and vomiting, or if you are struggling with chronic pain and the mental health toll that cancer can bring, medical cannabis may well help. 

To meet with one of the 50+ specialists that make up our world-class clinical team, head straight to our medical cannabis eligibility checker. It takes less than 30 seconds to complete, and is your first step to treatment with the most trusted UK medical cannabis clinic.

Releaf - let's rethink healthcare.