What the public wants to know about medical cannabis

What conditions qualify for medical cannabis in the UK?

Medical cannabis has been available on prescription through specialist doctors in the UK since the law changed on the 1st of November 2018. Patients must have first tried at least two conventional therapies, without success, before being considered eligible for medical cannabis treatment.

Currently, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) only recommends the use of CBMPs for three indications: 

• Intractable chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity
• Severe treatment-resistant epilepsy 

However, outside the NHS, unlicensed cannabis-based medical products (CBMPs) can be prescribed for a wide range of other conditions. Specialist doctors can legally prescribe medical cannabis for the treatment of a condition where there is some evidence of potential efficacy. This includes chronic pain conditions, including arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as anxiety, PTSD, gastrointestinal conditions, and sleep disorders. 

Access more information about Releaf's eligibility process, and a full list of conditions that qualify for medical cannabis here.

Can I use medical cannabis in public?

Having been approved for a medical cannabis prescription, one of the most pressing concerns for many patients is where they can use their medication. In short: Can you use medical cannabis in public? 

Well, to put it simply: Yes! 

Medical cannabis is a medicine like any other prescribed in the UK. This means that, when used responsibly and within the guidelines provided by your prescriber (e.g. cannabis flower should not be smoked), you can use medical cannabis in public spaces, including hospitality venues and in the workplace (more on this later). 

However, it is advised that patients only carry their medical cannabis in its original packaging, alongside a copy of their prescription. In addition, every Releaf patient will be given a medical cannabis card which allows them and any concerned party to easily access their patient, and prescriptions, information.

Check out our using medical cannabis in public blog for further reading.

How do Releaf patients buy medical cannabis online in the UK?

Starting your journey with medical cannabis can seem overwhelming at first. At Releaf, we strive to offer you the support you need every step of the way, including when it comes to purchasing your medical cannabis products online. So, how does this process work exactly?

Well, after receiving your prescription through Releaf, whether for cannabis flower or cannabis oil, you can decide whether you would like to join our Releaf+ subscription service or continue on a ‘pay as you go’ basis. You can then purchase your preferred products through your personalised patient dashboard, which will be delivered straight to your door!

Releaf was the first clinic in the UK to allow patients to buy medical cannabis online using Apple/Google Pay, as well as credit or debit card, through our integrated Stipe payment system. 

Read more on buying medical cannabis online here.

How much does medical cannabis cost in the UK?

Given that the vast majority of medical cannabis patients in the UK access their medication through private clinics like Releaf, the question of cost is understandably often at the forefront of their minds. Unfortunately, medical cannabis costs can vary significantly depending on the clinic you go to - particularly when you also factor in the cost of consultations. 

At Releaf, we aim to make medical cannabis pricing as simple as possible, which is where the Releaf+ subscription service comes in. For just £39.99 per month, Releaf+ patients cover their follow-up consultations, dispensing and delivery fees, and receive a discount on the cost of their medication. 

With Releaf+, medical cannabis cultivars starts from just £7.99 per gram - learn how you can save up to 20% on medical cannabis costs in our full post.

Is it illegal to smoke medical cannabis in the UK?

Despite being legalised for medicinal purposes in 2018, there are some restrictions on the use of medical cannabis that it is important to be aware of. For instance, it is always illegal to smoke cannabis in the UK, regardless of its prescription status.

UK law does not allow cannabis, in any form, to be smoked. These guidelines are in place to protect patients from the harms of inhaling cannabis smoke. 

Find out more about UK law and smoking medical cannabis here. 

Can I drive with a medical cannabis prescription?

For many people, driving is an important part of everyday life. Whether you jump in the car to run errands or get to work, or even drive for a living, it is important to know the rules when it comes to medical cannabis and driving. 

According to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s guidelines for driving and prescription medications, patients must be “free from any medication effects that would impair driving”. This includes meeting adequate levels of attention and concentration, good reaction time, and coordination, required for safe driving. 

Access our full blog post to learn more about DVLA guidelines for medical cannabis and prescribed medications.

Medical cannabis and your employment rights

Given the social stigma that is still attached to medical cannabis, the thought of bringing up the topic with your employer can be daunting to say the least. So, what are your rights when it comes to medical cannabis and employment? 

You do not technically have to inform your employer of your status as a medical cannabis patient. However, under some circumstances – such as if your job requires you to operate heavy machinery or drive – your employer may request a medical report to ensure a safe working environment. 

Informing your employer of your health condition and medical cannabis prescription can also allow them to implement reasonable adjustments. Finally, you are entitled to use your medication at work; however, use of medical cannabis must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Read more about medical cannabis in the workplace here.

Can I get THC edibles/gummies with a medical cannabis prescription?

If you are interested in getting a medical cannabis prescription in the UK, you may wonder what products are available. For example, are THC gummies legal in the UK? 

While some private clinics may offer oral cannabis products, such as pastilles or capsules, THC gummies are generally not available through prescription in the UK. Moreover, they remain illegal on the consumer market. Most clinics, including Releaf, prescribe medical cannabis flower and oils. 

Learn more about THC gummies and edibles here.

What is the difference between sativa and indica?

The terms ‘sativa’ and ‘indica’ are widely used in the world of cannabis. These scientific terms have historically been used to differentiate between two sub-types of the cannabis plant; however, they have also been used to determine the effects of different plants. 

For example, sativa cultivars are generally said to have more uplifting and energising effects while indicas are thought to be more sedating. While these labels have been intended to help patients and prescribers to identify the best products for certain indications, there is little scientific evidence to support them, and due to hybridisation, many professionals in this industry believe these terms are now outdated.

Learn more about the ‘sativa’ vs ‘indica’ debate here. 

What is grit weed?

The term ‘grit weed’ refers to cannabis that has been contaminated with another substance. 

This can range from contaminants like iron, sand, chemicals, or even glass. These contaminants are typically added to cannabis to increase the weight, and therefore the price, of the product. Consumption of grit weed can be dangerous and harmful to human health and should be avoided, but thankfully, in the regulated medical cannabis space - this very rarely happens.

Releaf only source their medications from GMP compliant manufacturers, and take any quality complaints extremely seriously. 

Curious to learn more about grit weed in the UK? Click the link to read our full blog post.

Final thoughts

Medical cannabis remains one of the most searched, yet least understood, treatment options in the UK today. While the law may have changed six and half years ago, public awareness has struggled to keep up to speed - but we hope this blog has helped you catch up! 

Whether you’re exploring treatment options for chronic pain, anxiety, or any other qualifying condition, our goal here at Releaf is to support you every step of the way.

If you’re interested in medical cannabis treatment, find out if you could be eligible for personalised medical cannabis treatment in under a minute with our online eligibility checker - nine out of ten of those who inquire receive a prescription. Why not start your journey today?