What to expect in your first six months as a UK medical cannabis patient

The first six months of any new treatment regime come with a mix of queries, adjustments, milestones, and sometimes, a couple of small roadblocks. But for most patients just starting down the path towards better health with UK medical cannabis (where the treatment option has been so heavily stigmatised for far too long) the learning curve can feel a bit steeper.

With most people in the UK only just coming to the understanding that medical cannabis is actually legal here, new UK medical cannabis patients often need clarification on questions that they may not have when starting other types of medication.

Questions such as:

• How do you become a medical cannabis patient in the UK?
• How long does a prescription take to arrive?
• When are your follow-up consultations, and how do they work?
• What if your medication and UK medical cannabis card arrive separately?
• And how do you even take medical cannabis flower/oil?

We’ll cover it all (and a little more) to make sure you feel comfortable and confident during your first few months as a Releaf medical cannabis patient.

How do you become a medical cannabis patient in the UK?

These early stages of medical cannabis treatment are all about finding balance and trust. Balancing expectations with reality, balancing necessary adjustments with patience and perseverance, trusting your doctor and their expertise, and most importantly, trusting in your own body's response to this new treatment option.

So congratulations on landing here and taking that very first step - trusting in yourself (and the potential benefits of medical cannabis with Releaf) isn't the easiest thing for so many of us out there. If you haven't already, head over to our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker. In under 30 seconds, you'll know whether you potentially qualify for a medical cannabis prescription in the UK.

If you are deemed to be potentially eligible for medical cannabis treatment with Releaf, you will then be prompted to create a free account with Releaf, which will give you access to our Patient Portal.

You will be asked to upload a digital copy of your medical records (or we can request a copy from your GP on your behalf), and once we have received them, you will need to log back into the Patient Portal and book your initial consultation.

What happens during your initial consultation?

Here at Releaf, we have a truly world-class clinical team, comprising more than 25 doctors - all of whom have a vast experience in prescribing medical cannabis and come from a very diverse range of medical backgrounds.

For your initial consultation, you will be paired with the specialist doctor who best suits your health needs, be it a consultant psychiatrist for mental health issues, a pain specialist for chronic pain management, an oncologist for cancer treatment, etc.

During the consultation, your specialist will review your medical history documents and work with you to find the right treatment plan for your specific condition. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have - think of this first appointment as a chance to get to know your doctor, and to allow them to get to know you and your unique medical needs.

What happens after your prescription is issued?

Once our Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) has approved your prescription, it is then sent to our pharmacy partner, Xeal Dispensary.

The amazing team there will then process your prescription, package it all up, and hand it off to DPD or Royal Mail. Your prescribed Releaf medical cannabis treatment options will be delivered to your doorstep in 2 to 4 working days, with the rare exception taking up to 5 to 7 working days.

Remember, as medical cannabis is a controlled substance, you must be present to sign for your delivery.

Will I receive my Starter Kit and medical cannabis card with my first prescription?

No, your Releaf UK medical cannabis card will be delivered separately from your first prescription, as will your Starter Kit (if you chose to order one).

You can expect to receive your medical cannabis card within 2 to 4 days of ordering and paying for your first prescription - and within 5 to 7 days for your Starter Kit once you have ordered and paid.

How do you administer medical cannabis for the first time?

That depends on the type of medical cannabis you have been prescribed. Here at Releaf, we offer patients access to both medical cannabis flower and medical cannabis oil options.

Medical cannabis flower is always prescribed to be taken through a dry herb vaporiser, as smoking medical cannabis is illegal in the UK.

Medical cannabis oil is usually prescribed to be taken sublingually or under the tongue. Some patients may be directed to take their prescribed medical cannabis oil orally by ingesting it directly or mixing it with food/drink.

Your specialist will explain all the different options to you during your initial consultation.

To learn more, check out:

• How to take Releaf medical cannabis flower and oil
• Top tips for vaping cannabis
• What temperature should I vape my medical cannabis flower?

Should you be worried about potential side effects?

While cannabis-based treatment options have been proven through rigorous clinical research to offer patients a very favourable safety profile with a wide range of therapeutic benefits - there are some side effects to be aware of:

• Light-headedness
• Dry mouth
• Increased appetite
• Changes in mood (e.g. feeling more relaxed or socially withdrawn)
• Red eyes
• Increased heart rate
• Changes in blood pressure (usually a slight increase)

Again, your prescribing clinician will be able to explain these side effects and the risks involved with medical cannabis treatment during your initial consultation.

When are your follow-up consultations, and how do they work?

All Releaf medical cannabis patients are required to attend regular follow-up consultations to make sure that their treatment plan is continuing to be as effective as possible. New patients will have their first follow-up around one month after their initial consultation, with their second follow-up being in the 5th month of treatment.

If you feel that you need more regular follow-up appointments, feel free to book in whenever you like. Releaf+ subscribers have access to unlimited appointments at no extra cost.

What happens during a follow-up consultation?

Scheduling regular appointments every three months lets our specialists closely monitor your progress, make any necessary adjustments to dosages or prescribed products, and address any concerns or changes in your symptoms.

Just as with your initial consultation, your specialist will work with you during your follow-up consultations. This is your chance to share any feedback, ask any questions, and just have a general chat with your Releaf doctor. We recommend that all patients keep a treatment journal to help track their medical cannabis journey.

The wrap-up

If you have landed here and made it to the conclusion, then your journey with medical cannabis is likely just beginning, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

Our dedicated Patient Support Team acts as the bridge between you and your specialist to ensure things are running smoothly. Feel free to ask any questions at support@releaf.co.uk or +44 (0) 20 3657 334.

The first six months of treatment with Releaf are about more than just receiving your first few prescriptions - it’s about finding what works best for your unique health needs and getting the most out of your medical cannabis treatment.

We also offer a range of resources, including our blog, education section, FAQs area, and medical cannabis glossary to help you better understand medical cannabis and how it can benefit your health.