Yes, medical cannabis has been a legal treatment option in the UK since 1 November 2018. A specialist doctor must prescribe it, and the patient must have already tried two or more conventional treatment options that have been ineffective.
It’s not just CBD oil
While CBD products offer just one cannabinoid, medical cannabis prescribed by Releaf’s specialist doctors delivers the full spectrum of therapeutic compounds, including THC levels of up to 26%. If you've found that off-the-shelf CBD oils and similar products aren’t delivering the results you need, medical cannabis could offer a real alternative. Check your eligibility with our free online tool—it only takes 30 seconds.
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Clinical Support | ||
Medical Supervision | ||
THC Content | ||
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Customisation and Dosage | ||
Consistent Quality Control |
Medical Cannabis Facts
Here you will find key facts and figures about medical cannabis in the UK.
29.6 million
adults, may be eligible for medical cannabis in the UK.
Over 46%
of UK adults with a condition treatable with medical cannabis live with significant discomfort.
80%
improvement in sleep quality was noted using cannabis oil in a randomised, controlled trial.
84%
of those who have tried cannabis-based products for pain management say they are effective.
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CBD oil v Cannabis oil
You may be asking, ‘what’s the difference between prescribed cannabis oil and the CBD oil you can buy on the high street?’. And the answer is, mainly, the inclusion of THC.
In the UK, CBD oils sold over the counter in stores like Holland & Barrett are not legally allowed to contain more than 1mg of THC per product container. This is because THC is a psychoactive compound and while it can offer therapeutic benefits, it does have a potential for misuse if not used appropriately.
Unlike CBD oils, prescribed cannabis oils can contain the entire cannabis plant’s chemical profile, including varying levels of THC - because medical cannabis treatment plans are overseen for safety and efficacy monitoring by qualified healthcare professionals.
Depending on the health condition being treated, cannabis oils may be prescribed in THC dominant or CBD dominant formulations, or in balanced ratios of CBD and THC concentrations.
In the UK, cannabis oils are only legally accessible when they have been prescribed by a registered specialist doctor, and dispensed from a legal, legitimate pharmacy. However, because of their lower strength and concentration, CBD oils can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies and high-street retailers.
THC vs CBD: Understanding the key differences
While THC and CBD are both classed as cannabinoids (or phytocannabinoids, to be more precise), they interact with the endocannabinoid system in different ways and offer distinct therapeutic benefits.
THC
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the cannabinoid mainly responsible for the psychoactive, intoxicating effect of cannabis - but it also offers patients a wide range of therapeutic benefits.
- THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, producing a range of effects, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, relaxation, mood elevation, sleep regulation, anxiety and depression control, mood elevation, and more.
- The goal of medical cannabis application is never to cause intoxication. While patients may experience some level of psychoactivity, our prescribing specialists work closely with each patient to find a suitable dose that offers symptom relief without significant intoxicating effects, or none at all.
CBD
- Cannabidiol (CBD) does not produce a ‘high’ or intoxicating effect on its own, although it is still classed as a psychoactive compound due to its ability to influence mood. CBD does not bind strongly to CB1 receptors - instead, CBD reduces the breakdown of our own endocannabinoids, and it also activates other receptors (such as the serotonin and vanilloid receptors) that control pain, stress, and other functions.
- CBD has been found to provide anti-inflammatory effects, pain relief, and relaxation. Many patients also report improved mood regulation, anxiety reduction, and improved sleep quality with CBD use.
- The combination of THC and CBD, along with other cannabinoids and terpenes found in full-spectrum medical cannabis products, may offer more well-rounded therapeutic effects compared to isolated CBD products.
Which is better for me: THC or CBD?
As with any medication, it depends on your individual health goals and needs, and your unique response to medical cannabis treatment. The only way to determine the most suitable cannabinoid profile for you is to consult with a medical cannabis specialist doctor, like the ones that make up or world-class clinical team.
The over 25 medical cannabis specialist doctors that work with Releaf patients come from a diverse range of medical backgrounds, meaning you will always find a specialist who understands your symptoms and needs.
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment and to discuss the best THC and CBD options for you, head to our medical cannabis eligibility checker.
CBD oil vs medical cannabis oil UK: What’s the difference?
The four major differences between CBD and medical cannabis oils in the UK are:
- THC content: As mentioned previously, CBD oil must legally contain less than 0.2% THC (or less than 1 mg per container), while medical cannabis oil options can offer much higher levels of THC.
- Regulatory oversight: CBD oil options are classed as 'Novel Food Items' in the UK, meaning they are not currently regulated to the same degree as medical cannabis oils.
- Therapeutic effects: While CBD oil is commonly used for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, medical cannabis oil options in the UK offer a more comprehensive (and potentially effective) range of therapeutic benefits.
- Full-spectrum medical cannabis oils contain the full range of cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant used to make the final product. These work together to produce an 'entourage effect' - amplifying the therapeutic effects of all compounds in the oil. CBD oil options are typically made with CBD isolate extract, meaning they do not contain any other compounds from the cannabis plant.
FAQs
Unfortunately, medical cannabis is still an area with a lot of taboo and suspicion surrounding it. At Releaf, we want to try and break these barriers down and educate the world that it can be an incredibly effective medical treatment.
The full list of conditions that medical cannabis can be prescribed for in the UK is extremely expansive, but some common conditions include: Chronic Pain: Arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, and other long-term/persistent pain conditions. Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychiatric disorders. Sleeping Disorders: Insomnia, sleep apnoea, and other sleep-related issues. Neurological Conditions: Epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and migraines. Women's Health: Menstrual pain, menopause symptoms, and other women’s health concerns. Gastroenterological Issues: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Cancer Support: Symptom management for cancer patients, including pain, nausea, and appetite loss.
All initial consultations are conducted online via a video call. This means you won’t need to go to a GP surgery or hospital for it, and it can be arranged at a time convenient to you.
The first step is to head to our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker to find out if you could potentially benefit from medical cannabis treatment. It takes less than 30 seconds to complete, and once done, you will have a much clearer idea of whether medical cannabis might be a suitable option for your health needs. If eligible, you will be prompted to create a free Releaf account, where you can book an initial online consultation with one of our world-class clinical team. During this first appointment, your specialist will work with you, and review your medical history, symptoms, and current/past treatments to determine if medical cannabis may be appropriate for you.
There is no one single 'most important' cannabinoid. THC and CBD (along with other cannabinoids and terpenes) have unique therapeutic properties. The combination of THC and CBD may offer more balanced and effective relief for patients. While THC can provide immediate relief for symptoms like pain, nausea, and muscle spasms, CBD can perfectly complement THC, offering calming and anti-inflammatory effects without the psychoactive properties. When taken together (along with other cannabis compounds), they can produce what is commonly referred to as the “entourage effect”.
No, there’s no commitment and you can cancel whenever you like.
The “entourage effect” is a widely accepted theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in cannabis work together to enhance therapeutic benefits and potentially help to reduce side effects. CBD oil options are often produced from isolated CBD products, but full-spectrum medical cannabis products contain a range of cannabinoids and terpenes that work synergistically.
Yes, medical cannabis flower and oil options can legally contain regulated levels of both CBD and THC. The cannabis-based medication/s you are prescribed will depend on your specific needs and health goals, as determined by your specialist doctor. The combination of CBD and THC offers a more comprehensive range of therapeutic benefits than CBD alone.
Medical cannabis oils are usually split into three main categories: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate oils. Full-spectrum medical cannabis oils contain the full range of cannabinoids and other therapeutic compounds found in the cannabis plant, including THC. Broad-spectrum cannabis oils include most of the cannabinoids/terpenes found in full-spectrum oils, but with less than 0.2% THC. Isolate cannabis oils contain only one isolated cannabinoid, such as CBD, and no other cannabinoids or terpenes. Most CBD oils available at high street stores are made with an isolated CBD extract.
That depends on your health goals. Full-spectrum medical cannabis oil options include the entire range of cannabinoids/terpenes/flavonoids produced by the source cannabis plant, which may provide more well-rounded therapeutic benefits than isolated CBD oils. Your Releaf prescribing specialist will work with you to find the most suitable option for your individual health needs.
We have a range of medical cannabis oil options, each with different ratios of THC and CBD: Low THC/High CBD medical cannabis oil - These medical cannabis oils contain less than 1% THC, combined with higher concentrations of CBD (up to 5%). They are perfect for patients seeking relief from symptoms without experiencing significant psychoactive effects. Balanced THC and CBD medical cannabis oil - Our balanced options (2.5% THC:2.5% CBD) offer a well-rounded approach, providing the therapeutic benefits of both cannabinoids. These options are ideal for patients seeking combined relief from a range of symptoms, including pain, anxiety, and inflammation. High THC medical cannabis oil - For patients requiring a higher THC concentration, we offer oils with up to 10% THC. These oils are typically prescribed for targeted therapeutic effects, such as managing chronic pain or severe anxiety. All of the UK medical cannabis oils available to Releaf patients undergo advanced purification processes. They are produced under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), ensuring safety, reliability, and consistency for every patient, and every dose.
Releaf patients have access to a wide variety of medical cannabis flower options, all with differing ratios of THC and CBD to meet individual therapeutic needs. Some options provide lower THC with higher CBD (7% THC:10% CBD), ideal for balanced relief and often prescribed for mild symptom management. For patients requiring stronger THC formulations, we offer flower options ranging from 15% to 26% THC. These heavier THC cultivars are often prescribed for patients with more severe symptoms/health concerns. There are medical cannabis flower options that work better for daytime administration, and others are more suited for evening/nighttime. Your Releaf prescribing specialist will talk you through all the UK medical cannabis flower options and work with you to find the most suitable cultivar, ratio, and dosing schedule for your health needs.
