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Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain

Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain

If you’ve cycled through conventional medications and jumped through every hoop, yet you’re still suffering from a chronic pain condition such as fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain or arthritis, cannabis-based treatments may be able to restore your quality of life. At Releaf, our specialist doctors are here to work with you closely to create a bespoke treatment plan that addresses your unique needs - helping you regain control of your health.

Am I eligible?

Chronic Pain

It is estimated that 50% of UK adults are affected by chronic pain. Traditional approaches to treatment often rely on medicines like pill-form opioids, which can come with debilitating side effects and the risk of dependency. Cannabis-based treatment plans are a viable alternative, providing you with regular doctor check ins and a personalised path to better health.

How Can Cannabis-Based Treatments Help?

Cannabis contains cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which could provide pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and relaxation. It’s been legal to prescribe medical cannabis in the UK since 2018. This means thousands of people, just like you, now have an alternative and effective way to manage their chronic pain.

49%

Of those studied for medical cannabis use are treating chronic pain.

84%

Of study participants say medical cannabis is an effective pain treatment.

#1

Chronic pain is the #1 condition treated at Releaf.

64%

Decrease in use of opioids among chronic pain patients using CBPMs.

Articles on Chronic pain

22. 09. 2023

Can you get a medical cannabis card for chronic back pain in the UK? 

Medical cannabis is an increasingly popular treatment option for people suffering from chronic back pain. But to legally access it in the United Kingdom (UK), you need a physician registered to the General Medical Council Specialist Register to prescribe you cannabis. That means that, more than likely, your current GP won’t be able to help you get a medical cannabis prescription. NHS medical cannabis patients are not provided with a medical cannabis card, as unlike some other countries, it is not a legal requirement to carry a card. Again, if you are looking for the added protection that holding a medical cannabis card offers, then a private clinic is the best way to go.

28. 08. 2023

Is medical cannabis a viable treatment for back pain?

Despite advancements in understanding back pain, the lack of effective and lasting treatment options remains a significant challenge. Managing non-surgical back pain has been identified as a primary contributor to the current issues surrounding the overprescription of opioids. Additionally, post-operative pain management poses a complex challenge for patients undergoing spine surgery.

12. 07. 2023

What you need to know: Medical cannabis for arthritis

Patients battling arthritis often experience chronic pain, and when left untreated, the pain associated with the condition can prevent them from carrying out daily activities and living a normal, healthy, fulfilling life. While cannabis has been shown to produce over 110 cannabinoids, there are two that are really showing promise in therapeutic settings, especially when it comes to the potential reduction of symptoms of arthritis. 

What our patients say about us

  • Jackie’s Story: Persistence Through Pain and the Power of Medical Cannabis

    Jacqueline's health journey has been one of setbacks, surgeries, and ongoing struggles with arthritis and chronic pain, both of which contributed to mental health challenges. Read more

    Condition Pain

    Subscriber 3 months

  • Martin's story: Embracing medical cannabis to manage chronic pain

    Living a healthy, active lifestyle has always been a top priority for the dad of four and full-time illustrator and printmaker, Martin. But due to the chronic pain from Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) and spinal arthritis, each day is a balancing act between managing his symptoms, pursuing his creative work, and getting all the other day to day stuff done. Read more

    Condition Pain

    Subscriber 8 months

  • Mary’s story: Living life to the fullest in her golden years

    As more mainstream research shows the benefits of medical cannabis in treating chronic illness, the surrounding stigma in the UK is steadily declining. At Releaf, we’re seeing an increasingly diverse range of people of different ages, religions and ethnicities come through our doors looking for holistic solutions for chronic health issues. Read more

    Condition Pain

    Subscriber 6 months

  • Ethan’s story: Reclaiming mobility after a work-related back injury

    Ethan was an active hiker and mountain biker before a back injury robbed him of his mobility, making it hard for him to move around his home and perform simple, everyday tasks—let alone walk the trails of the Scottish Highlands. Read more

    Condition Pain

    Subscriber 3 months

  • Chaos’s Story: From Fibromyalgia Pain to Relief with Medical Cannabis

    For years, Chaos has lived with the debilitating effects of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Fibromyalgia is only just starting to be properly recognised in the conventional medical community, even though it affects millions of people worldwide. Read more

    Condition Pain

    Subscriber 5 months

  • Into the Woods: Ryan’s story of pain and perseverance

    Ryan’s passion is the outdoors, and there’s nothing he loves more than a long hike through the forest with his trusty dog. For years, Ryan’s pain disconnected him from the natural world. Now, his recent treatment with medical cannabis is finally offering hope. Read more

    Condition Pain

    Subscriber 9 months

  • Elisei's story: A father turns to medical cannabis to heal from a work-related injury

    Have you ever been forced to work through an injury? To just grin and bear it? This is a decision that thousands of people in the UK face every day. For so many of our patients suffering with chronic pain, taking months off work to heal from work injuries was never a realistic option. Read more

    Condition Pain

    Subscriber 3 months

    • You’ll be Supported By an Expert Medical Team

    “Many conditions that lead to chronic pain often respond poorly to conventional pharmaceutical medications. More and more is being understood about how the endocannabinoid system interacts with the more well known pain pathways to work synergistically with these conventional medications. Chronic pain comes with a variety of associated symptoms such as poor sleep, fatigue, brain fog and reduced appetite – all of which treatment with medical cannabis can improve.“

    Dr. Tang discussing medical cannabis treatment options in a professional setting
    Dr David Tang

    Clinical Director

    Common chronic pain symptoms

    Constant pain

    Fatigue

    Insomnia

    Joint pain

    Lack of relief from OTC painkillers

    Loss of appetite

    Low mood

    Reduced quality of life

    Sleep disruption

    Spasticity

    Stress

    Tremors

    It's important to note that these symptoms are general and may not be exclusive to any specific chronic pain condition. Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans based on individual needs.

    Common chronic pain conditions
    Ankylosing SpondylitisArthritisCluster HeadacheComplex Regional Pain SyndromeEczema
    Ehlers Danlos SyndromeEndometriosisFibromyalgiaHeadachesHIV
    Lower Back PainMigrainesMyalgic EncephalomyelitisPainPsoriasis
    Restless legs syndromeSciaticaSpondylolisthesis Trigeminal Neuralgia
    If you’re looking for an alternative to conventional medicine, cannabis-based treatments could be the answer to restore your quality of life. The first step is to find out if you’re eligible.
    Am I eligible?