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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

  • 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 8 months

  • Ryan’s Story: Taking strides treating sciatica with medical cannabis

    One of our core values at Releaf is pushing patient voices to the forefront, and to continue our commitment to doing so, this week we spoke to Ryan, a 31-year-old Brightonian who recently took the plunge, and became a Releaf patient. Read more

    Condition Pain

    Subscriber 6 months

  • Educating through experience: How Hollie uses medical cannabis to manage her chronic pain

    One of our primary goals at Releaf is to remove the stigma associated with medicinal cannabis, and that’s why Hollie’s story is so important. Read more

    Condition Pain

    Subscriber 6 months

  • Rhona's story: From chronic pain to finding strength for gardening and living

    Rhona's story is one of resilience and determination. After years of battling through chronic pain and sleeping issues without being able to find a real diagnosis, Rhona was coming to the end of her rope. Read more

    Condition Pain

    Subscriber 7 months

  • Josh’s story: Fighting back after a surgery gone wrong

    Having your health taken away from you, through no fault of your own, is terrible - especially for someone so used to being extremely active. Read more

    Condition Pain

    Subscriber 8 months

  • Maxim’s Story: A Path Through Chronic Pain

    I’m Maxim, a 20-year-old from Haywards Heath, with a passion for sales. I’d say I’m a pretty outgoing, yet, ordinary person. I’m enthusiastic about work, and I love to be sociable and meet up with my friends or go out with my girlfriend, like most twenty-something's do. Read more

    Condition Pain

    Subscriber 7 months

  • Helen’s Story: Parenting, Police, and a Patient's Rights

    Diagnosed with a range of conditions, including fibromyalgia, agoraphobia, and PTSD, Helen faced daily barriers that made even simple tasks daunting. Traditional medications only seemed to exacerbate her struggles, leaving her in a cycle of discomfort that made her unable to engage with the most important thing in her life: her family. Read more

    Condition Pain

    Subscriber 7 months

  • Coming into Focus: How a retired filmmaker found relief for his chronic pain without the use of opioids

    The growing evidence of medical cannabis’ effectiveness in treating chronic pain is slowly reshaping how we approach health and wellness. However, many GPs in the UK are still quick to prescribe addictive medications like opioids and benzodiazepines before looking at safe, alternative solutions like medical cannabis. Read more

    Condition Pain

    Subscriber 7 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?