Medical cannabis treatments for long COVID

Medical cannabis treatment has been legal in the UK since 2018, and can be prescribed as a second line treatment options for long COVID, as it may help reduce the impact of some of the symptoms associated with the disease.

Long COVID, also called post-COVID syndrome, is a complication of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, more commonly known as COVID-19. COVID-19 emerged as a highly contagious and, in some cases, dangerous infection during 2020. Some people who become infected with COVID-19 experience symptoms for more than 12 weeks, at which point the condition becomes known as long COVID.

Because the condition is only a few years old, research is still being done into the impact of long COVID and the best forms of treatment. Key facts from a 2026 report by Supporting Healthcare Heroes UK, a non-profit supporting healthcare workers living with long COVID, are as follows:

• Long COVID is common, with some statistics suggesting that up to 26% of adults infected with COVID-19 will develop long COVID.

• The more times you have a COVID-19 infection, the more likely you are to develop long COVID.

• Long COVID increases the risk of blood clots, heart disease, and kidney disease.

• COVID-19 infections and subsequent long COVID may also be associated with the development of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

• Current statistics suggest that, so far, a maximum of 9% of patients have recovered from long COVID. 

The symptoms range from mild to severe and may severely impact a person’s quality of life.

What symptoms does long COVID cause?

The symptoms of long COVID can be highly varied, in both type and severity. Here are some of the most common and how they impact daily life:

Depression is a common symptom, caused by the uncertainty that comes with long COVID. With recovery a distant prospect, patients may find their mood low. Another common mental health condition associated with long COVID is anxiety. Worries around the ability to work and missing out on activities can lead to stress and panic, which puts additional strain on the brain and body. 

Some people may develop more severe symptoms or complications, such as postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), a form of dysautonomia. This is where the heart rate increases significantly upon standing, leading to palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, and even fainting. 

What treatments are currently available for long COVID?

Your treatment plan for long COVID will depend on what symptoms you’re experiencing and their severity. There’s no specific test to confirm that you have long COVID, although some GPs may check your blood pressure and oxygen levels, or take blood tests, sometimes to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms. 

There is no cure for long COVID at this time, so treatments are all focused on symptom management. Medications may be used to help with mood and pain management. A post-COVID clinician or physiotherapist may recommend exercises to help improve your breathing or increase muscle flexibility. Other approaches may involve diet, mindfulness, and specialist emotional support. 

Many people seek alternative treatments for long COVID when conventional medications and therapies are unsuccessful or because they don’t like the side effects of standard medicines. 

Will medical cannabis treatment help reduce the severity of my long COVID symptoms?

Some clinicians may prescribe medical cannabis for long COVID symptoms such as:

• Chronic pain

• Fatigue management via improved sleep

• Relief for digestive complaints and nausea

• Anxiety 

• Depression

Medical cannabis contains various potentially therapeutic compounds, including THC, CBD, and terpenes. The application of THC for long COVID could be therapeutic because of its associations with pain and inflammation management. 

You may also be prescribed medical cannabis for post-COVID syndrome if you struggle to sleep. CBD/THC  for long COVID symptoms of sleeplessness may promote an easier night’s sleep and, for some people, prevent frequent nighttime waking. A 2022 study into the effects of medicinal cannabis on sleep concluded that a combination of CBD and THC significantly contributed to a reduction in insomnia. 

How does the endocannabinoid system relate to long COVID?

CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and body help regulate your internal systems with the help of cannabinoids and enzymes. The network this creates throughout your body is called the endocannabinoid system or ECS and it affects most aspects of wellness, including sleep and mood.

Your body produces its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids. Potentially therapeutic compounds found in medical cannabis include plant-based cannabinoids, which are called phytocannabinoids. Clinicians may prescribe medical cannabis with the goal of better regulating the ECS for symptomatic relief. 

What does the research say about cannabis and long COVID?

Some research looks specifically at the application of CBD for long COVID symptom relief. The goal of one 2021 study was to consider the feasibility of prescribing CBD for long COVID. The results tentatively suggested that patients taking CBD saw improvements in both health and quality-of-life measures, although the conclusion also states that the study should be repeated with a larger sample of patients and a control group.

Both ME/CFS and long COVID present similar symptoms of fatigue and malaise. The ME Association states that there is a significant overlap, leading to the organisation supporting long COVID patients with the same methods they use for ME/CFS sufferers. A 2022 study published in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids reported that out of 1,224 people prescribed cannabis-based medicine, 91.94% experienced decreased fatigue levels, a symptom linked to both ME and long COVID. 

What forms of Releaf medical cannabis can be prescribed for long COVID?

If you find out you’re eligible for medical cannabis for long COVID, you may be prescribed the following formats: 

• THC vapes

• Dried flower for vaporisers

• Capsules

• Oils

• Pastilles

Your consultant will consider your preferences, lifestyle, and any symptoms that might impact which format is best for you. If you suffer from frequent nausea, for example, pastilles may not be ideal due to their sweet flavours. Capsules may be better, as they’re swallowed quickly. 

Am I eligible for UK medical cannabis treatment for long COVID?

In the UK, there are many conditions medical cannabis can be prescribed for, including symptoms often associated with long COVID, such as fatigue, joint pain, and disrupted sleep, among others. Finding out if you’re eligible for medical cannabis is easy. Just head to the online eligibility checker on the Releaf website.

Releaf’s world-class clinical team of 50+ specialists has expertise in a range of conditions, including post-viral syndromes, and will be able to carefully assess whether medical cannabis is the right next step for you. That expertise is just one reason why Releaf is the most trusted UK medical cannabis clinic, with a 240,000+ strong community.  

Before you book your consultation, take a look at how Releaf pricing works:

All Releaf patients are eligible for a free medical cannabis card once the first prescription is paid for.  It will be delivered separately from your medication and can take 3-5 days to arrive. A medical cannabis card can’t guarantee you won’t be questioned by the police, but it helps you identify yourself as a legal medical cannabis patient. Planning overseas travel? Releaf can offer advice on when you need to apply for travel certificates.

Find out if you’re eligible for medical cannabis for long COVID symptoms using the medical cannabis eligibility checker or contact our team.

FAQs on medical cannabis for long COVID

Can medical cannabis help me recover from long COVID?

If you’re eligible for medical cannabis for long COVID UK treatments, this prescription will most likely be to help with symptoms like pain, sleeplessness, or mood disorders. There’s no clinical evidence as yet to suggest that medical cannabis could hasten recovery from long COVID.

How similar is long COVID to ME/CFS?

There is a large overlap of symptoms between long COVID and ME/CFS, particularly fatigue, malaise, sleep disturbances, and pain. Both conditions are also only diagnosed after at least 12 weeks of continuous symptoms. However, long COVID may also have symptoms more associated with COVID-19, such as a loss of taste or smell, or a sore throat.

I have long COVID with fatigue similar to ME/CFS. Could medical cannabis make my fatigue worse?

Some people do experience sleepiness with medical cannabis, but this is not the same as chronic fatigue. Medical cannabis could, in some cases, promote better sleep and more regulated moods, which offer potentially therapeutic effects on constant fatigue. 

I have suspected MCAS features alongside my long COVID. Can I still be considered for medical cannabis treatment?

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is the term for a range of serious inflammatory or allergic conditions. Depending on the other treatments you may be taking for this condition, you may still be considered for a medical cannabis prescription. The clinician may advise you to wait until you have a definitive diagnosis. 

Can medical cannabis help with long COVID brain fog?

When a clinician prescribes medical cannabis for post-viral conditions, they’ll take all your symptoms into account, including brain fog. For some people, improved sleep and mood can help contribute to increased focus, memory, and concentration.