Medical cannabis cards for cancer patients in the UK

How does medical cannabis help cancer pain and chemotherapy side effects?

Medical cannabis should never be seen as a cure for cancer, but it can be an effective way to manage pain, anxiety, appetite changes and sleep disruption linked to the disease and its treatments.

Cannabis has a long history of use in medicine, with mentions in ancient Chinese, Indian, Greek and Roman texts for conditions such as arthritis, inflammation, pain and appetite loss. Today, research is beginning to confirm what many patients already report.

It has been shown to help reduce the pain, mental health burden, sleep disruption and chemotherapy-related side effects often associated with cancer. These benefits are supported by a growing body of clinical research and are always considered carefully by specialist doctors.

For a full rundown of how medical cannabis may help with cancer symptoms and/or the side effects of conventional treatment options, head to our fully updated blog Medical cannabis and cancer: an updated guide for UK patients and our cancer pain research deep dive Medical cannabis for cancer pain: latest UK research and patient access guide

Who is eligible for a medical cannabis card for cancer in the UK?

Prescriptions can only be written by doctors on the General Medical Council’s Specialist Register who are licensed by the Home Office. 

Eligibility usually depends on whether conventional treatments have failed or caused significant side effects.

Cancer patients may be eligible if they experience ongoing pain, sleep problems, anxiety or chemotherapy-related side effects that are not well managed by other medicines. 

You can find out more about your potential eligibility in less than 20 seconds with our free medical cannabis eligibility checker.

How to get a medical cannabis prescription and card for cancer in the UK

Most GPs cannot prescribe medical cannabis for cancer symptoms or the side effects of conventional treatment options, which is why patients usually turn to private clinics like us here at Releaf. The process usually begins with the Releaf medical cannabis eligibility checker. 

If you are found to be potentially eligible, you will then be prompted to create a free account with Releaf. We are the only clinic in the UK that currently has integration with the NHS spine, so uploading your medical records (SCR) is very straightforward. This is followed by an initial consultation with a specialist doctor who assesses whether cannabis-based treatment is suitable and what form and dose may be most effective.

If approved, the prescription is filled by an approved pharmacy. With Releaf, patients also receive a secure medical cannabis card. A digital version is provided as soon as the prescription is confirmed and a physical card is delivered with the first package of medicine.

Benefits of having a cannabis card during cancer treatment

A cannabis card provides peace of mind that treatment is safe, legal and supported by a doctor. It protects patients if questioned by the authorities, makes verification quicker with pharmacies, and gives confidence that their prescription is legitimate and recognised. For cancer patients, this reassurance can reduce stress and help them focus on recovery.

Risks and considerations of medical cannabis for cancer patients

A prescription for medical cannabis is specific to the medicine and dose prescribed. Patients cannot adjust this themselves, and any changes must be discussed with their specialist.

Possible side effects include fatigue, dizziness and psychoactive effects depending on the product. Cannabis can interact with other medicines, so it is important that treatment is carefully supervised by a doctor.

Patients should follow their prescription closely and report any new or concerning side effects to their clinical team. While CBD products are widely available over the counter, only cannabis-based medicines prescribed by a specialist and dispensed by an approved pharmacy have full medical oversight.

Frequently asked questions

Is medical cannabis safe for UK cancer patients?

At Releaf, all prescriptions are overseen by our world-class clinical team. Led by our Medical Director, Dr Sue Clenton, an oncologist with more than two decades of experience, our doctors, GPs and nursing staff cover the full breadth of oncology and symptom management. This ensures cancer patients receive safe, carefully tailored treatment with ongoing support from our Patient Support Team.

Can I get UK medical cannabis on the NHS for cancer?

The NHS does not provide medical cannabis cards and very rarely prescribes cannabis-based medicines. Releaf was the first clinic in the UK to offer patients a medical cannabis card, giving cancer patients clarity, reassurance and ongoing care from our specialists.

How do I qualify for a Releaf medical cannabis card?

All patients that receive a medical cannabis prescription through Releaf receive a free medical cannabis card within a week of their first order. Cancer patients may be eligible if they experience pain, sleep problems, anxiety, depression or chemotherapy-related side effects that are not well managed by conventional treatments. Our free eligibility checker gives you an answer in less than 20 seconds, after which our clinical team guides you through every step of the process.

What are the benefits of having a Releaf medical cannabis card?

The Releaf medical cannabis card provides patients with proof of prescription and peace of mind. It also gives access to our Patient Dashboard where you can manage prescriptions, arrange follow-ups and request repeats. It reflects the support of our 30+ doctors, 30+ Patient Support Team staff, and the reassurance of nearly 3,000 five-star Trustpilot reviews.

Does medical cannabis help with chemotherapy side effects?

Releaf patients often seek support for chemotherapy-related nausea, vomiting, appetite loss and sleep disruption. Clinical research shows cannabinoids can reduce nausea and improve quality of life. With oversight from oncologists, GPs and nursing staff, Releaf ensures that treatment is safe, personalised and designed to work alongside your existing cancer care.

How does Releaf support cancer patients with medical cannabis?

Releaf’s unique medical cannabis card is designed to protect and reassure patients. Alongside the card, our bespoke Patient Dashboard allows simple management of prescriptions, repeats, deliveries and tracking.

We also provide flexible membership and payment options. Releaf+ at £39.99 per month includes unlimited follow-ups, free repeats, free delivery and member pricing, while PAYG allows patients to pay only for the services they use.

Our world-class clinical team includes more than 30 specialist doctors and nurses, supported by over 30 UK-based Patient Support Team staff. We recently ticked over the 2500 Trustpilot review milestone with an average score of 4.7. We can now proudly say that we are the fastest growing and most trusted UK medical cannabis clinic, a position built on our commitment to safe, reliable and patient-centred care.

To see if you could benefit from medical cannabis and receive your own Releaf medical cannabis card, try our medical cannabis eligibility checker. 

It is free, takes less than 20 seconds and gives you a clear, obligation-free answer on your potential eligibility. This card could be your first step towards safe, supported access to medical cannabis in the UK.

Releaf- Let's Rethink Healthcare