If You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers

Yes, cannabis has been legal for medical use in the UK since 2018. It is only suitable for certain conditions and must be prescribed by a qualified medical professional.

No, cannabis is currently only legal for medical use in the UK. This is why we provide a medical cannabis card for all patients, to provide peace of mind in case you are questioned over your cannabis prescription or use.

Medical cannabis is a suitable treatment for a wide range of conditions, including pain, sleep disorders and gastroenterological conditions. For a full list of conditions we offer treatment for, explore our conditions page or use our eligibility checker to see if it could be suitable for you.

The efficacy of medical cannabis varies and will depend on your condition, medical history and treatment plan. This is why we include regular consultations with a member of our medical team as part of your care plan so that we can continue to monitor how well medical cannabis is working for you.

The speed at which medical cannabis is able to work will depend on a number of factors, including the method of absorption and the condition you are treating. Some patients report feeling the effects as quickly as a few minutes to a few hours after taking it and for certain conditions, such as pain, this can offer fairly instant relief. For long-term conditions like neurological disorders or gastrointestinal diseases, the results may take longer to become noticeable. Our medical team will monitor how effective you’re finding the treatment in each monthly consultation.

Medical cannabis is generally well tolerated when prescribed at suitable doses, and it’s much safer than other medical alternatives (such as opiate painkillers). Our doctors will assess if it’s the right treatment for you and your condition after an initial consultation.

Contrary to common misconceptions, medical cannabis, for most people, carries a low risk of addiction, especially when prescribed in controlled doses. Our treatments focus on therapeutic benefits with minimal risk. Medical cannabis contains THC, which carries a risk of habituation and addiction if used chronically. The addiction risk is lower than with opiate pain medications, and our medical team will monitor you for any signs of addiction during your consultations.

No, there are a number of CBD products available to buy in shops without the need for a prescription (available in all sorts of forms from oils to sprays to gummies). CBD that is available without a prescription is derived from the hemp plant and it is considered a food product. Medical cannabis, on the other hand, is grown and prepared to the most stringent standards to produce a medical-grade product. It requires a prescription and can only be prescribed by a qualified medical professional.

As a patient prescribed with medical cannabis, you can continue to drive as long as you are not impaired in any way, and providing you follow prescribed guidelines. By following your specialist's instructions and staying informed about the law, you can confidently manage your treatment and your daily activities, including driving. For further details, visit gov.uk/drug-driving-law

Before you travel, it's crucial to research the regulations regarding cannabis medicines in your destination country. Knowing the rules can ensure you enjoy a smooth journey and uninterrupted treatment. To make things easier, Releaf provides patients with digital and physical travel certificates—this is a letter from your doctor confirming your need for medication. It's a simple step that can provide peace of mind. To be as prepared as possible, make sure you do your research in advance of your planned trip.

Informing your workplace about your medical cannabis treatment can be important for transparency and safety - our clinic can provide documentation to support your needs, ensuring a smooth process. By being transparent and seeking guidance from your union, you can navigate workplace policies and ensure your treatment is managed effectively. If you are prescribed cannabis-based medicine, you must be treated the same as other employees on prescribed medications under employment regulations and law. This means that you do not need to inform your employer that you are a medical cannabis patient. However, for safety-sensitive jobs, your employer may obtain a medical report under the Data Protection Act 2018 to ensure a safe working environment. More information can be found via our Blog: https://releaf.co.uk/blog/medical-cannabis-and-employment-rights-uk

When you use a dry herb vape, you're heating cannabis to a controlled temperature instead of burning it with a flame. This gentle process allows cannabinoids like THC and CBD to vaporise without producing too strong a taste. This results in a clean, pure taste, without being too overpowering, so you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis.

While medical cannabis oil has no odour, the flower does have a distinctive smell. When your medication is delivered, it is sent in odour-proof packaging for your peace-of-mind. Vaporised cannabis doesn't have as strong a smell as smoked cannabis, because the device heats the flower instead of burning it, resulting in minimal odour. But don't worry—your medication is delivered in an odour-proof container, ensuring discretion and peace of mind.

Smoking medical cannabis is not advised. Not only is it harmful for your health, it is also prohibited by law. The good news is that there are safer methods available - you can vaporise your medical cannabis flower or take it in the form of medicated oil. By opting for these alternatives, you can avoid potential harm to your respiratory system, and even your immune system.

Before your appointment, we're required to verify your identity. We’ve partnered with Stripe, a global payment platform, so you can verify your identity seamlessly from your patient account on our secure platform. It takes no more than 3 minutes, and you don't need to leave the Releaf platform to complete it.

Vaporising cannabis is not just effective - it's discreet, and the majority of patients don’t feel a burning sensation thanks to controlled heating within the device. Dry herb vaporisers heat ground cannabis flower to release terpenes and cannabinoids for inhalation. Unlike smoking, vaporisers don't reach temperatures that cause combustion, ensuring a smoother experience.

Before your initial consultation, we ask you to complete a short health and lifestyle questionnaire. This questionnaire helps our clinicians get a comprehensive understanding of your health needs and ensures an efficient consultation. Your input is invaluable in tailoring a treatment plan that meets your needs and goals. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete and must be done prior to your appointment.

At Releaf, we match you with leading specialists according to your individual health needs. During your appointment, your doctors will review your health history and goals, working with you to personalise a medical cannabis treatment plan.

Ensuring your medication is properly stored is essential for maintaining its effectiveness and safety. As with all medication, it's important to store your medical cannabis out of reach and sight of children. Choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its potency. You could additionally consider a locked storage container. If you opt for a Releaf+ Starter Kit, you'll receive a glass, air-tight storage jar to keep any surplus, ground medication. This jar is designed to complement the original packaging, not replace it. Remember to always keep your medicine in its original packaging, as the dispensing label contains crucial information about the medication and the person it's prescribed for. By following these simple storage guidelines, you can ensure your medication remains safe and effective for your treatment.

Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, which interact with our body's natural receptors to produce various effects. THC and CBD are two key cannabinoids, each offering unique therapeutic benefits. From pain relief to neuroprotection, cannabinoids hold promise for a range of health conditions.

THC offers pain relief and neuroprotection, while CBD provides anxiety relief and muscle relaxation. They work together to offer a holistic approach to treatment. From pain management to anxiety relief, cannabinoids offer a range of benefits for your well-being. Your doctor can help you find the right combination of cannabinoids for your needs.

For most patients, medical cannabis provides relief without the 'high' sensation. Our treatments prioritise therapeutic benefits with minimal psychoactive effects. We prioritise your comfort and well-being, ensuring a balanced approach to treatment. Understanding your dosage options can help you achieve the relief you need without unwanted effects, so it's important to find the balance that works for you. Your doctor can help you adjust your dosage for optimal results.

There are only a few medications medical cannabis has a significant interaction with. Your doctor and their team will be aware of this when they discuss your case. Transparency is crucial for your well-being - so by sharing your complete medical history, you allow us to tailor your treatment plan to suit your individual needs and minimise any risks associated with medication interactions. Please speak openly with your doctor about your medications, so that they can advise you on how to stay safe.