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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read some of our most frequently asked questions about medical cannabis and the Releaf service.
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.
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.