General

In the UK, there are a few steps you need to follow in order to get a prescription for medical cannabis, and two routes to consider - The NHS, or through a private medical cannabis clinic (such as Releaf). The NHS is only willing to offer prescriptions for cannabis-based medicines if you have one of three medical conditions: two rare forms of epilepsy, nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, or MS. Specialist doctors working with private clinics can prescribe for a much wider range of conditions, including chronic pain, mental health concerns (such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD), gastroenterological and neurological conditions, sleeping disorders, and as a complementary cancer support therapy option, plus much more. To get the ball rolling, head over to our quick and free eligibility checker and answer a few simple questions. It takes less than a minute to complete, and you'll receive your results instantly. If you are found to be a candidate for medical cannabis treatment, you'll need to provide us with a copy of your medical records (or we can reach out to your GP on your behalf), and choose a time for your initial consult.

Although some cannabis-based medicines contain cannabidiol (CBD), the terms "medical cannabis" and "CBD oil" should not be used interchangeably. In the UK, CBD oil that contains less than 0.2% THC or 1 mg of THC per container is legal for OTC sale as a food supplement. Medical cannabis products can legally contain higher levels of THC, but are only available to patients when prescribed by a specialist doctor listed on the GMC specialist registry.

In the UK, receiving a medical cannabis prescription through a private medical cannabis clinic (like Releaf) requires the patient to have a qualifying condition and to have tried at least two other conventional treatments and found them to be either ineffective or causing negative side effects. You will then need to complete our free medical cannabis eligibility checker, which will assess your suitability for medical cannabis treatment in under a minute. If you meet the criteria, you will then be prompted to create a patient account with Releaf, and be asked to provide a copy of your medical records (we can contact your GP on your behalf, or you can provide them yourself). Once you have created your patient account, you will be asked to fill out a health questionnaire. The questions in your health questionnaire focus on your medical history, including all past and present health concerns, and the treatment options you have tried in the past. This information is crucial for your prescribing specialist to fully understand your medical history and to determine the best treatment plan for you.You will then be prompted to book in for your initial consultation. A specialist will review your medical records and health questionnaire before your initial consultation. During the consult, the same specialist will then conduct a thorough assessment of your condition, medical history, and symptoms in order to determine whether you are suitable for medical cannabis treatment. If they find that you are eligible, they will then work with you to create a personalised treatment plan. They will then take your case to our multidisciplinary team of specialists, who will review your case and confirm the treatment plan. If they approve the treatment plan, you will then receive a medical cannabis prescription that will be sent to our pharmacy. The pharmacy will fill the script and then hand over your medication to our delivery partner (The Royal Mail), who will deliver it straight to your door.

No, smoking any form of medical cannabis (whether it be dried medical cannabis flower or medical cannabis oil) is illegal in the UK due to the associated health risks. Alternative methods of administration are recommended. Dried cannabis flower is prescribed to be vaporised, and medical cannabis oil can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or orally.

That depends on the type of medication prescribed and the way it is administered. Dried cannabis flower is commonly prescribed for use in a vaporiser since smoking medical cannabis is illegal in the UK due to its associated harmful effects. Vaporising cannabis flower produces significantly less odour compared to smoked cannabis, offering a safer and more discreet option for patients. Each cultivar has its own unique flavour and aroma profile, but common terpenes found in cannabis plants can produce a diverse array of flavours, including citrus, pine, berry, and a subtle 'earthiness'. Medical cannabis oil has a much more muted cannabis flavour but will usually have an 'earthy' taste.

Any cannabis-based medication that contains elevated levels of THC has the potential to cause a 'high' or psychoactive effect. However, medical cannabis products are typically prescribed in specific dosages and formulations designed to provide therapeutic benefits without producing a psychoactive 'high'.

Cannabis-based medicines offer therapeutic benefits by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and a range of other receptors and pathways in the body. The ECS is crucial for maintaining homeostasis - the body's ability to achieve balance across numerous systems and functions. It plays a significant role in pain perception, allowing patients to experience and modulate discomfort effectively. It also influences the immune response, helping the body fight off pathogens while also regulating inflammation. The ECS is also responsible for regulating mood, memory, and cognition, along with a host of other functions. Medical cannabis interacts with the ECS by mimicking or enhancing the effects of endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced naturally in the body) and modulating the activity of various receptors.

The likelihood of medical cannabis addiction varies depending on the individual, the concentration of cannabinoids in the medicine, and the frequency of administration. There is a much lower risk of addiction or dependence attached to medical cannabis in comparison to other conventional medications, such as opioids or stimulants. The aim of cannabis-based therapy is never to cause intoxication but to help lower the impact of certain medical conditions or diseases and their associated symptoms. Many patients who take cannabis-based medicines report that they can reduce or eliminate their use of other addictive medications.

Yes, each dried medical cannabis cultivar does have its own distinct aroma. The scent a patient may encounter will vary depending on the cultivar and how it is administered. Smoking medical cannabis is illegal in the UK due to its associated harmful effects. Most UK medical cannabis patients vaporise their cannabis flower, which produces much less smell than smoking. Cannabis oil has little to no smell, but depending on the carrier oil used, it may have a slight scent. Some dried flower cultivars may have a more pungent aroma, while others may have a milder scent. We ship our patient's prescriptions in smell-proof and discreet packaging to ensure privacy and safety.

THC and CBD are two of the major cannabinoids produced by the Cannabis sativa L. genus of plants, more commonly referred to as cannabis, marijuana, or weed. THC is a psychoactive compound, meaning it can cause euphoria, relaxation and heightened sensory perception, as well as intoxication. It is responsible for the "high" feeling commonly associated with recreational cannabis. THC has also been shown to offer a wide range of therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, inflammation control, and appetite stimulation, to name a few. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that has been found to have therapeutic properties such as reducing inflammation, pain, and anxiety. It does not cause the same euphoric or intoxicating effects as THC.

The term 'medical cannabis' describes any and all cannabis-based products that have been prescribed by a specialist doctor for medicinal purposes. These products are derived from the Cannabis sativa L. genus of plants. All products containing more than 0.2% THC (the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis) are classified as controlled substances here in the UK and require a prescription. Cannabis-based medications include dried cannabis flower, cannabis oil, topical creams and balms, capsules, and patches. These products contain varying amounts of cannabinoids (THC and CBD - the main therapeutically active compounds in cannabis), as well as terpenes and other plant compounds that may have therapeutic effects. Medical cannabis is used to treat a wide range of conditions and symptoms, including chronic pain, mental health concerns (such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD), gastroenterological and neurological conditions, sleeping disorders, and as a complementary cancer support therapy option, plus many more.

The term 'dispensary' is not used in the UK. Here, medical cannabis is prepared and dispensed by specialist pharmacies in line with the legal framework set out by the government. These pharmacies are licensed and regulated to ensure that patients receive safe, high-quality medical cannabis products.

There is a wide range of medical cannabis cultivars available to UK medical cannabis patients, all designed to offer different therapeutic effects. The 'best' cultivar will vary depending on your medical condition and personal preferences. Medical cannabis is a personalised form of medicine. What works for one patient may not work for another. Your prescribing specialist will consider your medical history, symptoms, and current medications when recommending a specific cultivar.

Releaf specialists can legally offer medical cannabis prescriptions for a broad spectrum of conditions. Some of the most common uses include chronic pain, mental health concerns (such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD), gastroenterological and neurological conditions, sleeping disorders, and as a complementary cancer support therapy option, plus much more. Medical cannabis is not a cure-all, but it has shown great potential in providing symptomatic relief and improving the quality of life for those suffering from a wide range of health issues.

As with any medication, there are potential risks and side effects associated with taking medical cannabis products. When administered properly and under the guidance of a specialist doctor, medical cannabis is considered to have a good safety profile. Every patient will react differently to medications, including medical cannabis. It is essential to follow all dosage instructions and to attend all follow-up consultations.

Like most other types of medication, the speed of medical cannabis’ efficacy varies depending on several factors, including the disease, condition, or health concern being treated, your unique body composition, your tolerance to cannabinoids, the type of medical cannabis prescribed, how it is administered, and the presence of other medications in the system. Some patients will find that cannabis-based medications offers rapid relief, while others may experience a slower onset of therapeutic effects. Your prescribing specialist will help you find the most effective medication, administration method, and dosage for your health needs.

As with any treatment option, the effectiveness of medical cannabis will vary from person to person, depending on a variety of factors such as the patient's medical condition, their body's response to treatment, and the type and dosage of cannabis being prescribed. There is an ever-growing body of research and anecdotal evidence that supports the application of medical cannabis for an extremely wide range of illnesses, diseases, and conditions.

Completing your Health Questionnaire with Releaf is easy and takes just a few minutes. To complete your Health Questionnaire, please log in to your Patient Portal. When you log in to your Patient Portal for the first time, you will see a prompt asking you to complete your Health Questionnaire. Click the 'Start Evaluation' button to begin. The questions in your health questionnaire focus on your medical history, including all past and present health concerns, and the treatment options you have tried in the past. This information is crucial for your prescribing specialist to fully understand your medical history and to determine the best treatment plan for you. All information is private and handled per UK regulations (General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), Data Protection Act 2018 and the PECR - Electronic Communication Regulations).

Releaf's duty of care is to notify your GP when you receive a medical cannabis prescription from us so that your medical records can be consolidated. In some cases, your GP may not be supportive or well informed about the latest research into medical cannabis. our patient support team is always here to help you if you have any worries about your interactions with your GP once you become a Releaf patient.

Completing your ID check with Releaf is easy and takes just a few minutes. To complete your ID check, please log in to your Patient Portal. The first time you log in, you will see a prompt asking you to complete 2 steps. Step 1 is your Health Questionnaire, step 2 is your ID verification. Select ID verification and click the 'verify your identity' button to proceed. You will then be asked to scan a valid form of ID (driver's licence, passport, etc.) and to upload a selfie to confirm that the ID is yours. This information is checked by Stripe, which uses biometric technology to verify that the ID and selfie match.