Most Frequently Asked

Medical cannabis is a legal treatment which can be taken in public. If you are planning to carry or take your prescribed medical cannabis in public, you must keep it in its original packaging with the label intact, as this contains crucial information about the medication and the person it's prescribed for. Also make sure you have your Releaf medical cannabis card with you, as this proves your legal right to carry and consume medical cannabis. Our blog has lots of information on the do's and don'ts of carrying and consuming medical cannabis at work, abroad and while driving.

There is no 'one-size-fits-all' answer to this question, as each patient has a unique treatment plan that will involve different medication options, so the cost will vary. With that said, prices start from £7.99 per gram of medicinal cannabis flower, with the minimum monthly order amount being 10g. The minimum oil price is £149.99 for 30ml, with that being the minimum monthly allowance. During your initial consultation, your prescribing specialist will be able to advise on how much medication is appropriate for your treatment plan and which medication will best suit your health needs. They will also advise you on the cost of these medications.

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.

Medical cannabis is prescribed by the NHS for specific severe conditions where other treatments have failed, such as certain forms of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis spasticity, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. If you have a diagnosis for any other illness, disease, or condition, you may still be eligible for medical cannabis treatment. Clinicians working with private medical cannabis clinics, like those at Releaf, can offer patients suffering from a much wider range of health concerns medical cannabis prescriptions, on a case-by-case basis. For more information, head to our medical cannabis eligibility checker.

Any cannabis-based medication that contains elevated levels of THC can cause intoxication, dose-dependent. THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces these effects. The objective of medical cannabis administration is to alleviate symptoms while typically avoiding any signs of impairment.

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.

While some other countries do require that medical cannabis patients hold a valid medical cannabis card in order to access their prescription, there is no such legal requirement for UK patients. However, if you are prescribed medical cannabis from Releaf, you will receive a Releaf medical cannabis card within 3 days of becoming a registered Releaf patient. This medical cannabis card has been designed with the support of UK authorities, making it easier for our patients to quickly prove that they have the legal right to carry and take their prescribed medical cannabis products. The Releaf medical cannabis card displays a QR code, which is unique for every card and patient. This QR code holds all the information related to the patient's Releaf medical records, including their active patient status and current (and all past) prescriptions.

No, smoking any form of medical cannabis (whether it's dried flower or medical cannabis oil) is illegal in the UK. Inhaling smoke from any substance can harm your lungs and overall health.

Your Releaf prescribing specialist will work with you to find the best cannabis-based medicine for your health concern. They will advise on both dosage and the best route of administration. Medical cannabis flower is prescribed to be administered through a dry herb vaporiser. Smoking medical cannabis is illegal in the UK due to the related health issues. Medical cannabis oil is usually prescribed to be taken sublingually (under the tongue), although it can also be consumed orally. The onset and duration of effects will vary based on which cannabis-based medication you have been prescribed and on the method of administration. It is crucial to adhere to your specialist's guidelines regarding dosage and administration.

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.

Releaf patients have access to a wide range of cannabis-based medicines, including dried medical cannabis flower and medical cannabis oil. Your prescribing clinician will work with you to help you find the best type of medical cannabis for your condition and lifestyle. Releaf has recently partnered with Glass Pharms®, a UK-based, Home Office-approved, and MHRA-regulated legal medical cannabis farm. Releaf patients were the first in the UK to receive prescriptions for medicines locally grown, featuring a range of cultivars unavailable through any other UK private medical cannabis clinic or the NHS.

Once the MDT review has been completed, the clinical team may request further information from the patient or make a decision based on the medical records and health questionnaire already provided. If the assessing clinician needs any more information from the patient, the patient will receive an email letting them know the issue, and what extra information is required. The patient can respond directly to this email, which will be forwarded to the assessing clinician for review.

That depends on where you plan to travel. You are allowed to travel with your prescribed medical cannabis within the UK. Some countries will allow you to enter with a valid prescription, while others may not recognise medical cannabis as a legal treatment option. It is important to research the laws and regulations of your destination country before travelling with your prescription. If you do decide to travel with your prescribed medical cannabis, you should first request a travel letter from Releaf. This letter will detail your medical condition and the necessity for you to carry your medication with you. Please contact the Patient Support Team at support@releaf.co.uk to request a travel letter. Always keep your prescribed medical cannabis in its original packaging which displays both your name and the prescription itself. You should also carry a physical copy of your prescription, your Releaf medical cannabis card, and the travel letter.

The NHS is currently only willing to offer medical cannabis prescriptions for two rare forms of epilepsy, muscle spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis (MS), and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and even then, in very specific cases. Releaf clinicians can legally prescribe medical cannabis for a much wider range of conditions, including treating or easing the symptoms of 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.

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.

The side effects relating to medical cannabis administration are usually very mild, but if you do experience any discomfort, feel free to reach out to us directly at support@releaf.co.uk or at +44 (0) 20 3657 3346. If you are in an emergency situation, please call 999 or visit your nearest A&E.

Medical cannabis tinctures are usually prescribed to be taken sublingually (under the tongue). To take your medical cannabis tincture, measure the prescribed dose in the dropper, and then squeeze the liquid under your tongue. Hold it there for about 1 minute before swallowing. Sublingual application comes with a few key advantages over swallowing the tincture directly. It allows for quicker absorption into the bloodstream, leading to a faster onset of effects. Sublingual application also allows the medication to bypass the digestive system and first-pass metabolism in the liver, meaning a larger percentage of the medication reaches the bloodstream and is not filtered out. This can result in a more potent and effective dose.

Yes, as long as you have previously tried at least two conventional treatment options to help with your health condition, and found them to be either ineffective or causing negative side effects, then you may be eligible for a medical cannabis prescription. For more information, head to our medical cannabis eligibility checker.

The Cannabis Industry Council (the UK's leading cannabis advocacy group) has put forward the following information and recommendations: UK medical cannabis patients are permitted to carry and use their medication and continue driving, provided that: - The patient is not impaired. - The cannabis medication has been prescribed to the patient, and they can provide evidence of this. - The patient adheres to the directions provided by their specialist consultant and follows the instructions given by the medication's manufacturer or distributor. The patient may have a statutory medical defence if they can provide sufficient evidence that they meet the criteria. This means patients should not be arrested and have a valid defence against charges of driving or controlling a vehicle with THC levels over 2μg/L in their blood. Following the guidelines on this page and in this leaflet, and asserting their statutory medical defence if stopped, can help registered patients avoid unnecessary blood tests, arrest, and prosecution. By adhering to the patient responsibilities below, patients can establish a defence against charges of driving or controlling a vehicle with THC levels over the legal limit. This can help in the event of them being arrested or prosecuted. Do not drive if you feel impaired - Driving while impaired by medication or any other cause is illegal. - All drivers, including patients, must assess their fitness to drive and consider potential impairments on any given occasion. - Avoid driving if you experience drowsiness, poor coordination, slow or impaired thinking, dizziness, or visual disturbances. - Do not drive when the risk of impairment may be elevated, such as when starting, increasing, or reducing the dose of your medication. - Exercise caution if you are taking other prescribed or over-the-counter medications that could impair your driving or interact with your medical cannabis prescription. - Be particularly careful if you have a medical condition that could heighten the side effects of your prescription (e.g., a serious illness with recent significant weight loss). - Be aware that alcohol combined with other impairing substances can greatly increase the risk of accidents. Note that the legal medical defence is invalid if a patient is impaired. Follow the advice of your prescribing specialist and the CBMP manufacturer - Follow the directions provided by your specialist consultant, including dosage instructions, usage with other medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter), and any potential impairments. - Additionally, read, understand, and follow all instructions from the medicine's manufacturer or distributor, provided they do not conflict with your specialist consultant's guidance. Carry Evidence - Ensure you carry the following up-to-date documentation in your vehicle: - A physical or digital copy of your most recent prescription - Photo ID (e.g., driver's license) - If possible, a physical or digital letter from your specialist confirming you are their patient - Your Releaf medical cannabis card give you easy access to all of the above - If you need to carry medication, it must be in its original packaging, as dispensed by the pharmacist, with a label displaying the prescription and your name What to do if the police stop you Stay calm, polite, and cooperative. You don't need to mention your prescribed cannabis medicine unless the police suspect you've used cannabis or are impaired. If the police suspect you have cannabis in your system, calmly inform them that you are legally prescribed cannabis medicine, that you have a medical defence to exceed the limit, and present your documentation. The police are legally obligated to investigate your medical defence. If the police request a roadside swab to detect THC, inform them that you are legally prescribed a cannabis medicine and legally permitted to possess it. Remind them that preliminary tests are designed to identify the presence of illicit, not legal, controlled drugs. - You might want to share the Guidance for Police. When the authorities scan the QR code on your Releaf medical cannabis card, they will be redirected to this page. - If the police persist in requesting a roadside swab, it may be best to comply, remain calm, and follow their instructions. - Should the police ask for an impairment test, you should comply, as refusing could result in a separate criminal offence. - If you are arrested and brought to a police station for an interview under caution, do not say anything until you have a lawyer by your side. Ensure the lawyer is fully informed of your medical defence and its foundation.

Initial consultations are £99.99 and come with a 100% money-back guarantee. If the Releaf clinical team finds that cannabis-based treatment may not be the right fit for you, and you have accurately and truthfully supplied all the required information, you are entitled to a refund for your medical cannabis consultation through our money-back guarantee.