Isabelle’s story: A pathway to clarity and calm with medical cannabis

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

I live in the Midlands, and I’m 21 years old. I work full-time in IT, helping schools with any IT issues they have. I live with my partner, and we’ve got a nice setup together. We also help to look after my parent's two dogs - sproodles, a boy and a girl. They’re lovely.

In my free time, I love to play video games and read books. I love books - I can just whisk myself away in a fantasy book. I spend so much time gaming, and my boyfriend and I also love going to gigs, and we try to travel when we can.

And, when were you first diagnosed with ADHD?

I was diagnosed last year, but I’ve always known I’m a bit of an ‘oddball;. My family is pretty quirky in general - that’s just how we roll.

I wanted to start the diagnosis process when I was 11, just starting high school. I noticed so many differences between me and the other students, but I had no idea what it was. People often thought I was autistic, and I thought, “You know what? I might be, because I’ve no clue what’s going on.”

Nothing progressed until after I finished high school. Doctors kept saying it was anxiety or depression and that I was “just a sensitive person.” I’ve heard that my whole life, and it’s true - I am sensitive. But my brain works differently.

I finally got diagnosed last year, and everything clicked into place. It was such a relief. I thought, “Ah, this totally makes sense now.”

How did you discover medical cannabis, and how has Releaf helped?

About a year ago, I tried cannabis recreationally, and I noticed the difference it made. The “narrator” in my head, or at least the 17 voices in my head, just quieted down. It gave me peace and quiet, something I hadn’t experienced in a good while.

At that point, I actually had no idea that medical cannabis was a legal treatment option here in the UK, but during a chat with a friend of mine (who has autism and works in care), she mentioned how medical cannabis was helping others with similar challenges.

So I started to do my own research into it. I jumped on the computer and searched Releaf (after another friend mentioned how happy she had been with the service), and it came up as one of the top options.

The process was so easy to get started, and it’s been smooth ever since. Compared to normal healthcare - even private - it’s just so much easier. The live chat feature is great. If I have any questions, I can just ask, and they make everything simple.

What’s been your experience with other healthcare systems?

In my family, we’ve had a lot of health issues - cancer, my dad breaking his back, and more. As much as the doctors and nurses working within the NHS framework are such hard-working, really amazing people, the system itself just does not work well.

Private healthcare was okay. I needed an MRI for a separate health issue, and the NHS would only offer X-rays, which wasn’t helpful for this situation. The wait for an MRI through the NHS was months and months. Luckily, I had private healthcare cover through my job, so I got the MRI and consultations quickly, but it still felt like they weren’t getting to the root of the issue.

And has joining Releaf made a difference to your life?

I have been a Releaf patient now for just under a year. It really helps me focus and get the motivation I need to get things done. The idea of doing housework can be a little overwhelming for me at times - things like hoovering, laundry, dusting - but after a little medical cannabis, those feelings kind of melt away.

Instead of this internal battle over what I need to do and where to start, I’m able to have a clearer idea of what needs doing and how to get it done. All of a sudden, I’m thinking, “Maybe I’ll do that now,” instead of the opposite. Next thing I know, the whole house is clean, and I haven’t hated the process.

I guess the best way for me to put it is that after I medicate with my prescribed cannabis, life’s challenges feel smaller and much less overwhelming. The big tasks aren’t as daunting, and I feel more relaxed overall. It’s really changed my life in that way.

I usually vape before bed to help me switch off. On weekends, I might use it during the day to get jobs done - it makes things feel less overwhelming. It’s really about making everything feel more manageable and relaxing, especially with how hectic life is these days.

Would you recommend Releaf as a clinic?

Absolutely!

The website is so easy to use, and the process of signing up is quick without feeling rushed. You can book consultations without waiting weeks, and any questions I’ve had have been answered quickly.

The delivery has been great too. It arrived right at the start of the delivery slot, and I didn’t have to wait around. The whole process, from ordering to delivery, takes less than three or four days and is so easy.

How has medical cannabis changed your outlook on life?

It’s helped me find clarity. I can look back and reflect without overthinking. Before, I’d get overwhelmed trying to reach a big goal, like advancing my career. I wouldn’t think about the steps to get there - I’d just obsess over the end result.

Now, I can break things down. I can focus on small steps, even if they’re tiny ones, and know I’m still progressing. It’s not how my mind used to work, but cannabis has helped me plan and approach things more rationally.

What would you say to someone considering medical cannabis for ADHD?

I’d ask what their main concerns are, what makes them stressed or overwhelmed. For me, it’s the little things that pile up and become unmanageable. I’d ask, “Are you able to relax at home? Are you truly giving yourself time to recharge?”

I think that’s key. If you’re not fully relaxed, it’s hard to recharge properly. You might think you’re relaxing, but if your mind isn’t at peace, you won’t really recover.

Medical cannabis might not work for everyone, but if someone thinks it might help them, it’s worth giving it a shot. It’s working great for me and my ADHD, so it might make a big difference for others too.

For more information about medical cannabis treatments for this condition, please see medical cannabis for ADHD.