James’s story: Why I choose medical cannabis over painkillers

Can you tell us about your health condition and how it has impacted you over the years? 

It’s mainly arthritis in my knees, both knees, actually. I’ve also got ligament damage in my right knee, which doesn’t help. When I vape my medical cannabis flower after I come home, it definitely eases it off. It takes most of the pain away and I can function better.

The pain started about five or six years ago, just little aches at first. I didn’t go to the doctor straight away, I usually just struggle on. After about a year I finally went and they tried giving me ibuprofen and other medication. None of it worked, and the painkillers made me too drowsy. I’m an electrician, I rewire houses every day, so I can’t be taking strong painkillers while working on live cables.

With cannabis, I usually wait until I come home, because I don’t think my boss would be happy if I smelled of it while working with electrics. But once I’m home and I have a vape, I definitely feel the difference.

How was your arthritis affecting your work before medical cannabis?

It was slowing me down a bit. I bought different kinds of knee pads to try and help, but it didn’t really work. I spoke to the guys at work and they let me do some easier jobs for now. I’m just getting to that age where everything is turning to bits, but I still manage to work with it.

How did you discover that medical cannabis was available in Scotland?

Just before I applied for it, I was working in a guy’s house in Ayr, and he told me he had a Releaf medical cannabis prescription, and then I saw an advert for Releaf on Facebook. I didn’t even know you could get that in Scotland until he mentioned it to me. After that, I thought, I might as well apply.

I did smoke cannabis before becoming a patient. I’d have an occasional smoke at the weekends, and it definitely helped my knees. I felt more relaxed and could get on with my life better, so I had a feeling that getting actual medical cannabis might work even better.

Have you noticed a difference between your Releaf prescribed medical cannabis, and what you had used before?

Definitely, the stuff is much higher quality. It’s the best thing I’ve ever had, I think. And you can just order it online, you don’t have to go to some dodgy guy’s house. Before, you never knew what you were buying or what had been sprayed on it. With this, I’m 100% confident it is what it says. I’m really chuffed with it.

I would say it’s a lot cleaner. It’s a better feeling. Stuff you’d buy off the street could give you a sore head, make you drowsy or tired, and you never knew what you were smoking. With this, you know exactly what you’re getting.

I don’t cough nearly as much with the Releaf cannabis. I used to cough a lot more with the stuff I was smoking before, but the vape and the quality of the flower I have been prescribed make such a massive difference.

What made you feel Releaf was the right clinic for you?

I just liked the look of them. After speaking to the guy in Ayr and seeing the advert on Facebook, I did a little research and thought it looked like a professional outfit. I’m glad I did.

What has your experience with the Releaf Clinical and Patient Support Teams been like?

They’ve been great, very helpful and friendly. I’ve had a couple of follow-up consultations and they were just as great as my first appointment. There’s nothing to be nervous about. I suffer with anxiety a bit, and thankfully, my medical cannabis helps that too, so I don’t feel anxious speaking with them.

I had to chat with Patient Support before this interview. They got back to me straight away, so again, no problems.

The only difficult bit was getting my records sent through from my GP. Everything else was great. The Releaf team couldn’t have been more helpful with all of that, they really helped get the ball rolling.

Have you ever had to use your medical cannabis card with the authorities?

I haven’t had to use it yet, but I’m confident about it. Before I became a patient, I actually got banned from driving because the police smelt cannabis in my van. I wasn’t driving under the influence, but I had some cannabis in my van, the police found it, and they took my licence away from me.

Apart from wanting natural pain and inflammation relief, that was one of the reasons I applied. Now I can show them my card and it will save me from getting banned from driving again.

How have people close to you reacted to your prescription?

No issues at all. I told my mum and dad first. They’re older generation, so they used to think all drugs were the same. But now they know it’s medical cannabis, and they’ve seen it really does help my arthritis, they’re a lot more accepting. They’re happy for me.

I’ve also spoken to a couple of colleagues who also use cannabis but don’t yet have a prescription, even though they have qualifying health issues. I told them how easy it was to sign up and that Releaf is there to help you, not trip you up.

What has your experience been like using a vape for your treatment?

Great. I bought a little Pax Plus mini vape. It’s very quick, you just turn it on and in 10 seconds it’s ready. 

It’s much smoother than smoking in a joint, which is how I used to use cannabis before I started with Releaf. I’m chuffed I made the switch over to vaping, it just feels so much cleaner and healthier. I plan to buy a bigger one once I’ve finished some work on my kitchen and have the funds.

When and how do you usually take your prescription?

I usually have a coffee and a small dose of flower through my vape before work in the mornings. I don’t take it to work for obvious reasons, since I am an electrician working on building sites.

But as soon as I come home, it’s coffee and a vape to relax and ease the pain. Then I’ll take the dog for a walk and take it with me while I’m out walking. It’s handy, you can carry it in your pocket and just use it as you go.

Has becoming a medical cannabis patient changed daily life for you?

Yes, I feel a lot happier at work. I still get some pain during the day, but I know that once I get home and sit down for 10 minutes with my prescription, I’ll be fine. It helps me sleep better, too.

I can also take my dog for longer walks, which I really love.

It’s also helped me massively with my general confidence. I’m more confident in my body, health, and the fact that I know I won’t get into trouble for just carrying my medicine in my car is a huge relief.

Getting to jobs is too much hassle without transport. My boss prefers me to drive as well. I don’t like being the passenger, especially with the apprentice driving too fast. I’ll be much happier when I can drive my own van again.

How do you see treatment supporting your future plans?

I’m looking forward to getting my licence back. I’d like to take my girlfriend up north for weekends away. 

Medical cannabis gives me more freedom because I know if I’m ever stopped by the police, I can just show them my card. That makes a huge difference.

What advice would you give to someone unsure about trying cannabis treatment?

I’d tell them to go for it. If they’ve got worries, they should talk to Releaf and get reassured. It’s worth a shot. Definitely worth trying.

The orders come quickly, in two or three days, it’s at your door. I’m really enjoying it. I don’t think I’ll ever stop. The service and quality of products are second to none. I really can’t be happier with my experience so far with Releaf.

If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis treatment options for the conditions mentioned in this Patient Story, please see medical cannabis for arthritis.