Ryan’s story: Supporting cancer treatment with medical cannabis

Would you mind telling us a bit about your condition and symptoms?

I was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. I had treatment, got better, and then six months later it came back as terminal. I had immunotherapy, and it attacked my body. It gave me really bad colitis and attacked parts of my bowel. 

It is what it is. I'm as good now as I can be. The treatment upset my stomach, and I couldn’t eat because I had really bad diarrhoea for a long time. I was on a lot of tablets, probably 30 to 40 a day, to try and stop it and calm everything down. 

What made you first consider medical cannabis treatment?

After a month in hospital, I was speaking to my mum, and she said she'd used CBD oil because she has fibromyalgia. I thought I’d give that a go because I’d lost my appetite and wasn’t in a good place. 

I tried it, and it started to ease my symptoms within half an hour. After a couple of weeks, it dulled off, so I tried cannabis flower. That really started to help and normalise my life. At that point, I got in touch with Releaf to do it legitimately.

Have you experienced any side effects from medical cannabis?

No, it's been absolutely fine. I don't get tired. It doesn't kill my drive. If anything, it makes my life more livable. It helps to quiet the side effects of my cancer treatment so I can live a normal life. I can eat, so I've got energy. I love being out and about. I'm not a sitting type of person - I never was. When I was going through treatment, I spent a lot of time stuck inside. Since I started taking Releaf medical cannabis properly, it's just brought me back to life.

How did you find the sign-up process and your first consultation?

It was really easy. I did a lot of research beforehand because you never know. Some people say it’s a scam. I was hesitant, but knowing the benefits to my life, I went online, filled out the application, and got an email back within minutes saying I’d probably be eligible. 

So, I booked my appointment, then received a message a few days later and had an appointment within three days. After the first phone call, it was ready to be ordered, and within three to four days, it was at my doorstep.

How did you feel receiving your legally prescribed Releaf cannabis in the post for the first time?

A bit strange. Very strange. You see stuff in the news about arrests, so it was weird having it dropped off in the post. 

Have you told any of your friends and family about your treatment? 

I told everybody, my parents and that. My mum uses it anyway, so it was never a problem with them. I had to have a conversation with my partner because we’re separa, andand we’ve got kids together. I told her I’m taking cannabis, it’s all legal, prescribed by doctors, and she was fine with it. 

I told my work, and they said it was fine as long as I’m not impaired or taking it at work. I’ve been really lucky. It’s all gone smoothly. I’ve been there a long time, and I’ve always been a hard worker, so they’ve always looked after me - as long as I’m alright, if I need to use it, it’s just like taking painkillers or antibiotics.

Could you tell the difference between the black market cannabis and your Releaf medical cannabis?

Yes, 1000%. The taste, the “high” you get, the quality. With black market stuff, I sometimes got headaches. It’s definitely not the same as what I’m getting now. I was having to use a lot more before. This gives me the effect I need without being stoned. 

It allows me to carry on as normal. I have to use it every day at regular intervals, but I never feel out of control, whereas I did with the black market stuff.

Why did you decide to share your story with us?

Because I hadn’t been involved in that side of life before. Seeing the effects it’s had on me has been life-changing. It’s something that pills and tablets couldn’t give me. I know some people use it for the wrong reasons, but for people like me, it’s made me able to live my life again. So, I wanted to be a part of this.

What advice would you give to someone considering medical cannabis treatment with Releaf?

Do it and take that step. It’s not what it’s made out to be.

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 cancer support.