Harry’s story: Tackling stigma and the symptoms of eczema

How did you handle your eczema before you started Releaf medical cannabis treatment?

I believe I was diagnosed when I was 13 or 14 with quite severe eczema, especially on my arms and hands, and I tried all kinds of things to stop it initially.

So, I looked into homeopathy when I was younger, and I also tried corticosteroids. I got prescribed two different steroid creams. They did work, but they also had the downside effect of thinning your skin in certain areas.T hey are powerful tools to deal with the inflammation after you itch your skin, and it prevents infection, but it comes at a cost.

When I'd get flare ups, I didn't really have a solution to keep it under control without having any downside effects. So, I've always been looking into alternative treatments.

How did you find out about Releaf? 

So, I was doing my own research, and I was talking to ChatGPT about options for medical cannabis and legislation in the UK, and what avenues I could pursue to check whether I was eligible. Releaf was one of the companies that it mentioned, and I did my own research off the back of that. 

Then it was really straightforward and simple. I checked my eligibility straight away and that gave me the green light.

Would you say your medical cannabis treatment has impacted your day-to-day life?

The thing with eczema is it's quite a subconscious thing that you begin itching without even thinking about it. By the time you stop, you look at your hands and there's sometimes blood, there's little white bumps everywhere, and you just feel awful. Anything that would stop me getting to that point, I'd see as a step in the right direction because it's a horrible thing to experience.

I'd say it's definitely improved my relationship with cannabis. Getting the medical supply means I'm getting through a lot less than I was before. It's cheaper in that sense, as well, because I was having to spend quite a lot of money month to month.

Not only that, but it's given me confidence in terms of legal protection because sometimes I have to drive for my job, and that was one of the motivations I had for looking into getting a medical prescription. 

Have you ever used the Releaf medical cannabis card?

I haven't actually used it yet. I'm confident it will work, but at the same time, I'm nervous as well. I tend to err on the side of caution - I keep my card on me while I’m driving and if I’m going out. But some places I still won’t take my cannabis or vaporiser because of the risk of having it confiscated.

Have you informed your employer about taking medical cannabis?

I haven't informed them because I'm not having to take it whilst at work. There's quite a strict drug and alcohol policy at my work, so I would prefer not to. I'm mainly doing it on the weekends and when I get home to help with my symptoms and, fortunately, I'm not having severe breakouts whilst at work. But if I were, then I'd maybe consider having that conversation with my employer. 

Have you experienced any stigma around your family and friends?

I've received mixed responses. My friends are pleased for me, and they're saying, “Oh, it's about time. It's good that you've sought out this more formalised prescription.” And they're really happy for me.

My parents, not so much. They're from a generation that got bombarded with all the messaging about cannabis being terrible and all the negative propaganda that came along with that while they were growing up. So, I can't really shift their opinion that it's for the best for me… But at the same time, they respect me as an adult, and they respect me to have my own autonomy. 

What would you say your dosing routine is like? 

I'd say as and when I need it, but usually two or three times a day… And I feel like that system's working for me. On certain days, I get more tempted to itch, or I have itched, and I'm trying to reduce the need to scratch and set off a flare-up again. So, I think my ability to control when I take a dose is really good, and I'm doing it around my other activities. 

Why did you decide to share your story today, and what advice would you give to others?

Because getting a medical prescription is something that I've wanted for a long time, and if I'd known how straightforward and easy it would be to get that, I would want to tell people about it. I know other people who self-medicate for other reasons, and I've told them about Releaf and told them about how if you're transparent, straightforward, and honest with them, they can really help you achieve what you're after. 

I feel like more people should be aware of it, and they just haven't got the word out. And again, partly because of the stigma around cannabis and the lack of understanding about the variety of things it can help treat.

Has cannabis allowed you to do things that you couldn't do before?

I'd say it's given me a lot more autonomy and less paranoia about using cannabis, and it's helped with the stigma side of things with the people around me… They can understand it a lot more now that I'm formally recognised by a doctor to be using it. It has given me the confidence to not be as shy and be more open and transparent, as I am now. 

I wouldn't say physically it's allowed me to go to more places, but I'd say mentally it's given me the confidence to do more of what I was doing, but with more confidence and less stigma attached to it.

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 eczema.