Could you tell us a bit about your health and condition?
I've always had an issue with my shoulder and my neck. I was going to the hospital from about the age of 25. I had numerous MRI scans, and I've had injections to try to find solutions. For example, I had dye put through me, and they x-rayed all the nerves. But I never really got any definitive diagnosis for the underlying problem. The doctors just said it was lots of different things.
So, it’s been years of going through that and looking into all sorts of medicines. I was on painkillers for about eight months, and they were not very nice to be on.
What made you consider medical cannabis treatment?
I started researching and looking into alternatives. I’ve known about cannabis for years, but it’s never been talked about. So, until it started becoming more accessible, rather than going to meet a dealer down the road, I hadn’t properly considered it.
So, it was just a test, really. I’ve been to two medical cannabis clinics now, and it worked.
What changes have you noticed since starting medical cannabis treatment?
It was easier to medicate with, to know how much to take to help with your symptoms. I’m not going to lie to you, it doesn’t get rid of the pain. It’s not a miracle. But when you’re in pain every day, and it’s been so long, and you can’t get answers or solutions, it just makes it more bearable.
Whether you’re on the oil or the flower, it definitely brings a fair bit of relief, and I don’t feel as spaced out as I did when I was being prescribed heavy painkillers.
On the painkillers, I used to feel terrible on them some days, and sometimes for weeks. So, it’s definitely better, given the downsides of those medicines. I suppose you don’t get as many negative side effects.
Do you think your medical cannabis treatment has affected your day-to-day life?
I find it numbs the pain quite effectively.
When you’ve got chronic pain that hurts every day, the type of pain that may not be horribly excruciating, but it still just lingers there in the background all the time, my Releaf prescription has definitely helped.
I think it’s a mix of the pain reducing effects and that it doesn't make me feel anywhere near as groggy compared to the pharmaceutical painkiller. That's made a massive difference to my daily functioning.
The good thing for me is you don't have to go and buy illicit products on street corners. Not having to worry about that sort of unsavoury stuff at all. And the Releaf medical cannabis card, I love having that in my pocket. It definitely makes me feel like I've got some assurances, should I bee stopped by the police or anything.
Has your Releaf medical cannabis treatment impacted your hobbies or family life?
This has made it more positive, maybe, because I’m not so moody and in pain all the time, which makes the family better. I’m not always so miserable. So, yeah, it’s definitely been positive in that sense.
How have you found receiving your prescription?
Absolutely fine, brilliant. No issues at all.
The service is brilliant. The speed of the deliveries are incredible, and the way you’re connected through the Patient Dashboard is brilliant.
The oil I had at first, which worked - I know when to take it, I didn’t need to take it every day, so it didn’t cost me too much. There was one month where it wasn’t available in stock, but I was able to find an alternative and then reorder my preferred when it did arrive back in the pharmacy
How would you describe your dosing routine?
Usually, if I'm not driving, and I'm not going to go out anywhere, I'll have the oil in the morning, and that usually sets me up for the day. But I'll probably need some more at night.
If I'm driving, I'll usually wait and have a vape of the flower in the evening, which is not as good for me because it's fast-acting, but not as long-lasting. When I'm on the medicine, I don't drive.
And what I notice then is if I'm driving for two or three days on a trot, that's when I know when the pain starts to get more severe. So I definitely know there's some kind of connection with it and the pain.
Have you experienced any stigma associated with taking medical cannabis?
I wouldn’t say directly, but you hear certain things. But I’ve been used to that even before this medicine came around. I’ve always looked and researched and done stuff myself, so I know what comes with it. And I understand some of the reasons why, but you guys are what cuts most of that negative side out of it, I’d say.
I’m a pretty private person, and I’m not out there puffing away. When I take it, I have a vape at home, or I’m taking the oil, and it’s usually to the extent of where it’s just managing the pain.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering medical cannabis treatment?
I think they've just got to do their own research, and to also expect some trial and error.
You’ve just got to start low and slow, and listen to your prescribing specialist. The specialist I have been seeing Releaf has been so great, very knowledgeable and approachable. They made it very clear to me from the initial consultation that there may be a period of trial and error involved before I found the correct product and dosage for my health needs, as cannabis-based treatment options can and do affect patients differently, even if they are prescribed for the same condition.
But yeah, if someone out there is struggling with pain and the regular stuff the doctors prescribe hasn’t helped, or made you feel really groggy like it did for me, I would 100% recommend checking out Releaf.
because I understand that cannabis can be quite a lot if you have that little bit too much, especially when it's edibles and oils, which can be a little bit stronger. So, yeah, for me, it's just about the research. Start low and slow.
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 pain.
