Matthew’s journey: A new approach to managing anxiety and depression

In as much detail as you're comfortable sharing, can you please tell us a bit about your health journey so far?

Sure. I’ve suffered from depression and anxiety pretty much my whole life, for as long as I can really remember. 

I’ve been on different medications at times, and there have been periods where I tried to push through without any medication, but it was always a hard. I have always struggled with the side effects of the pharmaceutical options, so I’d try to reduce my reliance on them (or come off completely), feel okay for a bit, but then start struggling again.

I ended up watching The God Plant on Netflix, a documentary about cannabis and its health benefits. The film did a really amazing job at explaining all the science behind how medical cannabis works, something I had very little understanding of before. That got me researching, and I came across Releaf.

Did you know medical cannabis was legal before watching the documentary?

No, I didn’t. I used to live in the US, and I knew it was legal there - where I lived, it’s actually fully recreational legal now - but I always assumed the UK hadn’t followed suit. 

After watching the documentary, I did some research and found out it was legalised for medical use in 2018.

How did you find Releaf?

I went online and looked at a few different clinics, but Releaf really stood out - it seemed like the most professional. It seemed much more like a real medical service rather than just a business.

The way that the website is set up, with the patient testimonials and the educational resources, gave me a lot of confidence. It didn’t feel like they were just trying to sell you something, but actually cared about helping people.

The Releaf medical cannabis card was a big selling point, too. I hadn’t known medical cannabis was legal, and I think a lot of police officers may not still.The idea of someone thinking I was doing something illegal can really spike my anxiety, so the card gives me peace of mind.

How was your first appointment?

It was really straightforward and professional. 

The doctor I spoke to was very understanding and knowledgeable about mental health issues and the role that medical cannabis could play in helping me to overcome, or at least manage, some of the challenges I was facing. He actually listened to what I was saying, and it was obvious from the moment the consultation started that he wanted to find a solution for me.

I thought there’d be a lot more red tape, but it was just an easy, honest conversation with someone who wanted to help.

Have you been prescribed the same cannabis-based treatment options throughout your journey with Releaf?

No, but during my initial consultation, the doctor explained to me that finding the right combination of cannabis-based medications and working out the best dosage for my health needs may involve some trial and error.

I was prescribed a medical cannabis oil option first, but I didn't find that to be super effective for my needs. I spoke with the doctor and told him how I was getting on, and he helped me switch to the flower options.

I tried a couple of different flowers which helped, and I explained my experiences with each. It didn’t take long, just a couple of appointments, and now I’m really happy with the treatment plan we’ve designed and the options that I have been prescribed.

Now I use a daytime flower, which really helps me focus on what I’m doing instead of getting lost in my thoughts. Contrary to what I thought, or what the anti-cannabis movement tells you, it actually gives me energy. I am able to medicate, get up and moving, and then on with the day. It's great. Then I have the night flower, which settles my mind and helps me sleep. I’ve had sleep problems my whole life, but that’s just gone away now. It’s been a big change.

With antidepressants, you feel worse before you feel better, and they tell you to wait it out. By the time you do, you’ve already gone through the worst of it, so changing to something new means going through that all over again. It’s not that they wouldn’t switch me, but I never really wanted to go through that process again.

And then there are the other side effects. I won't go into great detail, but they can be pretty unpleasant. With medical cannabis, there are no negative side effects for me. It’s a world of difference.

What everyday differences have you noticed since starting treatment?

It’s positively impacted my whole life, really.

Before starting medical cannabis treatment with Releaf, I'd struggle through the day with constant anxiety, often spending the whole day feeling on edge. Now, I can get through the day without that weight on my mind.

Even just knowing I have something that helps if I do have a bad episode makes a huge difference. That reassurance alone makes it easier to manage my mental health struggles. But honestly, it doesn’t happen as often anymore. It’s just not a concern for me like it used to be - life feels easier, and I don’t have to think about it as much.

I also think it’s helped with work. I'm a chef, so long days are the norm.

I use the daytime flower before work, and it energises me. Instead of having 20 different thoughts racing around and second-guessing everything I do, I can actually focus. I get my head into my work and actually get things done.

It’s made me so much more productive. Before, I’d sometimes hesitate, always thinking "should I do this, should I do that?". Not really trusting my instincts. Now, I just do it. 

I trust myself more, and that’s made a big difference.

Have you spoken to friends, family, or your employer about your prescription?

I’ve spoken to a few people, but it’s not something I go around telling everyone. 

I did tell my boss, though, just in case he ever smelled it on me. He had no idea medical cannabis was even legal, but he was really interested and just asked a lot of questions about how it works.

A few friends have been curious, and I’ve even recommended it to some who I think might benefit. But for the most part, no one really notices. 

I used to have that stigma in my head that I think a lot of us here in the UK may walk around with - that people using cannabis would look lazy or out of it. But now I know it’s nothing like that. The people I have told have been surprised that I am a legal medical cannabis patient and that it’s actually helping me.

Do you feel comfortable medicating with cannabis in public?

I use a vaporiser to inhale my prescribed cannabis flower. I mostly use it at home, but I have used it walking back from work a couple of times after a stressful day.

At first, it felt a bit weird, but I got used to it. Having the medical ID card made a real difference, for sure - if someone thought I was doing something illegal, or if the authorities stopped me, I know I’d be fine.

What would you say to someone who was sceptical of medical cannabis?

I’d say do your research. There’s a lot of information out there, and more people are talking about it now. But beyond that, speak to a medical professional like the amazing specialists at Releaf. That's what really helped me.

I had tried cannabis recreationally when I was younger, but it made me feel sluggish and lazy. I don’t know if that was down to the strains or something else, but using it medicinally has been completely different. So I’d tell people to keep an open mind - learn about it, and if it might help, give it a try.

With medical cannabis, I feel more like myself. I don't have to deal with side effects, and I don’t feel like I’m putting something harmful into my body. Pharmaceuticals always felt like a trade-off - you’re treating one thing but in my case it caused many other issues.

With my Releaf prescribed medical cannabis, it's the opposite. I’m using it for anxiety and depression, but I know it has other benefits, like anti-inflammatory properties and pain relieving potentials so it feels like I’m actually helping my body, not hurting it.

If there’s a natural option that works, it’s worth considering. For me, the difference between pharmaceuticals and medical cannabis has been night and day. I feel like myself again.

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