Melanie’s story: Managing the physical and mental symptoms of multiple sclerosis with medical cannabis

Could you tell us a bit about your condition?

I was working as a part-time barmaid. Then I felt really poorly one weekend - I couldn’t speak properly, and I lost feeling in my right side. I was taken into hospital with a suspected stroke, but then I was diagnosed with MS. This was about five years ago now, during COVID. 

I’d always known that something was wrong, and looking back at things and knowing what my symptoms are, I think that’s what it was all along.

What made you consider medical cannabis treatment?

Before my diagnosis, I used to have the odd bit of street cannabis. The difference from what I have now is silly. I used to get a really bad head from it, and it wasn’t really helping with my symptoms. I shake a lot, and my anxiety is sky high. I’d think everybody’s looking at me because I’m using a stick. 

How did you find getting started with Releaf?

It was really quick. I booked a consultation after a friend referred me, so I got an introductory offer. I chose the £40 a month subscription, so I get as many consultations as I want, and prescriptions are included. Within a week, they’d been in touch with my doctors to verify my condition. It was really good.

What was it like receiving your first prescription?

We’d been smokers anyway. Transitioning from tobacco to just the flower was great, because tobacco’s not good for you. It’s helped a lot. I’m not coughing as much. It’s a lot better than what I was having before.

I’ve tried a couple of strains that haven’t really agreed with me, but the specialists did mention in my initial appointment. I get a heavy head and don’t feel like doing anything. I don’t get those ones again, and the consultants advise me on something else to try.

Has your treatment impacted your day-to-day quality of life?

Definitely. I’m not as nervous to go out. It helps my appetite as well. A lot of the time, I didn’t want to eat, but I’m getting better with that. Since I’ve started with this and found the right strains for me, I’m taking a lot less. I take less because it’s of better quality and it does the job. 

I’ll have my vape in the morning, and that’ll stop my shaking. It’s helped all around with worrying and anxiety. Physically, the shakes and feeling sick. It’s eased everything. It’s a lot better knowing what you’re getting, because you don’t know what’s sold on the streets. The consultants are really informative.

Have you experienced any stigma, or how have your friends and family responded to your treatment?

My mum and dad don’t like the smell. I don’t vape around them, I’ll go outside. But they’ve seen the difference it makes when I haven’t had it compared to when I have. They’ve realised it does help. It’s not the big bad drug everyone thinks it is.

The stigma around it is disgusting. People think you’re a “druggie”. But I don’t do it for fun. I don’t do it to get stoned. I do it to have a normal life.

Why did you decide to share your story?

Obviously, everybody reacts differently to things, but you should try it and see. If it doesn’t agree with you, it doesn’t agree with you. But it does help. I want people to realise it’s not the drug people think it is. It helps people and shouldn’t be frowned upon. 

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 multiple sclerosis.