Medical Cannabis
Explore UK-focused medical cannabis articles, including legal updates, patient experiences, treatment options, and the latest research within the British cannabis landscape.
Articles
Decoding Cannabis: what the first placebo-controlled cannabis migraine trial means for patients in 2026
The first randomised, placebo-controlled trial of vaporised cannabis for migraine attacks has finally been published. Researchers at UC San Diego compared THC, CBD, a balanced combination, and placebo across 247 treated migraines. The balanced ratio came out clearly ahead, with sustained benefit at 24 and 48 hours and no serious adverse events. We unpack what the trial proves, where it falls short, and how the results sit alongside Releaf's UK patient survey data on medical cannabis for migraine.
What the UK’s largest active medical cannabis patient survey revealed about gastroenterological conditions
96.1% of UK gastroenterological patients surveyed in Releaf’s 2025 medical cannabis survey said their prescribed medical cannabis treatment was effective at managing their symptoms, 97.4% reported improvements in their overall quality of life, and 98.7% said they would recommend medical cannabis treatment to someone with a similar qualifying condition.
International Nurses Day 2026: What role do medical cannabis nurses play in patient care?
International Nurses Day 2026 allows us to celebrate the incredible efforts nurses make to ensure patients feel supported throughout their treatment journey. In this article, we explore how Releaf’s medical cannabis nurses offer personalised follow-up care and practical guidance to help patients feel more confident after receiving their prescription.
94.4% of patients with sleep conditions report effective treatment: results from the UK’s largest medical cannabis survey
Based on UK patient data from 329 respondents within a wider survey of 1,669 participants, 94.4% say medical cannabis is effective for sleep-related conditions, with 82% noticing changes within the first week and 97.9% experiencing improved quality of life. The findings come from the largest ever survey of active UK medical cannabis patients.
UK cannabis attitudes in 2026: YouGov data and what real patients experience
The UK remains divided on cannabis in 2026, according to new YouGov data. When compared with insights from the UK’s largest medical cannabis patient survey, a different picture begins to emerge, highlighting the gap between public perception and real patient experience.
Decoding Cannabis: does cannabis cause cognitive decline? What a 44-year study found
A major Danish study followed more than 5,000 men for over four decades to understand how cannabis use affects cognitive decline. The findings challenge common assumptions, showing no evidence of accelerated decline. But what does this actually mean for your brain health over time?
Stress Awareness Month 2026: 10 tips to manage stress and how medical cannabis can help
Stress can build up slowly and affect how we sleep, feel and cope day to day. For Stress Awareness Month 2026, this guide explores 10 practical ways to manage stress more effectively, while also looking at how medical cannabis may support symptom relief as part of a wider treatment approach.
World Parkinson's Day 2026: A detailed look at medical cannabis and Parkinson’s disease
The relationship between medical cannabis and Parkinson’s disease is a growing area of clinical interest, with more and more papers exploring its potential impact on symptoms like sleep disorders, anxiety, pain and tremors. In support of World Parkinson’s Day, this guide takes a detailed look at what recent clinical research tells us about cannabis-based treatment options for Parkinson’s disease.
91.1% of neurological patients report effective treatment: results from the UK’s largest medical cannabis survey
Results from the UK’s largest medical cannabis patient survey highlight strong effectiveness, improved quality of life, and low levels of reported side effects among neurological patients. Based on 494 respondents, the findings offer a detailed, real-world view of how prescribed treatment is working across a range of neurological conditions in the UK.
World Health Day 2026: what WHO says about medical cannabis and science-led care
World Health Day 2026 focuses on trust in science and evidence-led care. This guide explains how WHO medical cannabis policy has evolved, what its 2018 review found, and how those changes shape UK law and patient access today. It also covers what this means in practice if you are considering treatment through a regulated clinical pathway.
How to read prescription instructions and medication labels
Prescription labels can be confusing, especially when they include abbreviations like OD or PRN. This guide outlines common instructions to help you take medication correctly and understand the key terms on your prescription.
Why Releaf is the most trusted medical cannabis clinic in the UK in 2026
Releaf is the most trusted medical cannabis clinic in the UK based on Trustpilot data, with over 7,025 reviews and a 4.8 rating. This 2026 update explains how Releaf compares to other major UK medical cannabis clinics, including Alternaleaf, Mamedica, Curaleaf, CB1 Medical, and why Releaf has been the most trusted medical cannabis clinic in the UK for more than 18 months (based on Trustpilot reviews).
Medical cannabis for anxiety and mental health: is the evidence being misinterpreted?
Recent mainstream media coverage has suggested there is no evidence medical cannabis helps mental health conditions, but that conclusion depends on how the data is interpreted. This article reviews clinical research alongside UK patient outcomes across anxiety, depression, and PTSD to show what the evidence actually says and where conclusions are simply too narrow.
Travel Tuesday: Navigating US travel as a medical cannabis patient
The United States is a patchwork of legislation, with each state permitted to make its own laws on certain issues. While the US is often considered to be more progressive when it comes to cannabis policy, differences between state and federal-level laws can make things less straightforward than you might expect. So, we’re covering what you need to know when travelling to the US as a medical cannabis patient.
Why smoking medical cannabis is harmful (and illegal) in 2026: expert medical advice
Smoking prescribed medical cannabis is not permitted in the UK. Instead, patients are instructed to administer their medication using medical vaporisers or alternative formats such as oils. In this expert interview, Releaf doctor Dr Alexander Van Heerden explains why combustion undermines treatment goals, how vaporisation changes dosing and inhalation dynamics, and what patients should know when transitioning from smoking to vaporised cannabinoids.
95.4% of women reported effective medical cannabis treatment: Releaf survey findings for International Women’s Day 2026
In November 2025, Releaf commissioned the largest UK medical cannabis patient survey ever conducted (1,669 responses). This cohort analysis examines women treated for conditions such as endometriosis, menopause symptoms, severe period pain, and PMDD, covering reported treatment effectiveness, speed of perceived benefit, quality of life changes, daily functioning, side effects, stigma, and confidence using prescribed medication in public and when travelling.
How UK medical cannabis delivery works (and why delays sometimes happen) in 2026
Medical cannabis delivery in the UK follows strict legal safeguards. Most prescriptions arrive within 2 to 5 working days, but compliance rules and courier regulations can occasionally extend timelines. Here’s how the process works, why licensed couriers are required, and what happens if a delivery is missed.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Building inclusive futures
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an important date in the ongoing movement to end the Gender Gap. Despite still being a minority in many fields, women have made some of the most influential contributions to scientific development and progression in history. In honour of this year’s event, we’re honouring the women and girls who continue to push the boundaries of science and how their contributions are shaping the world of health care.
UK medical cannabis for chronic pain: what 792 current patients reported
In November 2025, Releaf conducted the largest medical cannabis patient survey ever carried out in the UK. This blog focuses on 792 people prescribed medical cannabis for chronic pain, sharing patient-reported data on effectiveness, quality of life, daily functioning, side effects, stigma, and confidence in real-world settings.
Travel Tuesday: Travelling to Germany with medical cannabis
Germany is one of Europe’s largest countries, and with many stunning and historic cities and towns to visit, from Berlin and Hamburg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, it attracts tens of millions of tourists every year. But what is it like to travel to Germany as a medical cannabis patient? We’re taking a look at everything you need to know when travelling to Germany with medical cannabis.
UK medical cannabis for cancer-related pain, nausea, and vomiting in 2026
Cancer and its treatment can be associated with a wide range of symptoms and side effects. As we once again look to raise awareness for those living with cancer this World Cancer Day, we’re assessing the evidence and recommendations for the use of medical cannabis for cancer-related pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and more.
The Releaf guide to upper back pain causes and treatments options (2026)
Upper back pain can feel tight, sharp, or persistent, often affecting the area between your shoulder blades. This guide explains common causes, what different pain patterns may mean, and the treatment options that can help, including when to seek medical advice and where medical cannabis may fit into a wider pain management plan in 2026.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2026: Eliminating cervical cancer for good
Each year in the UK, more than 3,200 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Every January, health organisations and charities around the world come together to raise awareness about the signs and treatments of the disease and the importance of attending screening appointments for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
Travel Tuesday: What to know when travelling to Portugal with medical cannabis
As a prescribed patient, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations with travelling to Portugal with medical cannabis - as well as to any other country around the world. In our latest travel guide, we explain the steps you should take to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip to one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations.