Medical Cannabis
Explore UK-focused medical cannabis articles, including legal updates, patient experiences, treatment options, and the latest research within the British cannabis landscape.
World breastfeeding week: Medical cannabis considerations for mothers
World Breastfeeding Week is upon us, taking place from the 1st to the 7th of August. In honour of this important international event, we’re taking a closer look at everything you need to know about the guidelines and evidence related to medical cannabis and breastfeeding, the implications for yours and your baby’s health, and our stance as a medical cannabis clinic in the UK.
What are the qualifying conditions for a UK medical cannabis prescription?
In this article we will look at the different medical conditions and routes of access UK patients can legally obtain a medicinal cannabis prescription through. Releaf recently conducted public surveys and published a report with the data titled Say No To Pain revealing 58.5% of the British population are likely to be unaware of the current medical cannabis laws.
Reaching 5.5 million with one message: Releaf - Let’s Rethink Healthcare
We’ve recently launched our Let’s Rethink Healthcare campaign in motorway service stations and shopping centre washroom facilities nationwide. In just a four-week period, 5.5 million people will see our adverts and discover medical cannabis is not only legal here in the UK, but accessible too.
Real Patient Voices: Medical cannabis, fibromyalgia, and me
Welcome back to ‘Medical cannabis and me: Real Patient Voices’. In this edition, we’re shining the spotlight on three incredible women who turned to alternative treatments, in the hope of finding a solution to their fibromyalgia symptoms. Spoiler alert: they haven’t looked back since.
The price of medical cannabis in the UK: Releaf’s costs explained
If you are considering medical cannabis in the UK, cost is likely one of your first questions. Treatment involves consultation fees, prescriptions, and medication pricing, and understanding how these fit together matters. This guide breaks down Releaf’s pricing for flower, oil, and vape cartridges, along with subscription options, so you can see exactly what you are paying for and why.
How Releaf patients buy THC medical cannabis legally online in the UK
In the UK, medical cannabis has been a legal treatment option since November 2018 (just over six years). Even so, a large proportion of the population remain unaware of how prescriptions for cannabis-based treatments are issued, and how patients buy medical cannabis in the UK.
From sceptic to prescriber: Dr Ali on medical cannabis for ADHD
ADHD diagnoses are on the rise, and more adults are searching for support that actually works. We spoke to Releaf psychiatrist Dr Imran Ali about what's driving the shift, why access remains a challenge, and how medical cannabis is helping some patients reduce anxiety, improve focus, and feel more in control of their symptoms.
Decoding Cannabis: Why schizophrenia is a red flag for medical cannabis
New research from Denmark has uncovered a striking connection between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and schizophrenia, with up to 30% of cases in young men potentially linked to heavy, unregulated recreational use. In this blog, we break down what the study found, how it informs Releaf’s prescribing approach, and why safeguarding vulnerable groups is essential to safe and ethical medical cannabis treatment.
What Is CBN? A Quick Guide to Cannabinol
As recognition of medical cannabis in the UK gradually improves, more people are becoming aware of the various compounds that contribute to the plant’s therapeutic effects. But while CBD and THC continue to hold on to the spotlight, there are a whole host of cannabinoids that receive less attention, including cannabinol (CBN). So, what is CBN? In this article, we’re covering everything you need to know.
Releaf’s medical cannabis survey: Coming soon to an inbox near you
All too often, the conversations that surround medical cannabis are based on assumptions and shaped by those who’ve never used it. When assumptions dominate, misunderstanding follows. Misunderstanding breeds uncertainty, and uncertainty breeds stigma. That’s something we want to change.
Help a friend, feel the reward: International Day of Friendship
When it comes to our health, it’s often the voices of those who know us best that guide us forward. This International Day of Friendship, we highlight how personal connection, and personal recommendation through Releaf’s Refer-a-Friend scheme is helping real individuals here in the UK support the ones they love.
CBD vs THC law in the UK: What’s legal, and what’s not
What’s legal, and what isn’t, when it comes to CBD vs THC in the UK? This guide breaks down the legal status of both cannabinoids, explains why THC requires a prescription, and outlines how medical cannabis works for those who qualify. If over-the-counter CBD isn’t enough, there may be a clinically guided, THC containing alternative available.
Medical cannabis, the DVLA and prescribed medicines
Despite medical cannabis being legal in the UK for almost six years, there is still confusion— and mixed messages—around the rights and responsibilities of patients when it comes to driving with their prescription.
Decoding Cannabis: Can cannabis suppress tumour growth?
Can cannabis actually help suppress tumours? From brain and breast cancer to colon and lung models, the lab results are intriguing, but far from conclusive. In this Decoding Cannabis blog, we explore the latest preclinical studies on THC, CBD, and synthetic cannabinoids, compare them with other natural compounds, and share what UK patients battling cancer are prescribed UK medical cannabis for right now.
The lesser-known terpenes in cannabis and their therapeutic benefits
Cannabis is an extremely complex plant containing a huge number of active compounds, from cannabinoids such as THC and CBD to terpenes like linalool, myrcene, and pinene. But while you may have heard of some of the more prominent terpenes found in cannabis, there are many others that you may not be familiar with - but that doesn’t mean they don’t hold any therapeutic potential. Let’s take a closer look at some of these lesser-known cannabis terpenes and their properties.
Behind the blue line: Educating police on medical cannabis rights in the UK
What happens if you’re stopped by police while using prescribed cannabis? Six years since legalisation, confusion still reigns - so we decided to do something about it. Find out how Releaf is helping educate law enforcement, one conversation at a time. Because medical cannabis patients deserve clarity, dignity, and protection.
90,000 interactions. One clinic. Medical cannabis matters
Thousands of people are taking their health into their own hands - are you one of them? From prescription ordering to eligibility checks, this data-driven snapshot reveals just how many are turning to Releaf for trusted medical cannabis support. Discover what the numbers really say - and what they mean for you.
FAQ: Is it illegal to smoke medical cannabis in the UK?
In the UK, it is always illegal to smoke cannabis. While medical cannabis can be prescribed to suitable patients in the UK through private healthcare clinics like Releaf, it is only prescribed with the intention, and with strict instructions, of being vaped - not smoked.
Online cannabis dispensaries in the UK: How they really work
In the UK, getting a medical cannabis prescription isn’t like popping down to the chemist. This blog breaks down how online cannabis dispensaries actually work, why your meds can take a few days to arrive, and how Releaf ensures safe, consistent delivery every time (even during a snowy Christmas). From regulation to real people, we explain what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Decoding Cannabis: THC, CBD, and the search for better MS symptom control with medical cannabis
Medical cannabis is emerging as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis symptoms like pain, spasticity, poor sleep, and fatigue. In this blog, we focus on a recent study from the United States examining how cannabinoids may support MS symptom management. We also break down how UK patients can legally access treatment and what a personalised Releaf prescription typically looks like.
Finding a medical cannabis specialist near you
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK for the treatment of a wide range of conditions since 2018. Yet, many prospective patients may not know how to access this potentially life-changing medication. In this article, we’ll help you answer common queries such as, “Where can I find a medical cannabis doctor near me?” and “Is there a medical cannabis dispensary near me?”.
Peace of mind price tags: Why all our medical cannabis flowers are £7.99 per gram for Releaf+ patients
Many Releaf patients say their medical cannabis treatment has been ‘transformative’ or ‘life-changing’ - but some have also told us at first, they were wary of the cost. Unknown pricing adds uncertainty - and unnecessary stress. But at Releaf, we believe consistency matters. That’s why all prescribed cannabis flowers are priced at £7.99 per gram for those on our subscription plan: Releaf+. Read on to find out more about our consistent costs, how the Releaf+ subscription supports it, and why £7.99 per gram offers more than affordability - it offers confidence.
Real Patient Voices: With age comes wisdom - medical cannabis and me
Chronic pain, sleep difficulties, and reduced mobility often increase with age - but often, so does wisdom. In this latest edition of our Real Patient Voices series, we share the experiences of Peter, Mary, and Simon - Releaf patients in their 60s, 70s, and beyond - who turned to cannabis-based treatments later in life. From managing trigeminal neuralgia to regaining energy in the garden, their stories highlight how it’s never too late to explore new approaches to wellbeing.
Mindful choices and modern medicine: Understanding alcohol, medical cannabis, and the path to wellness
In many parts of the world, alcohol consumption is simply an accepted part of life. Many of us use alcohol to unwind with friends, when we're catching up with family, or to celebrate all manner of special occasions - and for most, such consumption is nothing to be concerned about. But it is important to be able to draw the distinction between healthy and unhealthy relationships with alcohol. As we recognise Alcohol Awareness Week, we're taking a closer look at the implications of alcohol use for our health and wellbeing. We'll explore its relationship and potential interactions with medical cannabis and provide practical advice for maintaining a healthy relationship with alcohol.