Research
Explore the latest findings in medical cannabis research, from clinical trials and scientific studies to emerging trends and expert analysis.
From Stigma to Solution: New research into UK medical cannabis
New research reveals how much the UK public really knows — and doesn’t know — about medical cannabis. From access confusion to growing support among older adults, we unpack Wellford’s findings and how Releaf is working to close the gap between interest, education, and safe access.
Decoding Cannabis: Can CBD, CBG and CBN help block chronic pain at the source?
A new preclinical study explores whether cannabinoids like CBD, CBG and CBN can directly reduce chronic pain by targeting the sodium channel Nav1.8. The findings suggest these non-psychoactive compounds may help slow pain signalling at its source. In this edition of Decoding Cannabis, we break down what the study found, what it means for patients, and how Releaf is helping lead the change.
Decoding Cannabis: Can cannabinoids help you sleep better?
Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep? You’re not alone, and sleeping pills aren’t always the answer. In this edition of Decoding Cannabis, we explore what the latest research says about using medical cannabis and CBD for better rest. From chronic insomnia to PTSD and anxiety, here’s how cannabinoids may support deeper, more natural sleep without the next-day fog.
Decoding Cannabis: How medical cannabis (THC and CBD) helps manage neurological conditions
A major 2023 clinical review has brought new clarity to how cannabis medicines are being used in neurological care. This blog unpacks the evidence across epilepsy, MS, Parkinson’s, Tourette’s, and more, and explains how private UK clinics like Releaf are helping patients access personalised treatment when other options have fallen short.
Decoding Cannabis: can medical cannabis improve quality of life during cancer treatment?
In this week's Decoding Cannabis article, we unpack a recent expert review exploring how medical cannabis may ease cancer treatment side effects. The study highlights its potential to relieve pain, nausea, anxiety, and more, offering support where conventional care sometimes comes up short.
Decoding Cannabis: Can medical cannabis support gut issues (nausea, IBS, IBD) and digestion?
From bloating and nausea to IBD and IBS, digestive symptoms are hard to treat and among the most common reasons people in the UK consider medical cannabis. But does it work, and if so, how? In this article, we break down what the research says about cannabis, digestion, and gut-related conditions.
Decoding Cannabis: What real patients say about cannabis for chronic pain
In this Decoding Cannabis blog, we explore a large real-world study of patients taking medical cannabis for chronic pain. The findings highlight how it's being used, how well it's working, and why more people are turning to it when other treatments fall short.
Decoding Cannabis: Can cannabinoids help treat mental health conditions?
Can cannabis support mental health? This edition of Decoding Cannabis explores the 2020 clinical review on cannabinoids for depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia - and why cautious optimism, not overstatement, is key.
Decoding Cannabis: What the science says about menopause and medical cannabis
Menopause can bring complex physical and emotional symptoms that affect daily life. This Decoding Cannabis article explains how UK medical cannabis and CBD may help ease sleep issues, anxiety, and pain when used under clinical guidance. With UK regulation and medical oversight at its core, the piece highlights evidence, safety, and how cannabis may support women through the menopause transition
Decoding Cannabis: Medical cannabis for fibromyalgia, a real-world study review
Medical cannabis may not be a cure for fibromyalgia, but for many UK patients, it’s helping reduce pain, improve sleep, and ease reliance on conventional meds. This real-world study shows how cannabis could reshape chronic pain treatment.
Decoding Cannabis: Why thousands are replacing opioids with cannabis for pain relief
Opioids have long been the default for managing most chronic pain issues. Albeit powerful at targeting pain, many would argue they have been overly prescribed, and they are often alarmingly hard to come off. Yet quietly, another option has been slowly but surely making inroads in chronic pain treatment: medical cannabis.
Decoding Cannabis: The science behind oral CBD absorption and bioavailability
In 2025, CBD oil is readily available in the UK - but how much of it is actually absorbed by the body when you take it orally? In this first instalment of our new blog series, ‘Decoding Cannabis’, we dissect a recent lab study that looks into one of the biggest issues with orally administered CBD oil - low rates of absorption.
Decoding Cannabis: Introducing our new series on medical cannabis research
Each and every week, our new ‘Decoding Cannabis’ series will take a recent piece of medical cannabis research - be it a clinical trial, observational study, registry report, etc. - and unpack it in a way that’s relevant and easily understandable to UK medical cannabis patients.
Statistic series: Is UK medical cannabis a cash crop?
To help get a deeper understanding of the cannabis industry, we’ve decided to uncover and unravel some of the key statistics that shape the cannabis industry in the UK. In this piece, we will explore cannabis as a ‘cash crop’ by identifying its economic impact on the UK, and analysing these figures in the political and social landscapes that shape the United Kingdom today.
Research into attitudes towards medicinal cannabis in the UK: June 2023
Explore Releaf's landmark study on the UK's medicinal cannabis landscape, revealing treatment potential, legality, public interest, and the need for education.