How to take Releaf medical cannabis flower and oil

Whether you’re using flower or oil, the goal is the same - to feel better, no matter your health concern. But starting a whole new treatment, especially one as unique as medical cannabis, can come with a whole new set of questions.

Here’s everything you need to know – no jargon, no fluff, just straightforward advice on how to take your Releaf medical cannabis flower and oil like a pro.

Flower or oil: What’s the difference?

Releaf patients can be prescribed medical cannabis flower, medical cannabis oil, or a mix of both.

But why?

Don't they both come from the same plant? Don't they both essentially do the same thing?

Well, both medical cannabis flower and oil contain the therapeutic compounds produced by Cannabis sativa L. plants, but they offer patients different ways to take those compounds, which produce slightly different effects.

Medical cannabis flower:

• Is the raw, dried buds of the cannabis plant
• Is taken through a dry herb vaporiser
• When vaporised, the effects are felt almost instantly (peaking within 15 minutes) and last two to three hours

Medical cannabis oil:

• Is made with concentrated medical cannabis extracts
• Is taken sublingually (under the tongue) with a dropper
• The effects take anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes to peak but last for around three to four hours
• For longer-lasting but slower-acting effects, oil taken orally and swallowed (edible) is the way to go. Effects typically take 60 to 90 minutes to become noticeable but will last up to six to eight hours

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How to take your Releaf medical cannabis flower

The very first thing we need to address is that, in the UK, it is illegal to smoke cannabis - even if it is legally prescribed. The overarching negative health implications of smoking are well documented, and there is another (fully legal and much safer) way to take your medical cannabis flower.

So, how do you get the most out of your Releaf medical cannabis flower?

With a dry herb vaporiser.

There are a load of dry herb vapes available, but not all are created equal. Brands like Omura, Storz & Bickel, and Pax have all become synonymous with quality vaping experiences - some of which can be found in our Patient Portal Shop.

The Omura Series X comes with a super handy Home Fill System that enables you to easily and quickly fill your flower sticks with your prescribed medical cannabis flower. It makes dosing a breeze, and the effects are consistent every time. Check out the links for a full breakdown of this fantastic system.

Some people will prefer to use a dry herb vape that can be loaded with your flower directly, like the Pax or Storz & Bickle options.

Either way, dry herb vapes work by gently heating the ground-up flower to the point where the cannabinoids and terpenes are vaporised but not combusted. This is what differentiates it from smoking and produces a smoother, more controlled experience that is much safer, healthier, and easier to fine-tune - perfect for medical cannabis patients.

What temperature should you set your dry herb vaporiser?

Some (not all) dry herb vapes allow for the patient to adjust the temperature. So, what temp should you set it to?

The answer is simple: start low and work your way up. 160°C is a good starting point, working up to around 200°C to 220°C.

Each cannabinoid and terpene has its own boiling point - that is the point at which they vaporise. Different cannabinoids and terpenes have different therapeutic effects, which is why some patients may prefer a lower or higher temperature for their medical cannabis flower.

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How to take your Releaf medical cannabis oil

Taking medical cannabis oil is even more straightforward. Most patients are directed to take their prescribed UK medical cannabis oil sublingually, which involves using the dropper (pipette) to place the oil under your tongue.

You then hold the oil under your tongue for 60 seconds, allowing the cannabinoids to be absorbed into your bloodstream through the mucous membrane in your mouth. This method allows for a much quicker onset of effects than taking the oil orally and passing it through the digestive system.

The dropper should be rinsed after each application, and properly cleaned once a week, to ensure that it stays hygienic. The best way to do this is:

• Fill a small glass (a shot glass works well) with about 10 ml of isopropyl alcohol
• Take the dropper and use it to 'suck' up the alcohol
• Leave it in there for a couple of hours
• Rinse with clean, hot water and leave to dry before use

Do not put it in the dishwasher or microwave, as this can damage the dropper.

The wrap-up

No matter if you are prescribed medical cannabis flower, medical cannabis oil, or a mix of both, the end goal is the same - better health, better quality of life, and better management of your condition.

Taking your medical cannabis properly is crucial to achieving this goal, and now you have all the knowledge needed to do so. Remember, start low and go slow no matter your prescribed option and method, and always discuss any questions or concerns with your prescribing specialist.

To learn more, we have a backlog of New Patient articles just waiting for you to dive into, covering all the more frequently asked questions. We also have a full blog and education hub, both of which are overflowing with everything there is to know about UK medical cannabis, the emerging research into this fascinating plant, and much more.