Medical Cannabis
Explore UK-focused medical cannabis articles, including legal updates, patient experiences, treatment options, and the latest research within the British cannabis landscape.
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 5,411 reviews and a 4.7 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.
Self-care for the mind and body: Ideas and activities for Blue Monday and beyond
The third Monday in January has become known in the UK as “Blue Monday” - a day which is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. But what makes this day so trying? And more importantly, what self-care tips could help us overcome it?
The Releaf guide to lower back pain causes and treatments, 2026
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical support. This guide explains the entire gamut of lower back pain, what causes it, and the treatment options that may help, including medical cannabis, physiotherapy, exercises, and when to seek further care.
12 days till Christmas: Releaf’s opening hours and medication delivery cut-off
With the holiday season less than two weeks away, we want to make sure each and every Releaf patient is well-prepared for the slight changes to our normal operating schedule, along with the minor adjustments to medication delivery during this year's festive period.
Decoding Cannabis: what a recent scoping review reveals about cannabis for rheumatoid arthritis
A recent scoping review has dug into how cannabinoids interact with inflammation, joint tissue, and pain signalling in rheumatoid arthritis. This article breaks down what the researchers found, how THC and CBD influence key inflammatory pathways, and what these insights may mean for people living with arthritis in the UK. We also look at how this evidence compares with current patient experiences.
Green Friday UK: Releaf’s biggest ever discounts
This year, our patient survey, the largest of its kind in the UK, found that 97% of patients reported an improved quality of life and 91% they were likely to recommend medical cannabis to others who may be eiligible.
Say hello to the new Releaf Starter Kits: PAX or Storz & Bickel
Available right now, Releaf’s new Starter Kits give patients the choice between the compact PAX Mini and the medical-grade Storz & Bickel Venty. Each kit includes carefully selected accessories and CBD products designed to support precise, effective administration of prescribed medical cannabis. Available exclusively through the Releaf Shop for anyone with a Releaf login.
Inside the clinic: UK medical cannabis specialist doctors discuss CBG
CBG is attracting attention as one of the most versatile minor cannabinoids in medical cannabis. This blog brings together reflections from Releaf’s UK medical cannabis specialists on what early research and clinical experience suggest about its potential in patient care.
NHS access to medical cannabis could add over £13 billion in the UK economy over 10 years
A new report has found that rolling out access to medical cannabis on the NHS could unlock an estimated £13.3 billion for the UK economy over the next decades, in addition to helping thousands of people get back to work. The report comes as medical cannabis patient numbers saw a significant increase between 2023 and 2024, with almost all patients accessing the medications through private clinics.
New best practice guidelines for prescribing UK medical cannabis released
The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS) has released new prescribing guidelines for cannabis-based medicines following the CQC’s report on sector standards. Here’s what the update means for clinicians, patients, and the future of regulated medical cannabis care in the UK.
Decoding cannabis: Can UK medical cannabis help with depression this World Mental Health Day?
To mark World Mental Health Day 2025, we continue our Decoding Cannabis blog series by exploring a major 2024 review of 156 studies on medical cannabis and depression. The evidence suggests that balanced THC and CBD prescriptions may help support mood and emotional well-being, while THC-heavy options can sometimes worsen symptoms. The findings highlight cannabis’s emerging role in UK mental health care
How medical cannabis may be of benefit to breast cancer patients
Medical cannabis is not a cure for breast cancer, but growing evidence suggests it may help relieve treatment-related symptoms such as pain, nausea and anxiety. This guide explores current research, the role of clinical oversight, and how Releaf provides safe access to personalised cannabis-based care for breast cancer patients in the UK.