The most frequently asked questions about medical cannabis answered

What is medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis is regulated and produced under licence for patients with a wide range of pain, inflammation, neurological, gastrointestinal, psychological and autoimmune conditions. Medical cannabis is produced to meet a high approval standard to ensure patient safety. It is made from the cannabis plant, typically in the form of cannabis flower to be vaped, oil in tincture form, vaporiser cartridges and capsules. Medicinal cannabis products are prescribed to treat various medical conditions and symptoms, making it a valuable tool in healthcare. It is is known for its potential to provide relief and alleviate symptoms from conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and nausea induced by chemotherapy. Medical cannabis is only available in the UK with a prescription written by a specialist doctor and only to those who meet strict criteria. 

Learn more: What is cannabis and how does it work in the body?

How to get medical cannabis in the UK

To get legal medical cannabis in the UK a specialist consultant must prescribe you one of the available medications; it's only available to those who qualify under specific medical conditions. To determine if you qualify, a healthcare professional will assess your condition and Summary of Care Records to determine if medical cannabis is a suitable treatment option. Once you qualify, your doctor can issue a prescription for suitable medication options. However, it's essential to note that medical cannabis is not typically available through the National Health Service (NHS), and you will more than likely need to purchase it privately. The cost can vary significantly depending on the prescribed product and dosage, so discussing pricing with your doctor or a specialised clinic is advisable. To apply for a medical cannabis prescription, you can use our eligibility checker. You can reach out to clinics or specialists with expertise in this area, and you can also seek information and support from online communities like Reddit for guidance on the process.

Learn more: How to get medical cannabis in the UK

How to use medical cannabis

To use medical cannabis effectively, you must first select the right cannabis-based medicinal product for you based on your medical needs. The most common forms of cannabis-based medicinal products are vaporising flowers and oil in tincture form. When it comes to oil tinctures, you typically take them orally. Use a dropper to measure your desired dose, usually in drops or millilitres, and place it under your tongue. Hold it there for up to two minutes before swallowing for efficient absorption. Vaping involves inhaling vaporised cannabis flowers or pure oils, which provides rapid relief by allowing cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream through the lungs. You can use specialised vaporisers designed for cannabis flowers or concentrates with compatible cartridges. Smoking is not advised and is prohibited due to the harmful side effects caused by combustion. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable method and dosage for your medical condition.

Learn more: A complete guide to the medical administration of cannabinoids

How do I get a medical cannabis card?

To get a medical cannabis card in the UK you can apply to one of the online services that provide them by meeting the qualifying criteria. You will need to provide a copy of your Summary of Care Records. Not all medical cannabis cards offer the same service, and some do not validate your status as a legal patient. In the UK, medical cannabis cards aren't compulsory. Instead, medical cannabis is prescribed by a specialist doctor if they believe it's a suitable treatment for your condition. Medical cannabis cards allow patients to store information about their prescriptions and medical conditions for healthcare professionals and the police if needed. To see if you can get a prescription, you should consult with a healthcare professional who specialises in medical cannabis or use a free eligibility checker, which will assess your medical history and determine if you qualify for a prescription. If you're eligible, your doctor will provide you with a prescription, and you can obtain medical cannabis products from licensed pharmacies or have them delivered to your home. Be sure to inquire about the available products, dosages, and associated costs during your consultation with the specialist. It's essential to follow the legal and medical channels to access medical cannabis in the UK, as there isn't a card-based system like in some other countries that exempt patients from existing cannabis laws. 

Learn more: Releaf's Medical Cannabis Card

How to buy medical cannabis?

To buy medical cannabis in the UK you must have a prescription written by a specialist doctor. The prescription is for a set amount of a specific product to last 28 days. Cannabis-based medicinal products must be produced in licensed facilities and dispensed through authorised clinics. A strict legal process is involved in getting medical cannabis in the UK. The most common forms of cannabis medicines are flowers and oils. You can get medical cannabis oil delivered to your home address when your doctor writes you a prescription. You can buy medical cannabis flowers in 10g pots or more, which you can collect from a pharmacy or deliver to your home. You can only buy medical cannabis if you have a qualifying medical condition and pass the eligibility test, requiring a healthcare professional to check your Summary of Care Records. Only once a doctor has written you a prescription can you buy medical cannabis. 

Learn more: Buy medical cannabis in the UK

How to talk to your doctor about medical cannabis

The way to talk to your doctor about medical cannabis is honestly. If you have no understanding of medical cannabis but think it may be an option for you, ask your doctor the questions you would like answers to. You can tell your doctor about your previous experience with cannabis if it was a long time ago, or you may already use cannabis to treat your medical condition and want to transition to a legal prescription. Either way, your doctor must know your cannabis literacy so they can provide the best health service possible. To discuss medical cannabis with your doctor you should describe your symptoms, treatments you are currently on or have tried before and how they have worked for you. Your doctor will ask you questions for them to determine if prescribing medical cannabis is in your best interest. A collaborative and informed discussion with your doctor can help determine whether medical cannabis aligns with your healthcare needs.

How to grow medical cannabis?

To grow medical cannabis in the UK, a licence granted by the Home Office is required. Growing medical cannabis typically involves a large facility replicating the plant's required environmental conditions. For companies that grow the best-grade medical cannabis that meets the strictest criteria, hydroponics is the preferred method. Growing medical cannabis in soil is possible, but it is difficult  to meet safety standards imposed by the MHRA. Medical cannabis can be grown in the UK indoors or in a greenhouse. Medical cannabis licence holders must grow medical cannabis with fertilisers that do not contain any harmful ingredients hazardous to human health. Before medical cannabis can be turned into a product that patients are prescribed, it must pass more safety standard tests to prove there are no moulds or bacteria that could cause illness. Products are tested for cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Medical cannabis products must undergo shelf stability tests to ensure they remain safe for patients after being packaged. 

Learn more: No grow for UK patients: Where in the world can patients grow their own?

Why choose Releaf for medical cannabis in the UK?

Releaf is a preferred choice due to its high-quality service and dedication to patients' needs. Releaf has an experienced and professional team keen to help you through your patient journey. Releaf is the first all-in-one cannabis clinic to make payments simple with Stripe and give you as much control over your health care and treatment plan as possible. Releaf ensures that patients only receive products from regulated and licensed producers ensuring you get the best products on the market. Releaf will likely adhere strictly to the legal and regulatory standards governing distribution in the UK, guaranteeing a legitimate and compliant source. With various products, delivery methods, and a dedication to patient support, Releaf is well-equipped to cater to your healthcare requirements while respecting your privacy and maintaining confidentiality.