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4 min read
Sam North
The UK medical cannabis sector is one of the safest and most highly regulated in the world.
This is thanks to the strict procedures and guidelines put in place by regulatory bodies such as the Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the Quality Care Commission (CQC), and NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). These organisations ensure that the medical cannabis products available to UK patients are safe, effective, and high quality.
At Releaf, we always take an evidence-based approach. Our specialist clinicians are leaders in their respective fields, bringing valuable expertise from both medical cannabis and conventional medicine. When you are prescribed any form of medical cannabis through Releaf, you can rest assured that our highly qualified doctors have deemed it safe and potentially effective for your condition.
Still, we feel that it is essential for all patients to be fully informed about where their prescribed medication comes from, how it is tested to ensure safety and effectiveness, what the labelling on the prescription should display, and what the information actually means.
All medical cannabis products, whether that be dried medical cannabis flower, medical cannabis oil, or any other form, must undergo rigorous testing and adhere to strict quality standards before they are approved for use in the UK.
This is achieved through a combination of third-party lab testing, strict manufacturing processes, and thorough inspections by regulatory bodies.
When a cannabis-based medication is imported into the UK, it must undergo third-party testing by an accredited laboratory to ensure that it meets the standards set by the MHRA. This includes testing for potency, purity, and contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and microorganisms. The results of these tests are then displayed on a Certificate of Analysis (COA), which must be readily available for patients to view.
Third-party testing is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical cannabis products. It provides an unbiased evaluation of the product's potency and purity, giving patients security that they are receiving safe and consistent medication
In addition to third-party testing of both overseas and UK-produced medical cannabis products, the MHRA also conducts regular inspections of all UK medical cannabis manufacturing, cultivation, and distribution facilities to ensure they adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines.
Releaf patients are the first in Great Britain to be offered access to UK-grown medical cannabis.
Our partnership with Glass Pharms® allows us to offer a range of high-quality, locally-grown medical cannabis products. These products are cultivated and manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with innovative AI environmental controls and free from human contact, heavily reducing any risk of contamination.
These measures ensure that Glass Pharms® products offer patients peace of mind, knowing that each batch has been produced to the highest standards with consistent levels of cannabinoids and terpenes.
All cannabis-based medications in the UK are legally required to display specific labelling. This ensures that patients can easily access all the vital information regarding their medication and that they can trust the product's safety and efficacy.
The labelling must include:
For all the in’s and out’s of UK medical cannabis, check out our blog and education hub
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Am I eligible?Sam North, a seasoned writer with over five years' experience and expertise in medicinal cannabis, brings clarity to complex concepts, focusing on education and informed use.
Our articles are written by experts and reviewed by medical professionals or compliance specialists. Adhering to stringent sourcing guidelines, we reference peer-reviewed studies and scholarly research. View our editorial policy.
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Much like all other treatment options in the UK, medical cannabis does come with costs. But, here at Releaf we do our best to balance bespoke, specialised care with affordable and accessible treatment plans, and our ever-growing patient numbers and reams of positive reviews on Trust Pilot, show we’re keeping the scales in check.
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Emily Ledger
Even though medical cannabis has been a full legal treatment option here in the UK since 1 November 2018, there is still a level of stigma surrounding it. It is anything but a surprise that some patients are worried about how their decision to pursue a medical cannabis prescription may affect their relationship with their general practitioner (GP).
Sam North
