Side effects, also known as adverse drug reactions, are the unintended effects of a substance on the body. Short term and long term side effects can vary in severity depending on a number of factors including the individual, the substance and the dosage. If you encounter any side effects when using medical cannabis please speak with your clinician or medical team for advice.&nbsp;
To find out more about cannabis side effects click <a href="https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/adverse-drug-reactions/">here</a>

Side effects

The term side effects is used to describe the unintended and conventionally undesirable effects that can occur when a substance is consumed. 


It is estimated that half of UK adults are affected by chronic pain. Most traditional medicines rely on pill-form opioids, which can come with debilitating side effects and the risk of dependency. 

Cannabis-based treatment plans are a viable alternative, providing you with a doctor-backed and personalised path to better health. 

For those facing challenges with conditions like anxiety, PTSD, depression, or insomnia, conventional medicines may not be having the desired clinical outcomes. cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) offer an alternative path for patients who have found traditional treatments ineffective. While not everyone will be eligible for medical cannabis treatment, our specialist doctors are here to engage in personalised consultations, exploring the potential benefits of this alternative.

Sleep quality, timing, and duration can affect your relationships, work performance, and mental health. Yet most conventional sleep aids are only recommended for short-term use, leaving chronic sleep disorder sufferers without a long-term option. 

While holistic approaches, including mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and more recently, CBD oil, are becoming popular alternative options, cannabis-based treatments may offer a more effective remedy for severe sleep disorders. 

Many neurological conditions have no cure and can significantly impact speech, movement and emotions. 

Conventional medicines and surgery often come with severe risks and side effects, and the NHS  already prescribes cannabis-based treatments to some MS and epilepsy sufferers. 

However, evidence shows that these alternative treatments can improve the quality of life for people living with a wide range of debilitating neurological disorders.

Endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 people with a uterus, while 77% experience one or more ‘difficult’ menopausal symptom.

Conventional medications such as painkillers or HRT, can be ineffective or come with debilitating side effects. Evidence suggests that more women are turning to alternative treatments such as cannabis-based treatments..

Inflammatory digestive disorders are on the rise in the UK,* with up to 70% of IBS patients suffering regularly from moderate to severe abdominal pain.*

Gastro conditions can be difficult to manage and the nature of the symptoms causes discomfort, disruption, and emotional distress.

When dietary and lifestyle changes and traditional anti-inflammatories and steroids are not enough, cannabis-based treatments could be life-changing.

For patients navigating the complexities of a cancer diagnosis and the impact it has on their lives and loved ones, alternative treatments could provide much-needed relief. 

Traditional approaches include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, with severe side effects, so many patients turn to cannabis-based treatments to help manage their symptoms. 

The legalisation of medical cannabis has prompted increased interest in its use when conventional treatments have proven inadequate for managing symptoms. While limited clinical research exists on medicinal cannabis effects, patients often consider it when other treatments fall short. If you've tried conventional therapies for any of the below medical conditions, you may qualify for medical cannabis treatment. Explore the different conditions below and remember, this list is not exhaustive - so if your medical condition is not listed, you may still be eligible.

Explore conditions that can benefit from medical cannabis prescriptions at Releaf. Experience improved well-being, expert guidance and legal access to quality cannabis. 

Conditions Treated by Medical Cannabis

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