Side Effects & Reactions

Your prescribing specialist will need to monitor your progress and potentially adjust your medication if you experience any adverse reactions or interactions. It is crucial to disclose all medications, supplements, and allergies to your Releaf specialist before starting medical cannabis treatment.

Like any mood-altering substance, medical cannabis containing THC (the psychoactive compound responsible for the 'high') can lead to dependency or addiction in some people. If you are prescribed medical cannabis, your prescribing specialist will work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan and monitor your use to minimise the risk of dependency. The goal of medical cannabis administration is to provide symptom relief without causing harmful effects, and often without any noticeable signs of impairment.

Any cannabis-based medication that contains elevated levels of THC can cause intoxication, dose-dependent. THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces these effects. The objective of medical cannabis administration is to alleviate symptoms while typically avoiding any signs of impairment.

When a cannabis-based medication is taken orally, it passes through the digestive system and is processed in the liver by the same enzymes that metabolise many other medications. This can lead to potential interactions. Your prescribing specialist will take this into account, along with your medical history and any current medications, before prescribing any medical cannabis products.

The side effects relating to medical cannabis administration are usually very mild, but if you do experience any discomfort, feel free to reach out to us directly at support@releaf.co.uk or at +44 (0) 20 3657 3346. If you are in an emergency situation, please call 999 or visit your nearest A&E.

We advise our patients to avoid mixing medical cannabis and alcohol. Both substances affect the central nervous system, which could result in increased drowsiness, dizziness, and impairment.