What is a Releaf Medical Cannabis Card, and Why is it so Important?

There are still many people that don't know that cannabis is medically legal in the UK and has been since 2018, because of this there is still a great lack of awareness and negative stigma around the plant, including its legal status medically - this includes lack of knowledge within the police force. Due to this many patients who use medical cannabis have been subject to negative experiences with the police around the use of their medically prescribed cannabis in public areas or even at home. Research carried about by Releaf found that more than 58.5% of those who were surveyed were unaware about the legal status of medical cannabis in the UK.

Any patient who is prescribed medical cannabis is obligated legally to carry on their person a copy of their prescription with their medication at all times. This is to prove the legitimacy of their medical cannabis patient status. Releaf have introduced a medical cannabis card that includes the details of a patients prescription and is a convenient size to carry around when out and about. The card stores all the relative data to prove that someone is a patient and this can be used to prove your medical cannabis status to the police, it also stores all clinic information and is encrypted, password protected server and can also be used as a form of identification. These cards are also useful to prove legal use to other organisations like your employer or landlord, and to explain your medication use to a family member or friend who isn't as familiar with the plant. You can obtain a medical cannabis card by becoming a patient for the Releaf clinic for your medical cannabis, all patients are provided with one when granted their prescription by the clinic.

One of the main reasons Releaf began the medical cannabis cards is due to high reports from patients being stopped by the police, running into issues at work or at home with landlords, and also being refused entry to events and venues across the country. This card offers each of Releafs patients a bit of peace and mind and some protection when using their medical cannabis both privately and publicly. Releaf also feel this will help decline the cannabis stigma and prevent people who maybe benefit from medical cannabis from being scared to try it out for themselves.

Releafs medical cannabis card is unique and is the only medical cannabis card in the UK that is supplied by a CQC clinic, providing full protection for all who own one. There are other cards available like cancard, however, but not all of these cards offer full protection and some have different qualifying rules on how to obtain one. Although medical cannabis cards are not officially known by the police, Releaf is continuously working alongside police liaison officers and expert witnesses with the hope of offering more support, awareness and education nationally about medical cannabis and the legalities.

This medical cannabis card is a unique and convenient way to carry all medical information needed digitally, once patients application for medical cannabis is approved and a prescription is given, a card is then sent out to the individual. To use the card it is very simple; you must first scan the QR code provided - this can be done using a smart phone and any police officer will be able to access the information by doing this. Once the QR code is scanned an email is automatically sent to the patient requesting access, once the patient has approved access for the officer they will be able to view all medical records including, active patient status, prescription details and all prior prescriptions. The officer is also able to request their own copy of this information by providing their own email.

If you are interested in medical cannabis and would like to find out how to apply, you can check out Releafs website and use their free eligibility checker. Your application will be reviewed by a team of expert clinicians and if you are considered to be appropriate you will be invited to attend an appointment with the clinic. Once your prescription is approved you will be sent your medical cannabis card in the post with your starter pack.

Written by Laura Bartlett 10/08/2024 at 22:57pm