I wanted a prescription for cannabis for my restless legs syndrome, a life-ruining condition when not well controlled, for which cannabis can be helpful. Releaf refused. Their doctor claimed a historic issue on my medical record had been caused by cannabis. I queried this (I've looked at the data): he told me to 'google it'. I of course had already done so. Here's what a google search shows: three studies, none of them relevant to me (I'm neither psychotic, adolescent nor bipolar), and one stressing that the conclusions drawn are 'tentative' and that further research is necessary to properly establish the link they seek to show. The medication I've been prescribed for RLS by my GP, on the other hand, is well known to cause this issue or one easily confused with it. It's listed on the leaflet as a 'common' side effect. A recent news report told of a man receiving a 5-figure compensation payout from his GP for precisely this reason, same drug, same condition as mine. Releaf have been made aware that: a) their refusal to prescribe cannabis for me is based on clinical data which are not relevant to me or my case; which are, in any case, barely present; and which are described by their own authors as 'tentative', and b) a drug prescribed for me by my GP is well known to cause this condition or one easily confused with it, and that this condition is listed as a 'common' side effect of this drug. They refuse to budge. They refuse to re-evaluate my case or their doctor's decision. They stubbornly refuse to acknowledge that they have simply made a mistake in their evaluation process. I was prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt: no longer. They are effectively discriminating against people who have had certain medical conditions, and they refuse to treat them based on medical evidence which barely exists and is not relevant, ignoring an alternative explanation of an iatrogenic cause which is fully backed by uncontested, high-quality clinical data, which I have shown them. Poor. UPDATE: Releaf have been pleased to inform me that their doctor's decision is 'final'. So not even the pretence of evidence-based medicine, and seemingly no mechanism to re-evaluate a plainly irrational decision, just the usual circling of the wagons to protect their own staff from justifiable criticism. I asked them to show me the clinical data their doctor was referring to when he told me to 'google it': no answer. Were this the NHS I would be able to make a formal complaint, but because they're a private company I can't. They refuse to discuss it any further. Brick wall. I give up on them. Hopeless. Meanwhile I'm left to fend for myself with my restless legs syndrome. Thanks a whole bunch, releaf. UPDATE Your reply just adds insult to injury. I've asked you to show me the medical data your doctor is relying on to deny me treatment: you are refusing to show it. He just told me to 'google it', which I've done, and I've shown you the results of that. I've examined each paper in turn and explained why it either doesn't apply to me or where the results are 'tentative', and I've given you a robust and fully evidenced alternative explanation - iatrogenic illness from a medication prescribed by my GP, a side-effect well evidenced in the medical literature and listed on the leaflet as 'common'. Not cannabis. You offer no response to that information. You seemingly cannot or will not explain on what evidential basis this doctor made this decision. Your doctor made a clinical decision based on poor quality data and, seemingly, a lack of knowledge about other explanations. It's one of the most alarmingly ill-informed medical consultations I've experienced in my 63 years. I've explained all that to you now, citing the research papers and making you aware of their shortcomings. That you still refuse to prescribe shows a dogmatic refusal to accept your doctor made a mistake. Your processes are not working as they should. You are denying people treatment based on little more than prejudice. Meanwhile I'm left with my restless legs syndrome, which is real, every day and every night. A form of torture by sleep-deprivation. Cannabis helps. You refuse to prescribe, despite clear evidence of medical need, and you refuse to explain on what medical basis you refuse. You refuse to show your 'evidence'. It's a secret, apparently. I'm just told to 'google it', and when I do so and explain what that yields, you mulishly refuse to debate it. I'm done arguing with you and your doctor. Your system has failed, and you should now be looking into why that happened and how you can remedy it, instead of issuing yet another stock PR blurb about your 'protocols'. Your doctor refuses to explain himself, and you apparently think that's OK. It isn't OK, and that you think it is is alarming.

I had a great experience with releaf they were very quick and responsive to all my querys from start to finish I was sorted in 3 weeks ,I have never used this kind of drug before and my pain was so bad I said I would give it a try and it did not disappoint the releaf I have got from only a few days is amazing

My first contact with RELEAF was reassuring and what a relief to be able to talk to a human being on the phone who was understanding and with helpful advice on process for on line forms especially as I have little patience of this modern culture. Additionally was invited to phone whenever in need of more help which was also reassuring. Thank you Paul Morgan

I find Refeaf, very helpful, very informative, always happy to help with any queries I have

Helpful and kind

I filled in the form to see if I would be eligible for medical cannabis. The only personal information asked for was the name of my GP practice and an email address. I submitted an email address that is not on record at my GP practice, or anywhere else, for that matter Without even being required to provide my name or my medical condition I was informed that I do, in fact, qualify! How could Releaf possibly make that determination based on the scant details I provided?

A call to customer service was rewarded with all the information I required delivered politely and in a friendly manner.

After a few hiccups. They have been amazing sorted any problems immediately. Very happy with the service. Pleased we choose releaf. Looking forward to our journey forward. Lovely conversation with the patient coordinator. Thank you for everything.

Releaf's customer care is excellent. They are really good at responding to your emails asap

Lucy was lovely, loved her background and she made me feel good