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Cannabis, psychedelics and culture for the curious.

Pre-order Issue 2 of our print magazine: www.leafie.co.uk
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The leafie magazine is back! Issue 2 will once again be packed with features from the past, present and future of cannabis, psychedelics and wider culture.

Pre-order your copy today and get issue 2 for just £10 with the code PREISSUE2

www.leafie.co.uk/pro...
The leafie Magazine – Issue 02 – leafie
Issue 02 of leafie's groundbreaking magazine covering untold stories across cannabis, psychedelics and culture.
www.leafie.co.uk
A growing number of studies find that cannabis has clear benefits for pain relief, but then refuse to recommend it as a treatment. The phenomenon, called "reverse spin bias", shows researchers are downplaying their own positive findings. Why?
Reverse spin bias: Is science downplaying the benefits of cannabis? - leafie
A number of studies find that cannabis has clear benefits for pain relief, but then refuse to recommend it as a treatment. The phenomenon, called "reverse spin bias" shows researchers are downplaying their own positive findings. Why?
www.leafie.co.uk
January 29, 2026 at 7:13 PM
New data from NHS England shows women and people in deprived areas are disproportionately affected by persistent pain, with significant impacts on employment and mental health.
One in four adults in England living with chronic pain, NHS data shows - leafie
New data from NHS England shows women and people in deprived areas are disproportionately affected by persistent pain, with significant impacts on employment and mental health.
www.leafie.co.uk
January 28, 2026 at 5:19 PM
The Caribbean country has passed legislation allowing possession and cultivation of small amounts of cannabis for adults over the age of 21, laying the groundwork for a regulated medical cannabis industry.
Grenada decriminalises cannabis for adults over 21 - leafie
The Caribbean country has passed legislation allowing possession and cultivation of small amounts of cannabis for adults over the age of 21, laying the groundwork for a regulated medical cannabis industry.
www.leafie.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Across the UK and Europe, you can find a wide range of conferences, festivals, expos and meet-ups to learn more about cannabis and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Here are some of the events leafie will be attending and supporting in 2026.
The cannabis events you don’t want to miss in 2026 - leafie
Across the UK and Europe you can find a wide range of conferences, festivals, expos and meet-ups to learn more about cannabis and connect with fellow enthusiasts. From London and Manchester to Berlin and Bilbao, here are some of the events leafie will be attending and supporting in 2026.
www.leafie.co.uk
January 26, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Medical cannabis was recently in the headlines, leaving patients worried about the future of their prescriptions.

As part of his new column, our resident pharmacist, Umesh, discusses the facts behind the fear and outlines what impact the coverage might have.
Ask Umesh: Will the Daily Mail coverage of medical cannabis affect my prescription? - leafie
Medical Cannabis was recently in the papers and patients are concerned. Our resident pharmacist, Umesh, discusses the facts behind the headlines.
www.leafie.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 1:18 PM
Reposted by leafie
7 years after legalisation, cannabis patients still face unnecessary stigma from employers, landlords and even the police.

A leafie investigation has found that many face issues in the last place you would expect: while receiving healthcare from the NHS.
Why are cannabis patients facing stigma from the NHS? - leafie
Over seven years after legalisation, medical cannabis patients still face unnecessary stigma from employers, landlords and even the police. A leafie investigation has found that many patients also face issues in the last place you would expect: while receiving healthcare from the NHS.
www.leafie.co.uk
January 14, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Vaporised cannabis containing both THC and CBD has been shown to reduce migraine symptoms for up to 48 hours in a world-first randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Cannabis an effective treatment for migraine, first-of-its-kind study shows - leafie
Vaporised cannabis containing both THC and CBD has been shown to reduce migraine symptoms for up to 48 hours in a world-first randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
www.leafie.co.uk
January 21, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Cannabis can improve the conditions of people living with treatment-resistant depression, according to data from patients on the UK Medical Cannabis Registry.
Patients with treatment-resistant depression respond to cannabis treatment, new study reports - leafie
A two-year study of 698 patients with depression found improvements in mood, anxiety, sleep quality and overall health after treatment with cannabis-based medicinal products.
www.leafie.co.uk
January 20, 2026 at 5:40 PM
The two Crown Dependencies – which have already legalised medical cannabis access – are considering broader cannabis reforms ranging from decriminalisation to full legalisation.
Jersey and Guernsey pushing for cannabis law reform in the Channel Islands - leafie
The two Crown Dependencies – which have already legalised medical cannabis access – are considering broader cannabis reforms ranging from decriminalisation to full legalisation.
www.leafie.co.uk
January 19, 2026 at 5:30 PM
7 years after legalisation, cannabis patients still face unnecessary stigma from employers, landlords and even the police.

A leafie investigation has found that many face issues in the last place you would expect: while receiving healthcare from the NHS.
Why are cannabis patients facing stigma from the NHS? - leafie
Over seven years after legalisation, medical cannabis patients still face unnecessary stigma from employers, landlords and even the police. A leafie investigation has found that many patients also face issues in the last place you would expect: while receiving healthcare from the NHS.
www.leafie.co.uk
January 14, 2026 at 6:46 PM
The cannabis compound CBD can significantly reduce stress levels and stress-related behaviours in fish during transport, according to a first-of-its-kind study.
CBD reduces stress in transported fish, Scottish study finds - leafie
Scientists discover that cannabis compound CBD could improve the welfare of more than one billion fish shipped each year globally.
www.leafie.co.uk
January 13, 2026 at 2:04 PM
EXCLUSIVE: A minute percentage of the population is being prescribed cannabis legally which is more important than all the terrible things Donald Trump is doing, according to the front page of the UK's worst newspaper.
A few people in the UK aren’t getting arrested for cannabis and we should be angry about it, the Daily Mail says. - leafie
EXCLUSIVE: A minute percentage of the population is being prescribed cannabis legally which is more important than all the terrible things Donald Trump is doing, according to the front page of the UK's worst newspaper.
www.leafie.co.uk
January 11, 2026 at 1:17 PM
Cannabis-based medicines improved pain, sleep, anxiety and quality of life in 497 fibromyalgia patients over 18 months, according to new data from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry.
Cannabis is an effective treatment for fibromyalgia symptoms, patients report - leafie
Cannabis-based medicines improved pain, sleep, anxiety and quality of life in 497 fibromyalgia patients over 18 months, according to new data from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry.
www.leafie.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 1:02 PM
CannConnect is perfect for anyone looking to connect with fellow medical cannabis patients, learn from clinicians & industry leaders and hear expert talks – all in a safe, stigma-free space in the centre of Manchester. Grab a FREE ticket: cannconnect.io
January 9, 2026 at 8:26 AM
"We ended up transporting the first shipment via a man in a white van… 60g of Jack Herer cost the client £1,600."

Ahead of his new leafie column, we sat down with Umesh Chauhan, founder of Specials Pharma, to trace his seven-year journey in cannabis.
Meet Umesh, leafie’s new agony pharmacist - leafie
When the UK’s medical cannabis legislation changed in 2018, few could have predicted the chaos that would follow. Even fewer were positioned to navigate it successfully. For Umesh Chauhan, founder of Specials Pharma, the journey from Responsible Person for "normal" medicines to building one of the UK's biggest independent cannabis…
www.leafie.co.uk
January 8, 2026 at 5:59 PM
Cannabis might not be a performance-enhancing drug, but it certainly is joy-enhancing. What’s the deal with cannabis and exercise? Why do they go so well together? leafie's resident runaholic looks for answers.
Running high won’t make you faster, but you will enjoy it more - leafie
Cannabis might not be a performance-enhancing drug, but it certainly is joy-enhancing. What’s the deal with cannabis and exercise? Why do they go so well together? leafie's resident runaholic looks for answers.
www.leafie.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 5:25 PM
New guidance, approved by The National Police Chiefs Council, instructs police officers to treat medicinal cannabis users as "patients first, suspects second".
UK police officers given new guidance on medical cannabis - leafie
New guidance, approved by The National Police Chiefs Council, instructs police officers to treat medicinal cannabis users as "patients first, suspects second".
www.leafie.co.uk
January 6, 2026 at 10:38 AM
The Balkan nation has approved a regulated medical cannabis framework following years of patient advocacy, with the Council of Ministers adopting the decision on 29 December 2025.
Bosnia and Herzegovina legalises cannabis for medical use - leafie
The Balkan nation has approved a regulated medical cannabis framework following years of patient advocacy, with the Council of Ministers adopting the decision on 29 December 2025.
www.leafie.co.uk
January 5, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Cannabis use, even as infrequent as once per month, is associated with poorer academic performance, weaker impulse control, and emotional difficulties, a large US study has shown.
Monthly cannabis use linked to poor school performance in US teens - leafie
Cannabis use, even as infrequent as once per month, is associated with poorer academic performance, weaker impulse control, and emotional difficulties, a large US study has shown.
www.leafie.co.uk
December 29, 2025 at 3:26 PM
If you've got psychedelic-loving friends, then you've probably heard this one. It wasn't a certain fizzy pop brand that inspired Santa's red and white costume; it was a distinctive mushroom with psychedelic properties called Amanita muscaria.

Just how true is this story?
Was Santa Claus really a mushroom? - leafie
You've probably heard the stories from your most enthusiastic psychonaut friends; the famous red and white spotted mushroom fly agaric, or Amanita muscaria to use its proper name, is the reason Santa wears his red and white costume, or that these distinctive shrooms are the reason reindeer fly. How much…
www.leafie.co.uk
December 19, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Cannabis to be reclassified as less dangerous drug in the US, in major federal policy shift.
Cannabis to be reclassified as less dangerous drug in the US
President Trump has signed an executive order directing the attorney general to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, potentially providing tax relief and banking access to cannabis businesses, whilst maintaining federal prohibition.
www.leafie.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 7:28 PM
A large study has found that people experience no "hangover" effects from microdosing, suggesting benefits are acute rather than long-lasting.

The study also found that those with prior full-dose psychedelic experience showed enhanced creativity boosts.
Microdosing psychedelics boosts mood and creativity on dosing days, study finds - leafie
Large study reveals no "hangover" effects, suggesting benefits are acute rather than long lasting, and that those with prior full-dose psychedelic experience showed enhanced creativity boosts
www.leafie.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 6:11 PM
A study has found that both THC and CBD demonstrated anti-cancer effects against ovarian cancer cells when used together.
Cannabis compounds show promise against ovarian cancer - leafie
A study has found that both THC and CBD demonstrated anti-cancer effects against ovarian cancer cells when used together.
www.leafie.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 12:54 PM
After decades of insomnia and unreliable supply, one patient documents their first foray into the UK's legal medical cannabis system, navigating clinic choices, prescription highs and lows, and the reality of vaping flower after a lifetime of smoking.
Down the rabbit hole: My first foray into medical cannabis - leafie
After decades of insomnia and unreliable black market supply, one patient documents their first foray into the UK's legal medical cannabis system, navigating clinic choices, prescription highs and lows, and the reality of vaping flower after a lifetime of smoking.
www.leafie.co.uk
December 12, 2025 at 5:30 PM
A pilot training project has exposed alarming deficiencies in police understanding of medical cannabis regulations, with 88 per cent of officers knowing little or nothing about the 2018 law change that legalised cannabis prescribing.
UK police ‘inadequately trained’ on medical cannabis law, research shows - leafie
A pilot training project has exposed alarming deficiencies in police understanding of medical cannabis regulations, with 88 per cent of officers knowing little or nothing about the 2018 law change that legalised cannabis prescribing – leading to wrongful arrests and medication confiscation from legally prescribed patients.
www.leafie.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 6:36 PM