Harm Reduction & Healthy Lifestyle Support

 

Medical cannabis is one part of your overall wellbeing. Looking after your physical and mental health can support your treatment and help you make better choices.

 

​

Healthy Lifestyle

 

Small, sustainable changes can make a positive difference.

 

Physical activity

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week (e.g. brisk walking, cycling), or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, plus muscle-strengthening activity twice a week.

• Any movement is better than none - break up long periods of sitting where you can. See NHS: physical activity guidelines

Diet and nutrition

• Follow the Eatwell Guide: plenty of fruit and vegetables (aim for 5 A Day), wholegrains and fibre, and less saturated fat, salt and sugar.

• Practical guidance and recipes: NHS Eatwell Guide

Sleep and stress reduction

• A regular sleep routine, time outdoors, and limiting screens/news before bed all support better sleep and lower stress.

• For a free, personalised wellbeing plan: NHS Every Mind Matters

Social connection

• Regular contact with family, friends, or community and interest groups protects both mental and physical health, loneliness is itself a recognised health risk.

• Help finding local groups and support: Mind - information and support or Campaign to End Loneliness

​

​

Smoking and Medical Cannabis

 

Smoking any substance can harm your lungs and cardiovascular health. If you smoke tobacco or cannabis, consider seeking support to reduce or stop smoking completely.

If you are prescribed medical cannabis flower, it should be used only as directed by your prescribing clinician. Medical cannabis flower should not be smoked. Where flower is prescribed for inhalation, a suitable dry-herb vaporiser should be used in accordance with your clinician’s advice and the device manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Vaporising heats the flower without burning it, avoiding the smoke and combustion products produced by smoking. However, inhaling vapour is not completely risk-free. If you experience breathing difficulties, chest pain, persistent coughing or other concerning symptoms, seek medical advice.

 

 

Support to Stop Smoking

 

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. You do not have to quit alone. NHS Stop Smoking Services can provide personalised support, and nicotine replacement therapy and other treatments may be available.

 

The NHS provides information and support through:

• NHS Better Health - Quit Smoking

• NHS Stop Smoking Services

• NHS advice on using e-cigarettes to stop smoking

 

If you use nicotine vapes to stop smoking, the goal should be to stop smoking cigarettes completely. When you feel confident that you will not return to smoking, you can consider gradually reducing your nicotine use.

 

​

Alcohol

 

Alcohol can affect your physical and mental health and may interact with medicines or other substances. If you drink alcohol, consider reducing your intake and following UK lower-risk drinking guidance.  If alcohol is causing difficulties in your life, support is available.

 

​

Support for Alcohol Dependence

 

Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain offers free support to people who want to stop drinking or seek help with alcohol dependence.

Self-assessment tools and advice from Drinkaware - Drinkline 0300 123 1110 (confidential, free).​​

 

You can also speak to your GP or local alcohol support service for confidential advice.

 

 

Other Support

 

If you are concerned about your alcohol, tobacco, cannabis or other substance use, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional. You do not need to wait until a problem becomes serious before seeking support.

 

If you are worried about your immediate safety or have a medical emergency, contact emergency services on 111 or 999. 

​

• WithYou: wearewithyou.org.uk — free, confidential webchat with a trained Recovery Worker, 7 days a week, plus local drop-in services across England and Scotland.

• CADVAS - Drug and Alcohol information, treatment and support for Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan 

• DAN 24/7 - Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline

​

​

Using Medical Cannabis Safely

 

Always use your medical cannabis exactly as prescribed by your clinician. Do not take more than your prescribed dose or use it more frequently than advised.

​

If you accidentally take more than prescribed, you may experience increased side effects such as:

• Drowsiness or extreme tiredness

• Dizziness or feeling faint

• Anxiety, panic or confusion

• Nausea or vomiting

• Changes in heart rate

• Impaired coordination or judgement​

​

If you feel unwell after taking medical cannabis, stop taking further doses and seek medical advice.

Do not drive, operate machinery or carry out activities requiring full concentration while impaired.

If you believe you have taken a significantly larger amount than prescribed, or you are concerned about severe or worsening symptoms, seek urgent medical advice and / or contact emergency services on 111 or 999. 

​

Do not change your dose without discussing it with your prescribing clinician.

​