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Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often due to discomfort, and uncomfortable sensations such as tingling, twitching, creeping, or aching.
The urge to move the legs typically becomes worse when the body is at rest. For example, when sitting or lying down. And symptoms are most common during the evening or at night. This can make it difficult to relax or fall asleep, leading to disrupted rest and ongoing fatigue during the day.
While symptoms mainly affect the legs, some people may experience similar sensations in the arms or other parts of the body.
But what’s the link between RLS and cannabis UK?
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. It may be considered as part of RLS symptom management under doctor supervision. We go into detail about who can qualify later in this article. You can also find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website.
Below we’ll be exploring cannabinoids for restless legs, how medical cannabis works in the body, and what you need to know before becoming a medical cannabis patient.
Can Medical Cannabis Help with RLS Symptoms?
Some early evidence and patient reports suggest that cannabinoids (like THC or CBD) may potentially help ease some of the symptoms of RLS, including restlessness, discomfort, and sleep disruption. For example, in this survey, some patients with kidney disease reported improvement in RLS symptoms after consuming cannabis. This study shows how CBD may potentially help relieve pain by reducing inflammation when it indirectly interacts with the CB2 receptors - pain being another symptom of RLS.
So, does cannabis help with restless leg syndrome?
The bottom line is unfortunately we can’t say yes or no. But it may potentially be able to help ease some of the symptoms of this condition for some people - we just need more well-controlled studies to back this. If someone is considering cannabis for RLS, it’s important to discuss it with a specialist who can assess suitability and monitor use.
How Do THC and CBD Work for RLS Relief
The cannabis plant is complex. It contains over 100 cannabinoids which are active compounds that can cause effects throughout the body. THC is just one of these compounds. It’s psychoactive, so it can produce a ‘high’. Some potential therapeutic benefits may include muscle relaxation, appetite stimulation and pain relief. CBD is another compound, but it’s non-psychoactive, so won’t cause a ‘high’. Although it still has some potential therapeutic benefits including easing inflammation, anxiety, and helping to manage overall wellbeing.
But how does THC and CBD for RLS work?
Well, to understand that, we need to explain the endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS. This is a messenger and receptor system that experts believe plays a big role in homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and much more.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why medical cannabis has the potential to work positively on so many different conditions. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD can interact with and influence the ECS and these receptors to potentially regulate pain, mood, immune function, and more. And for someone with RLS, this could mean potentially influencing muscle relaxation, sleep quality, and reducing anxiety.
However, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently. And if you’re looking at medical cannabis prescription for restless legs, you might want to discuss THC and CBD with a licensed prescriber as a pair instead. A phenomenon known as the entourage effect suggests that sometimes the two together can potentially produce different effects on certain health conditions.
Keep in mind that medical cannabis containing THC (which is a psychoactive compound) should be consumed under specialist guidance.
Medical Cannabis Treatment Options in the UK
So, what do you need to qualify for a prescription of medical cannabis for RLS?
To be eligible for a UK medical cannabis prescription, you’ll need a diagnosis of a qualifying condition and evidence of being offered at least two conventional treatments for that condition. Medical cannabis can only be prescribed by specialist doctors in the UK, and prescriptions are only available to eligible patients under doctor supervision - usually through licensed medical cannabis clinics like Alternaleaf.
It’s only prescribed when other conventional treatments have not been effective or have caused unwanted side effects. This ensures that patients receive it only when clinically appropriate, as part of a regulated and supervised care plan.
If you’re pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, you won’t qualify. Treatment is carefully monitored and tailored to individual needs, and you can easily find out if you qualify by completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
We’ll decide if you’re likely to qualify for treatment or not based on the information you tell us. And if you are likely to qualify, you can book an initial assessment with one of our pharmacists. You’ll then have a doctor consultation where your medical history is assessed. If you’re approved, your medication will be dispensed from your chosen pharmacy.
That’s a light overview of the process. It’ll be explained in a lot more detail during your appointments, and we’ll send you more information via email after you book your first appointment with us. We’ll give you medical oversight from specialist clinicians at every stage of your medical cannabis journey.
Risks, Side Effects, and Safety Tips for Medical Cannabis in RLS Treatment
Every medication comes with potential risks, and medical cannabis is no different. But possible side effects are rare, and can vary depending on THC and CBD content. Likewise, personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition could also play a role. Although medical cannabis is generally well tolerated, some possible side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Increased Appetite
- Psychoactive Effects. However, the ‘high’ feeling cannabis can be associated with is much more controlled with medical cannabis, as your prescriber will be able to advise on dosage to avoid this while still achieving symptom relief.
Also keep in mind that medical cannabis could potentially interact with other medications. Your clinician will explain all this in detail ahead of prescribing any medication. And if you are experiencing any side effects, speak to them. It may be a simple case of altering your dosage.
Always consult your healthcare professional if you’re considering medical cannabis. Ongoing medical review is important, and you’ll have clinical supervision every step of the way with Alternaleaf. Our experts will personalise your treatment plan and alter it when necessary. They’ll assess your medical history before prescribing, and take any previous or current medication into account.
A big question that always comes up when people are considering medical cannabis is whether or not you’ll be able to drive. We’ve got a whole article that explains the answer to this in detail, but the main takeaway is to never drive if you feel impaired.
Summary
Whether you’re exploring medical cannabis for sleep issues, pain, anxiety, or you’re simply looking for an alternative restless legs syndrome treatment, the best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.