How Medical Cannabis Can Help with Fatigue

In recent years, medical cannabis has emerged as a potential treatment for a variety of health conditions, sparking interest among patients and healthcare professionals alike. In the UK, medical cannabis is legal under specific circumstances and can only be prescribed by a specialist doctor. One area where it’s gaining attention is in the management of fatigue, a pervasive and often debilitating symptom that affects countless individuals. This blog post explores what medical cannabis is, how it might help alleviate fatigue, the evidence behind its use, and what you need to know if you’re considering it as a treatment option in the UK.

Understanding fatigue

Fatigue is more than just feeling tired after a long day. It’s a deep sense of exhaustion that can be physical, mental, or a combination of both, often leaving individuals feeling drained and unable to carry out daily activities. There are two main types of fatigue:

• Acute fatigue: This is short-term and typically results from factors like lack of sleep, overexertion, or stress. It usually resolves with rest.
• Chronic fatigue: This persists over weeks or months and is often linked to underlying medical conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis (MS), cancer, or mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Fatigue can severely impact quality of life, making it difficult to work, socialise, or even perform basic tasks. Common causes include poor sleep, chronic pain, stress, and side effects of medications or treatments like chemotherapy. Understanding the root cause is key to finding effective relief.

Medical cannabis and its mechanisms

Medical cannabis refers to the use of the cannabis plant or its chemical components, primarily cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), for therapeutic purposes. Unlike recreational cannabis, medical cannabis is regulated and prescribed to manage specific symptoms or conditions.

The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors that helps regulate processes like sleep, mood, pain, and energy levels. Cannabis interacts with the ECS by binding to these receptors, potentially influencing how we feel and function. Here’s a quick breakdown of its key components:

• CBD: Non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce a “high.” It’s often linked to relaxation, pain relief, and reduced anxiety.
• THC: Psychoactive, responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis. It can have both stimulating and sedating effects depending on the strain and dosage.

So, how might this relate to fatigue? If fatigue stems from issues like chronic pain, poor sleep, or anxiety, cannabis could address these underlying causes, indirectly boosting energy levels. Alternatively, some strains of cannabis are known for their energising effects, which might directly combat tiredness in certain cases.

Evidence for medical cannabis in managing fatigue

While research on medical cannabis and fatigue is still in its early stages, some studies suggest it could offer benefits, particularly for fatigue linked to specific medical conditions.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Fatigue is a hallmark symptom of MS, affecting up to 80% of patients. A study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that a cannabis extract improved fatigue scores in MS patients. Participants reported feeling less exhausted, possibly due to reduced muscle spasticity and better sleep, both of which cannabis may help with.

Cancer-Related Fatigue

Cancer patients often experience fatigue as a side effect of chemotherapy or the disease itself. Preliminary research indicates that medical cannabis might ease this fatigue, potentially by alleviating nausea, pain, and anxiety, which can drain energy reserves. However, findings are mixed, and more robust clinical trials are needed.

Limitations of Current Research

While these results are promising, the evidence isn’t conclusive. Many studies are small-scale or lack long-term data, and the effects of cannabis can vary widely between individuals. Researchers are still working to determine the best strains, dosages, and delivery methods (e.g., oils, capsules, or sprays) for fatigue management.

Potential Benefits and Risks

The benefits

Medical cannabis might offer several advantages for those struggling with fatigue:

• Reduced fatigue: By addressing symptoms like pain or anxiety, it could improve overall energy levels.
• Better sleep: For those whose fatigue stems from insomnia, cannabis’s sedative properties might help.
• Pain and stress relief: Easing physical or mental strain can free up energy for daily life.

Risks

However, it’s not without downsides:

• Side effects: Common ones include dizziness, dry mouth, and drowsiness. In some cases, cannabis might even increase fatigue, especially with high-THC strains.
• Drug interactions: Cannabis can interact with other medications, so it’s vital to disclose all current treatments to your doctor.
• Legal considerations: While legal in the UK for medical use, strict regulations apply, and misuse can have legal consequences.

The key is personalisation, what works for one person might not work for another. Professional guidance is essential to balance benefits and risks.

Accessing medical cannabis in the UK

In the UK, medical cannabis was legalised in November 2018, but it remains tightly controlled. It’s not a first-line treatment and can only be prescribed when other options have failed. Here’s how it works:

Legal framework

• Medical cannabis is available for certain conditions, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, or chemotherapy-induced nausea, if deemed appropriate by a specialist.
• Products must meet strict quality standards and are typically prescribed as oils, capsules, or sprays rather than smoked forms.

Steps to access medical cannabis in the UK

If you’re considering medical cannabis to manage fatigue or other qualifying conditions, understanding the process of obtaining and maintaining your medical cannabis prescription is key.

1. Send Your Prescription

• Obtain a Physical Prescription: Start by consulting your GP or specialist to assess if medical cannabis is appropriate for your needs. If approved, request that your clinic or pharmacy provide a physical copy of your prescription directly to MARUCANNA.
• Mail the Original If Needed: If your clinic cannot send it, you must send the original prescription to MARUCANNA via postal mail. Note: Photocopies or scans are not accepted, as UK law requires the original document to dispense medical cannabis.
• Act Within 28 Days: Your prescription includes a date, and you must obtain your medication within 28 days of that date. If it expires, contact your specialised prescriber clinic to request a new prescription, they’ll handle the rest once you notify them.

2. Purchase Your Medication

• Receive a Payment Link: After MARUCANNA receives your physical prescription, they will email you a secure link to pay for your medication.
• Pay Online: Use the link to complete your payment with a credit card via PayPal. This straightforward online process ensures quick processing of your order.

3. Receive Your Medication

• Delivery Scheduling: MARUCANNA’s courier will arrange a delivery date for your medication and provide a tracking number so you can monitor its progress.
• Flexible Delivery Options: If the scheduled date doesn’t work, you can reschedule with the courier. If you’re not home when they arrive, they’ll leave a card with instructions for next steps.
• Signature Required: You must sign for your medication upon delivery to confirm receipt. For convenience, MARUCANNA suggests downloading the courier’s app to manage your delivery easily.

4. Plan for repeat prescriptions

• Schedule Ahead: Once you receive your medication, note in your calendar to request your next prescription 10 days before your supply runs out. This ensures continuity of treatment.
• Check with Your Clinic: Contact your medical cannabis clinic to confirm whether you need a follow-up visit with your specialised prescriber to obtain a new prescription or if you can request a repeat directly.

Key tips for a smooth process

• Original Prescription Only: Always send the original prescription, copies won’t be accepted.
• Time Management: Don’t miss the 28-day window to avoid needing a replacement prescription.
• Stay Proactive: Set reminders for repeat prescriptions to maintain uninterrupted access to your medication.
• Leverage Technology: Use the courier’s app for real-time delivery updates and rescheduling.

What to discuss with your doctor

Be open about:

• Your full medical history and current medications.
• The nature of your fatigue (e.g., physical, mental, chronic, or acute).
• Your expectations and any concerns about side effects or legalities.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines on cannabis-based medicinal products, which your doctor may reference. Access isn’t guaranteed, each case is assessed individually.

Conclusion

Medical cannabis holds potential as a tool to manage fatigue, especially when it’s tied to conditions like multiple sclerosis or cancer. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, it might alleviate underlying causes like pain, anxiety, or poor sleep, offering a lifeline to those who’ve exhausted other options. However, the science is still evolving, and it’s not a cure-all. Side effects and individual responses vary, making professional oversight crucial.

If you’re in the UK and think medical cannabis might help with your fatigue, start by talking to your GP. They can guide you through the process and help determine if it’s a suitable option. As research progresses, we’ll likely gain clearer insights into how cannabis can best support those battling fatigue, paving the way for more tailored and effective treatments.