What is medical cannabis?
Medical cannabis refers to cannabis and cannabinoids recommended by doctors for their patients.
How many individuals in the UK use medical cannabis?
As of March 2023, it is estimated that 20,000 individuals in the UK are consuming medicinal cannabis. As many as 1.8 million people may self-medicate on the illegal market.
The number of individuals who use it is anticipated to rise as patient and doctor awareness rises.
How does medicinal cannabis work?
Medical cannabis works by influencing your endocannabinoid system (ECS). This exists in all of us and aids in processes such as pain regulation, sleep, and mood.
What medical ailments might medicinal cannabis assist with?
While research is still ongoing, there is some evidence that medicinal cannabis may be effective for a variety of pain-related disorders, including chronic pain.
Is medicinal cannabis genuinely effective? Do individuals see an improvement in their symptoms after using medical cannabis?
There is continuing global study and real-world evidence that demonstrate medical cannabis’s effectiveness. It might help chronic pain patients when other first-line drugs have failed.
Medical cannabis works by influencing your endocannabinoid system (ECS). This exists in all of us and aids in processes such as pain regulation, sleep, and mood.
Our own data, for example, has revealed:
- X% of individuals reported a decrease in the intensity of their discomfort.
- X% of patients reported mental health improvement.
- X% of patients’ quality of life increased in at least one area.
- X% of patients who used opioids reported discontinuing usage.
- X% had no negative consequences.
How long does it take for medical cannabis to take effect?
Medical cannabis works by influencing your endocannabinoid system (ECS). This exists in all of us and aids in processes such as pain regulation, sleep, and mood. Because medical cannabis benefits various people in different ways, the time it takes to see results varies by individual.
The onset of medicinal cannabis effects varies based on factors such as method of administration and dose. Here are some broad guidelines:
- Inhaling, for example, or vaping—the effects are often noticed within minutes.
- Oral, e.g., oils, often take a little longer to take action, possibly 1-2 hours.
Some people will see an immediate improvement in their pain, while others will notice a gradual improvement over a few weeks.
If you do not feel better after the initial follow-up consultation, your physician may suggest adjusting your dose or changing the kind of medicine given.
During your appointments, your doctor will discuss this with you, taking into account other aspects such as your lifestyle and pain experience when prescribing.
How long does medical cannabis have an effect?
The duration of the effects of medicinal cannabis is determined by factors such as how it is eaten and the dosage used. Here are some general guidelines:
- Inhaling, for example, or vaping—effects generally last 2-4 hours.
- Oral, for example, oils—psychoactive effects may last 4–8 hours or more.
When you meet, your consultant will go over this in further detail.
What is the distinction between CBD sold in stores and medicinal cannabis?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a chemical component present in marijuana plants.
The primary distinction between CBD from a health food store and medicinal cannabis is that CBD does not contain large concentrations of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This is due to the fact that it is produced from hemp rather than cannabis. THC levels in medical cannabis can range from low to high.
CBD produced from hemp is lawful to purchase in UK high street retailers as long as it includes trace quantities of THC. This CBD is available as a supplement.
Medical cannabis is of the highest quality, is strictly controlled, and is only available with a prescription for specified medical illnesses, such as chronic pain.
What is the difference between recreational and medicinal cannabis?
Contrary to most medical cannabis prescriptions, recreational cannabis is often strong in THC and low in CBD. Furthermore, there are no assurances of safety or quality for recreational cannabis, which may be tainted with other compounds such as heavy metals and pesticides. Typically, you won’t know what’s in recreational cannabis, and each batch is likely to be unique.
What if I'm stopped by police or arrested while carrying medical cannabis?
We recommend that you demonstrate that you have been lawfully prescribed the product. It’s a good idea to keep your medication on hand. If you have over-the-counter CBD, as this is legal in the UK, you should have no problems, but it’s always a good idea to have the bottle on hand to show them.
How is medical cannabis consumed or administered?
There are several ways to use medical cannabis. Oils can be taken under the tongue, or topical lotions, capsules and dried flowers that can be vaped. Smoking is not permitted. The majority of medicinal cannabis prescriptions provided are for oil and dried flowers.
Your doctor will advise you on the best approach to using medicinal cannabis to treat your symptoms.
When should someone decide whether to vape or consume medical cannabis?
Vaping is typically used for “breakthrough” pain when a speedy response is required, as the benefits of vaping appear immediately (in minutes) but last for approximately 2 to 3 hours.
When taken 2 to 3 times daily, oil gives superior all-day background relief. Your doctor will provide you with the advice you need on what is best course of action is for you.
Is medicinal cannabis appropriate for everyone?
Not everyone, just like any drug, is a candidate for medicinal cannabis treatment. People with active schizophrenia, for example, may not be as suited as those with cardiac rhythm issues. Medical cannabis does not combine well with several other medications you may be taking.
Before prescribing it, your doctor will determine if it is appropriate for you.
What are the negative consequences of medicinal cannabis?
CBD is typically harmless, although it might cause stomach trouble, dizziness, diarrhoea, and sleepiness in some people.
THC has numerous adverse effects, such as dizziness, disorientation, dry mouth, and tiredness, to name a few.
Your doctor will probably begin with a low dose and slowly increase it to minimize side effects. To prevent severe reactions like a psychotic episode, it’s important to first assess whether you’re suitable for treatment.
Can I use cannabis when pregnant or nursing?
No pregnant or nursing woman should take any medication. However, taking medicine on occasion is necessary for a medical condition. If your illness requires you to continue using cannabis (for example, epilepsy), rest assured that there are no definitive “syndromes” connected with cannabis. High-THC recreational cannabis may cause low birthweight, but there is no evidence that it causes any additional abnormalities in the newborn. If at all possible, avoid
Can I use cannabis-based medicinal goods if I'm currently using other medications?
The majority of the time, the answer is yes. However, there are several critical interconnections to be aware of. THC and CBD have a limited capacity to decrease the activity of CYP450 enzymes, according to in vitro research. According to one study, a patient who used cannabis had an elevated reaction to warfarin. Theophylline and chlorpromazine metabolisms have been reported to rise, while clobazam levels in children occasionally increase. Concurrent dosing of sodium valproate might cause an increase in liver enzymes. In the absence of further research, people using THC should avoid medicines that change the activity of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. Drug interactions should be reported to the MHRA using the Yellow Card programme.
Can I go overseas with my cannabis?
It all depends on where you’re headed.
Always research the legal status of the nation you want to visit. Some nations permit medicinal cannabis, while others permit recreational cannabis. Some states allow CBD, while others do not.
Look up “legality of cannabis” on Wikipedia first, but always check with the country’s embassy. Also, keep this in mind if you are switching planes in another nation. Some nations prohibit the use of cannabis in any form, even if only in transit through an airport. Dubai, for example, is an example of a common transportation hub.
Can I drive while using medicinal cannabis?
No one should drive while intoxicated.
THC can impair driving while the intoxication effect is still active; therefore, we recommend that you avoid driving (or other potentially hazardous activities such as operating heavy machinery.) THC has a legal limit of 2 milligrammes per litre. This technique has flaws since THC can be detectable in the blood for days after the initial impact has gone off (depending on dosage and other circumstances). This is due to the fact that THC is stored in fat cells and will be released from those cells several days after intake. So you can be over the legal limit even if you have no “intoxicating” effects remaining. Carry a copy of your prescription with you at all times.
CBD has no negative side effects when driving.
Is medicinal cannabis available through the NHS?
Licenced medicinal cannabis prescriptions are now only available through the NHS for those suffering from severe epilepsies (Dravet syndrome with intractable epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex) and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Fewer than five people have been successful in getting their NHS prescriptions for unlicensed medicinal cannabis products reimbursed.