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Let’s start with the obvious: what is cannabis? The cannabis plant is complex, with 500+ chemical compounds and over 100 cannabinoids. You’ve probably heard of Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). They’re two natural cannabinoids that you’ll see a lot when researching medical cannabis.
THC is psychoactive, so can be behind that ‘high’ feeling cannabis is sometimes associated with. CBD is non-physioactive, meaning it won’t make you feel ‘high’. Some conditions and symptoms may benefit more from a combination of CBD and THC. This is known as the entourage effect. When these compounds work together, they can provide targeted and enhanced therapeutic effects.
Below is a mini cannabis guide. You never know, it may help you decide if medical cannabis is something you want to explore. And if it is, why not check out the Alternaleaf website and see if you’re eligible for treatment.
Potential Health Benefits of Cannabis
Cannabis for Pain Relief and Management
The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, is a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. The ECS influences and modulates pretty much every single function within your body, directing, correcting and managing your overall health. THC and CBD can interact with the ECS, and this includes reducing inflammation.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors. This includes cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2), and they’re one of the main reasons behind why so many different conditions react so positively to cannabis.
CB2 receptors, found in the immune system, help manage inflammation. THC and CBD can interact with these receptors, which is why they can help calm inflammation and relax muscles. In other words, patients can use THC and CBD for pain relief, and muscle relaxation and recovery through reduced inflammation.
Both CBD and THC may also help improve sleep for people living with chronic pain. However, the effects of the two compounds together depends on the dose and timing, so it's best to speak to your pharmacist or specialist doctor to figure out what’s best for you.
Cannabis for Stress and Anxiety Relief
The potential benefits of cannabis for anxiety vary, from creating a greater sense of calm, to improved mood, relaxation, and peace of mind.
This data reports more than three-quarters of survey-takers seeing positive effects from medical cannabis. And this recent study also found that strains high in THC and CBD both had a positive impact on anxiety symptoms.
Another study from 2020 had similar findings, but with more evidence to support CBD’s effect on anxiety.
Cannabis for Neurological Conditions
Medical cannabis can also be prescribed for neurological conditions including autism, epilepsy, MS,
Parkinson’s and ADHD.
Epidiolex is a cannabis-based product currently prescribed in the UK to treat epilepsy. It’s been found to significantly reduce the number of seizures experienced by patients.
Studies have shown that medical cannabis products like Sativex (nabiximols) can help reduce the frequency and severity of muscle spasms which can drastically improve the quality of life for those living with MS.
The above products have been prescribed a very small number of times on the NHS. And, the majority of people in the UK are accessing medical cannabis through private clinics like Alternaleaf.
Cannabis for Appetite Stimulation
Most people assume cannabis increases your appetite - it’s often associated with ‘the munchies’ in pop culture. And while THC may cause people to feel hungry, there’s evidence to suggest that CBD reduces the appetite, and in turn can help a person lose weight.
The authors of a 2018 study note CB1 may help to reduce appetite and therefore control obesity by blocking off or “deactivating” the receptor that causes us to eat even when we’re not really hungry. They also discovered that stimulating the CB2 receptors decreases inflammation and reduces food intake, thereby possibly helping reduce obesity.
Forms of Cannabis
Medical cannabis is available in many different forms, and effects and experiences can vary with each type. Your clinician will run through these forms, and work with you to decide what is best for you. They’ll be able to tailor treatment to your individual needs, and if you have any preference, or questions about the below, it’s best to speak to them. Some cannabis forms are:
- Oils
- Flower
- Capsules
- Edibles
- Vape cartridges
Methods of Consumption
If you’re wondering how to consume cannabis there are actually a few different ways, and you might not get it right the first time. Below we’ve got some methods that might work for you, but it’s best to have a conversation with your clinician if you’re worried or unsure. They’ll help you build a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle, and you can always change it up if you find something isn’t working.
Smoking
Keep in mind, this method is illegal, and research has shown that smoking cannabis can lead to lung damage. For this very reason, UK doctors do not prescribe cannabis flower to be smoked. Instead, they advise safer methods.
Vaping
All dry herb vaporisers work in pretty much the same way: you fill a chamber with dried, ground cannabis flower and then heat it until the therapeutic cannabinoids start evaporating. You then inhale the vapour that’s produced. We’ve got lots more information on vaporisers here.
Sublingual (Under the Tongue)
Placing cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream. This results in a fast onset, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and tends to provide longer-lasting relief when compared to inhalation. It’s also discreet and you can easily control dosage.
Other ways to consume include:
- Adding oil to a drink
- Mixing oil with food
- Eating an edible
- Taking a capsule
You should only use the above methods when instructed to do so by your doctor.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Cannabis
Just like with any other medicine, patients can experience side effects when using medical cannabis. Alongside its many uses and benefits, these side effects can include:
- Brain fog
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Paranoia
- An upset stomach
But lots of research is still being done around this, and cannabis can affect everyone differently. You might not react the same way to a certain strain or form as someone else you know. If you’re worried about any side effects, speak to your clinician. It may be a case of changing up your treatment. And remember to always start low and slow.
Legal Landscape of Cannabis in the UK
In November 2018 medical cannabis was legalised in the UK. However, regulations are still in place.
It can be prescribed for over 50 health conditions including chronic pain, anxiety, depression and ADHD, and prescriptions are typically provided through licensed private clinics, like Alternaleaf.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing - it means you know the medication you’re accessing is regulated and coming from a reliable source. It also means you’re being prescribed appropriate levels of THC and CBD, based on you as an individual, and a medical professional is monitoring your progress.
And just because it’s legal in the UK, doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. It is always a good idea to check if you’re travelling somewhere, what their rules and laws are around medical cannabis.
Tips for Safe Cannabis Use
It’s important to access your medical cannabis through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf. Our medical professionals and clinicians are experts, so will be able to tailor your treatment to your needs. That way you’ll get the most out of your medication and be given the best advice and guidance if you’re new to medical cannabis or have a problem.
It also ensures that your medication is safe to use, and exactly what it says it is. Over the counter cannabis products, like CBD oils or gummies, aren’t always monitored as strictly as medical cannabis, so you can never be 100% sure what you’re getting. The same logic can also be applied when purchasing cannabis flower on the black market.
We also always stress the importance of starting low and slow, especially for beginners. This allows you time to get used to your medication with minimal side effects and disruption to everyday life.
Summary
If you’re suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD and more, it may be worth beginning your journey with Alternaleaf, so you can start moving towards a better you, today.
But, while there are benefits, there are also risks. It’s important to weigh everything up - and speak to your clinician when you’re unsure. If you’re wanting to explore further, we have lots of other articles on our Cannaverse blog. And there’s lots more help and information on the Alternaleaf website. We’re also always here to help with any questions you may have.