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Despite its legalisation in the UK in 2018, many people remain unaware of medical cannabis and its potential benefits. As attitudes and regulations around cannabis continue to evolve, more people are discovering its potential benefits for managing a variety of health conditions.
Whether you're curious about how it can aid in pain management, enhance symptom relief, or improve overall quality of life, we’re here to guide you through the essentials. We'll clarify the UK law, break down what medical cannabis is and how it's used, and explain the routes to accessing a medical cannabis prescription in the UK.
Approved Medical Uses of Cannabis in the UK: What You Need to Know
The first question you might ask when considering medical cannabis is, is cannabis legal in the UK? The answer is, yes and no.
In the UK, cannabis is a Class B drug and is illegal to possess or consume without a prescription. Although most people are aware of the legality around its recreational use, many still don’t know medical cannabis was legalised in 2018.
The NHS currently prescribes cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) for epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, multiple sclerosis (MS). However, cannabis medical uses can vary to treat a wide range of different conditions beyond these and can be accessed through private clinics in the UK, like Alternaleaf.
Medical Cannabis for Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a condition that causes sudden seizures and fits. Epidiolex, a cannabis-based product currently prescribed in the UK to treat epilepsy, has been found to significantly reduce the number of seizures experienced by patients.
Medical Cannabis for Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
One of the most debilitating side effects of chemotherapy is severe nausea and vomiting, known as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Medical cannabis has been found to alleviate these symptoms and ease side effects for those going through chemotherapy.
Medical Cannabis for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is an incurable condition affecting the brain and nerves. Common symptoms of MS are muscle stiffness and spasms (spasticity). Studies have shown that 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.
Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain
Medical cannabis offers multiple benefits for treating chronic pain, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, improved sleep and mood and skin revitalisation. These benefits can help ease the side effects for patients suffering from a wide range of chronic conditions.
What are the Benefits of Medical Cannabis?
Better Pain Management
Medical cannabis is widely recognised for its effectiveness in alleviating chronic pain because of how it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce pain signals in the body. It can be used to treat endometriosis, fibromyalgia, arthritis, MS pain and chemotherapy-induced pain.
Further Symptom Relief
As well as helping with pain management, medical cannabis can also be used to manage the symptoms of a number of mental conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression and PTSD. By helping to reduce stress levels and inflammation as well as improving sleep and concentration, medical cannabis can help patients both physically and neurologically.
Improving Quality of Life
By managing pain and easing various symptoms, medical cannabis can significantly improve the overall quality of life for patients. It enhances mood, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves sleep patterns. Medical cannabis benefits can lead to better physical and mental health, allowing patients to engage more fully in daily activities and enjoy a better quality of life.
How can I consume Medical Cannabis?
There are many different types of medical cannabis, allowing patients to choose the option that is right for them. The effects and experience varies with each type and can be tailored to treat each issue individually.
Inhaling Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis inhalation involves breathing in cannabis vapour. This method provides rapid onset of effects, typically within minutes, making it suitable for immediate relief of symptoms such as pain or nausea. Doctors will always recommend using a dry herb vaporiser, as smoking can irritate the lungs, while vaping is considered a less harmful alternative.
Eating Medical Cannabis
Consuming cannabis-infused ‘edibles’ results in slower onset of effects, which can take between 1 to 2 hours. This method is ideal for longer-lasting relief because the effects are stronger and can last anywhere between 4 to 24 hours.
Applying under the tongue (sublingually)
Placing cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream through the sublingual gland. This method provides a faster onset than edibles, usually within 15 to 30 minutes,offers a discreet and controlled dosage and tends to provide longer-lasting relief when compared to inhalation
Rectal Suppositories
Rectal administration involves inserting cannabis suppositories into the rectum. This method provides rapid absorption and is beneficial for patients who cannot take cannabis orally due to vomiting or other gastrointestinal issues. It is worth noting that this form of medical cannabis is not yet available in the UK for prescription.
Topical Application
Applying cannabis-infused products directly to the skin targets localised pain and inflammation. This method does not produce psychoactive effects, making it suitable for patients seeking relief from conditions like arthritis or muscle pain and also provides relief without inhalation or ingestion. Please note, you should only ever apply a medication topically if it has been advised by your doctor. The majority of medical cannabis products available for prescription are for consumption via inhalation or sublingually only. However, there are a number of topical cannabis based products that are available over the counter.
What are the Side Effects of Medical Cannabis?
● Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Cannabis can cause dizziness and lightheadedness, especially in new users, due to its impact on blood pressure and the central nervous system.
● Dry Mouth: Also known as "cottonmouth," cannabis can reduce saliva production, leading to a dry, uncomfortable sensation in the mouth.
● Increased Appetite: Commonly referred to as the "munchies," cannabis often increases appetite. This can be beneficial for patients needing to gain weight but may be an unwanted side effect for others.
● Red Eyes: Cannabis can cause blood vessels in the eyes to expand, resulting in noticeable redness, because of the way it affects blood pressure and circulation.
● Fatigue and Drowsiness: Cannabis can induce feelings of fatigue and drowsiness, making it important to avoid activities that require alertness after consumption if a specific form or strain impacts you in this way.
How Do I Get a Prescription for Medical Cannabis?
1. Find out if you’re eligible
Alternaleaf offers a quick and easy questionnaire to help you find out if you’re eligible for medical cannabis. You don’t need to be referred by your GP, medical cannabis can be prescribed through a private clinic for any diagnosed condition which hasn’t been improved by other treatments, or where the treatments have resulted in negative side effects.
2. Consultation with a Specialist
You’ll be offered an online consultation with a clinical expert in medical cannabis where you’ll discuss your condition, symptoms and medical history and decide if medical cannabis is the right option for you.
3. Prescription and Delivery
After speaking to a doctor on the Alternaleaf medical team, they will determine whether medical cannabis is a suitable treatment for your condition. If they think you could benefit from medical cannabis, they will recommend a treatment plan and write you a prescription. Your prescription will be delivered to your door.
4. Follow up care
We’ll manage your prescription for you, help you order repeat prescriptions and check-in with you to make sure medical cannabis continues to improve the symptoms of your condition and answer any questions you may have.
Are There Any Legal Considerations?
Legal Possession and Use
You must adhere to the prescribed dosage and usage instructions. Possessing medical cannabis without a valid prescription or using it outside of the prescribed guidelines is illegal and can result in legal consequences. For example, smoking your prescription instead of vaporising, as instructed by your doctor is illegal.
Travelling with Medical Cannabis
If you plan to travel with medical cannabis, be aware of both UK and international regulations. The legal status and regulations around medical cannabis vary by country, and you must ensure compliance with local laws at your destination.
Documentation and evidence
Always carry your prescription and any necessary documentation when travelling or when visiting healthcare providers to avoid legal complications. It is important to keep your medication in the original packaging that is provided, this contains important information such as your pharmacy label with details that are personal to your prescription.
The Future of Medical Cannabis
The future of medical cannabis is full of promise and potential. As scientific research continues to uncover its therapeutic benefits, more patients are finding relief through its use and have easier access to life-changing remedies. The evolving legal landscape is gradually becoming more accommodating, which in turn should help to shift attitudes towards medical cannabis.
With increasing support from healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public, the integration of medical cannabis into mainstream medicine gives patients more options for managing their health conditions, leading to improved quality of life and well-being for all.
To find out more about how medical cannabis can help you, contact Alternaleaf today.