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The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) is just one of these natural compounds that you’ll see a lot when researching medical cannabis. THC is psychoactive, so can be behind that ‘high’ feeling cannabis is often associated with, particularly when used recreationally. Products with high levels of THC, like THC oil, can only legally be prescribed by licensed clinics like Alternaleaf. If you’re suffering from conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, depression and ADHD, it may be worth heading to our website to see if you’re eligible for treatment. Simply fill out our quick 30-second questionnaire.
So, what is THC oil?
It’s a potential treatment option for managing various conditions, and can sometimes have a lot of benefits when prescribed and used the right way. But this all depends on dose, frequency and how your individual body reacts.
Below we’ll be exploring how it’s made safely and legally, along with the benefits of consulting a medical professional.
How THC Oil Is Made Safely and Legally
The THC oil extraction process starts with decarboxylation. There’s lots of science behind what this is and how it works, but we’re going to keep things simple here. Decarboxylation is essentially a chemical reaction that happens when cannabis is heated. Before THC is ‘decarbed’, it starts as THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid). THCA products are being sold all over America in states where cannabis is still illegal because it doesn't technically count as a psychoactive substance until it's heated!
Because THCA is non-psychoactive, decarboxylation needs to happen to activate THC, and unlock its potential therapeutic benefits. And the THC that is extracted from the cannabis plant is then added to a carrier oil to create THC oil.
It’s important to only consume medical-grade cannabis that has been ‘decarbed’ by professionals. This is because experts using the proper technique is the only way to fully ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the THC oil. Unapproved, DIY THC oil runs the risk of contamination and incorrect or inconsistent dosage and potency, both of which can be extremely dangerous.
Not to mention the fact that anything that exceeds 1mg of THC per ‘container’ (bottle or packet), is illegal to sell over the counter in the UK. Products with higher levels of THC can only be prescribed by clinics like Alternaleaf, as they have the proper licensing and regulatory oversight. Ultimately with Clinics, you know what you’re consuming is safe and approved.
Benefits of Obtaining THC Oil Through Clinics
Licensed clinics like Alternaleaf play a key role in providing safe, effective, and legal treatments, ensuring compliance with UK regulations. They’re the best way to access safe and regulated products, ensuring quality, potency, and consistency.
Unfortunately black-market products, and even products available to purchase over the counter, aren’t as strictly regulated as medical cannabis. This increases the risk of contamination or mislabeling, and increases the risk of negative effects to your body.
Why A Consultation With A Medical Cannabis Specialist Is Important
Tailored Treatment
Clinics like Alternaleaf have clinicians who are specialists in their field. They’ll create a personalised treatment plan customised to your needs, and they’ll prescribe medication that is suited to and dependent on your condition and symptoms.
Dosage Guidance
Our clinicians will also recommend an appropriate dosage. Anyone who is brand new to medical cannabis should always start low and slow. But guidance from a clinician should lower the risk of unwanted side effects and maximise therapeutic benefits.
Monitoring and Adjusting
If you find your medication is too strong, or not effective enough, you’re able to discuss this with your clinician during appointments. And because they’ll be tracking your progress, they may also be able to adjust medication when necessary, so you get the most benefit.
If you find your medication is giving you some unwanted side effects, you’re able to speak to your clinician, and they can alter your prescription accordingly. It may just be a simple solution of lowering your dose.
Summary
So that’s a short overview of how THC oil is safely made, the importance of cannabis oil preparation, and why it’s so good to have the guidance of a medical professional.
THC oil has a lot of therapeutic benefits, whether it’s to help you sleep, relieve chronic pain or reduce anxiety. But it’s still a good idea to talk to your clinician if you want to incorporate THC oil into your personalised treatment plan. As with any form of medication, there can be risks, but if used responsibly, the potential benefits can outweigh these.
Your specialist clinician will be able to talk through the best dosage and method of administration for you. But it never hurts to do your own research. There’s lots of help and information on the Alternaleaf website, and we’re always here to answer any questions you may have.