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With medical cannabis being legal in the UK since 2018, you may be curious about what it actually is, what it can be prescribed for, and how it might benefit you. We don’t want to overwhelm you with too much information at once, so below we’ll be focusing on THC oil. It can sometimes have a lot of benefits when used the right way, but this all depends on dose, frequency and how your individual body reacts.
What is THC Oil?
The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of these natural compounds, and they’re what you’ll see most often when researching medical cannabis. Both compounds interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body.
THC vs CBD
Although THC and CBD have many similar medical benefits, they can have different effects. The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
THC is available for medical use in several forms, including as an oil.
How Does THC Oil Work in the Body?
To understand how THC oil works, we have to go back to the ECS. One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why cannabis works so positively on so many different conditions.
THC is chemically similar to your body’s endocannabinoids which is why it can interact with your cannabinoid receptors. It binds with the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors and releases neurotransmitters in your brain. This is what can produce a ‘high’, but it depends on the dosage level, individual and symptoms being treated. If you’re worried, have a conversation with your pharmacist to decide what the best dosage or form is for you.
The CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system (CNS). When THC binds to the CB1 receptors in the CNS, it can affect appetite and pain.
CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), immune cells, and various organs. CB2, along with other receptors, mediate THC's neuroprotective, anti-nausea, anti-spasmodic, and anti-inflammatory effects. In other words, patients use THC oil for pain relief, and muscle relaxation and recovery through reduced inflammation.
Serotonin in the PNS plays a pivotal role in regulating respiration, a chemical reaction in our bodies that helps us produce energy. Disturbances in its function can contribute to irregular breathing patterns during sleep. THC appears to act as an antagonist of serotonin, and therefore can help with sleep.
THC Oil Uses and Applications
THC oil can be tailored to individual needs. It’s also often considered by some as more precise and consistent in terms of effects, compared to other forms of cannabis, like dried flower or edibles. Although dosage, patient tolerance and method of administration can change the effects THC oil has on the body, studies have shown that it has the potential to:
- Relieve pain
- Reduce nausea
- Ease migraines
- Reduce anxiety
- Increase appetite
- Help with insomnia
- Is anti-inflammatory
How to Use THC Oil
The way you use THC oil is completely down to what you feel comfortable with, and how your prescriber has advised. And you may not find the best way for you the first time you use it. It’s also important to note that the way you use it can have an impact on how quickly it affects you and how long the effects last. We’ve explored a few ways to use THC oil below:
Sublingual
When THC oil is prescribed in the UK, doctors normally recommend sublingual use. With this method, you place the THC oil under your tongue, and it’s absorbed into your bloodstream. This cuts out the "first pass effect" associated with normal oral administration, which is where a medication undergoes metabolism at a specific location in the body, decreasing the active drug’s concentration. The effects can be felt within 15-30 minutes and can last for up to 4 hours.
Oral
Orally, THC oil is typically consumed in the form of a capsule or tincture that can be added to food or drink. Tinctures are made from cannabis plant extract, so they’re not as concentrated and can therefore have a slower onset time. If you ingest the oil by swallowing it or adding it to food and drinks, it needs to pass through your digestive system before being absorbed into your bloodstream, so the effects usually occur between 30 minutes to an hour. They can last anywhere from 4-8 hours depending on dosage and metabolism. Try to avoid using this method unless your doctor has specifically advised it.
Potential THC Oil Side Effects and Risks
There can be side effects to any medication, and it’s no different for THC oil. It’s likely these side effects will vary from person to person, and you may not experience any at all. The best thing you can do is take your medication as prescribed. But some common side effects to be aware of include:
- Decreased appetite
- Feeling sick
- Weakness
- A behavioural or mood change
- Dizziness
- Feeling very tired
- Feeling high
- Dry mouth
If you experience any of the above, it’s important not to panic. These side effects should only last for 2 to 3 hours. But if you are concerned, speak to your pharmacist or doctor as quickly as possible. And we’re always here to help too. You can email us at hello@alternaleaf.co.uk or call 029 2271 1227. The solution may be as simple as adjusting your dosage - this is why we always recommend starting low.
THC Oil and the Law in the UK
Medical cannabis became legal on 1st November 2018, and this included the use of THC oil, which is amazing because it has the potential to help a lot of people. If you think medical cannabis may be a suitable treatment option for your condition, visit Alternaleaf to complete our free questionnaire and determine your eligibility.
Strict regulations are still in place, limiting access to medical cannabis in the UK to those who have evidence of a diagnosis and previously prescribed treatments. Only specialist doctors are authorised to prescribe medical cannabis, and prescriptions are typically provided through private clinics. If you have a diagnosis and conventional treatments have been prescribed, but they haven’t provided the relief you need, it’s likely you may be eligible for medical cannabis.
If you are worried about carrying your medicine around because the recreational use of cannabis is illegal, keep your medicine in its original packaging. The dispensing label, which is put on the packaging by your pharmacist, contains important information about you and the medicine. If you can, also try and keep a copy of your prescription and a letter from your specialist doctor on you, or as a digital version on your phone. And be prepared to show ID, like your passport or driving licence, to prove your details match the ones on your medicine.
Summary
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 specialist doctor or physician if you want to incorporate THC oil into a personalised treatment plan. As with any form of medication, there can be risks, but if used responsibly, the benefits outweigh these. Your specialist doctor or pharmacist 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.