Medical Cannabis
Explore UK-focused medical cannabis articles, including legal updates, patient experiences, treatment options, and the latest research within the British cannabis landscape.
How the law changed: UK legalisation of medical cannabis
On the 1st of November 2018, legislation was introduced that was celebrated by patients, families, and advocates all over the UK. The rescheduling of cannabis meant that cannabis-based medicines could be legally prescribed for a range of conditions, marking a historic moment. But how did the law change come about? And has it lived up to the expectations of those who continue to fight for fair access to medical cannabis?
Beyond aroma: How does myrcene enhance medical cannabis?
In the latest in our educational series looking beyond the aroma to explore the therapeutic potential of terpenes, we examine Myrcene, and what it brings to medical cannabis patients in the UK.
Can medical cannabis help people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?
Yes, cannabis-based therapy options are showing huge promise in helping reduce chronic pain, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal upset, muscle spasms and stiffness, anxiety, and also the reliance on heavy (and sometimes totally ineffective) pharmaceutical options that come along with the diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
Is there an age limit to medical cannabis?
In the UK, people of any age are eligible to receive a prescription for cannabis-based medicines, but there is a little more to the story...
Behind the scenes: The approval process for UK medicines
Have you ever read the list of side-effects for a newly-prescribed medication and wondered whether it’s really safe to consume? Rest-assured that the drug has been through a lengthy and strict approval process before making its way to your local pharmacy.
Limonene: The citrus-scented terpene in medical cannabis
Limonene is up there with the most abundant of all the 400-odd terpenes produced by Cannabis sativa L. plants. Research into limonene has already shown that this fascinating little compound may offer medical cannabis patients a range of positive health benefits, both physical and psychological.
Medical cannabis and public transport: what you need to know
This week we continue our ‘what you need to know’ series, outlining medical cannabis patient’s rights when it comes to travelling on public transport. From possession of CBPMs, to administering them on buses, trains, and trams, this blog gives an overview of UK legislation and public transport policies, to help you stay safe.
How do dry herb vaporisers work?
For thousands of years, the main method of cannabis consumption has been smoking. But in recent years, as medical cannabis has become more prominent and consumers are generally looking for healthier alternatives, the dry herb vaporiser has been on the rise. So, how do they work? And importantly, are dry herb vaporisers worth it?
Beyond aroma: The therapeutic potential of caryophyllene in cannabis
Today, we begin a new series aimed at helping patients fully understand the specific terpenes found in the highest concentrations in cannabis and how they may impact your medicine. The starting point is caryophyllene, an extremely interesting compound and the only terpene known to activate cannabinoid receptors in the body.
Medical cannabis and hayfever - friend or foe?
Longer days, lush green leaves—and a streaming nose; all sure-fire signs that spring is finally here in abundance. But is your medical cannabis prescription a help or a hindrance?
Experts, insights, and experiences: Medical cannabis and mental health
Mental health is something that affects everyone, it’s something each individual in society has - all year round. But, this week, it’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Between the 13th and 19th of May, an extra effort is made to discuss the importance of mental health and how we can take care of it. And we wanted to join suit.
Update on Ukraine: legalising medical cannabis, one by law at a time
Ukraine’s President signed off on Law 3528-IX, also known as The Medical Cannabis Law, back in February. This kickstarted the legalisation of medical cannabis, designed to offer relief to those suffering from conditions like chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the continued war with Russia. Here we take a look at some of the updates and amendments that have been made to accommodate for the legalisation of medical cannabis in Ukraine.
Exploring the role of terpenes in medical cannabis treatments
Taking the first steps into the world of medical cannabis can be slightly overwhelming. With so many new terms to get your head around, the learning curve can feel steep. Don't worry, though - here in our continued "New Patient" guide, we've got you covered.
Modern medicine and mental health: promising findings from the last year
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, taking place from 13-19 May, 2024 is all about movement — and why it’s so important for our mental health. Can medical cannabis help get people moving more? We take a look.
Understanding medical cannabis: A guide for Fibromyalgia patients
Fibromyalgia is an incurable chronic pain condition and one that can be pretty complicated to treat. It affects around 2 percent of the UK population, more women than men, and while it does sometimes develop in children, it is more often picked up in middle age.
A summary of the statistics: Perceptions and awareness of medical cannabis in the UK
In November 2018, medical cannabis and cannabis-derived medicines were legalised as prescription only medicines in the UK. This means they can now be prescribed by specialist doctors to patients who have a condition that is known to respond to cannabis, if they have been unable to find success with conventional or licensed approaches.
Ease the Transition: How medical cannabis can help during the menopause
Menopause is a natural process characterised by the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. It is associated with a number of symptoms that can cause significant disruption to everyday life. Yet, despite perimenopause and postmenopause affecting approximately 13 million people in the UK, there remains a distinct lack of awareness and education about menopause, as well as access to effective therapies.
5 common medical cannabis myths and misconceptions debunked
It has now been almost six years since the legalisation of medical cannabis came into effect in the UK, but still, prevalent misconceptions/myths about these treatments options persist today. Because these are often fuelled by stigmatisations or a lack of knowledge on the subject, we think debunking these common medical cannabis misconceptions can play an important role in improving the current education and awareness of cannabis-based options in the UK. And so, that’s exactly what we’ve done!
What is the endocannabinoid system?
Welcome back to our New Patient blog series, where we cover all the basics of cannabis-based therapy. In this instalment, we are running head first into the intricacies of the endocannabinoid system, or ECS.
What is the difference between medical cannabis and CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid sourced from cannabis and hemp plants. CBD products that contain less than 1 mg of THC (the psychoactive cannabinoid) per container are legal for over-the-counter sale. Prescribed cannabis-based medicines can contain the same levels of CBD but are legally allowed to contain higher levels of THC.
The complexities of medical cannabis clinical trials
Successful clinical trials are paramount in advancing modern medicines and care. They ensure efficacy and safety, raise the profile and awareness of these new treatment options, and ultimately, if their findings are positive, improve access to the therapy being trialled.
Multiple sclerosis week: Exploring cannabis-based treatments for MS
This week is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week, where we shine a spotlight on this chronic disease that affects more than 130,000 people in the UK (and millions worldwide), and see how the change to UK medical cannabis laws is opening up new treatment options.
How medical cannabis may help endometriosis patients
Endometriosis is estimated to affect around 10% of those with a womb between puberty and menopause, but still, effective treatments, and research into the condition itself, are severely lacking. This can, understandably, be extremely frustrating for those affected.
Medical cannabis and renting: What you need to know
Cannabis was legalised in the UK in 2018, opening the door for thousands (if not millions) of patients who could benefit from these diverse medications. Yet, more than five years on, guidance and education on the subject remain limited, particularly when it comes to legal aspects of medical cannabis use, including patient rights when it comes to renting.