How does cannabis oil work in the body?

What happens when you take cannabis oil sublingually?

There are a few ways that medical cannabis oil can be administered, but for almost all UK medical cannabis patients, sublingual administration is the prescribed (and preferred) method. As we explained in our last instalment, this method ensures more efficient absorption and a faster onset of effects than when the oil is swallowed.

When taken sublingually, the active ingredients (the cannabinoids and terpenes) are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, where they interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in the body (along with other pathways). The effects typically take 10-15 minutes to be felt, with peak levels reached at around 90 minutes, and the overall duration varying from around 2.5 to 4 hours. Individual factors such as metabolism, body weight, and tolerance can affect these timelines.

How cannabis oil affects the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS)

We have gone into great detail on both THC and CBD (the two major cannabinoids found in medical cannabis oil) in other blog posts, but here's a quick summary of how they interact with the ECS.

The endocannabinoid system is the body's largest network of neurotransmitters and receptors, and is responsible for maintaining balance (homeostasis) throughout the body. Imagine the endocannabinoid system as the body's traffic management network, which helps keep everything running smoothly and in sync, with the two ECS receptor types (CB1 and CB2) acting as the 'traffic lights'.

CB1 receptors are like traffic lights in the brain and central nervous system, managing signals like mood, pain, hunger, and coordination. CB2 receptors are like traffic lights in the immune system, helping regulate inflammation and immune response.

THC acts like a direct switch for the CB1 receptor, turning CB1 'lights' green. This can lead to effects like euphoria (feeling 'high') and a wide range of therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, and anti-nausea effects.

CBD works a little differently - instead of directly flipping a switch, it operates more behind the scenes. It inhibits the enzymes responsible for breaking down the body's natural endocannabinoids, effectively increasing their levels throughout the body. Although CBD has a mild affinity for CB2 receptors, this subtle interaction still allows it to affect the body's immune response and inflammation levels.

What conditions is medical cannabis oil prescribed for?

With the NHS only willing to offer cannabis-based medicines to patients with two rare forms of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting - and even if a patient qualifies for an NHS prescription, the chance of actually receiving one is minimal - it's little surprise that most are turning to private clinics (like Releaf) to access medical cannabis oil.

Specialist doctors working with private clinics have the legal freedom and ability to prescribe medical cannabis oil for a much wider range of conditions, including (but not limited to):

• Chronic pain stemming from arthritis, fibromyalgia, sciatica, migraines, and endometriosis
• Mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD
• Sleep conditions like insomnia and sleep apnoea
• Neurological conditions such as ADHD, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and Tourette's syndrome
• Women’s health issues
• Gastroenterological conditions such as Crohn's disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and ulcerative colitis
• As a supportive therapy for cancer-related symptoms and the side effects of cancer treatments

Why do the effects of medical cannabis oil differ from patient to patient?

As with almost all medications, the effects of medical cannabis oil can (and do) vary from patient to patient. There are a bunch of factors that go into how a patient experiences the effects of medical cannabis oil, including:

• The dosage size and how often it's taken
• How the oil is taken
• The patient's unique biological make-up
• Any underlying health conditions
• Other medications being taken
• The patient's tolerance to cannabinoids

Most patients will be directed to titrate their medical cannabis oil when they begin treatment. This involves starting with a low dose and slowly increasing it over a few weeks until the patient finds the best dose size for them. This is to help minimise any potential side effects and allow the patient to find their ideal dosage.

What side effects may be experienced with medical cannabis oil?

Medical cannabis has been shown to offer patients a high safety profile, especially compared to many of the commonly prescribed traditional pharmaceuticals. That said, as with any medication, there may be some potential side effects experienced by patients using medical cannabis oil. Most side effects are mild and usually fade as the body adjusts to treatment.

Some of these side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Red eyes
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Mood changes (e.g. feeling more relaxed or potentially more anxious)
• Impaired cognition and memory (especially at higher doses)

Want to learn more?

Check out the rest of our 'New Patient' series, where we have covered everything from "What is the difference between medical cannabis and recreational weed?" to "Do I have to tell my employer that I am a medical cannabis patient?" and so much more.

And to find out more about how medical cannabis oil may be able to help you, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker. It takes less than 30 seconds to complete, and once done, you will have a better understanding of whether medical cannabis oil may be suitable for you.

Remember, each patient's journey with medical cannabis oil is unique, but the emerging research and patient testimonials are showing that it can change lives, especially where traditional treatment options have fallen short.