Use our chat feature to speak with one of our expert consultants who can help you identify if medical cannabis can help you.
13 min read
Sam North
We are living through what can only really be described as a health-care revolution. Cannabis, long seen by the UK 'powers that be' as nothing more than a recreational drug, now has the spotlight squarely aimed at its medicinal and therapeutic properties.
CBD products (CBD oil, CBD gummies, CBD balms) are all the rage here in the UK, and rightfully so. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an amazing compound. But, it is far from the only Cannabis sativa L. produced chemical that has powerful therapeutic potential.
If you have been searching for an all-natural, plant-based treatment option that can provide relief without the heavy side effects that often go hand in hand with conventional pharmaceuticals, prescribed cannabis oil may be the answer.
Prescribed cannabis oil is exactly what it sounds like - cannabis-based medicine made from a cannabis extract (usually mixed with a carrier oil) that can only be accessed through a prescription from a specialist.
In the UK, cannabis-based medicines were rescheduled in November 2018, allowing for them to be prescribed legally by specialist doctors on the General Medical Council's Specialist Register. This decision only came to fruition after decades of research, advocacy, lobbying, and the heroic efforts of patients who found relief in cannabis-based medicines when other treatments have failed.
Cannabis oil prescribed by a registered specialist can legally contain the entire spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes found in the plant, including THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis). CBD oil is legal for purchase and consumption without a prescription, but only as long as it contains less than 1 mg of THC per container or lower than 0.2% THC.
But, it is important to note that CBD alone does not always provide the same level of relief as a full-spectrum medical cannabis oil.
Let's dive into that last point a little further.
The entourage effect is a term used to describe the synergistic effect of multiple compounds found in cannabis working together to provide a therapeutic outcome that is more than the sum of its parts.
CBD is just one component of this "entourage" - it works best when accompanied by other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. THC and CBD are the two major cannabinoids produced by this amazing plant, and they have a balancing effect on each other, potentially enhancing the overall therapeutic potential.
To explain this, we are going to have to venture into the endocannabinoid system - the largest neurochemical receptor system in the human body.
The ECS is a complex network of receptors and signalling molecules responsible for maintaining homeostasis (or balance) within the body.
It is made up of three components:
The ECS plays a crucial role in:
When the ECS falls out of balance, it can affect these functions, leading to various health conditions. This is where medical cannabis oil comes in.
Medical cannabis oil works by interacting with the ECS, along with a range of other biological systems and pathways within the body.
THC binds to CB1 receptors, found primarily in the brain and central nervous system, while CBD has a bit more of a roundabout approach. CBD does not bind in the same way as THC to CB1 receptors, which is why THC is psychoactive, and CBD is not.
Instead, CBD stimulates endocannabinoid production and reduces the production of enzymes that break down endocannabinoids. This results in more endocannabinoids circulating in the ECS and helps regulate their activity. It also activates other neurochemical receptors - the serotonin receptors and TRPV1 receptors.
Both THC and CBD have been shown to positively affect our dopaminergic system, which regulates mood and other cognitive functions.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinct smell and flavour. They also add to the entourage effect when part of a prescribed cannabis oil, potentially enhancing the therapeutic effects.
By taking the full spectrum of compounds found in prescribed medical cannabis oil, patients may experience a more comprehensive therapeutic effect that takes advantage of the entourage effect.
The extensive list of medical uses for cannabis oil can be a surprise for the uninitiated.
Unlike most conventional pharmaceuticals (which usually target one or two specific conditions, diseases, or symptoms), prescribed cannabis oil has been shown to help sufferers with a whole host of health issues.
UK medical cannabis oil can be prescribed for many psychiatric issues, including:
Prescribable cannabis oil has shown promise in treating chronic pain caused by:
Cannabis-based medicines, including medical cannabis oil, can be used to treat certain gastrointestinal issues such as:
Neurological conditions that have been shown to be helped by medical cannabis oil in the UK include:
Sleep issues are one of the most common reasons UK patients take medical cannabis oil. It can help with:
Although prescribable THC/CBD oil will not cure cancer, it has the potential to help with:
This is not an exhaustive record. If your specific health concern/issue isn't listed, check out our free eligibility checker. It takes less than 30 seconds to complete, and you'll come out with a clear idea of whether you qualify for medical cannabis oil.
Here in the UK, there are two routes for prospective patients to consider - the NHS and private cannabis clinics.
The NHS is extremely restrictive when it comes to cannabis-based medicine prescriptions.
Even though medical cannabis is totally legal in this country and has been proven to offer patients suffering from a range of conditions lasting relief - the NHS guidelines for prescribing cannabis-based medicine are stringent and have left many patients disappointed.
The only way to access prescribed THC/CBD oil via the NHS is to have exhausted all other treatment options, and only if you are battling:
All other patients will need to consider the second option - private cannabis clinics.
However, patients who are not offered medicinal cannabis therapy options on the NHS may still be eligible for a personalised medical cannabis treatment plan with Releaf.
Here at Releaf, we have done all the legwork to make the process as pain-free as possible for our patients. We have an easy-to-use eligibility checker that takes less than 30 seconds to complete, and once you share your medical records, we can book you in for an online consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
We are proud to work with some of the most experienced and trusted medical cannabis prescribers in the UK, and all cannabis medicines we offer have gone through the most stringent testing and checks to ensure their effectiveness and safety.
Yes, all medical cannabis treatment options have been shown to have a positive safety profile.
When a specialist prescribes and oversees treatment, it is even safer.
Yes, just like all medications, there is the potential for side effects with prescribed cannabis oil. These are usually minor and well-tolerated.
Common side effects can include:
It's imperative that you reach out to your specialist should you experience any side effects. They can adjust your dosage or recommend a different treatment option.
No, although the terms are often wrongly used interchangeably, especially in the CBD industry.
By definition, tinctures are alcohol-based liquids that contain herbal extracts. Generally, cannabis oils do not contain alcohol and are made from cannabis extracts combined with a carrier oil (usually MCT oil).
Yes, anxiety is one of the many conditions that cannabis oil can be prescribed for, provided the patient has first tried two conventional treatment approaches for the condition. Recent research points to medical cannabis products containing lower levels of THC and high levels of CBD being the best option for anxiety sufferers. That said, some patients may find relief from a higher THC-to-CBD ratio.
The pain-relieving properties of medical cannabis oil have been well documented. It has been proven to be effective in treating various types of pain, including neuropathic pain, chronic pain, and arthritis.
A quick Google search is all that's needed to see just how colossal medical cannabis has already become in the UK. As patients and prescribers become more aware of the power of medical cannabis oil, the interest and demand for this alternative treatment option are only growing. Projections show that the market could be worth over £350 million by the end of 2024.
It's clear to see that medical cannabis is here to stay and to help even more patients in the future. As research and understanding of the plant continue to expand, we can expect to see even more health issues being positively impacted by prescribed cannabis oil.
If prescribable UK medical oil piques your interest, Releaf is here to help. We are the UK's first 'all-in-one' medical cannabis clinic, with our own pharmacy, our own prescribers, and a team dedicated to making the process as seamless as possible. Take a step towards better health today.
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
Get comprehensive care, convenience, and confidence with an all-in-one treatment plan.
Am I eligible?Sam North, a seasoned writer with over five years' experience and expertise in medicinal cannabis, brings clarity to complex concepts, focusing on education and informed use.
All of our articles are written by medical cannabis experts, guided by strict sourcing guidelines, and reference peer-reviewed studies and credible academic research. Our expert clinical team and compliance specialists provide valuable insights to ensure accuracy when required. Learn more in our editorial policy.
Need more help?
With extended families coming together and immediate families typically spending long periods of time together over the Christmas period, catching up on what everyone has been up to over the last year is a common course conversation takes.
Lucy MacKinnon
With UK medical cannabis going nothing short of viral in the past 12 months or so (and patient numbers climbing at an exponential rate), the need for clear, concise information regarding medical cannabis accessories has never been more obvious.
Sam North
Growing awareness and acceptance of cannabis-based products has been on the rise in recent years. In addition to a flourishing CBD consumer market, medical cannabis has become increasingly accessible to patients with a variety of health concerns.
Emily Ledger
