Pain medical cannabis treatment

Pain can affect anyone, it can affect any area of the body, and can be caused by a number of different things, such as injury, illness, or lifestyle traits. Some pains are mild and pass quickly, whilst others are severe and long-lasting and characterised as chronic, but, in reality, any kind of pain can affect a person’s daily routine or quality of life. In the UK, there are a large range of pain medications that can be prescribed to treat different types of pain, but some don’t realise this also includes medical cannabis pain treatments.

Am I eligible?

Common

The most common types of pain are back pain (53%), followed by headaches (48%), and joint pain (46%)

84%

of those who have tried medical cannabis for pain management said it was an effective treatment

Number 1

condition in the UK being treated with medicines derived from cannabis is chronic pain.

115,000

prescriptions for opiate painkillers are written every day, mostly for tramadol.

Symptoms

Aching pains

Burning pains

Feeling weak

Mood changes

Sleep issues

Soreness

Stabbing sensation

Stiffness

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Please speak with your GP to find out more.

Treatment options:

Depending on the type, source, and severity of pain you suffer from, different treatment options may be recommended. If the pain cannot be managed by over the counter painkillers, you may receive a prescription for analgesics or opiates, have physiotherapy, CBT, or even surgery.

Codeine

Fentanyl

Morphine

Oxycodone

Tramadol

Find out if you may be eligible for medical cannabis pain treatments here
Am I eligible?

Join our growing community of over 40,000 people

Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.

Verified
Maxim’s Journey

Condition Chronic Pain

Subscriber 8 months

Verified
Jess' Journey

Condition Fibromyalgia

Subscriber 8 months

Verified
Chloe's Journey

Condition Endometriosis

Subscriber 8 months

Verified
Daisy's Journey

Condition PTSD

Subscriber 8 months

Verified
Daryl's Journey

Condition Anxiety & Depression

Subscriber 8 months

Verified
Carla's Journey

Condition Endometriosis

Subscriber 9 months

Verified
Wojciech's Journey

Condition Insomnia

Subscriber 8 months

Verified
Brandon's Journey

Condition Anxiety & Depression

Subscriber 6 months

Verified
Hollie's Journey

Condition Chronic Pain & Anxiety

Subscriber 8 months

A word from our specialist

“Many conditions that lead to chronic pain often respond poorly to conventional pharmaceutical medications. More and more is being understood about how the endocannabinoid system interacts with the more well-known pain pathways to work synergistically with these conventional medications. Chronic pain comes with a variety of associated symptoms such as poor sleep, fatigue, brain fog and reduced appetite – all of which treatment with medical cannabis can improve.“

Dr David Tang

Clinic Director

Find out if you may be eligible for medical cannabis pain treatments here
Am I eligible?

Articles on Pain

28. 08. 2023

Is medical cannabis a viable treatment for back pain?

Despite advancements in understanding back pain, the lack of effective and lasting treatment options remains a significant challenge. Managing non-surgical back pain has been identified as a primary contributor to the current issues surrounding the overprescription of opioids. Additionally, post-operative pain management poses a complex challenge for patients undergoing spine surgery.

06. 09. 2023

Is medical cannabis effective in managing pain?

If you are looking for a complementary pain management solution to add to your existing treatment plan, you are anything but alone. Right here in the UK, around 34% of the population (that's close to 15.5 million people) are affected by chronic pain. Chronic pain is an unwelcome passenger on the journey for many patients living with long-term medical conditions, and is a common symptom of countless diseases and illnesses.

22. 09. 2023

Can you get a medical cannabis card for chronic back pain in the UK? 

Medical cannabis is an increasingly popular treatment option for people suffering from chronic back pain. But to legally access it in the United Kingdom (UK), you need a physician registered to the General Medical Council Specialist Register to prescribe you cannabis. That means that, more than likely, your current GP won’t be able to help you get a medical cannabis prescription. NHS medical cannabis patients are not provided with a medical cannabis card, as unlike some other countries, it is not a legal requirement to carry a card. Again, if you are looking for the added protection that holding a medical cannabis card offers, then a private clinic is the best way to go.

How do cannabis-based pain treatments work?

Medicines derived from cannabis, and medical cannabis, contain different natural, plant chemicals, some of which are cannabinoids like CBD and THC. Cannabinoids have the ability to alter, or influence, the messages and signals sent around the body, once they gain entry to the endocannabinoid system. 

The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating and modulating a large range of biological responses, including - but not limited to -  pain, inflammation, and immune responses.

When cannabis compounds like THC and CBD enter this system, they are able to influence the responses the endocannabinoid system usually initiates. Collectively, CBD and THC, have shown great potential in alleviating pain at the source, and reducing the perception of pain in the brain. 

Research in this area is still ongoing, although current findings are positive and promising. Now in the UK, medicines derived from cannabis can be prescribed to treat pain symptoms when other conventional, licensed options have failed. 

Learn how Releaf works