Medical cannabis
The term 'medical cannabis' is used to describe all cannabis products that are available for prescription by specialist doctors. Medical cannabis became a legal treatment option in the UK on the 1st of November 2018.
How can I get a prescription for medical cannabis in the UK?
In the UK, there are two routes for patients to explore.
The first is through the NHS. The NHS has been, up until this point, very reluctant to offer patients medical cannabis as a treatment option. The National Health Service will only offer patients suffering from two rare forms of epilepsy, nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, or muscle spasticity as a result of multiple sclerosis access to medicinal cannabis. But, even those who fall within these categories have struggled to get access to medical cannabis on the NHS due to strict guidelines and regulations.
The second option is to go through a private cannabis clinic, such as Releaf. Specialists working with private medical cannabis companies have the legal right to offer patients medical cannabis as a treatment option for a much wider range of conditions.
What conditions are commonly treated with medical cannabis in the UK?
Medical cannabis has a range of proven natural benefits and can be taken to provide relief from a wide variety of medical conditions, including chronic pain, mental health issues, sleep disorders, neurological disorders, women's health issues, gastroenterological disturbances, and as an adjunct therapy for cancer patients, among a wide range of other health issues - the full list is very extensive.
In fact, medical cannabis can be offered to patients suffering from almost any health condition, as long as they have first tried at least two conventional approaches, and the prescribing specialist believes that medical cannabis could prove beneficial for their specific case.
Are there different forms of medical cannabis available in the UK?
Yes, medical cannabis is available in various forms, with the two main categories being medical cannabis flower and medical cannabis oil. There is a wide array of options in both categories that cater to different patient needs, including varying cannabinoid and terpene profiles, strengths, and delivery methods.
Medical cannabis flower is usually prescribed to be inhaled through a dry herb vaporiser - smoking any form of medical cannabis is illegal in the UK.
Medical cannabis oil is usually prescribed to be taken sublingually (under the tongue), which allows for cannabinoids to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, providing rapid and effective symptom control.
Will medical cannabis help with your health issues?
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, 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 much better understanding of your options for accessing medical cannabis treatment in the UK.
Is medical cannabis safe?
Like any medication, there are potential side effects to consider when taking medical cannabis. That said, the risks relating to cannabis-based therapy options are considered to be low and and the side effects well tolerated by most patients. Your specialist will discuss any potential side effects and how to manage them with you before prescribing medical cannabis.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.