Glossary

Medical cannabis oil

Medical cannabis oil refers to a concentrated extract from the Cannabis Sativa L. plant, prescribed for medical purposes in the UK.

Medical cannabis oil options contain therapeutically active compounds like cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes in varying concentrations, depending on the specific strain of cannabis used to make the oil and the health concern, condition, illness, or disease being treated.

 

What types of conditions can be treated with medical cannabis oil?

 

Medical cannabis oil has been shown to provide relief for a wide range of health 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, It can also help manage side effects from traditional medication and improve overall quality of life for patients.

 

How do patients take medical cannabis oil?

 

Most UK patients are prescribed medical cannabis oil to be taken sublingually.

Sublingual application refers to placing the prescribed dose of oil under the tongue and holding it there for 60 seconds before swallowing. The oil is then absorbed through the mucous membranes under the tongue directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and providing a quicker onset of effects compared to oral ingestion.

 

Is medical cannabis oil legal in the UK?

 

Yes, medical cannabis oil is legal in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor registered with the General Medical Council. All medical cannabis oils prescribed to Releaf patients conform with regulatory standards set by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

 

How can you get prescribed medical cannabis oil in the UK?

 

Although the NHS provides limited access to medical cannabis oil for a small number of specific health conditions, it remains challenging for most patients to obtain these treatments, even if they are diagnosed with one of the qualifying health issues.

Currently, the vast majority of medical cannabis prescriptions in the UK are being issued by private clinics like Releaf, offering patients more accessible and flexible options for their treatment needs.

To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.

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.