Vaping
Vaping, short for vaporising, is the only legal way to inhale medical cannabis products here in the UK. Due to the overarching health risks associated with smoking, vaping medical cannabis is seen as a safer alternative for patients. Medical cannabis flower and medical cannabis oil can both be vaporised.
What is vaping regarding medical cannabis treatment?
Vaping involves heating medical cannabis products to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes in the form of vapour, which is then inhaled. Unlike smoking, vaping heats but does not burn the plant material, reducing exposure to harmful toxins such as tar, carbon monoxide, and other carcinogens.
Is vaping medical cannabis safe?
Although vaping is considered to be a much safer and healthier alternative to smoking, it must be done through a reputable and regulated device. Low-quality, unregulated vapes can still pose health risks, as can vaping unregulated and potentially contaminated cannabis products.
In the UK, medical cannabis products are subject to a high level of regulation, ensuring safety and quality for patients.
How fast does vaping medical cannabis work?
One of the main advantages of vaping medical cannabis, as opposed to other administration methods, is the rapid onset of effects. When inhaled, the cannabinoids and terpenes bypass the digestive system and enter the bloodstream directly through the lungs, with the effects being felt within one minute.
The effects of vaporised medical cannabis usually last anywhere between one and three hours, depending on the patient's metabolism and tolerance.
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.