Medical Cannabis with Releaf

In the UK, the use of medical cannabis has garnered increasing attention, especially since recent legislative changes made cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) available through prescription by specialist doctors. This marks a significant shift in the medical landscape, offering new treatment options for those suffering from various conditions. In this article, we will explore the world of medical cannabis in the UK, from its legal status to its potential medical benefits, and how it can be prescribed and accessed.

Key Takeaways

What is Medical Cannabis and How Does it Work?

Medical cannabis is a treatment using cannabinoids like THC and CBD to help manage conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety. THC relieves pain and nausea but can cause a "high," while CBD offers therapeutic benefits like reducing seizures and anxiety without psychoactive effects.

Who Can Access Medical Cannabis in the UK?

Medical cannabis is legal in the UK but strictly regulated. It can only be prescribed by specialist doctors for specific conditions when other treatments have failed. Clinics like Releaf assess patients and provide prescriptions for privately funded cannabis-based products.

Challenges and Benefits of Medical Cannabis

While medical cannabis offers relief for chronic conditions, challenges include high costs, limited NHS access, and dosing complexities. Ongoing research by organisations like Drug Science is essential to improve understanding and make treatments more accessible in the future.

What Is Medical Cannabis?

Medical cannabis refers to the use of cannabis and its active compounds, known as cannabinoids, for medicinal purposes. These cannabinoids, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), are derived from the cannabis plant and have been found to have therapeutic effects. Unlike recreational cannabis use, medical cannabis is intended to treat specific health conditions under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

What Are the Most Popular Types of Cannabinoids?

The two most commonly known cannabinoids in the medical cannabis field are THC and CBD. These compounds have different properties and functions:

• THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis, which is known for producing the "high" associated with recreational use. However, it also has medicinal properties, especially in pain management and nausea relief.

• CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce a high. It has gained recognition for its potential therapeutic effects, including reducing anxiety, promoting sleep, and managing certain types of pain.

What Is THC?

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound in cannabis responsible for the psychoactive effects, often associated with the feeling of being "high". While it can have side effects such as dizziness or confusion, THC also has significant therapeutic uses, particularly in managing chronic pain, nausea, and muscle spasms, especially in conditions like multiple sclerosis and cancer.

What Is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is another major cannabinoid found in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and does not cause a high. It has been researched for its potential therapeutic effects in treating a variety of health conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety, and insomnia. Many patients turn to CBD-based products for relief from conditions where other treatments have not been effective.

How Has the Opinion on Medical Cannabis Use in the UK Changed in Recent Times?

Cannabis use has historically been a controversial issue in the UK due to concerns about the psychoactive effects of THC. However, increasing evidence of the medicinal benefits of cannabis, particularly CBD, has shifted public and medical opinion. In 2018, the UK government made significant changes to the law, allowing specialist doctors to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products for specific medical conditions. This change has opened up new treatment options for patients in need of relief from conditions like epilepsy, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis.

What Is the Medical Cannabis UK Law?

In November 2018, the UK government legalised the prescription of cannabis-based medicinal products for patients suffering from certain conditions. However, this change did not legalise cannabis for recreational use, which remains illegal. Medical cannabis is only available through a prescription from a specialist doctor and is tightly regulated. The law ensures that these products are prescribed under specific conditions, ensuring patient safety.

How Does the General Medical Council Regulate Medicinal Cannabis in the UK?

The General Medical Council (GMC) plays a key role in regulating the use of cannabis-based medicinal products in the UK. The GMC oversees a specialist register of doctors who are authorised to prescribe medical cannabis. These doctors undergo additional training to ensure they are equipped to safely and effectively manage cannabis-based treatments. This helps to ensure that prescriptions are issued responsibly and that patients receive the appropriate care.

What Is Releaf?

Releaf is a leading clinic in the UK’s medical cannabis sector. With a dedicated team of specialists, Releaf helps assess patients for suitability for medical cannabis treatment. They provide personalised care and prescriptions for cannabis-based medicinal products when appropriate. Releaf's experienced team of healthcare professionals ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care and access to cutting-edge treatment options.

What Is the Role of Medical Cannabis in Patient Care?

Medical cannabis plays a vital role in the management of certain health conditions, particularly when traditional treatments have proven ineffective. Cannabis-based products come in various forms, including oils, capsules, oral sprays, and topical creams. These products are used to address conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety. Some high-profile cases, particularly involving children with severe epilepsy, have highlighted the potential of medical cannabis to significantly improve patients’ quality of life by reducing symptoms such as seizures.

When Is Medical Cannabis Prescribed?

The prescription of cannabis-based medicinal products is typically considered when other treatment options have been exhausted or are unsuitable. Specialist doctors assess the patient’s condition to determine whether medical cannabis is an appropriate treatment. It's important to note that most cannabis-based medicinal products are not currently approved by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for NHS use. As a result, they are often prescribed privately, and the cost is borne by the patient.

What Are the Benefits of Medical Cannabis?

Medical cannabis has shown promise in the treatment of a variety of health conditions, particularly chronic pain and epilepsy. For many patients, traditional treatments may not provide adequate relief, making medical cannabis a valuable alternative. Cannabis-based products interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which regulates functions such as mood, pain, and inflammation. By influencing this system, cannabis-based medicines can help alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and severe epilepsy.

How Can Medical Cannabis Help Treat Chronic Pain?

Medical cannabis can be an effective treatment for chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain. The cannabinoids in medical cannabis interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, helping to reduce pain and inflammation. This makes it a valuable alternative for patients who have not found relief with other pain management treatments.

How Can Medical Cannabis Help Treat Epilepsy?

Cannabis-based medicinal products have been particularly beneficial for patients with epilepsy, especially those with severe forms like Dravet Syndrome. Research has shown that CBD in particular may have anticonvulsant properties, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Medical cannabis has provided significant improvements for some patients, particularly in cases where traditional treatments have failed.

What Side Effects Can Medical Cannabis Have?

While medical cannabis offers significant therapeutic benefits, it is important to be aware of potential side effects. Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, and changes in appetite or mood. In some cases, THC can cause psychoactive effects, such as confusion or hallucinations. It is essential that patients discuss potential risks with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.

What Challenges Are There in the Widespread Use of Medical Cannabis?

Despite its potential, there are challenges to the widespread use of medical cannabis in the UK. These include the complexity of dosing, the high cost of private prescriptions, and a lack of comprehensive clinical trials to confirm long-term safety and efficacy. Additionally, cannabis remains a controlled substance, which limits its accessibility.

Organisations like Drug Science and Releaf are leading the way in advancing research and gathering real-world data on the safety and effectiveness of cannabis-based treatments. These efforts are crucial in building a more comprehensive understanding of medical cannabis.

Is Medical Cannabis Legal in the UK?

Medical cannabis is legal in the UK but is subject to strict regulations. It is classified as a Schedule 2 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, meaning it can only be prescribed by a specialist doctor. While cannabis-based products are legal when prescribed, their use for recreational purposes remains illegal.

How Can Patients Get Access to Medical Cannabis in the UK?

To access medical cannabis, patients need a prescription from a specialist doctor registered with the General Medical Council. Clinics like Releaf offer consultations where doctors assess whether medical cannabis is suitable. Once a prescription is provided, patients can obtain their cannabis-based products through a pharmacy licensed to handle controlled substances.

How Much Does Medical Cannabis Cost in the UK?

The cost of medical cannabis treatment varies depending on the product and dosage prescribed. As cannabis-based products are not subsidised by the NHS, the cost is typically borne by the patient. Clinics like Releaf offer support to help patients navigate these costs.

What Is the Future of Medical Cannabis in the UK?

The future of medical cannabis in the UK looks promising, with growing research and increased public awareness. Continued research by organisations like Drug Science and patient registries such as the UK Medical Cannabis Registry will play a significant role in shaping the future of cannabis-based treatments. As more evidence becomes available, we can expect to see broader acceptance and greater accessibility for patients in need.

Final Thoughts

Medical cannabis has the potential to transform the lives of patients with chronic conditions, offering an alternative to traditional treatments. While the regulatory landscape is still evolving, clinics like Releaf and ongoing research into cannabis-based medicinal products are helping pave the way for greater patient care. As our understanding of cannabis-based medicine grows, so too will the conversation around its benefits and challenges. For patients seeking treatment, consulting with a healthcare provider who specialises in medical cannabis is the first step towards better managing their condition with this innovative therapy.

Sources

• Releaf.co.uk

• England NHS - Cannabis Based Products for Medicinal Use FAQs

• BMJ - Cannabis-based products for medicinal use

• UK Government - Factsheet on Cannabis, CBD, and Cannabinoids

• General Medical Council - Information for Doctors on Cannabis-based Products for Medicinal Use

• NHS - Medical Cannabis

• Drug Science - Medical Cannabis Working Group

• Wikipedia - Cannabis in the United Kingdom

• MHRA - Process for Approving Manufacturing Authorisations or API Registrations

• UK Medical Cannabis Registry

• BBC News - Medical cannabis: What are the rules and how does it work?

• England NHS - Cannabis Based Products for Medicinal Use FAQs (Synthetic Cannabinoids)