In November 2018 the cannabis law was changed in the UK. It became legal for registered medical practitioners to prescribe medical cannabis products, which would be available through either the NHS or Private Health Clinics for specific conditions.
With this in mind, many long-term sufferers of certain health conditions can turn to a natural, holistic way to treat their everyday symptoms. It’s a choice that we now have, and many are unaware of this.
Studies show that there are 51% of UK residents living with chronic illnesses have not yet found an ideal solution or medication to treat or suppress the symptoms of their illness.
From personal experience (diagnosed with mixed anxiety and depression – MAD written on my medical certificate… ironic) the traditional multiple medications prescribed were needed, but with so many side effects (numbing, fatigue, tired mentally). Medicinal cannabis, to me, has been a godsend, nature at its best. Fully supported by the company of my choice.
However, I have quickly realised, that there are so many misconceptions and a huge lack of knowledge surrounding the use of medical cannabis, its effects, and how it will improve both physical and mental health. During this blog, I shall try and improve my knowledge and in doing so will pass this information to my readers.
If you would like to research yourself and are interested in learning more about the vast benefits of medical cannabis and how it could improve your life please refer to Mamedica and follow the link.
‘Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family’
Kofi Annan
Medical cannabis (Class B drug) is heavily regulated and obtaining it via NHS is difficult due to the strict NICE (National Institute Clinical Excellence) guidelines.
To obtain via NHS you must have at least one of these four conditions:
Dravet syndrome
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
Multiple sclerosis
Nausea developed as a result of chemotherapy
To obtain via a Government regulated Private Health Clinic you must have at least one of these sixteen conditions:
Alzheimer’s disease
Appetite loss
Cancer
Crohn’s disease
HIV & AIDs
Multiple sclerosis
Eating disorders
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Endometriosis
Mental health conditions – PTSD, anxiety, and depression
Muscle spasms
Nausea
Pain
Seizures
Wasting Syndrome
As with most medications, medical cannabis is prescribed by a registered medical practitioner, working within the latest government guidelines and with regular follow-up consultations (initially after 1 month then quarterly).
The private health clinic will request a copy of your medical history/notes from your general practitioner, and have a face-to-face discussion with you to determine if this is the correct form of treatment. Once your case has been considered a clinical judgment will be made and once agreed that this is an appropriate treatment, your case will go to a multidisciplinary meeting to confirm that treatment is necessary and prescription suitable.
A stringent and considered method to prescribe medication, from highly knowledgeable physicians (from my experience), giving individualised care with understanding. My physician had a psychiatric background, hence their knowledge and expertise targeted my condition. I accept that this is a private health care facility, where you are paying for their knowledge, expertise, and time and cannot be compared to our underfunded NHS system.
The image below is of dry herb vapouriser – the only legal method of inhalation in the UK.
Medical cannabis has varying concentrations of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive constituent in cannabis responsible for its euphoric effects. However, it’s important to note that medical cannabis is typically administered at dosages considerably lower than those employed for recreational use, primarily to obtain therapeutic benefits whilst alleviating the risk of intoxication or impairment.
The particular strain and method of administration wield significant influence over the probability of experiencing a psychotropic high. For instance, the vaporisation of cannabis tends to induce a swifter and more potent onset of effects in contrast to the more gradual and milder impact associated with cannabis oil consumption.
Ultimately, the chances of attaining a high from medical cannabis hinges upon a multitude of variables, encompassing the specific product, prescribed dosage, individual tolerance levels, and the underlying medical condition. Therefore it is pivotal that dosage recommendations prescribed by the medical practitioner are adhered to, to ensure safe and efficacious use.
Additionally, some medical cannabis products are prepared explicitly to produce therapeutic effects without the euphoria. These CBD (cannabidiol) )-only products have minimal THC content and have demonstrated positive benefits in the treatment of conditions such as epilepsy and anxiety disorders.
Certain CBD products can be purchased without a prescription in the UK. Products such as drops, sprays, supplements, and cosmetics are legal to buy as long as they contain no more than 0.2% THC.
Some prescribed products contain THC, CBD, and other organic products (terpenes) from the plant. Research has shown that combining these elements is more effective… the Entourage effect.
Personally, this medication has made my life easier. I am living with less anxiety, thoughts of doom and gloom, and less overthinking. Stress and anxiety over time take a toll on your physical and mental well-being, causing fatigue, headaches, and neck and back tension. Your immune system will weaken, suffer from insomnia, and your appetite will become less or more than usual. It’s difficult fighting an invisible disease that over 8 million of us in the UK suffer from and less than 50% access treatment.
Since medical cannabis was legalised in November 2018 there has been more research completed on its health benefits relating to the above disorders.
If you would like to research yourself and are interested in learning more about the vast benefits of medical cannabis and how it could improve your life please refer to (UK) Mamedica and follow the link. Please be aware that there are other private medical cannabis clinics available, however from personal experience, I would recommend (UK) Mamedica.
Once accepted browse MedBud (MedBudwiki) which is an independent organisation devoted to improving patients’ access to medical cannabis and browse the availability of oils, flower, cartridges, or capsules.
I hope this has improved your knowledge and understanding of why medical cannabis should be treated as any prescribed medication, alleviating any concerns if you have a friend or colleague who has been prescribed this wonderful plant.