What is Medical Cannabis?

Medical cannabis, including cannabis oils, refers to any cannabis-based medication used for symptom relief. Medical cannabis should be used under the supervision of a medical professional.

Medicinal Cannabis is only available on prescription from a specialist doctor and is not available from a GP.

In the UK, medical cannabis products are only approved for use in specific circumstances, such as for individuals with multiple sclerosis-related muscle spasms, or for those with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting that have not responded to other treatments.

It’s important to note that the use of medical cannabis in the UK is highly regulated and restricted and that the recreational use of cannabis remains illegal. Additionally, the effectiveness of medical cannabis in treating specific conditions is still being studied, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.

In the UK, medical cannabis can be used under strict conditions to manage symptoms that traditional therapies haven’t relieved. These cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) primarily include compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Is Medical Cannabis Legal in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, medical cannabis is classified as a Schedule 1 drug, which means that it is considered to have no medicinal value and is illegal to possess, supply, or produce. However, in 2018, the law was changed to allow specialist doctors to prescribe medical cannabis products for certain conditions.

The UK is traditional in lawmaking and takes time for progressive measures. This made progress towards medical cannabis legislation slow, although there is now possible access for 1.4 million people self-medicating and using the drug illicitly. According to current cannabis law, cannabis is a Class B drug, and its recreational use is a crime. The use of medical cannabis is only legal upon strict instruction by a GMC Specialist Doctor.

It is not surprising that the cannabis legislation is well-supported by the public. The growing, importing, and buying of cannabis requires a license. The UK government grants a license to only a few growers to maintain the standard and quality of products.

Summary:

• Doctors in the UK can prescribe cannabis treatments to patients.
• It is illegal to buy cannabis-based products containing THC in the UK.
• Some THC-containing products might be available for purchase online.
• Possession of cannabis without a medical prescription can lead to criminal charges.
• Cannabis products without THC, such as certain CBD or hemp-based beauty and health products, are legal in the UK.
• Hemp is derived from a different part of the cannabis plant and does not contain THC.

What form does medical cannabis come in the UK?

Cannabis Oil Spray

Types of medical cannabis that can be prescribed in the UK include Epidyolex, which is a liquid form of cannabidiol, Nabilone, which is taken as a capsule, and Nabiximols, which is sprayed into the mouth.

Dried Flower

Dried flowers and oils can also be prescribed to some patients in the UK however the cost of this can be extremely high- sometimes reaching £850 per month! There are schemes available that
allow access to these medicines at a capped rate of £300 per month if you meet the criteria for a prescription. These are prescribed as unlicensed medicines under only strict instructions from a
specialist discipline doctor.

Other cannabis-based products are legal to buy in the UK from health stores; these products do not contain THC, so may not be effective for the severe health problems that can be treated with medical cannabis.

What Conditions Qualify for Medical Cannabis in the UK?

To qualify for medical cannabis in the UK, a patient must have a diagnosed medical condition that hasn’t responded to conventional treatments. Medical cannabis is most commonly prescribed for conditions such as:

• Chronic pain
• Severe treatment-resistant epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity
• Intractable nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
• Seizures

Prescriptions are typically issued by a specialist doctor who determines that the benefits of using medical cannabis outweigh the risks. It’s important to note that only patients whose conditions are not adequately managed by standard medicines are considered for medical cannabis.

More about specialist conditions

Chronic Pain: Cannabis has been found to be effective in managing chronic pain caused by conditions such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and nerve damage. In several studies, patients reported a significant reduction in pain after using medical cannabis.

Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness, tremors, and spasms. Studies have shown that medical cannabis can effectively reduce the frequency and severity of these symptoms.

Epilepsy: Medical cannabis has been found to be effective in treating epilepsy, particularly in children with treatment-resistant epilepsy. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that a compound found in cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), reduced the frequency of seizures in patients with Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy.

Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a condition that causes increased pressure in the eye, leading to vision loss. Medical cannabis has been shown to reduce intraocular pressure, slowing the progression of the disease.

Depression: Medical cannabis has also been found to be effective in treating depression, with patients reporting improvements in mood, sleep, and appetite. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that medical cannabis was as effective as traditional antidepressants in treating symptoms of depression.

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Key Takeaways

• In some cases, medical cannabis has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms such as pain and nausea, and in controlling seizures in certain forms of epilepsy.
• Its use is not without risks and side effects, and the appropriate dosages and methods of administration are still being studied.
• It’s also important to note that medical cannabis is a complex and rapidly evolving field, and that the use of cannabis-based products should only be done under the supervision of a doctor and in accordance with the laws and regulations of the patient’s jurisdiction.
• Before using medical cannabis, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine if it is appropriate and safe for you.

What’s the Difference Between CBD and Medical Cannabis?

Medical Cannabis contains around 100 different chemicals that all affect the body in different ways. The main two chemicals that have healing properties in medical cannabis are THC and cannabidiol.

CBD (cannabidiol) and medical cannabis are often confused but are not the same. The primary differences are:

• CBD: Cannabidiol is a compound found in cannabis that is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with cannabis use. CBD products, such as oils and supplements, are legal in the UK if they contain minimal THC.
• Medical Cannabis: This term refers to cannabis-based products that include both THC and CBD. THC is the psychoactive component that can alter mood and perception.

While CBD is widely available and can be purchased over-the-counter, Medical Cannabis products with THC are controlled and used only for specific medical conditions under prescription.

What Is Cannabis sativa L.?

Cannabis sativa L. is a species of the Cannabis plant, commonly known as marijuana or hemp. It is a tall, annual plant with narrow leaves and a sturdy stem, and is native to Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

Cannabis sativa L. is one of the three main subspecies of the Cannabis plant, along with Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. It has been cultivated for thousands of years for its fiber, seeds, and medicinal properties.

The plant contains over 100 different compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes, which are thought to be responsible for its effects on the human body. The two most well-known cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which have different effects on the body and are used for different purposes.

It’s important to note that the use of Cannabis sativa L. is highly regulated in many countries, and that its use for medical or recreational purposes may be illegal in some jurisdictions. Before using Cannabis sativa L., it is important to familiarise yourself with the laws and regulations in your area.

CBD and THC are two of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Despite their similar chemical structures, they interact with the body’s receptors in different ways. This distinction means that only THC produces the high typically linked to cannabis use. While both CBD and THC engage with the endocannabinoid system, there are key differences between them. Most importantly, unlike THC, CBD does not have the psychoactive effects commonly associated with the cannabis high.

The graphic below provides further insight into the differences between CBD and THC and their potential medical applications.

CBD vs. THC medicinal uses

How Much Does Medical Cannabis Cost in the UK?

• The cost of medical cannabis in the UK can vary depending on the product and the treatment plan. On average:
• Initial consultation with a specialist: Between £50 and £200.
• Follow-up appointments: Approximately £50 to £100 each.
• Monthly prescriptions: Prices can range from £150 to £500, depending on the dosage and type of medical cannabis product.

The cost is currently not covered by the NHS for most patients, meaning it is often paid for privately. Some exceptions exist for conditions like severe treatment-resistant epilepsy in children, where the NHS may cover the cost.

Does the UK Produce Medical Cannabis?

Yes, the UK does produce medical cannabis, although it is heavily regulated. The production is primarily for pharmaceutical purposes and is tightly controlled by government agencies to ensure the quality and safety of the products. The UK’s medical cannabis production is focused on creating standardised, high-quality products that meet medical-grade standards for prescription use.

How to Get Medical Cannabis in the UK?

To get medical cannabis in the UK, you must go through the following steps:

1. Consult with your GP: Discuss your symptoms and ask if you might be a candidate for medical cannabis.
2. Referral to a Specialist: If your GP agrees, they will refer you to a specialist who can assess your condition in detail.
3. Evaluation: The specialist will determine if medical cannabis is the right treatment option for you.
4. Prescription: If approved, a prescription will be issued for a specific cannabis-based product tailored to your medical needs.

How does cannabis work medically?

Cannabinoids are the active chemicals in medical cannabis and are similar to chemicals the body makes that are involved in appetite, memory, movement, and pain. Limited research suggests cannabinoids might:

• Reduce anxiety
• Reduce inflammation
• Relieve pain

Navigating Medical Cannabis in the UK

In 2018, the UK government legalised medical cannabis, opening doors for thousands of patients of diverse backgrounds and ages who now rely on the plant to manage a spectrum of mental and physical conditions.

Chemical structures

Medical cannabis is a pharmaceutical-grade cannabis drug comprising varied concentrations of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids. Available in forms such as drops, sprays, and raw flower, the prescribed cannabis type and cannabinoid profile are tailored to the patient’s condition and preferences.

NHS and Cannabis Medicines

Currently, the NHS offers only two cannabis medicines: Epidyolex for treatment-resistant epilepsy and Sativex for MS-related muscle spasticity. Nabilone, a synthetic THC-like drug, aids chemotherapy patients in alleviating sickness and vomiting.

Access to other cannabis medicines requires private clinic visits, with NHS doctors having issued only three medical cannabis prescriptions since legalisation.

Clinics and Specialist Prescriptions

Specialist doctors in private clinics predominantly handle medical cannabis prescriptions in the UK. These clinics serve the majority of medical cannabis patients, addressing conditions ranging from anxiety and insomnia to Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis.

Chronic pain patients form a substantial portion of these prescriptions. Consultation appointments are mandatory to assess suitability, determine the appropriate medicine and formulation, and, if cannabis flower is prescribed, advise on vaping rather than smoking.

To obtain medical cannabis, patients must have a referral from a specialist doctor to a specialist clinic.

The specialist will then assess the patient’s condition and determine if medical cannabis is appropriate. If it is, they will write a prescription, which can be filled at a pharmacy.

Financial Considerations

The cost of medical cannabis in the UK is not covered by the National Health Service (NHS) and must be paid for privately. The cost can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds per month, depending on the patient’s condition and the type of product they are using.

While private prescriptions can be costly, initiatives like Project Twenty21 have contributed to a reduction in expenses. Many patients now spend approximately £150 per month, though costs vary based on the treated condition and required monthly medicine quantity. Consultation fees may also apply.

Medicinal  Cannabis: What the Research Shows

There have been several studies that suggest medical cannabis may have potential health benefits, including:

1. Pain management: A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that cannabis is effective in reducing chronic pain in adults (Cohen et al., 2015).
2. Multiple Sclerosis: In a randomised, placebo-controlled study, Sativex, a cannabis-based drug, was found to be effective in reducing spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis (Wade et al., 2004).
3. Nausea and vomiting: A review of studies published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that cannabis was effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy (Smith et al., 2011).
4. Epilepsy: In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, cannabidiol, a compound found in cannabis flower, was found to be effective in reducing seizures in children with a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome (Devinsky et al., 2017).

It’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits and risks of medical cannabis, and to determine appropriate dosages and methods of administration. Additionally, it is important to talk to a doctor before using medical cannabis to determine if it is appropriate and safe for you.

It’s important to note that while there is evidence to support the benefits of medical cannabis for these conditions, further research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential risks. Additionally, medical cannabis should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider and may not be appropriate for all individuals.

In conclusion, medical cannabis has shown potential in treating various health conditions such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, glaucoma, and depression. While more research is needed, the evidence to date suggests that medical cannabis may be a promising alternative treatment option for patients with these conditions.

References:
Cohen, S. et al. (2015). The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. JAMA. 313(24):2456-2473.
Wade, D.T. et al. (2004). A preliminary controlled study to determine whether whole-plant cannabis extracts can improve intractable neurogenic symptoms. Clinical Rehabilitation. 18(2):21-29.
Smith, F. et al. (2011). The endocannabinoid system and plant-derived cannabinoids in epilepsy and other neurological disorders. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 72(5):735-744.
Devinsky, O. et al. (2017). Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an open-label interventional trial. The New England Journal of Medicine. 376(25):2011-2020.

How to Obtain Medical Cannabis?

To obtain a prescription for medical cannabis in the UK, patients must first undergo a thorough assessment by a specialist doctor, who must determine that all other treatment options have been exhausted and that medical cannabis is the best treatment for their condition.

Prescriptions for medical cannabis must be issued by a specialist doctor on the General Medical Council’s Specialist Register. These specialists are mainly based in larger hospitals and include consultants in neurology, palliative care, and pain management, among others.

It’s important to note that while the law has changed to allow for the prescription of medical cannabis in the UK, access remains limited due to a lack of available products and specialist doctors. Additionally, the cost of medical cannabis products can be a significant barrier for patients in need.

In conclusion, obtaining a prescription for medical cannabis in the UK is a complex process that requires a thorough assessment by a specialist doctor and may not be accessible or affordable for all patients. The availability of medical cannabis products and specialists varies throughout the country, and patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if medical cannabis is an appropriate treatment option for their condition.

Key Takeaways

• Medical cannabis in the UK is used to treat specific conditions like chronic pain, severe epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis spasticity.
• It differs from CBD in that it contains THC, a psychoactive compound.
• The cost of medical cannabis in the UK can range from £150 to £500 per month.
• The UK does produce and regulate medical cannabis under strict guidelines.

Understanding the guidelines and eligibility for medical cannabis can help you make informed decisions about your treatment options. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for managing your health condition.

Find out how CPGUK can support you getting affordable medical cannabis using this form below.