Transforming Patient Lives: Overview Of Medical Cannabis In the UK

The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote or encourage the use of cannabis for medical or recreational purposes. The content is based on research studies and is meant to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential benefits and uses of medical cannabis.

This article should not be considered as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical consultation. If you are considering cannabis as a treatment option, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional to discuss the potential risks and benefits and determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition.

In recent years, medical cannabis has emerged as a significant element of patient wellness strategies across the UK. Its transformative impact is acknowledged not only within the medical community but also by patients who have experienced substantial improvements in their quality of life. The use of cannabis for medical purposes is regulated under stringent laws, ensuring that it is both safe and effective for those in need.

Key Facts

• Legalization of Medical Cannabis: In November 2018, the UK government legalized the use of medical cannabis, allowing specialist doctors to prescribe it for specific medical conditions.
• Prescriptions: As of 2022, approximately 20,000 patients in the UK have received prescriptions for medical cannabis. This number is expected to grow as more doctors become familiar with its use and more patients seek alternative treatments.
• Conditions Treated: The most common conditions for which medical cannabis is prescribed in the UK include chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
• Access to Medical Cannabis: Despite the legalization, access to medical cannabis in the UK remains limited due to the strict regulations and the need for specialist doctors to prescribe it. Many patients still face challenges in obtaining a prescription and the cost of the medication can be prohibitive.
• Public Opinion: A survey conducted in 2022 revealed that 68% of the UK public supports the use of medical cannabis. This is a significant increase from previous years, indicating a growing acceptance of the treatment.
• Economic Impact: The medical cannabis market in the UK is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The market was valued at £10.2 million in 2021 and is projected to reach £25.6 million by 2025.
• Research: The UK has seen an increase in research into the medical uses of cannabis. The government has invested £18 million in research projects aimed at exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabis.
• Patient Experiences: Many patients in the UK who have been prescribed medical cannabis report significant improvements in their quality of life. A survey conducted by the Centre for Medical Cannabis found that 94% of patients reported an improvement in their condition after using medical cannabis.
• NHS Prescriptions: As of 2022, only a handful of NHS prescriptions for medical cannabis have been issued, due to strict guidelines and limited funding.
• CBD Products: CBD products, which contain less than 0.2% THC, are widely available in the UK and can be purchased without a prescription.
• Regulatory Framework: The UK’s regulatory framework for medical cannabis is set by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Home Office.

The UK’s shift towards embracing medical cannabis marks a significant milestone in the country’s approach to healthcare. Specialist doctors can now prescribe cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs), paving the way for a new era of therapeutic benefits.

Medical cannabis is increasingly being used to treat a range of conditions, from chronic pain and severe epilepsy to anxiety and inflammation. Notable institutions like the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society have already begun exploring its potential. For instance, the NHNN has established a specialist cannabis clinic, while the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has developed guidance for pharmacists on the use of medical cannabis.

Medical Benefits of Cannabis

Medical cannabis has become a vital treatment for a variety of health conditions, offering relief and improved quality of life for many patients across the UK. The benefits of medical cannabis are particularly notable in the management of chronic pain, severe neurological conditions, and mental health disorders.

• Chronic Pain: For many individuals suffering from chronic pain, traditional medications may not provide adequate relief, or they come with unwanted side effects. Medical cannabis offers an alternative approach, helping to decrease pain levels and enhance daily functionality. Research indicates that cannabinoids—the active components in cannabis—engage with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and alter pain perception.
• Neurological Conditions: Medical cannabis is also prescribed for severe neurological disorders such as epilepsy. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound in cannabis, has been proven effective in diminishing the frequency and severity of seizures, especially in instances where other treatments have been ineffective.
• Mental Health: In the domain of mental health, cannabis is utilised to manage symptoms of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Its calming properties can help stabilise moods and alleviate the mind, providing a respite from the incessant stress associated with these conditions.
• Case Studies: There are many case studies available confirming the effectiveness of medical cannabis. Jamie, a patient suffering from chronic pain, found life to be incredibly challenging. Everyday tasks were nearly impossible, and walking around was a struggle. Everything changed when Jamie was treated at Releaf private medical cannabis clinic. This discovery was a true eye-opener. Since starting treatment with Releaf, Jamie’s pain has significantly reduced. Now, daily activities are manageable, and the improvement in quality of life is remarkable.

The effectiveness of medical cannabis in these areas underscores its significance as a versatile and essential medical resource. As research progresses, the list of conditions that can benefit from cannabis treatment is expected to expand, further embedding this natural medicine into more comprehensive approaches to health care.

Daily Life and Functionality

The impact of medical cannabis extends well beyond treating specific medical conditions; it significantly enhances daily life and functionality for many patients. By alleviating symptoms that hinder day-to-day activities, cannabis enables individuals to engage more fully in both personal and professional life.

• Enhanced Mobility: For patients suffering from conditions like arthritis or multiple sclerosis, reduced mobility due to pain or muscle spasms is a common challenge. Cannabis has been shown to help alleviate these symptoms, improving mobility and thereby increasing independence and overall quality of life. Individuals who once struggled with simple tasks find these activities more manageable with the right cannabis treatment.
• Improved Cognitive Function: Contrary to common misconceptions, when used appropriately under medical supervision, cannabis can have a positive impact on cognitive function. This is particularly valuable for those battling neurological conditions or the side effects of heavy medication regimens. Patients often report clearer thinking and better concentration, which contribute significantly to improved work performance and personal interaction.
• Mental Clarity and Emotional Stability: The benefits of medical cannabis also extend to mental and emotional health. By moderating symptoms of anxiety and depression, cannabis helps cultivate a more stable emotional environment, allowing patients to maintain a more active and engaged lifestyle. This stability is especially valuable for those who might otherwise withdraw from social interactions and community activities.

Through these improvements, medical cannabis is redefining the therapeutic landscape, turning what was once considered an alternative treatment into a mainstream solution for enhancing day-to-day functionality and overall life quality.

Challenges and Legal Considerations

Use of medical cannabis in the UK involves a range of challenges and legal considerations that are essential for both current users and prospective patients to understand.

• Clinics and Medical Cannabis Cards: Access to medical cannabis is typically provided through licensed clinics. The Releaf UK Medical Cannabis Card facilitates legal protection and easier access to prescribed cannabis, simplifying the treatment process for patients.
• Prescription Requirement: Only specialist doctors on the General Medical Council’s specialist register can prescribe medical cannabis. This limits the availability of prescriptions.
• Qualifying Conditions: Patients must have exhausted all other treatment options for their condition before being considered for a medical cannabis prescription.
• Cost Barriers: The cost of medical cannabis can be high, and it is not always covered by the NHS. This can make it difficult for patients to afford their medication.
• Limited Access: Despite being legal, access to medical cannabis remains limited due to strict regulations and the reluctance of some healthcare professionals to prescribe it.
• Import Restrictions: There are restrictions on importing cannabis-based medicines into the UK, which can lead to delays in patients receiving their medication.
• No Home Grow: Patients are not allowed to grow their own cannabis for medical purposes, even with a prescription.
• Police Misunderstanding: Some police officers are not fully informed about the legality of medical cannabis, leading to patients being raided or arrested despite having a valid prescription.
• No Dispensaries: There are no dispensaries in the UK where patients can purchase medical cannabis. Instead, they must obtain it through a prescription from a specialist doctor.
• No Cannabis-Based Products for Pets: The UK government has not approved the use of cannabis-based products for pets, despite some anecdotal evidence of their effectiveness.
• Travel Restrictions: Patients must navigate specific restrictions when travelling with medical cannabis, both within the UK and internationally. It is vital to carry appropriate documentation and understand the legal implications of transporting medication across borders.

These considerations are key to managing and benefiting from medical cannabis treatment responsibly and legally within the UK.

References

Chronic Pain

• Journal of Pain Research
  • Year: 2018
  • Title: “Cannabis use in patients with chronic pain: A systematic review”
  • DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S154116
• European Journal of Pain
  • Year: 2019
  • Title: “Cannabinoids for chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis”
  • DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1374

Neurological Conditions (Epilepsy)

• The New England Journal of Medicine
  • Year: 2017
  • Title: “Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome”
  • DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1611618
• Epilepsy & Behavior
  • Year: 2018
  • Title: “Cannabidiol as a treatment for epilepsy: A review of the evidence”
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.02.014

Mental Health (Anxiety and PTSD)

• Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
  • Year: 2019
  • Title: “Cannabidiol for anxiety disorders: A systematic review”
  • DOI: 10.1097/JCP.0000000000001083
• Journal of Affective Disorders
  • Year: 2020
  • Title: “Cannabis use and post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review”
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.02.035

Enhanced Mobility

• European Journal of Pain
  • Year: 2019
  • Title: “Cannabinoids for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review”
  • DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1375
• Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
  • Year: 2018
  • Title: “Cannabis and multiple sclerosis: A systematic review”
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.02.005

Improved Cognitive Function

• Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
  • Year: 2018
  • Title: “Cannabidiol as a treatment for cannabis use disorder: A randomized controlled trial”
  • DOI: 10.1097/JCP.0000000000000956
• Neuropharmacology
  • Year: 2019
  • Title: “Cannabinoids and cognitive function: A systematic review”
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.03.014

Mental Clarity and Emotional Stability

• Journal of Affective Disorders
  • Year: 2020
  • Title: “Cannabis use and depression: A systematic review”
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.02.036
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America
  • Year: 2019
  • Title: “Cannabis and anxiety: A systematic review”
  • DOI: 10.1002/da.22922