What is Medical Cannabis?

Everything you need to know about cannabis-based medicines,
how they work, what’s available and how to take it.

Medical cannabis contains controlled amounts of THC and CBD, both components are necessary for the relief of multiple medical conditions. Over-the-counter CBD products cannot legally contain more than 0.3% THC.

THC and CBD stimulate the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, within the human body, and can benefit patients by easing pain, reducing nausea, alleviating anxiety, improving appetite and sleep patterns.

Medical cannabis offers a personalised approach to treatment, allowing patients to choose specific strengths and delivery methods, and potentially reducing their reliance on other pain medications that might be ineffective or causing unwanted side effects.

Medical cannabis can only be prescribed by Specialist Consultants who are registered with the General Medical Council; it is very rarely prescribed by GPs and Consultants working within the NHS.

Medical cannabis is regulated by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency); the organisation responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and effectiveness of medicines in the UK.

Medical cannabis contains controlled amounts of THC and CBD, both components are necessary for the relief of multiple medical conditions. Over-the-counter CBD products cannot legally contain more than 0.3% THC.

THC and CBD stimulate the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, within the human body, and can benefit patients by easing pain, reducing nausea, alleviating anxiety, improving appetite and sleep patterns.

Medical cannabis offers a personalised approach to treatment, allowing patients to choose specific strengths and delivery methods, and potentially reducing their reliance on other pain medications that might be ineffective or causing unwanted side effects.

Medical cannabis can only be prescribed by Specialist Consultants who are registered with the General Medical Council; it is very rarely prescribed by GPs and Consultants working within the NHS.

Types of medical cannabis

The choice between cannabis oil and dried flower will depend on individual
preferences, medical conditions, and desired therapeutic outcomes.

Oil, and how to take it

Cannabis oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the cannabis plant. Taking cannabis oil is generally much more discreet than inhaling the vapour from dried cannabis flower, and it offers greater control over the amount of cannabinoids consumed, thereby minimizing any psychoactive effects while maximizing therapeutic relief.

Cannabis oil is best administered sublingually. The oil is placed under the tongue and held there for at least 3 minutes before swallowing. This results in the best absorption of the medicine into the bloodstream. The oil usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes to have an effect and the effects usually last for up to 4 hours.

Flower, and how to take it

Dried cannabis flower is available in a variety of diverse strains and cultivars, each of which can contain different amounts of THC and CBD. The choice of options can be very helpful in allowing patients to select varieties that are somewhat tailored to their specific symptoms and preferences.

Dried flower should be ground and heated in a vaporizer and the resulting vapour can be inhaled. Inhaled flower usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes to have an effect and the effects usually last for up to 2 hours. We can supply patients with everything needed to vape the flower, including a premium portable vaporizer, a grinder and electronic scales.

Benefits of using both Oil and Flower

Some patients find benefits in having a supply of both oil and flower at the same time. Flower can provide instant relief, which can be useful when symptoms flare up in the day, and oil can provide a more gradual and longer-lasting relief, making it ideal for use in the evening and during the night.

This dynamic approach to treatment can give you more control, helping you to better manage your symptoms and potentially providing better value as your medication may end up lasting longer too.