Pharmaceutical cannabis
Pharmaceutical cannabis is a rarely used but interchangeable term for medical cannabis. Other terms include medicinal cannabis, medical marijuana, and medical weed. These terms all refer to the use of the cannabis plant in clinical settings for its potential therapeutic benefits.
Is pharmaceutical cannabis legal in the UK?
Yes, medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in November 2018. This means that it can now be prescribed by specialist doctors for certain medical conditions.
What conditions can pharmaceutical cannabis treat?
Pharmaceutical cannabis, or medical cannabis, is used to treat a number of health conditions, including (but not limited to):
Chronic pain
Mental health issues
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Sleeping disorders
Epilepsy
Cancer
How is pharmaceutical cannabis prescribed?
Cannabis-based medications can be prescribed in various forms, including:
Dried flower
Oil
Capsules
Topical options
How is pharmaceutical cannabis prescribed?
Pharmaceutical cannabis prescriptions must come from a specialist listed on the General Medical Council's specialist register. This includes doctors specialising in neurology, oncology, or palliative care, among others.
The NHS is only willing to offer patients medical cannabis prescriptions if they are suffering from one of the following conditions:
Muscle spasticity due to MS
Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
Severe epilepsy that has not responded to other treatments
Private medical cannabis clinics (like Releaf) provide prescriptions for a much wider range of conditions, including chronic pain and mental health issues.
To find out more about pharmaceutical cannabis, click here
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help.