Chronic pain is a significant issue in the UK, affecting at least 28 million adults. This condition not only reduces quality of life but also places a heavy burden on the NHS and the economy, with costs estimated at around £10 billion annually 1.
As a result, many people are exploring alternative treatments, including medical cannabis, which is gaining recognition for its potential in managing chronic pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties and natural pain relief.
Key Takeaways
- Chronic pain affects at least 28 million adults in the UK, leading to significant healthcare costs 1.
- Medical cannabis offers potential anti-inflammatory effects and natural pain relief.
- Prescription medications like Epidyolex, Nabilone, and Sativex have proven effective for specific conditions 2.
- Interactions with other medications and THC-related risks require careful consideration.
- Ongoing clinical trials are essential to validate the effectiveness of medical cannabis for chronic pain.
Understanding Medical Cannabis and Its Components
Medical cannabis contains over 60 active compounds, primarily THC and CBD. THC is known for its psychoactive effects, while CBD is recognised for its potential to relieve anxiety and pain without causing a “high.” These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating pain and inflammation 3.
In medicinal cannabis, CBD levels are often higher to minimise THC’s psychoactive effects while still providing pain relief. However, THC can cause side effects such as anxiety and impaired concentration, while CBD might lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea. These effects are particularly relevant when considering potential interactions with other medications, emphasising the need for careful medical supervision when using cannabis products.
The Legal Landscape of Medical Cannabis in the UK
The UK’s stance on medical cannabis has evolved significantly. Since 2018, specialist doctors have been able to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs), but strict regulations govern their use. Nearly 1.4 million people in the UK could be eligible for medical cannabis treatment 3.
CBD products like Epidyolex for severe epilepsy and Sativex® for multiple sclerosis have been approved for specific uses. However, the regulatory environment for medical cannabis continues to evolve, with ongoing research frequently updating our understanding of these treatments 2. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) oversees the safe use of CBMPs, ensuring they are prescribed by knowledgeable professionals.
How Medical Cannabis Works for Chronic Pain Management
Medical cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is crucial for regulating pain and inflammation. THC and CBD, the primary components of cannabis, engage with this system in different ways. THC, known for its psychoactive effects, influences nerve function and pain perception. CBD modulates these receptors and interacts with others that manage pain and inflammation 1.
In the UK, approximately 28 million adults suffer from chronic pain, highlighting the scale of this health challenge 1. Medical cannabis is being explored as a safer alternative to opioids, with evidence suggesting it may reduce the need for these painkillers and their associated side effects.
Medical cannabis is particularly effective in managing neuropathic pain, non-cancer-related pain, and allodynia. However, it is less effective for acute or visceral pain, requiring careful patient selection and treatment planning 1.
Accessing Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain Through Private Clinics in the UK
In recent years, it has become increasingly accessible for patients in the UK to obtain a medical cannabis prescription for chronic pain, though primarily through private clinics. The NHS remains restrictive, offering medical cannabis only for a narrow range of conditions (chronic pain not included), while private clinics provide a broader path for patients seeking relief from chronic pain.
These private clinics streamline the process, often starting with an online consultation where a specialist assesses the patient’s suitability for medical cannabis treatment. If deemed appropriate, the patient can receive a prescription for CBMPs. These products are typically sourced from a licensed pharmacy, and the prescribing clinician monitors the patient’s ongoing treatment.
The rise of private clinics has made it easier for patients to access medical cannabis, bypassing the often lengthy and restrictive NHS approval process 1.
Despite the costs, many patients find the benefits of medical cannabis in managing chronic pain outweigh the financial burden. It is crucial for patients to ensure they are receiving treatment from reputable clinics with experienced healthcare providers.
Medical Cannabis and CBD for Chronic Pain: Patient Experiences and Clinical Evidence
Medical cannabis and CBD have gained significant attention for their potential in managing chronic pain. Many patients report reduced pain and improved sleep after using these treatments. A 2021 survey published in the “Journal of Pain Research” highlighted significant relief among chronic pain patients using CBD 4.
Scientific evidence also supports the efficacy of medical cannabis. A comprehensive review demonstrated that cannabis alleviates pain in animal models with chronic pain due to injury or disease 4. Additionally, clinical trials have shown that CBD-rich, low-THC strains are safe and may be a good first choice for treatment.
Medical cannabis also shows potential in reducing opioid dependency. The POINT study, published in “Drug and Alcohol Dependence,” revealed that combining cannabis with opioids allowed patients to reduce opioid use and experience fewer side effects 4. However, stigma and the high cost of medical cannabis remain significant barriers.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Medical Cannabis
While medical cannabis offers promising benefits, it also comes with potential risks, particularly related to THC. Regular THC use has been linked to an increased risk of developing conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. About half of those experiencing cannabis-induced psychosis may go on to develop a chronic psychotic disorder 5.
CBD, while generally considered safer, is not without its side effects. Common issues include gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhoea. Moreover, CBD can interfere with the metabolism of other medications, making it essential to monitor these interactions carefully.
Certain populations should avoid THC altogether, including individuals with a history of mental health disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with heart conditions or a history of substance abuse 6.
Liver health is another important consideration when using medical cannabis, especially CBD. Regular monitoring of liver function may be necessary to prevent potential damage. In the UK, medical cannabis is prescribed with caution. The NHS will only offer it for specific conditions like rare forms of epilepsy and spasticity related to multiple sclerosis 6.
Conclusion
Medical cannabis presents both opportunities and challenges in managing chronic pain. Evidence suggests it can significantly reduce pain and may decrease reliance on opioid painkillers. However, much remains to be understood about its full therapeutic potential and safety profile. Ongoing research is critical to developing comprehensive guidelines for its use in pain management.
As laws evolve, healthcare professionals must incorporate medical cannabis thoughtfully into their practice, ensuring patients receive the most effective and safe care possible. Studies across diverse populations and conditions, such as neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia, will be instrumental in refining the best practices for its use in pain relief. Balancing its therapeutic benefits with the need for patient safety will be key to its successful integration into modern medical practice.
Have you had any experience with private medical cannabis clinics in the UK? Help the community by leaving a UK medical cannabis review at Cannabis Access Clinics!
Source Links
- https://painrelieffoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1.-Managing-Chronic-Pain-in-the-Community-The-Invisible-Epidemic-002.pdhttps://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use-cbpms/
- https://businessofcannabis.com/unlocking-the-potential-uks-evolving-landscape-of-medical-cannabis-research/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10653616/
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/medical-marijuana-faq
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/medical-cannabis/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546424/
