In recent years, significant reviews by trusted organisations, such as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, have highlighted the medical benefits of cannabis. These findings have paved the way for its use in medical treatments.
Cannabis in pill form, for instance, has proven effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in adults undergoing chemotherapy. It has also shown benefits for patients suffering from chronic pain, often resulting in significant pain relief. Additionally, for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), short-term use of these pills can help reduce muscle stiffness.
However, further research is essential to fully understand the potential uses and risks of cannabis. Medicines like Sativex, a spray now available in the UK and Canada, are helping relieve pain and muscle stiffness in MS patients. As researchers continue to explore cannabis as a treatment, the call for wider approval of these medicines by regulatory bodies like the FDA is growing.
Key Takeaways
- Standardised cannabis medications are effective as antiemetics for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
- Nabiximols (Sativex) is a licensed spray in the UK and Canada, used for MS-related spasticity.
- Ongoing research is vital to uncover further medical uses of cannabis and ensure safety.
- Patients with chronic pain treated with cannabis report significant pain reduction.
- Short-term use of oral cannabinoids shows improvement in spasticity for MS patients.
- Clinical trials and reviews highlight the efficacy of cannabinoid therapeutics.
Introduction to Standardised Cannabis Medications
Pharmaceutical companies have reintroduced cannabinoids into medicine through products like Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The use of cannabis in medicine has expanded due to historical and modern legal developments. In 1985, the U.S. FDA approved synthetic THC (dronabinol) and nabilone for specific uses 2. Further advancements include Sativex®, a regulated mix of THC and cannabidiol (CBD), now available in the UK.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is also being tested for epilepsy and schizophrenia, showcasing the potential of cannabis-based medicines. Epidiolex®, derived from the cannabis plant, is pushing for approval in the US to treat severe seizures 2. With over 565 components across 23 classes, including 120 phytocannabinoids, the cannabis plant’s medical potential is vast 2.
Medical Marijuana vs. Standardised Cannabis Medications
The distinction between medical marijuana and standardised cannabis medications is crucial. Medical marijuana, while legal in some areas, often lacks consistency in active ingredients, making it difficult for patients to know what they are receiving. In contrast, standardised cannabis medications contain precise amounts of these ingredients, ensuring consistent and reliable results.
Determining a standard dose of cannabis is challenging due to variations in how the body absorbs THC and CBD, depending on the method of administration. These factors can influence the effectiveness of the treatment 3. Standardised medications offer more predictable outcomes, particularly important in managing chronic pain.
Medical marijuana does not provide this same level of reliability. The potency of cannabis can vary widely, leading to different effects and side effects 4. This variability underscores the importance of standardised cannabis medications as a safer and more effective treatment option.
Therapeutic Benefits of Standardised Cannabis Medications
Clinical trials have shown that standardised cannabis medicines are effective in reducing pain, particularly for chronic pain sufferers. Many patients are turning to cannabis over opioids, leading to a decrease in traditional pain medication prescriptions 5.
Cannabis has shown positive effects in managing conditions like chronic pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea. It also plays a role in neuroprotection, reducing spasticity symptoms in MS patients, further demonstrating its versatility 5.
As research continues, the potential for cannabis in treating diseases like MS, cancer, and arthritis becomes more apparent. The evidence supports cannabis as a key component in pain management, offering a reliable and safer alternative to some traditional medications 5.
Accessing Medical Cannabis Through Private Clinics in the UK
In the UK, accessing medical cannabis for chronic conditions like pain, MS, or chemotherapy-induced nausea is primarily possible through private clinics. While the NHS has been slow to embrace widespread cannabis prescriptions, private clinics have stepped in to fill the gap, providing patients with broader access to cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs).
These private clinics often offer an expedited process for patients. It typically begins with an online consultation, where a specialist evaluates the patient’s medical history and the appropriateness of medical cannabis for their condition. If the patient is deemed eligible, they receive a prescription that can be filled at a licensed pharmacy. The patient’s treatment is then
This access through private clinics has become a vital resource for those who have not found relief through traditional treatments.
It is essential for patients to choose reputable clinics that offer comprehensive care and follow-up. With the evolving landscape of medical cannabis in the UK, private clinics play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive safe, effective treatment.
Development of Cannabis-Based Pharmaceuticals
Medical cannabis has evolved from general use to more precise pharmaceutical applications. Researchers have identified 565 substances in the cannabis plant, including 120 different phytocannabinoids, highlighting its complexity and potential 2.
In clinical trials, 30 types of cannabinoids have been categorised, including Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC, CBD, and CBG, which are crucial for developing effective standardised medications 2. The creation of synthetic cannabinoids, such as dronabinol and nabilone, approved by the U.S. FDA, further underscores the potential of cannabis-based medicines 2.
Sativex®, an equal mix of THC and CBD, is used to treat conditions like MS, demonstrating the growing acceptance and effectiveness of these treatments 2. Ongoing research and clinical trials are essential to unlocking the full potential of cannabis in medicine, paving the way for innovative treatments for various health conditions.
Conclusion
The use of medical cannabis in the UK is rapidly expanding, particularly through private clinics that offer patients access to treatments not readily available through the NHS. Standardised cannabis medications have demonstrated significant potential in managing conditions like chronic pain, MS, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
As research continues, the role of cannabis in modern medicine will likely grow, providing patients with safer and more effective alternatives to traditional treatments. However, it is crucial that patients seek treatment through reputable clinics to ensure they receive the best possible care.
With ongoing studies and increasing acceptance, the future of cannabis-based medicines looks promising, offering new hope for those struggling with chronic conditions.
If you have any experience with private medical cannabis clinics in the UK, why not leave them a UK medical cannabis review at Cannabis Access Clinics? Doing so helps the whole community!
Source Links
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7318599/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6242809/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8832202/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8278552/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/
