In 2017, nearly 900,000 Americans had medical cannabis licenses, a number that has grown tenfold since 2009. This surge reflects a growing recognition of medical cannabis’s value in the USA.
However, obtaining a prescription remains challenging in the U through the NHSK, where only a select few patients can access it despite rising demand and supportive research. Thnkfully, there are many private clinics and practitioners that are able to prescribe cannabis-based medicines for those who need it1–2.
Navigating Prescriptions: NHS vs. Private Clinics
Securing a medical cannabis prescription in the UK is notably easier through private medical cannabis clinics compared to the NHS. The NHS has stringent guidelines, restricting access to severe cases such as certain types of epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and multiple sclerosis (MS) muscle stiffness. In contrast, private clinics offer more accessible pathways, with streamlined processes and a broader range of qualifying conditions.
Private clinics are more flexible. Specialists working in these clinics can prescribe medical cannabis for a wider range of conditions, including chronic pain, mental health conditions, and Parkinson’s disease.
They can tailor their services to individual patient needs. The consultation process in private clinics tends to be more thorough. It often involves detailed medical histories and personalised treatment plans. This patient-centred approach can be more effective, leading to better outcomes.1–2-3.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 900,000 Americans were registered as cannabis patients in 20171.
- Very few people in England are likely to get an NHS prescription for medical cannabis2.
- Nearly 1.4 million people in the UK are estimated to use cannabis for medical purposes illegally.
- Very few in England receive NHS prescriptions for medical cannabis.
- General practitioners are not allowed to prescribe medical cannabis in the UK, and often face challenges due to limited knowledge about medical cannabis.
Understanding Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis is utilized to address specific health issues. In England, only a limited number of individuals may receive it through the NHS, primarily for conditions such as two types of epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and severe muscle stiffness from multiple sclerosis (MS).
For epilepsy, Epidyolex is available, which is free from the psychoactive effects of THC. Nabilone is prescribed for adults experiencing chemotherapy-induced nausea that other medications fail to alleviate. Nabiximols is another option for managing muscle spasms in MS patients when other treatments are ineffective.
The use of medical cannabis on the NHS is strictly regulated. Only specialist doctors can prescribe or oversee its use. While it may offer relief, products containing THC pose risks, such as the potential for psychosis or dependency. Additionally, purchasing cannabis illegally carries the danger of unknown contents, leading to adverse effects like nausea, hallucinations, or dizziness.
Research into medical cannabis continues, but its recreational use remains unlikely to be legalized. As CBD becomes increasingly integrated into medical treatments, ensuring the safety and quality of these products is essential for patient health2.
Benefits of Medical Cannabis for Patients
Medical cannabis shows promise in managing chronic pain, though further research is needed. It holds potential for treating severe epilepsy, reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea, and alleviating muscle stiffness associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Epidyolex, a CBD-based medication, effectively manages severe epilepsy, while Nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid, assists chemotherapy patients in overcoming nausea and vomiting.
Cannabidiol (CBD), a key component of medical cannabis, is renowned for its therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects. Epidyolex, derived from CBD, is prescribed for severe epilepsy conditions such as Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. Nabilone, which mimics THC, is used to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
The benefits of medical marijuana are gaining increasing support, bolstered by studies and patient testimonials. Positive feedback is particularly evident from patients with multiple sclerosis and those experiencing chemotherapy side effects like nausea. This growing body of evidence strengthens the case for medical cannabis, potentially leading to improved patient health and quality of life2.
Ensuring Safety and Quality
Ensuring the safety and quality of medical cannabis is paramount. The presence of THC in certain products can lead to psychosis and dependency, necessitating cautious prescription. Clinical trials are vital to understanding the precise effects of cannabis products. Monitoring side effects, such as changes in appetite, mood swings, dizziness, and hallucinations, is crucial. Regular liver function tests, especially with CBD products, are essential to ensure patient safety.
Many medical cannabis items contain THC, which increases the risk of psychosis and dependency. More clinical trials are needed to fully understand their effects. Obtaining cannabis illegally is highly risky as the content is unknown.
When prescribing cannabis, monitoring side effects is critical. Patients may experience changes in appetite, mood swings, dizziness, and potential hallucinations. Regularly checking liver health, particularly with CBD products, enhances the safety of medical cannabis for everyone5-6.
Comparing Medical Cannabis to Traditional Treatments
Medical cannabis, particularly Epidyolex, has proven effective in treating severe epilepsy, gaining approval from both NICE and the British Paediatric Neurology Association. However, NICE does not generally recommend cannabis treatments for chronic pain due to insufficient evidence, except for Sativex, used for muscle stiffness in MS. Comparing cannabis to traditional treatments reveals its potential to reduce opioid dependency, highlighting significant health and safety benefits.
CBD, the key part of cannabis that doesn’t make you ‘high’, is still under close watch. It’s known for its medical powers. Some studies show cannabis and its compounds might ease long-term pain problems. Many people facing conditions like migraines, arthritis, and ongoing pain have tried medical cannabis.
There’s also evidence that using medical cannabis may lower the need for opioid painkillers. This could mean big health and safety bonuses. But, generally, NICE doesn’t say yes to cannabis treatments for long-term pain because the proof isn’t strong enough7.
That said, in the UK, patients can recieve medical cannabis prescriptions through private medical cannabis clinics for a much wider range of health concerns than those offered by the NHS. These clinics are staffed by specialist doctors who have a deep understanding of medical cannabis and its potential benefits. They can offer many other cannabis-based mediations, including oils, capsules, and dried flower.
Why Doctors Should Prescribe Medical Cannabis
Doctors must identify the select few patients who may benefit from medical cannabis under current regulations. Despite limited accessibility through the NHS, many patients report symptom relief from severe epilepsy and chemotherapy-induced nausea. However, to prescribe it responsibly, doctors need comprehensive knowledge of medical cannabis, considering potential risks like psychosis and dependency.
While there is limited clear evidence that medical cannabis alleviates certain types of pain, an increasing number of patients report significant relief. Nabilone, a drug similar to THC, is used to help chemotherapy patients who suffer from persistent nausea. These real-life success stories fuel the ongoing debate about the role of medical cannabis in treatment.
Medical cannabis and its use by doctors require careful and legal consideration. Purchasing products online without a prescription can be illegal, low-quality, or even dangerous. Additionally, high-THC products carry risks of mental health issues and addiction. This underscores the necessity for doctors to be diligent and responsible when prescribing medical cannabis. Strengthening their medical knowledge and prioritizing patient well-being are essential2.
Real-Life Patient Success Stories
Patient success stories show the big changes that medical cannabis can make. For example, Rebecca couldn’t find relief for her CRPS until she tried medical cannabis. It’s a powerful example of how this treatment can help8. Charlotte saw her 300 weekly seizures drop drastically once she started using medical cannabis. This case highlights how beneficial cannabis can be, even in the toughest situations8.
Then there’s Ashley, who dealt with ALL and found great help for her seizures and pain in medical marijuana8. Walter improved his COPD symptoms with CBD hemp oil. It shows that medical cannabis has a lot to offer besides just seizure relief8. And Beyla’s seizures reduced a lot, and she got better at walking and talking, thanks to medical marijuana8.
Vivian cut down her monthly seizures from 12-15 to nearly none, all without brain surgery just by taking CBD oil8. Sadie, who had very frequent seizures since she was a baby, got to celebrate her fifth birthday because CBD oil helped her pain and seizures8. Lastly, Lucy’s life got better with medical cannabis, showing that its positive effects are worth the costs and careful monitoring9.
These stories highlight the varied benefits of medical cannabis for difficult health issues. They show how cannabis can truly change lives for the better. This insight is key for understanding the role of cannabis in improving the lives of those with serious conditions.
Barriers and Challenges for Physicians
Patient success stories from the UK vividly illustrate the transformative impact of medical cannabis, particularly for epilepsy sufferers who have been instrumental in changing laws. One such story is Alfie Dingley, a young boy with a rare form of epilepsy. With the use of cannabis oil, Alfie experienced a significant reduction in seizures, leading to the UK’s first long-term license for medical cannabis. Another impactful case is Billy Caldwell, whose mother, Charlotte Caldwell, campaigned tirelessly after his medical cannabis was confiscated. Her relentless advocacy eventually prompted the government to reassess its stance on cannabis-based medicines. Billy’s case, amplified by widespread media coverage and public support, played a crucial role in changing laws, enabling more patients to benefit from medical cannabis.
Teagan Appleby’s story is equally compelling. A young girl with severe epilepsy, Teagan benefited enormously from medical cannabis, thanks to her mother Emma’s persistent campaigning for access. The successful management of Teagan’s seizures with medical cannabis further bolstered the call for policy reform.
These real-life examples underscore the profound impact of medical cannabis on patient health and well-being, highlighting its potential to not only improve lives but also to drive significant policy changes.
NHS vs Private Medical Cannabis Prescriptions
When comparing NHS and private medical cannabis prescriptions, there are clear differences. The NHS has stringent guidelines and only prescribes medical cannabis for a narrow range of severe conditions. This makes it challenging for many patients to get the treatment they need.
Private medical cannabis clinics, on the other hand, are more flexible. They offer a broader range of qualifying conditions and have streamlined processes for obtaining a prescription. These clinics often provide a more personalised approach, with detailed consultations and tailored treatment plans.
Patients using private clinics generally find the process more patient-friendly. They have quicker access to consultations and less waiting time for prescriptions. The flexibility and tailored care of private clinics can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Conclusion
The role of medical cannabis in treatment is expanding, with strong evidence supporting its benefits for chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and MS symptoms. Despite these advances, many doctors remain hesitant due to a lack of knowledge and clear guidelines. Improving education and conducting more research is essential to boost doctors’ confidence in prescribing medical cannabis. As legal access to cannabis grows, overcoming regulatory barriers to research is crucial for the future of medical cannabis in healthcare.
In the UK, private medical cannabis clinics are providing a much-needed solution, offering patients access to a wider range of conditions and treatments. These clinics, staffed by specialist doctors with in-depth knowledge of medical cannabis, prioritise patient well-being and aim to improve outcomes.
With real-life success stories showcasing the transformative impact of medical cannabis on patient health, there is an urgent need for more doctors to embrace this alternative treatment option. By educating themselves on the latest research and collaborating with specialist clinics, doctors can confidently prescribe medical cannabis and help improve patients’ lives. Let us continue to advocate for more accessible and responsible use.
Here at Cannabis Access Clinics, we offer patients the opportunity to read and leave reviews that contribute to our knowledge and understanding of the cannabis medicine landscape here in the UK. We are dedicated to providing patients with unbiased reviews, so they can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Source Links
- https://ldi.upenn.edu/our-work/research-updates/should-physicians-prescribe-cannabis/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/medical-cannabis/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8532330/
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/medical-marijuana-faq
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9544511/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7720894/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7436434/
- https://www.bbc.com/news/health-57098858
