Cannabis?
What exactly is medical cannabis?
Medical cannabis is many things, to many people. At Curaleaf International, we strive to offer cannabis care to every single person who needs it, via prescription from specialist healthcare professionals. We’ve come a long way already – but there is still a long way to go.
Any cannabis that is used in a clinical setting to treat people is called a cannabis-based medicinal product – or ‘medical cannabis’. A number of products fall into this category, including the whole cannabis flower, capsules, oils and sprays.
There are over 120 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, the most common being cannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). A unique combination of CBD and THC are tailored to meet individual treatment needs.
Frequently asked questions
How does medical cannabis work?
Medical cannabis can be referred to as nature’s dimmer switch. It can turn down the intensity and frequency of symptoms associated with many conditions.
Your body already has a system to respond to cannabis, called the endocannabinoid system. When you take medical cannabis, certain parts of what’s in the plant interact with this system to produce a number of effects. This is what can help relieve symptoms.
Who can access medical cannabis?
The NHS only funds medical cannabis for a small range of conditions. These are Dravet’s or Lennox-Gastaut syndromes (two treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy), moderate to severe stiffness associated with multiple sclerosis, and nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.
Medical cannabis products for any other conditions are only accessible through private appointments with a doctor who specialises in those conditions. For these appointments you’ll need information from your GP, namely any letters from specialists you have already seen.
With this information, it can be determined whether cannabis might be able to help you. Your best bet is to book an assessment with specialists at Sapphire Medical – click here for more information on this.
Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?
Yes, since November 2018. However, prescriptions are only given by specialist doctors.
Can my GP prescribe medical cannabis?
GPs cannot prescribe cannabis-based medicine in the UK as treatment must be initiated by a clinician listed on the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council. Visit Curaleaf Clinic for information on how to check eligibility.
Does my boss need to know I use medical cannabis?
Your boss and employer should provide reasonable workplace adjustments for people who have a medical cannabis prescription.
