The Use Of Medical Cannabis

The recent news that the NHS is planning a clinical trial of cannabis oil in 2021 is ground-breaking and very welcome, given the myriad benefits of this versatile treatment. Although research is still ongoing, the preliminary evidence suggests that non-psychoactive cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are effective in treating many physical, emotional and mental health conditions. However, the existing UK legislation around cannabis has yet to catch up with other areas of the world, including many U.S. Canada, the Netherlands, South Africa and Lesotho. Cannabis became illegal in the UK in 1928 when it was added to the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1920, even though it is a relatively low-risk drug. According to NHS research (1), only about 10% of users develop an addiction, compared to 15% of alcohol users and 32% of smokers. Far more violent crimes are committed under the influence of alcohol, which is legal. The biggest concerns are that it could act as a gateway drug to more dangerous substances, and certain types of cannabis, especially those that are particularly high in THC, can negatively affect the user’s mood, prompting anxiety and paranoia.

Activists argue that legalisation allows for regulation of quality and access, which would help address these concerns. After lengthy debate, the use of cannabis for medical purposes only was finally approved in November 2018, but it requires a prescription and doctors are still wary of prescribing it. The two-year NHS study will see medical cannabis given to up to 20,000 UK patients. If it proves successful, the evidence could be what’s needed to convince doctors to prescribe it, and lawmakers to consider more widespread legalisation. Not surprisingly, given the rise of its illegal use over the last decades, legalisation already has huge public support. If it is legalised, similar regulations would likely be applied to those around alcohol. Buyers would need to be over 18 and it would only be (legally) available from licensed premises. Growing and importing marijuana would also require a licence. Although the UK Government has already granted a very limited number of licences to local growers, some of the best quality product comes from areas like Lesotho, a mountainous country within the borders of South Africa. Because of the excellent growing conditions, expertise and low-cost labour available there, it is likely that long-term, much of the cannabis used in the UK will be sourced from places like Africa, and then processed either there or elsewhere. Controlling and standardising the quality throughout the process is critical to ensure the safety and efficacy of the final product.

Talk to your health care provider about using lower THC products. The strength and effects of cannabis can vary greatly depending on the method of use and the strain. Follow your health care provider's instructions on what type of cannabis to try, how to take it, how much to use, and how often to take it. Understand how soon you may feel the effects of the product you use, and how long those effects may last. Ask your health care provider what you can expect. The product label may also have this information. Store cannabis in a safe and secure place. This is especially important with edible cannabis, which can be easily mistaken for treats or snacks. Make sure that children, friends, family, and pets can't get to them. Protect others from second-hand smoke. Smoke it outside or choose a room where you can open a window or use a fan to get the smoke outside.

If you're around someone who is smoking cannabis, you may feel some effects of the drug. Contact your health care provider if you have unwanted side effects or you think you have a problem with cannabis use. Fischer B, et al. Lower-risk cannabis use guidelines: A comprehensive update of evidence and recommendations. American Journal of Public Health, 107(8): e1-e12. Government of Canada (2018). Cannabis and mental health. Government of Canada (2018). Cannabis health effects. Government of Canada (2018). Health effects of cannabis. Government of Canada (2018). About cannabis. Government of Canada (2018). Consumer information: Cannabis. Porath-Waller, AJ (2015). Clearing the smoke on cannabis: Maternal cannabis use during pregnancy—An update. Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse. Holitzki H, et al. Health effects of exposure to second- and third-hand marijuana smoke: A systematic review. Canadian Medical Association Journal Open, 5(4): E814-E822. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

In addition, the report also recommended the compassionate use of marijuana under strict medical supervision. Furthermore, it urged more funding in the research of the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids. So what stands in the way of clarifying the questions brought up by the IOM report? The health authorities do not seem to be interested in having another review. There is limited data available and whatever is available is biased towards safety issues on the adverse effects of smoked marijuana. Data available on efficacy mainly come from studies on synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. THC). This disparity in data makes an objective risk-benefit assessment difficult. Clinical studies on marijuana are few and difficult to conduct due to limited funding and strict regulations. Because of the complicated legalities involved, very few pharmaceutical companies are investing in cannabinoid research. In many cases, it is not clear how to define medical marijuana as advocated and opposed by many groups. Does it only refer to the use of the botanical product marijuana or does it include synthetic cannabinoid components (e.g. THC and derivatives) as well? Synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. Marinol) available in the market are extremely expensive, pushing people towards the more affordable cannabinoid in the form of marijuana. Of course, the issue is further clouded by conspiracy theories involving the pharmaceutical industry and drug regulators. In conclusion, the future of medical marijuana and the settlement of the debate would depend on more comprehensive and comparable scientific research. An update of the IOM report anytime soon is well-needed.