15 FAQs for medical cannabis beginners

What is the difference between medical cannabis and recreational weed?

While both medical and recreational cannabis come from the same plant, Cannabis sativa L., they differ in a few important ways:

• The term 'medical cannabis' is an umbrella term for a wide range of legal cannabis-based medicines that a specialist doctor can prescribe for specific medical conditions.
• In the UK, recreational weed is classified as a Class B controlled substance under Part II, Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It is illegal to possess, cultivate, or distribute recreational weed.
• Penalties for individuals caught with recreational cannabis can range from a warning or a fine to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the quantity of cannabis and its intended use.
• Cannabis-based medicines, or medical cannabis, refer to medications made from the whole plant or its extracts (dried medical cannabis flower, medical cannabis oil, capsules, topicals). These medicines are produced according to strict quality control regulations and are prescribed for specific medical conditions by specialist doctors.

Will medical cannabis get me 'high'?

That will depend on which cannabis-based medicine you are prescribed, as well as the dose you take, your individual tolerance to cannabinoids, and the route of administration.

The psychoactive effects of cannabis come from a compound called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Some medical cannabis treatment options do contain THC, the compound responsible for the 'high.'

However, unlike recreational weed, most cannabis-based medicines are not intended to produce intoxicating effects. While the euphoria associated with THC can help alleviate symptoms for certain patients, it is not the primary goal of incorporating medical cannabis into a treatment plan.

What is the difference between THC and CBD?

The main difference between THC and CBD is their psychoactive properties and the therapeutic effects they can provide. While both compounds are cannabinoids, and both have been shown to offer patients a range of therapeutic benefits, THC produces the 'high' feeling, while CBD does not.

Below is a brief list of some of the positive effects each cannabinoid offers patients.

Benefits of THC:

• Pain relief
• Alleviation of nausea
• Improved sleep quality
• Reduction of inflammation
• Appetite stimulation
• Management of anxiety (at specific dosages)
• Relief from gastrointestinal discomfort
• Reduction of muscle spasticity

Benefits of CBD:

• Alleviation of anxiety
• Relief from depression
• Reduction of inflammation and pain
• Control of seizures
• Relief from nausea
• Support for neurodegeneration

Is medical cannabis safe?

Yes, the ever-growing body of research suggests that medical cannabis is a safe and effective treatment option for a wide range of medical conditions.

What is the endocannabinoid system?

Cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) interact with the body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is the largest neurotransmitter system in our bodies. It is made up of:

• Endocannabinoids: Naturally produced cannabinoids that bind to and activate the receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
• Receptors: CB1 and CB2 are specialised proteins that receive signals and relay them to the cells.
• Metabolic enzymes: These enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids after they have interacted with the receptors.

Its main role is to maintain homeostasis (balance) within the body, regulating many physiological processes such as sleep, mood, appetite, pain sensation, and more.

What is the difference between medical cannabis and CBD?

CBD is one of the many cannabinoids produced by Cannabis sativa L. plants. CBD products that contain less than 0.2% THC or 1 mg of THC per container are legal for 'over-the-counter' sale in the UK and are classed as Novel Foods.

Medical cannabis products can contain higher levels of THC (plus CBD). They can be legally obtained through a prescription for specific medical conditions. This prescription must be written by a specialist listed on the General Medical Council's specialist register.

What are terpenes, and how do they affect medical cannabis?

Terpenes are organic compounds produced throughout the plant kingdom. On top of being the main aromatic component of plants, they also play a role in the defence mechanism against herbivores and plant pathogens, as well as attracting pollinators.

The entourage effect is a widely accepted theory that states that the different compounds produced by cannabis plants, including terpenes and cannabinoids, work together synergistically to produce a more significant therapeutic outcome than any of them would on their own. 

This theory supports the idea that whole-plant medicine may offer better therapeutic outcomes than isolated compounds (such as THC or CBD alone).

Is there an age limit to medical cannabis?

No, there is no law restricting the prescription of medical cannabis to certain age groups.

That said, no UK-based private medical cannabis clinics will currently provide prescriptions for patients under 18. If you (or a loved one) are under 18 and think that medical cannabis could be helpful, it’s important to discuss your options with your GP.

What are the most common side effects of medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis treatment options have been shown to offer patients a very favourable safety profile with a wide range of therapeutic benefits. But as with any medical intervention, it's important to consider the potential side effects of medical cannabis.

The potential side effects of THC and CBD differ slightly.

Common side effects of medical cannabis containing THC may include:

• Light-headedness
• Dry mouth
• Increased hunger
• Mood changes, such as heightened relaxation, euphoria, or a slight increase in anxiety
• Impaired short-term memory and coordination
• Red eyes
• Elevated heart rate
• Alterations in blood pressure, typically a slight increase

Common side effects of CBD can include:

• Dry mouth
• Light-headedness
• Altered appetite (typically decreased)
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Fatigue or drowsiness

These side effects are mostly mild and can usually be managed effectively by adjusting dosage and administration methods. Reach out to your prescribing specialist if you have any concerns or experience any side effects while using medical cannabis.

What are the potential long-term effects of medical cannabis use?

Although medical cannabis offers patients suffering from a wide range of conditions a safe and effective treatment option, it's important to consider any potential long-term effects. These include:

• Changes in brain structure and function - although these changes are mostly reversible, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of long-term cannabis use on the brain.
• Hormonal changes - chronic cannabis use has been linked to changes in hormone levels, which can affect reproductive function and overall health.
• Cardiovascular effects - long-term cannabis use can increase heart rate, potentially leading to other cardiovascular issues.
• Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome - this rare condition is associated with long-term, heavy cannabis use and can cause severe vomiting and abdominal pain.
• Tolerance and dependence - as with any medication, there is a risk of developing tolerance and dependence on medical cannabis.

Your prescribing specialist will work with you to find the right treatment plan for your needs. It's essential to follow the recommended dosage and attend the required follow-up consultations to ensure your treatment plant is working effectively and safely for you.

What is the triage process for medical cannabis?

At Releaf, we have worked tirelessly over the past year and a half to ensure our triage process is as streamlined as possible.

Our goal is to ensure that every Releaf patient receives the highest level of not only care once they have their prescription but also support on their journey to accessing medical cannabis. Once you have completed our fast, easy, and free medical cannabis eligibility checker, the Releaf triage process then involves the following:

• Retrieving your medical records (you can provide a copy, or we can reach out to your GP for you)
• Reviewing your responses to the health questionnaire
• Meeting for your initial consultation with a specialist
• Performing a multidisciplinary team (MDT) review

If your case successfully passes the MDT review, your prescription will be sent directly to our pharmacy, Xeal Dispensary. You will receive an email and SMS notification indicating that your prescription is ready for payment. Once payment is processed, our pharmacists will begin preparing your medication, which will then be dispatched for delivery.

How does Releaf deliver patients their prescribed medication?

We deliver patients their prescribed medication via Royal Mail.

Medical cannabis deliveries are tracked from the pharmacy to the patient's doorstep, ensuring the safety and security of the medication. Patients receive immediate notifications once their prescription leaves the pharmacy, along with a tracking number to monitor their delivery through the Royal Mail tracking system.

What's in the Releaf Starter Kit?

Every Releaf+ member is provided with one of our medical cannabis Starter Kits to help them commence their treatment straight away. Included in the Starter kit is:

• One X1 Omura Vaporiser
• Six packs of 16 Releaf Flowersticks
• The Home Fill System
• One Releaf Puck
• One Releaf Cannabis Storage Jar
• One Releaf Medical Cannabis Card

For more information on each product, check out our full guide on the Releaf medical cannabis Starter Kit.

What medications interact with medical cannabis?

When taken orally, cannabis-based medications do have the potential to interact with other medications. The website drugs.com is the largest online drug database, and we recommend using their Drug Interaction Checker to review any potential interactions between your current medication and medical cannabis. 

There are currently 28 major drug interactions and 369 moderate drug interactions that medical cannabis patients should be aware of.  

Your prescribing specialist will review your medical history and any current medications you are taking to ensure that medical cannabis is a safe and suitable treatment option for you.

How long does medical cannabis take to work?

The time it takes for the therapeutic effects of medical cannabis to be felt depends on a range of factors, including:

• The type of medication prescribed: Different forms of medical cannabis have varying onset times.
• How it is taken: Cannabis-based medicines can be administered in many ways, each with its own distinct onset time for effects.
• Dosage and potency: The potency of cannabis-based medicines can vary significantly, which will inevitably influence both the onset time and duration of their effects.
• Individual patient factors: Each patient responds to medical cannabis therapy in their own way, influenced by their unique biological makeup—such as age, weight, metabolism, and cannabinoid tolerance—as well as their medical history.

Some patients will find symptomatic relief very quickly, while others may need to take their prescribed medication for longer before experiencing the full benefits. For more information, check out our full guide on "How long does medical cannabis take to work?".

The wrap-up

Beginning the journey towards better health can be daunting, overwhelming, and even stressful - especially when adding a new treatment option like medical cannabis. 

Thanks to the more than a century of prohibition and stigmatisation that we have only recently stepped away from, the information that is sometimes published regarding UK medical cannabis can be misleading, confusing, or downright false.

Hopefully, this blog has answered any questions you may have about starting medical cannabis treatment. For more info, head over to our blog, where you can find our entire backlog of 'New Patient' articles (with all of the above questions answered in even greater detail), plus so much more.