Any cannabis-based medication used to treat symptoms falls under the general category of medical cannabis. Alternative medicine has long utilised medical marijuana. Additionally, it has been used to treat psychiatric illnesses, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues.
There are several variations of medical cannabis. They consist of oral consumption, smoking, and vaping. The dosage will be decided based on the form of the cannabis, as each has different effects.
Finding out if you may use medicinal cannabis in the UK is crucial. Before consuming cannabis, you should see your doctor if you are taking other drugs.
Clinics For Medical Cannabis
For many severe diseases, including chronic pain, arthritis, PTSD, fibromyalgia, and endometriosis, medicinal cannabis is accessible in the UK. The Medical Cannabis Clinics in the UK have provided relief for hundreds of sufferers.
Before getting their prescription, patients at one of these Clinic for Cannabis must register with the registry. The registry collects patient-reported outcome measures and adverse event questionnaires.
According to estimates, there are not very many licenced cannabis medications in the UK. Patients can complete a questionnaire given to them via a web-based platform at baseline and every six months. Cannabis for medical use may be helpful for patients who have not responded to conventional medication.
Medical marijuana is made specifically to fit the needs of each patient. Patients occasionally might need a more significant dose or might need to change how they use other painkillers. Qualified doctors may sometimes prescribe medical cannabis as a viable therapy alternative for people with disabling diseases. However, doctors must consider the patient’s medical history, current recommendations, and available research.
Benefits of Medical Cannabis
Cannabis is a complex, multifaceted, and even contentious plant. Cannabis has become a component of many industries and products due to its versatility and usefulness, particularly in the medical sector.
- Anxiety Disorders Treatment
Perhaps the most frequent condition for which individuals use cannabis is anxiety. Preclinical research revealed that it might help treat many anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Increasing the Quality of Sleep
According to research, those with obstructive sleep apnea who smoked marijuana before bed had fewer breathing pauses while they slept.
- Stopping Seizures
The use of CBD to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders has been studied for many years, and a recent study showed that it could be effective in symptom reduction and seizure frequency reduction.
Side Effects
Cannabis has side effects that may result from excessive use including:
- Mental health problems
Cannabis usage regularly is linked to an increased risk of chronic cough. There is, however, weak evidence of a connection between cannabis usage and the onset of bipolar illness in those without a history of the disorder.
There is some evidence that frequent cannabis users are somewhat more likely to feel depressed and are more likely to have suicidal thoughts.
- Respiratory disease
It is unknown if smoking cannabis regularly affects lung function or raises the chance of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma. Regular cannabis usage is linked to a higher incidence of chronic cough.
- Herbal Alternatives
Marijuana has several substitutes that can be used to treat some of the same signs and symptoms. These include several other herbs, plants, certain OTC, and prescription drugs.
Natural plants and herbs have been utilised for millennia to complement health in various ways and treat multiple diseases. Natural cannabinoids found in certain plants can have the same effects on the brain’s cannabinoid receptors as marijuana.
Many of the same symptoms and diseases that marijuana is claimed to treat are treated with various natural compounds, according to the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health a clinic for cannabis. While they may be beneficial for some, some hazards are undoubtedly involved. Some of these compounds have not always been the subject of definitive investigation.
The possibility of using them as treatments for the same signs and diseases that marijuana is used for has been investigated. The following herbs can be used as suitable replacements:
Kava-kava: This plant can ease tension, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. Additionally, it has been associated with an elevated risk of liver damage when coupled with alcohol.
Valerian root: This blooming plant is sold as a herbal remedy to relieve anxiety and sleeplessness. However, the supporting research is contradictory. Although essentially risk-free, it may result in headache, dizziness, itching, or stomach discomfort.
Ginger: This plant has long been used to relieve stomach discomfort and can be utilised as a natural anti-nausea treatment. To reduce nausea or other digestive issues, ginger can be brewed into tea, consumed raw, or turned into ginger ale. It could interact with blood thinners in several ways.
Turmeric and black pepper: This often-used spice mixture can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent, as an oil or herbal supplement. The two chemicals have been utilised for arthritic, gallbladder, liver, skin and stomach ailments and are more powerful when combined. Although the combination is ordinarily harmless, large dosages might irritate your stomach.
Coneflower: The immune system is frequently strengthened by using this blooming plant. It can treat anxiety, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammation. Although it is safe to take, there is conflicting evidence on its efficacy.
Alice Johnson
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