Exploring the Role of Medical Cannabis in Modern Health and Wellness Practices
There has been a change in the perception and policy surrounding medical cannabis in the last decade, especially in the UK, where specialist doctors have been allowed to prescribe it since 2018. Even though its use is highly controlled, medical cannabis is being discussed more and more in the broad context of health and wellness.
The conversation, which has been shrouded in stigma for far too long, is now backed by a growing body of clinical studies and patient outcomes, focusing on symptom management and overall quality of life improvement.
Understanding Medical Cannabis and Its Therapeutic Potential
Medical cannabis is the use of products derived from cannabis for the treatment of a diagnosed health issue under the supervision of a medical practitioner.
Unlike unregulated or recreational use, prescribed cannabis products in the UK have to be authenticated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Cannabis is administered by specialist clinics after conducting a clinical evaluation and only when other standard treatments have failed.
Active cannabis constituents, referred to as cannabinoids, include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Each has been studied individually: THC contributed to the relief of pain and stimulation of appetite, whereas CBD is still being investigated for inflammation and anxiety reduction. Each prescription is customized for the patient’s specific balance of cannabinoids along with the dosage and method of delivery.
Medical cannabis in the UK is most frequently prescribed in the form of oil or flower. The products themselves must be GMP-certified and dispensed by a GMC-registered specialist. As per NHS statistics, there is still little access to these services within the public system, leading to the rise in regulated private clinics that provide consultations and prescriptions for patients who qualify.
Common Health Conditions Treated with Medical Cannabis
The list of health conditions that can be treated with medical cannabis includes chronic pain, anxiety disorders, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Each particular case is subjected to thorough screening so that treatment with cannabis is initiated only after other methods have been exhausted, or used with severe side effects.
One of the broadest ranging reasons cited for issuing a prescription is still pain management. As noted by a 2023 review in the British Journal of Pain, published cannabis users indicated a considerable degree of relief in pain, especially concerning neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia, in as much as 60% of cases. Cannabis is not regarded as a first-line treatment option, however, it can be useful for patients suffering from chronic conditions who do not respond to traditional pain medications.
Another field of active research is the categorization of cannabis with medicinal properties based on the strains. These medical cannabis strains vary in the amount of cannabinoids and terpenes, which impacts their effectiveness on various ailments. For instance, more pronounced levels of CBD content mean the strain is likely to be effective in treating anxiety and inflammation, while some strains with relatively equal levels of CBD and THC are used to treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis and gastrointestinal issues. The medical professionals consider these variations when developing strategies for specific patients.
It is also important to mention that some strains of cannabis do not have medicinal value. Only those that meet strict pharmaceutical criteria are eligible for prescription in the UK. The choice is clinical and not at the discretion of the patients, which means patients do not select their preferred strains.
The Evolving Conversation Around Cannabis and Mental Health
The intersection of cannabis and mental health is particularly important, given the intricate interplay between THC and psychiatric symptoms. Most conversations have focused on the negatives, which is valid: high-THC products in uncontrolled environments are associated with a heightened risk of psychosis, especially in adolescents and those with a family history of mental illness.
The medical-grade cannabis literature tells a different story, though. A report published in 2024 by The Lancet Psychiatry indicated that certain low-THC, high-CBD products effectively alleviated generalised anxiety disorder symptoms in non-responsive patients with SSRIs at low risk of adverse effects. Still, a mental health evaluation is mandatory before prescribing these formulations, and most patients with a history of psychosis are typically excluded from eligibility.
Clinics offering access to medical cannabis in the UK operate under a triage model with psychiatric evaluations. They aim to review the patient’s history to determine appropriate and safe treatment options, especially where mental health issues are concerned. This is not a uniform approach—cannabis is not administered for severe psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
It should be noted that a prescription for medical cannabis is not issued solely based on a patient’s request. The evaluation step includes appropriate clinical documentation, treatment history and often liaising with the patient’s GP or family physician.
With the conversations around medical cannabis changing, especially with new clinical guidance and heightened patient interest, the focus remains on responsible, evidence-informed prescriptive practices. The conversation surrounding medical cannabis, in conjunction with other health services, marks a step toward more customized health solutions, albeit offered under careful supervision.