Cannabis-based products for medicinal use – NHS England

Cannabis is a drug derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. It is then smoked or can be consumed for its psychoactive or medical importance. Cannabis is also known as marijuana.It also produces ecstasy and relaxation. Its repeated use may cause psychological dependence. Cannabis is used for recreational and entheogenic purposes, also for traditional medicines for centuries.

Cannabis-based products for medicinal use

In the year 2019, in the month of March, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care commissioned NHS England and NHS Improvement agreed to review the NHS systems and process to refer any action required to address any type of obstacles to the clinically correct prescription of the cannabis-based products for any sort of medicinal use on the NHS.

The three broad categories the product should satisfy

The product contains cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabinol, or a cannabinol derivative

The product should be produced for medicinal use in humans

The product is regulated as a medicinal product or it should be the ingredient of the medical product.

Condition when medical Cannabis is appropriate

Studies and research reveal that medical cannabis has many possible benefits for several critical health problems. The state law regarding the use of medical cannabis varies so one must check the state rules before applying the medical cannabis. As per state law, one may qualify for the treatment with medical cannabis if the person meets certain requirements and have the qualifying condition. The product should be considered when the treatments had not helped

Epidyolex for children and adults with epilepsy. Epidyolex is a highly purified liquid containing CBD (cannabidiol).

• Nabilone for chemotherapy patients.
• Nabiximols (Sativex) for multiple sclerosis (MS)
• It can be used for Long-term pain.
• Adults suffering from nausea or vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
• People who suffer from muscle stiffness and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• HIV/AIDS
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy and seizures
• Glaucoma

Whether medical Cannabis is safe?

Though further study is required to answer the above-mentioned question. But, still, the possible side effects of medical Cannabis can be stated as follows:

• Increased heartbeat
• Unsteadiness
• Reduced concentration and memory
• Slower reaction times
• Negative drug-to-drug interactions
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• Increase in appetite
• Possibility for addiction
• Illusions or mental illness
• Withdrawal symptoms

But there is also an exceptional case, medical cannabis is also formulated to provide symptom relief without intoxicating mood-altering effects related with recreational use of cannabis.