After the legalisation of medical cannabis in the UK in November 2018 the plant has proved to be useful as a medicine for a range of medical conditions. CBD products are being administered to afflicted persons who have not benefitted from the normal medication so the new treatments are the only hope for patients who often experience poor quality of life.

This blog looks at the most common diseases that are being treated with cannabis in the United Kingdom, a testament to how medical marijuana is improving patient lives.

1. Chronic Pain

Cannabis is mostly prescribed for chronic pain which is one of the most common ailments in the United Kingdom. Arthritis, fibromyalgia and neuropathy patients are some of the groups of patients that suffer from chronic pain which cannot be treated effectively by standard pain medications. Opioids, although, can target the pain receptors directly but they have potential for developing dependency and have dangerous side-effects which ruled out for the long-term use.

Medical cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD (cannabidiol) and low in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), has proven effective in alleviating chronic pain without the risk of dependency. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and modulate pain signals, providing significant relief for many patients.

2. Epilepsy

Epilepsy is another condition where medical cannabis has shown remarkable efficacy, particularly in cases of treatment-resistant epilepsy. Some patients, especially children with severe forms of epilepsy like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, do not respond well to traditional anti-seizure medications. In these instances, cannabis-based treatments, especially those rich in CBD, have been found to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

The case of Billy Caldwell, a young boy from Northern Ireland who suffered from intractable epilepsy, brought widespread attention to the benefits of medical cannabis in the UK. His mother’s fight to obtain a cannabis-based treatment for him led to a dramatic reduction in his seizures and played a pivotal role in the UK’s decision to legalize medical cannabis. Today, cannabis remains a vital treatment option for epilepsy patients, offering a new lease on life to those previously burdened by relentless seizures.

3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms such as muscle spasms, pain, fatigue, and mobility issues. Traditional treatments often provide limited relief, leaving many patients to seek alternative therapies. Medical cannabis, particularly products containing both CBD and THC, has been found to reduce muscle spasticity, pain, and other symptoms associated with MS.

In the UK, a cannabis-based medication called Sativex, which contains both CBD and THC, is approved specifically for treating spasticity in MS patients who have not responded to other treatments. Many patients report that medical cannabis not only reduces their symptoms but also enhances their ability to carry out daily activities, improving their overall quality of life.

Conclusion

Medical cannabis is proving to be a powerful tool in the treatment of various medical conditions in the UK. From chronic pain and epilepsy to multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and mental health conditions, cannabis-based therapies are offering relief where traditional treatments have failed.