What is medicinal cannabis?#
Medicinal cannabis products are regulated medicines that, in some countries, can be prescribed by a doctor. They are derived from the cannabis plant and may be used to treat the symptoms of certain medical conditions, and the side effects of some treatments. Different products are used for different conditions.
The active ingredients in medicinal cannabis are called ‘cannabinoids’. There are roughly 80 to 100 cannabinoids in cannabis, and researchers are still studying how they all work. Most current products contain the cannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
What products are available?#
Medicinal cannabis products vary depending on the symptoms or condition they are designed to treat, and the way you take them can vary too. Your doctor will assess your needs and decide whether there is an appropriate product for you. The range of products available continues to grow as the field becomes more established.
What can medicinal cannabis be used for?#
Although cannabis has been used for a long time, there is still limited formal evidence for doctors to rely on when considering whether to prescribe a medicinal cannabis product.
There is some evidence that certain products may be useful in treating:
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Symptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatment (such as nausea, pain and loss of appetite)
- Pain and symptom relief in palliative care
Where it is legal, a doctor or specialist may need to apply for approval to prescribe medicinal cannabis, and may have to provide evidence that it could be effective for the condition being treated.
How can I access medicinal cannabis?#
Access laws differ from country to country. In some places medicinal cannabis is available by prescription, the rules vary, and in others it may not be available at all. Where it is permitted, you can usually only obtain legal products through your treating doctor or specialist, and only if they believe it will help your condition.
The first step is to discuss medicinal cannabis with your doctor. If they agree it is appropriate, they will decide which product to prescribe and obtain any approvals required where you live. Once they have the necessary approvals, they may issue a prescription, which you can take to a pharmacy to have dispensed.
How much does it cost?#
The cost depends on the type of product and the dose your doctor recommends. Subsidies and assistance schemes vary widely between countries, and in many places these products are not subsidised, so you may have to fund the cost yourself. Some areas run limited assistance schemes — for example, for a small number of children with severe, hard-to-treat epilepsy. If you are a parent or carer of a child who may be eligible for such a scheme, speak to your child’s paediatric neurologist to find out more.
Can I drive while taking medicinal cannabis?#
Driving is not advised while taking medicinal cannabis. THC, one of the common active ingredients, causes impairment in drivers. Unlike alcohol, it is not known what dose of THC will cause impairment in most people, and in many places it is illegal to drive with any THC in your system, even if you feel unaffected.
Drinking alcohol while taking medicinal cannabis results in more severe impairment and can carry greater penalties for driving offences. While CBD on its own is not known to cause impairment, impairment may occur if CBD interacts with other medications. Patients using medicinal cannabis products should seek their doctor’s advice before driving or operating machinery.
Travelling with medicinal cannabis#
Rules for carrying medicinal cannabis across borders vary by country and can be strict. If you plan to travel, check the requirements of your destination well in advance, keep your medicine in its original packaging, and carry the relevant prescription from your doctor.
Key points#
- THC, one of the common active ingredients in medicinal cannabis, causes impairment in drivers.
- Unlike alcohol, it is not known what dose of THC will cause impairment in most people.
- While CBD on its own is not known to cause impairment, impairment may occur if CBD interacts with other medications.
Where to get help#
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.