How effective is medical cannabis (CBD)?
As the sales of medicinal cannabis oil (CBD) have grown significantly over the past year in the UK, the debate over the benefits of cannabis never seems to end.
So before you make any decision on just how effective medical cannabis CBD oil is, you have to know the basics about cannabis.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis, (also known as marijuana, weed or skunk among other names), is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis plant.
The effects of cannabis can vary a lot from person to person. It can also vary depending on the quantity, how often it’s taken and strength.
What is the difference between marijuana and medical cannabis?
There are many differences between the marijuana consumed for recreational use (getting stoned) and products derived from cannabis (such as CBD oils, salves and gummies) for medical purposes.
There are over 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant and the human body also produces its own cannabinoid chemicals.
While cannabis is a natural plant – strains such as skunk naturally contain higher levels of the cannabinoid THC – the substance that gives recreational users the ‘stoned’ feelings they seek from the drug, but can also cause nasty side effects, including paranoia and hallucinations.
It’s argued that cannabis with high levels of THC and no or very low CBD can affect people’s mental health and lead to people developing psychiatric issues.
In contrast to the ‘recreational’ strain, medical Cannabis is made from the Cannabis sativa plant. It is the non-psychoactive variety of marijuana.
Medical cannabis has low levels of THC and higher levels of CBD.
CBD is a chemical substance found in the cannabis plant that has medical benefits. The body also produces its own cannabinoid chemicals.
As more health authorities approve the use of cannabis based products for medical use, we would always advise you to get as much information as possible to make more informed choices.
Research into medical cannabis (CBD)
Research suggests medical cannabis CBD oil may reduce chronic inflammation and pain. Users have also reported a reduction in anxiety, mood symptoms and insomnia.
Studies have also suggested benefits in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer and epilepsy, with research ongoing.
Nabilone is a cannabinoid drug that is used to relieve sickness in people having chemotherapy for cancer.
According to an article in the Sunday Mirror, Professor Sir Simon Wessely, former president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, some cannabis products could have medical benefits, such as treating muscle spasm in multiple sclerosis.
Sativex is a prescription drug used to relieve the pain of muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis. It contains 2 of the cannabinoids found in cannabis- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Testimonials for the effectiveness of medical cannabis oil
Writer Kirsten Rees uses medical cannabis oil to stem the pain after falling down the stairs. An article published in the Sunday Post, describes how cannabis oil eases her agony.
In 2012, the writer fell down a flight of stairs, cracking several ribs, breaking another and dislocating her shoulder.
Once her injuries had healed, Kirsten resumed her life until, just a few months later, she began experiencing pain all over her body. She was eventually diagnosed with the chronic pain condition, fibromyalgia.
But rather than continuing to take the strong painkillers doctors had prescribed which came with debilitating side effects, Kirsten followed a different route and decided to try a vaporiser which contains cannabidiol, also known as CBD. The oil is legally sold in the UK.
Kirsten believes that CBD oil is the most effective treatment she has tried to date for her condition.
Hannah Deacon is a medical cannabis campaigner. Her son Alfie, has a rare form of epilepsy that had led him to have up to 150 seizures a week.
She found his condition improved when he was given a cannabis-based medication in 2017 and Hannah petitioned the UK government for it to be allowed through the NHS.
These are just 2 of the growing cases of people recommending medical cannabis to treat and improve their conditions.
Concerns about medical cannabis – Will you fail a drugs test after taking medical cannabis CBD?
A concern that some people who are hesitant about taking CBD have is the fear of failing a drugs test. In many workplaces drug testing is common. It may even be mandatory making more workers than ever before are being subjected to drug screening.
CBD doesn’t make you ‘stoned’ or ‘high’. In fact CBD oil that is currently legally on sale in most countries has less than 0.2 percent of the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol so does not produce a high.
Most hemp oil or CBD products are sold with only trace levels of THC so most consumers shouldn’t have a problem passing a drugs test.
WHERE CAN YOU BUY MEDICAL CANNABIS CBD PRODUCTS?
With many countries legalizing the use of medical cannabis, there are now numerous outlets where you can purchase CBD products.
HERE ARE SOME STOCKISTS OF CBD PRODUCTS.
CBD Stockists in England
CBD Stockists in Scotland
CBD Stockists in USA
Cannabidoil Life
Cannabis may carry mental health risks for some individuals including psychosis, depression and anxiety. So before you start using CBD oil, please do your research.
Consult with your doctor or an appropriate expert to ensure your physical and mental wellbeing is not affected.
