420: Britain’s leading medical cannabis clinic highlights the progression of prescription-based cannabis

In light of the annual cannabis event, 420, Mamedica – the UK’s leading cannabis clinic – is joining the conversation by discussing the progression of its medicinal uses in the UK since legalisation in 2018. Leading at the forefront of change in alternative medicines and bridging the gap between Brits and the medical cannabis industry, Mamedica discuss how an improvement of access to safe and secure treatments could have life changing benefits to millions of people in the UK.

Despite its legalisation for medical purposes now over four years ago, there still remains many widespread misconceptions which hinder its use in various areas of modern medicine. The result means many Brits are obtaining non-secure prescriptions through the grey market to self-medicate for an array of conditions across chronic pain, psychiatry, cancer-related pain and neurological conditions. In fact, research from Mamedica found that almost one in five (19%) believe that self-medicating saves them money on healthcare costs, while 16% say they used to smoke cannabis recreationally but now use it to help with their health condition.

In a feat to debunk the stigmas associated with cannabis and its medical purposes, Mamedica has addressed seven common myths to set the record straight:

1. Cannabis is against the law

Cannabis is a controlled class B drug in the UK; the use and possession of recreational cannabis has been illegal in the UK since 1971. Whilst the NHS permits cannabis-based prescriptions, these are only distributed for three known conditions. Recent stats have shown that since 2018, the NHS has only prescribed to five patients. Currently, there are now over 20,000 private medical cannabis patients across Britain however, over 1.8 million are still self-medicating through the grey market.

2. Cannabis is very addictive

Cannabis is just as addictive as alcohol, coffee, or cigarettes, but the risk of being addicted to cannabis without any predisposition to addiction is extremely low. Addiction to recreational cannabis is low but even lower when the cannabis is being prescribed and under clinical guidance from a specialist.

3. Cannabis comes with many side effects

The side effects of cannabis for the vast majority are minimal and extremely minor, although an increase in tolerance does usually occur. Prescribing clinicians can and will gradually adjust the patient’s treatment plans and build up tolerance slowly to ensure that the patient continues to feel the benefit of medical cannabis.

4. Everyone who uses cannabis gets high

Recreational cannabis is often associated with getting high; however, medical cannabis is used to treat conditions in very low doses. Most medical cannabis patients do not feel high all the time – unless it benefits them. The feeling of being high is something that many patients feel offers immense therapeutic benefit to their conditions, especially those that suffer from depression, poor sleep or pain.

5. Cannabis isn’t an effective treatment for pain

Cannabis is an extremely safe and effective alternative that has transformed so many chronic pain patients’ lives. Researchers from the Frontiers in Pain Research found that for most patients, pain improved significantly, cancer-related symptoms decreased, the consumption of painkillers was reduced and the side effects were very low and mild. Cannabis is not the right treatment for every pain patient, but this also depends largely on ensuring the dose and blend of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids is right and suitable for that patient.

6. Cannabis is a gateway drug

There is no evidence to suggest that cannabis is a gateway drug, and in fact can be used to treat addiction to opioids, tobacco and alcohol amongst other substances. Despite cannabis being legal in terms of prescribing, it is continued to be sold on the grey market.

7. Cannabis causes anxiety rather than helping it

Cannabis-induced anxiety is usually caused by either high THC content which is unsuitable for the individual’s needs or unregulated cannabis flower that has been grown using chemicals. It is possible for cannabis to cause anxiety, but it can also be used to treat it. The high THC levels in cannabis can be ideal for some and for others it may cause anxiety, this is why it is crucial to turn to a specialist for guidance on the best treatment for you and your endocannabinoid system.

Jon Robson, CEO and founder of Mamedica says that it is clear that a growing number of people are utilising cannabis as a medicine, but that it is vital to consult a specialist doctor before doing so. The cost of legal prescriptions can be less expensive than the illicit market. He says:

“There is a misconception amongst the very few recreational users who are aware of the regulated pathway, that prescribed medical cannabis is more expensive and lower in quality than the illicit market.

“All products released to be prescribed in the UK have to undergo rigorous testing. Within that testing process, you are able to identify exactly what’s in that particular cannabis strain or a particular vape cartridge, in terms of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol) and terpenes.

“Our understanding of cannabis strains and how they can benefit people differently is growing rapidly. The U.S. has the largest medical pool of data from patients, which we follow closely to guide us on what strains have helped patients. We’re also fortunate that the UK cannabis community is small yet aligned with advocating on individuals’ personal experiences with certain dosages and strains.”

About Mamedica

Mamedica is a private clinic with a linked pharmacy which specialises in cannabis-based prescriptions (from oil to cannabis flower), for patients who have not found satisfactory results for their conditions with their existing medications across pain, psychiatry, neurology, palliative care and cancer.

Following a secure, private video consultation the medicines can be delivered directly to the patient’s door via next-day delivery service. All of the medicines prescribed by Mamedica are produced and manufactured according to the pharmaceutical-grade EU-GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), the most stringent in the world. Patients can be assured that their medicines are not contaminated with pesticides or other adulterants.

Founded by Jon Robson, and launched in 2022, Mamedica aims to deliver a quality of service which is currently lacking in the medical cannabis sector. Mamedica puts patient safety, security, and satisfaction at the forefront of every activity, using only the most high-calibre consultants and support staff as part of their team.