Can you get CBD Oil from the NHS?
Medical cannabis refers to cannabis-based medicines used to alleviate specific symptoms. While various cannabis-derived products are available online, their quality and legality in the UK are uncertain, and they may pose health risks.
In the UK, obtaining an NHS prescription for medical cannabis is rare and typically reserved for:
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Children and adults with rare, severe forms of epilepsy.
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Adults experiencing nausea or vomiting due to chemotherapy.
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Individuals with muscle stiffness and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis (MS).
These prescriptions are considered only when other treatments have proven ineffective or unsuitable.
Specific cannabis-based medications approved for use include:
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Epidyolex: A purified liquid containing cannabidiol (CBD), prescribed for rare epileptic conditions like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, meaning it doesn’t induce a ‘high’.
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Nabilone: A synthetic medicine mimicking tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis. It’s prescribed to adults to alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when other treatments haven’t helped.
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Nabiximols (Sativex): An oral spray combining THC and CBD, licensed in the UK for treating muscle spasticity in MS patients unresponsive to other treatments.
While there’s some evidence suggesting medical cannabis can help certain types of pain, it’s not yet strong enough to recommend it for pain relief. In some cases, however, it may be prescribed for pain as part of a clinical trial.
Over-the-counter CBD products are available in health stores, but their quality and efficacy aren’t guaranteed. These products often contain only trace amounts of CBD, making their therapeutic effects uncertain.
In summary, while medical cannabis offers potential benefits for specific conditions, its use in the UK is highly regulated. Patients should consult healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment options for their individual needs.