Medical hemp products are becoming increasingly popular, with many people turning to them as an alternative to traditional medicine. Hemp has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, but its recent revival has brought a new wave of interest in its potential as an effective and safe treatment for various medical conditions. This article will discuss the many benefits of medical hemp products and how they can be used to improve health and well-being. We will explore how hemp-based products can be used to reduce pain and inflammation, improve mental health, and provide relief from a range of medical issues. We will also look at the legal implications of using hemp products, and the potential side effects associated with their use. Finally, we will discuss the safety and efficacy of medical hemp products and their potential as a viable treatment option for a wide range of medical conditions.
What evidence is there to support the efficacy of medical hemp products?
There is a growing body of evidence that supports the efficacy of medical hemp products. This evidence includes clinical trials, laboratory studies, research from universities and medical centers, and anecdotal stories from patients. The evidence suggests that medical hemp products can be used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety.
Are medical hemp products approved by the FDA?
No, medical hemp products are not approved by the FDA. The FDA does not recognize hemp as a medicine and does not regulate hemp-based products for medical use. The FDA does, however, allow for the sale of hemp-derived CBD products that are not intended for medical use.
What safety measures should be taken when using medical hemp products?
When using medical hemp products, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. This includes following the instructions on the product label, avoiding exceeding the recommended dosage, and not driving or operating heavy machinery while under the influence of the product. It is also important to talk to your doctor before using medical hemp products to ensure it is the right choice for your needs.
What potential side effects could arise from using medical hemp products?
The potential side effects of using medical hemp products can include dry mouth, nausea, lightheadedness, low blood pressure, drowsiness, impaired motor skills, and changes in appetite. Additionally, long-term use of medical hemp products may lead to dependence and addiction. People with a history of mental illness should use caution when using these products, as they may increase risk for certain psychiatric disorders.
How do medical hemp products compare to traditional pharmaceuticals?
Medical hemp products are becoming increasingly popular due to their natural and non-habit forming properties. Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals, medical hemp products do not contain any of the harsh chemicals and additives found in many prescription drugs. Furthermore, medical hemp products are generally more affordable and easier to access than traditional pharmaceuticals. They can be consumed in many forms, including tinctures, edibles, topical creams, and more, and are known to provide a range of therapeutic benefits without any of the side effects associated with pharmaceuticals.
Back to Health A to Z. Many cannabis-based products are available to buy online, but their quality and content is not known. They may be illegal in the UK and potentially dangerous. Some products that might claim to be medical cannabis, such as CBD oil or hemp oil, are available to buy legally as food supplements from health stores. But theres no guarantee these are of good quality or provide any health benefits. Specific cannabis-based products are available on prescription as medicinal cannabis. These are only likely to benefit a very small number of patients. Very few people in England are likely to get a prescription for medical cannabis. Currently, it is only likely to be prescribed for the following conditions. It would only be considered when other treatments were not suitable or had not helped. It will not get you high, because it does not contain THC tetrahydrocannabinol , the chemical in cannabis that makes you high. Epidyolex can be prescribed by a specialist for patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome both rare forms of epilepsy. Many people having chemotherapy will have periods where they feel sick or vomit. Nabilone can be prescribed to adults by a specialist to help relieve these symptoms, but only when other treatments have not helped or are not suitable. Nabilone is a medicine, taken as a capsule, that has been developed to act in a similar way to THC the chemical in cannabis that makes you high. You may have heard it described as a manmade form of cannabis. Nabiximols Sativex is a cannabis-based medicine that is sprayed into the mouth. It is licensed in the UK for adults with MS-related muscle spasticity that has not got better with other treatments. Read more from the MS Society on Sativex for treating muscle stiffness and spasms. There is some evidence medical cannabis can help certain types of pain, though this evidence is 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. Some cannabis-based products are available to buy over the internet without a prescription. Its likely most of these products even those called CBD oils will be illegal to possess or supply. Theres a good chance they will contain THC, and may not be safe to use. Health stores sell certain types of pure CBD. However, theres no guarantee these products will be of good quality. They tend to only contain very small amounts of CBD, so its not clear what effect they would have. The risks of using cannabis products containing THC the chemical that gets you high are not currently clear. Thats why clinical trials are needed before they can be used. Generally, the more THC the product contains, the greater these risks are. Cannabis bought illegally off the street, where the quality, ingredients and strength are not known, is the most dangerous form to use. Read about the risks of regularly smoking cannabis at Talk to Frank. Depending on the type of medical cannabis you take, its possible to develop side effects such as. If you experience any side effects from medical cannabis, report these to your medical team. You can also report them through the Yellow Card Scheme. Always discuss possible interactions with a specialist. CBD can also affect how your liver works, so doctors would need to monitor you regularly. You cannot get cannabis-based medicine from a GP it can only be prescribed by a specialist hospital doctor. The specialist will discuss with you all the other treatment options first, before considering a cannabis-based product. A prescription for medical cannabis would only be given when it was believed to be in your best interests, and when other treatments had not worked or were not suitable. Its expected this would only apply to a very small number of people in England. If the above does not apply to you, do not ask a GP for a referral for medical cannabis. The government has no intention of legalising the use of cannabis for recreational non-medical use. Possessing cannabis is illegal, whatever youre using it for. That includes medical use cannabis products, unless these have been prescribed for you. Page last reviewed 27 May Next review due 27 May Medical cannabis and cannabis oils. Can I get a prescription for medical cannabis? Currently, it is only likely to be prescribed for the following conditions children and adults with rare, severe forms of epilepsy adults with vomiting or nausea caused by chemotherapy people with muscle stiffness and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis MS It would only be considered when other treatments were not suitable or had not helped. Epidyolex for children and adults with epilepsy Epidyolex is a highly purified liquid containing CBD cannabidiol. CBD is a chemical substance found in cannabis that has medical benefits. Nabilone for chemotherapy patients Many people having chemotherapy will have periods where they feel sick or vomit.
