Medical hemp, a type of cannabis plant, has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy to treat a range of medical conditions. With the recent legalization of medical hemp in many countries, scientific studies are beginning to uncover the therapeutic benefits of this plant. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the medicinal benefits of medical hemp, outlining its potential therapeutic applications and the potential risks associated with its use. We also explore the legal status of medical hemp in different countries and the current research into its therapeutic potential.
What are the potential medical benefits of using CBD products?
Cannabidiol (CBD) products are gaining in popularity for their potential medical benefits. CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in hemp and cannabis plants that has been studied for its effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions. Studies suggest that CBD may help reduce pain, inflammation, and anxiety, as well as improve sleep quality. Additionally, CBD may help reduce symptoms of epilepsy and other neurological disorders, and has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. More research is needed to fully understand the potential medical benefits of CBD, but the early findings are encouraging.
What medicine is hemp used for?
Hemp has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, primarily for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Today, hemp is being used for a variety of medical treatments, including pain relief, anxiety, cancer treatment, and neurological disorders. Hemp is also gaining popularity as a natural remedy for arthritis, headaches, digestive issues, and skin problems. Hemp-derived CBD oil is becoming increasingly popular as a natural remedy for a range of conditions, including insomnia, chronic pain, and inflammation.
What does hemp stand for in medical terms?
Medical hemp is a term used to refer to a particular strain of the Cannabis sativa plant, which is known for its medicinal benefits. Hemp has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is now being studied for its potential therapeutic properties. The primary active component in hemp is cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound that has been linked to anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure effects. Hemp also contains other beneficial compounds, including terpenes, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids.
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.