Unpacking the truth: medical cannabis myths vs realities

The prescription of medical cannabis was legalised in 2018 in the UK. However, as accessibility to cannabis-based options has increased, so has the dialogue surrounding them: and the prevalence of medical cannabis myths and misconceptions have become more clear. 

So, we spoke to Releaf, the UK’s all-in-one medical cannabis clinic, to find out more.
Read their insights below. 

Medical cannabis vs recreational weed

Medical cannabis and recreational weed are both derived from the same plant family (Cannabis Sativa L), and they do share the same chemical compounds and molecular makeup.

But, their legality, the way in which they are accessed, grown, administered, and the purpose for which they are used, are entirely different.

Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since November 2018, but the use of recreational cannabis remains illegal. 

Medical cannabis is strictly used for its therapeutic benefits, is prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals, is dispensed from a legal and legitimate pharmacies, and its application is carefully monitored.

Recreational weed is sourced on the black market for recreational enjoyment – and in the UK, its production, purchase, and possession is a criminal offence.

Myth: Medical cannabis a gateway drug

Cannabis is often called a gateway drug – a statement that implies once a person starts taking cannabis, they are likely to start using ‘harder’ substances or drugs that can be extremely addictive and cause a large range of serious health concerns. 

While it is true that taking a cautious approach to using cannabis is advised, the research into whether recreational cannabis is actually a gateway drug remains inconclusive, and it is unfair to reiterate this same sentiment to the medicinal application of cannabis. 

In fact, evidence shows that when patients are treated with medical cannabis, often their use of other medications or drugs actually decreases. This trend has been observed in observational studies in the UK as well as in Australia, Denmark, the US, and Canada. 

Reality: Medical cannabis is not a ‘cure all’ treatment. 

It is important to emphasise that although medical cannabis can have incredible results for some, it is not a ‘cure all’ treatment, or one-stop solution for any and every medical concern. 

While it’s true that medical cannabis can take a multifaceted approach in treating a variety of symptoms caused by certain conditions, it is not a suitable option for everyone, or every condition. 

Unfortunately, there are people who over-emphasise, overstate, or embellish the effects that medical cannabis can have. While studies show that this plant can greatly improve quality of life for some patients when applied appropriately, making claims such as ‘cannabis cures cancer’ are clinically unfounded and quite simply dangerous.

Medical cannabis and mental health

Because of its psychoactive properties, many believe cannabis can be harmful to mental health. Although this may be true for some individuals and medical cannabis will not be recommended for those who have a diagnosis or history of psychosis or schizophrenia, cannabis-based products can be prescribed to benefit a number of mental health conditions. 

Certain mental health conditions like anxiety, PTSD, and depression have shown positive responses to cannabis-based treatments during clinical investigations, with improvements noted in not only mood and sleep, but general quality of life, and a patient’s ability to get on with day-to-day activities. 

The effects medical cannabis can have on reducing anxiety and stress and promoting relaxation and a calm sense of self can also be extremely beneficial to a wide range of patients with other health conditions and comorbidities. 

But, it’s important to note that medical cannabis treatment plans are carefully monitored by a team of qualified health care professionals, and medical cannabis should only be used for mental health concerns under expert guidance.