At Releaf, we prescribe two main formulations of cannabis-based medicines to our patients - medical cannabis flower and medical cannabis oil. Most people have a fair understanding of medical cannabis flower, but medical cannabis oil is still somewhat of an enigma to many.
In today's 'New Patient' blog series instalment, we aim to clarify any confusion and answer the question, "What's in medical cannabis oil?"
Contents
What is in medical cannabis oil?
Medical cannabis oil is made up of a cannabis extract (which contains the therapeutically active compounds produced by Cannabis sativa L. plants) mixed with a carrier oil.
Which cannabis compounds are therapeutically active?
The two key groups of therapeutically active compounds found in medical cannabis oil are cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Cannabinoids include delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), along with a range of minor cannabinoids.
- Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the characteristic smell and flavour of different cannabis cultivars, but they also have therapeutic effects. Some common terpenes found in medical cannabis oil include myrcene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene.
Do all medical cannabis oil options contain the same compounds?
Not necessarily.
While most prescribable medical cannabis oils in the UK do contain THC, CBD, and terpenes, the exact ratios and concentrations vary depending on the source plant, the health condition being treated, and the patient's individual needs.
Some patients, like those dealing with chronic pain issues, may need a medical cannabis oil that contains higher levels of THC to help manage their symptoms, while others may need a higher ratio of CBD to THC.
All new Releaf patients go through a thorough triage process before any decision is made regarding the most appropriate medical cannabis oil for their needs.
Your prescribing specialist will take your medical history, your current symptoms, and your lifestyle into account, and they will bring their findings to our MDT review before making any decision on which medical cannabis oil is best suited for your treatment.
Why is the carrier oil important?
Without a carrier oil in the mix, the therapeutic compounds in medical cannabis oil would not be as readily available for our bodies to absorb. Carrier oils also serve as a protective agent, ensuring that the cannabinoids and terpenes remain stable and do not degrade over time, and they help dilute the cannabis extract to a point where it is much easier to measure and administer a controlled dose.
Most medical cannabis oils available in the UK use MCT oil (derived from coconut oil) as a carrier due to its high bioavailability, inherent health benefits, and long shelf life.
Is CBD oil the same as medical cannabis oil?
The short answer is no - CBD oil sold 'over the counter' in the UK is classed as a Novel Food Item.
Novel Food Items have far fewer regulations and checks than medical cannabis oil, are not considered medicine, and cannot be advertised as such.
The medical cannabis oil options available through a Releaf prescription are classed as medical products and are subject to strict quality, safety, and efficacy standards set by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Releaf only sources medical cannabis oil and flower from manufacturers that have been shown to comply with (or exceed) these stringent regulations and standards.
Want to learn more?
Check out the rest of our 'New Patient' blog series for answers to all the frequently asked questions, or the full blog and education hub, where we cover everything UK medical cannabis.
We also have a fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker, which takes less than one minute to complete, and will give you a clear idea about whether Releaf treatment may be a good fit for you.
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It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Sam North, a seasoned writer with over five years' experience and expertise in medicinal cannabis, brings clarity to complex concepts, focusing on education and informed use.
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All of our articles are written by medical cannabis experts, guided by strict sourcing guidelines, and reference peer-reviewed studies and credible academic research. Our expert clinical team and compliance specialists provide valuable insights to ensure accuracy when required. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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