Medical cannabis flower
Medical cannabis flower, also called medical cannabis flos, refers to the harvested and dried buds of the Cannabis Sativa L. plant prescribed for medical purposes.
Rich in therapeutically active compounds - cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes (including limonene and beta-caryophyllene), medical cannabis flower is one type of cannabis-based medication prescribed to help alleviate symptoms of a range of health concerns and medical conditions.
How do UK patients typically take medical cannabis flower?
Smoking any form of medical cannabis is illegal in the UK. Patients are expected to vaporise (not smoke) medical cannabis flower.
Vaporising medical cannabis flower involves heating the dried cannabis buds to a temperature below its burning point, converting the cannabinoids and terpenes into vapour that can be inhaled.
This method allows for a similar timeframe in terms of onset and duration of effects as smoking but without the harmful by-products of combustion. Vaping medical cannabis flower also gives patients more control over the temperature and dosage, resulting in a potentially more consistent and effective treatment.
What are the potential benefits of using medical cannabis flower?
The therapeutic properties of medical cannabis flower have been studied for decades, with research slowly but surely confirming its potential benefits.
Some of the more widely accepted uses are in the management of chronic pain, mental health issues, sleep disorders, neurological disorders, women's health issues, gastroenterological disturbances, and as an adjunct therapy for cancer patients, along with many other health issues.
Medical cannabis flower's anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and sedative effects can make it a viable option for patients seeking alternative or complementary treatments to traditional medications.
Is medical cannabis flower legal in the UK?
Yes, but it must be prescribed by a specialist listed on the General Medical Council's Specialist Register. The specialist will assess your condition, your medical history, and other factors to determine whether medical cannabis flower is a suitable treatment option.
The NHS is unwilling to offer prescriptions for medical cannabis flower. Private medical cannabis clinics, like Releaf, are legally allowed to prescribe medical cannabis flower, making it more accessible to patients in the UK.
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.