The British Medical Cannabis Patient: A Year Later
With the official legalisation of medical cannabis in the United Kingdom in November of 2018, patients were finally given legal access to medical cannabis based treatments for several different medical conditions. Although the legislation was a major step forward for many people suffering with chronic illnesses, the road to accessing medical cannabis has not been without its own set of obstacles. For some patients, access to medical cannabis remains difficult. In addition, the process to receive a medical cannabis prescription can be complicated and expensive. In this article, we will discuss what it is like being a medical cannabis patient in the United Kingdom one year after the medical cannabis legislation was passed.
From Illness to Prescription
Medical cannabis offers patients with chronic illnesses, including (but not limited) to epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and severe pain; an alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. Obtaining a medical cannabis prescription, however, does not require the same simple visit to a doctor as other prescribed medications.
Due to the legalization of medical cannabis in the U.K., patients must seek out a specialist clinic to receive a medical cannabis prescription. Many of these clinics charge patients for private consultations. This can create a financial burden for patients, because medical cannabis can be very expensive and patients may have to bear the full cost of treatment. Additionally, not all doctors feel comfortable recommending medical cannabis, so many patients encounter difficulty in finding a healthcare professional that will recommend medical cannabis.
What It’s Like Being A Medical Cannabis Patient
For a British patient who started his medical cannabis journey one year ago, the experience has been both good and bad. After dealing with severe pain resulting from a long term medical illness, he could not find relief through traditional medicines and the side effects associated with traditional medicines were not acceptable.
After receiving an initial evaluation at a specialty clinic, the patient received a prescription for medical cannabis. He started using cannabis oil, a most commonly used type of medical cannabis in the U.K., to treat his pain and reduce inflammation.
Relieving Pain And Improving Quality Of Life
One of the most notable benefits that the patient has experienced from the use of medical cannabis, is a significant decrease in the amount of pain he feels. His symptoms have not entirely gone away, but the patient states that he has the ability to control his pain and has significantly reduced the number of times he experiences a flare up. The patient also states that he no longer relies on prescription opioids to help him sleep. Prescription opioids cause him drowsiness and stomach problems.
He also states that he has seen a vast improvement in his ability to get a good nights sleep. By treating his anxiety associated with chronic pain, the patient has improved the quality of his sleep.
Obstacles Encountered On The Journey To Better Health
While the results of medical cannabis have generally been positive, the patient has also encountered challenges. The cost of receiving medical cannabis through private clinics is substantial. The patient has paid as much as £500 per month for his treatment. Cost is a significant barrier for many patients. Currently, medical cannabis is not funded by the National Health Service (NHS).
Finding the correct method of consuming medical cannabis can also be daunting for patients that are new to the treatment. The correct dosage and method of consumption will vary depending on the patient’s individual needs. Finding the right combination of dosage and method of consumption can be a trial-and-error process. This may require adjusting the dosage and/or method of consumption.
Where We Are Now – One Year Since Legalisation
It has now been one year since the U.K. government legalized medical cannabis. Despite having a larger number of clinics available that offer cannabis prescriptions, many patients still experience barriers when attempting to receive the medical cannabis that they need. Advocates of medical cannabis continue to push for better access to medical cannabis, for lower prices for the treatment, and to educate healthcare providers about medical cannabis.
The state of medical cannabis in the U.K. is still developing. However, for many patients, the benefits of medical cannabis are evident. For those patients that are able to access medical cannabis, it offers a viable alternative to traditional treatments, and the opportunity for a better quality of life.
Conclusion
Being a British medical cannabis patient over the past year has been a rollercoaster of advancements and setbacks. While the benefits of medical cannabis for those patients struggling with chronic conditions are evident, the process to receive treatment remains a challenge due to high costs and limited availability. Hopefully, with more support and greater awareness, medical cannabis will continue to positively affect the lives of many patients in the U.K. for years to come.