5 Common Conditions Treated with Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis has emerged as a promising treatment option for various health conditions, particularly where conventional therapies have proven inadequate. In the UK, clinics like MARUCANNA are at the forefront of prescribing cannabis-based medicines, offering personalised care to improve patients’ quality of life. Below, we explore five common conditions treated with medical cannabis, chronic pain, epilepsy, palliative care, anxiety, and Crohn’s disease.

1. Chronic pain

Chronic pain, affecting an estimated 7 million people in the UK, is the most common condition for which medical cannabis is prescribed. Unlike acute pain, chronic pain persists beyond normal recovery periods, often requiring long-term management. Traditional treatments, such as opioids, can lead to dependency and adverse side effects, prompting patients to seek alternatives.

Medical cannabis, particularly products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to modulate pain signals and reduce inflammation. A 2023 survey indicated that 68% of UK adults are open to exploring medical cannabis for chronic pain relief, reflecting growing acceptance. MARUCANNA’s specialists note that patients with conditions like arthritis, back pain, or neuropathic pain often report significant reductions in pain intensity, with one placebo-controlled study showing a 34% decrease in neuropathic pain with cannabis-based treatment. “Our patients value the ability to reduce reliance on opioids, experiencing fewer side effects and improved daily functioning,” says a MARUCANNA clinician.

2. Epilepsy

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder affecting over 500,000 people in the UK, is characterised by recurrent seizures. For those with treatment-resistant epilepsy, such as Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, conventional anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) may fail to control seizures. Medical cannabis, particularly CBD-rich products like Epidiolex, has shown significant promise.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that CBD can reduce seizure frequency by up to 50% in some patients. For instance, a UK study reported an 86% average reduction in seizure frequency among children treated with whole-plant cannabis oil. MARUCANNA’s experts highlight that CBD’s anticonvulsant properties stabilise brain activity, offering hope for patients unresponsive to traditional treatments. “We carefully tailor CBD and THC combinations to each patient, monitoring outcomes to optimise seizure control,” explains a MARUCANNA neurologist. By July 2024, over 50,000 UK patients accessed medical cannabis through private clinics, many for epilepsy management.

3. Palliative care

Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with terminal or serious illnesses, such as cancer, by managing symptoms like pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. In the UK, over 3 million people live with cancer, and medical cannabis is increasingly used to alleviate cancer-related discomfort.

Cannabis-based medicines can reduce pain by interacting with the endocannabinoid system and may also address chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. MARUCANNA’s palliative care specialists report that patients often experience enhanced appetite and mood, crucial for maintaining dignity and independence. “Medical cannabis allows us to offer holistic symptom relief, complementing other therapies without the heavy side-effect profile of some medications,” a MARUCANNA consultant notes. Limited evidence also suggests cannabis may improve insomnia and psychological distress in palliative care settings.

4. Anxiety

Mental health conditions, including anxiety, affect 1 in 4 people in the UK annually. For those who find traditional treatments like antidepressants or therapy insufficient, medical cannabis offers an alternative. CBD, known for its calming properties, can modulate anxiety by influencing serotonin receptors and reducing stress responses.

MARUCANNA’s clinicians have observed that patients with generalised anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often report improved sleep and reduced anxiety levels with cannabis-based treatments. A patient testimonial from a UK clinic highlights this: “With cannabis oil, I get a full night’s sleep and a morning dose that supports me through the day.” However, experts caution that THC-containing products must be carefully dosed to avoid exacerbating anxiety in some individuals. “We prioritise low-dose, CBD-dominant formulations for anxiety, adjusting based on patient response,” says a MARUCANNA specialist.

5. Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition affecting over 200,000 UK residents, causes symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and reduced appetite. Medical cannabis has shown potential in alleviating these symptoms, particularly for patients unresponsive to standard treatments like immunosuppressants.

By reducing inflammation and modulating gut motility, cannabis can ease pain and improve appetite. MARUCANNA’s gastroenterology experts note that patients often report better symptom control and quality of life with cannabis-based therapies. “Cannabis helps address the multifaceted symptoms of Crohn’s, from pain to psychological stress, offering a more comprehensive approach,” a clinician explains. Patient feedback aligns with this, with some reporting reduced reliance on painkillers like paracetamol.

The MARUCANNA approach

At MARUCANNA, a CQC-registered UK medical cannabis clinic, the focus is on personalised care. The process begins with a free eligibility check, followed by a virtual consultation with a specialist who designs a tailored treatment plan. Regular follow-ups ensure outcomes are tracked, with adjustments made as needed. “Our goal is to empower patients with safe, effective cannabis-based treatments, backed by the latest research,” says a MARUCANNA spokesperson.

Recent data underscores the clinic’s impact: by July 2024, the UK saw a rise from 32,000 to over 50,000 patients accessing medical cannabis, with MARUCANNA leading in patient satisfaction. The clinic also navigates the UK’s complex legal landscape, where medical cannabis is legal but tightly regulated, ensuring compliance while advocating for broader access.

Conclusion

Medical cannabis is transforming the management of chronic pain, epilepsy, palliative care, anxiety, and Crohn’s disease, offering hope where traditional treatments fall short. With clinics like MARUCANNA leveraging cutting-edge research and patient-centred care, more UK patients are finding relief and reclaiming their quality of life. As research progresses and regulations evolve, medical cannabis is poised to become an integral part of modern healthcare.