The use of cannabis for medicinal and health purposes has been around for centuries. In recent years, more people have started to explore the potential benefits of cannabis supplements for wellbeing and health. This article will look at the positive effects of cannabis for health, discuss how it is being used, and explain why it is becoming increasingly popular. We will also explore the possible risks associated with taking cannabis supplements, and the ways to minimize these risks. By the end, readers will have a better understanding of the benefits of cannabis supplements for their wellbeing and health.

What are the potential benefits of taking cannabis supplements?

Cannabis supplements can provide a range of potential benefits, including increased energy and focus, reduced inflammation, improved sleep, and relief from chronic pain. In addition, research suggests that cannabis supplements may help protect against certain types of cancer, reduce anxiety, and even improve appetite and digestion.

How do cannabis supplements work to provide relief?

Cannabis supplements work by providing relief through a variety of mechanisms. These may include providing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, providing anxiolytic effects, and providing antispasmodic effects. Furthermore, cannabis supplements may also provide relief from certain symptoms of mental health disorders. The exact mechanisms of action vary depending on the supplement being used.

Are there any potential risks associated with taking cannabis supplements?

Yes, there are potential risks associated with taking cannabis supplements. The most common concern is the potential for side effects, such as dizziness, dry mouth, and fatigue. Other potential risks include an increased risk of dependency, drug interactions, and an increased risk of developing certain mental health conditions. Additionally, there is an increased risk of impaired judgment and coordination, which can lead to accidents or injury.

Are there any interactions between cannabis supplements and other medications?

Yes, cannabis supplements may interact with certain medications. For instance, using cannabis supplements along with blood pressure medications can increase the risk of low blood pressure. People who are taking other medications should talk to their doctor before taking cannabis supplements.

What are the different types of cannabis supplements available?

The different types of cannabis supplements available include capsules, tinctures, edibles, oils, and topical forms such as creams and salves. Capsules are the most commonly used form and allow for easy ingestion of a pre-determined dose. Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that can be taken orally or added to food and drinks. Edibles are cannabis-infused food and drinks, while oils can be taken orally or applied topically. Lastly, topicals are cannabis-infused creams and salves that are applied directly to the skin.

Is CBD better than antidepressant?

Cannabis supplements, including CBD, may be beneficial for some people in addressing mental health issues, but it is not necessarily superior to antidepressant medication. It is important to speak to a healthcare professional about your particular health needs before making any decisions about supplementing with cannabis products.

Back to Health A to Z. Many cannabis-based products are available to buy online, but their quality and content is not known. They may be illegal in the UK and potentially dangerous. Some products that might claim to be medical cannabis, such as CBD oil or hemp oil, are available to buy legally as food supplements from health stores. But theres no guarantee these are of good quality or provide any health benefits. Specific cannabis-based products are available on prescription as medicinal cannabis. These are only likely to benefit a very small number of patients. Very few people in England are likely to get a prescription for medical cannabis. Currently, it is only likely to be prescribed for the following conditions. It would only be considered when other treatments were not suitable or had not helped. It will not get you high, because it does not contain THC tetrahydrocannabinol , the chemical in cannabis that makes you high. Epidyolex can be prescribed by a specialist for patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome both rare forms of epilepsy. Many people having chemotherapy will have periods where they feel sick or vomit. Nabilone can be prescribed to adults by a specialist to help relieve these symptoms, but only when other treatments have not helped or are not suitable. Nabilone is a medicine, taken as a capsule, that has been developed to act in a similar way to THC the chemical in cannabis that makes you high. You may have heard it described as a manmade form of cannabis. Nabiximols Sativex is a cannabis-based medicine that is sprayed into the mouth. It is licensed in the UK for adults with MS-related muscle spasticity that has not got better with other treatments. Read more from the MS Society on Sativex for treating muscle stiffness and spasms. There is some evidence medical cannabis can help certain types of pain, though this evidence is not yet strong enough to recommend it for pain relief. In some cases, however, it may be prescribed for pain as part of a clinical trial. Some cannabis-based products are available to buy over the internet without a prescription. Its likely most of these products even those called CBD oils will be illegal to possess or supply. Theres a good chance they will contain THC, and may not be safe to use. Health stores sell certain types of pure CBD. However, theres no guarantee these products will be of good quality. They tend to only contain very small amounts of CBD, so its not clear what effect they would have. The risks of using cannabis products containing THC the chemical that gets you high are not currently clear. Thats why clinical trials are needed before they can be used. Generally, the more THC the product contains, the greater these risks are. Cannabis bought illegally off the street, where the quality, ingredients and strength are not known, is the most dangerous form to use. Read about the risks of regularly smoking cannabis at Talk to Frank. Depending on the type of medical cannabis you take, its possible to develop side effects such as. If you experience any side effects from medical cannabis, report these to your medical team. You can also report them through the Yellow Card Scheme. Always discuss possible interactions with a specialist. CBD can also affect how your liver works, so doctors would need to monitor you regularly. You cannot get cannabis-based medicine from a GP it can only be prescribed by a specialist hospital doctor. The specialist will discuss with you all the other treatment options first, before considering a cannabis-based product. A prescription for medical cannabis would only be given when it was believed to be in your best interests, and when other treatments had not worked or were not suitable. Its expected this would only apply to a very small number of people in England. If the above does not apply to you, do not ask a GP for a referral for medical cannabis. The government has no intention of legalising the use of cannabis for recreational non-medical use. Possessing cannabis is illegal, whatever youre using it for. That includes medical use cannabis products, unless these have been prescribed for you. Page last reviewed 27 May Next review due 27 May Medical cannabis and cannabis oils. Can I get a prescription for medical cannabis? Currently, it is only likely to be prescribed for the following conditions children and adults with rare, severe forms of epilepsy adults with vomiting or nausea caused by chemotherapy people with muscle stiffness and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis MS It would only be considered when other treatments were not suitable or had not helped. Epidyolex for children and adults with epilepsy Epidyolex is a highly purified liquid containing CBD cannabidiol. CBD is a chemical substance found in cannabis that has medical benefits. Nabilone for chemotherapy patients Many people having chemotherapy will have periods where they feel sick or vomit.