Since November 2018, cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) have been legally available in the UK through specialist doctors. A commonly prescribed format is medical cannabis oil, which may include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) or a combination of both.
So, what exactly is medical cannabis oil and how is it different from other medical cannabis products? We’ve answered the questions patients ask us most to help you understand how oils compare to other treatment options.
At a Glance
- Medical cannabis oil is a prescription medicine made by extracting cannabinoids from the cannabis plant and blending them with a carrier oil to create a measurable dose of oil that is taken by mouth.
- Medical cannabis oils may contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), or a combination of both, depending on the formulation prescribed.
- CBD oil is one type of medical cannabis oil, although prescribed medical cannabis oils can also contain THC or a combination of cannabinoids.
- Most high-street CBD oils are sold as food supplements rather than prescription medicines and are not required to undergo the same testing to verify their cannabinoid content and quality.
Medical Cannabis Oil: What is it?
Medical cannabis oil is a prescription-only medicine made by extracting cannabinoids from the flower of the cannabis plant and combining them with a carrier oil. It is typically taken by placing the oil under the tongue and holding there to allow for absorption through the lining of the mouth. It can also be taken by swallowing if desired, with absorption taking place in the gut. Oils are one of several medical cannabis formats that may be prescribed depending on clinical need.
High-street CBD and hemp oils also exist, but these are classed as food supplements. They are not regulated as medicines, and their cannabinoid content is not required to meet the same quality or consistency standards as medical cannabis oils.
What Are the Different Types of Medical Cannabis Oil Products?
- There are three main categories of medical cannabis oil that a specialist doctor may prescribe. Isolate Oils contain a single purified cannabinoid, such as CBD or THC, without the other naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant.
- Broad-spectrum oils contain several cannabinoids and other plant compounds. They may or may not contain THC, but do not contain the full range of compounds found in full-spectrum products.
- Full-Spectrum Oils contain the widest variety of naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids found in the cannabis plant. Some researchers believe these compounds may work together to influence their overall effects, a concept known as the entourage effect.
Oils are one of several medical cannabis formats that may be prescribed, alongside pastilles, capsules and dried cannabis flower for vaporisation.
CBD Oil: Is It Medical Cannabis Oil?
Yes, prescription CBD oil is one type of medical cannabis oil. However, not all CBD oils are prescription medicines. High street CBD oils are typically sold as food supplements rather than prescription medicines and are regulated differently.
Why do Patients Use Medical Cannabis Oil?
Medical cannabis oil may be recommended by a specialist doctor for several reasons, including:
- Clinical need: oils may be more suitable for patients who require a slower, more sustained effect from medical cannabis or for those where vaporisation is not appropriate.
- Discretion: oils do have a distinctive scent, but this is less noticeable compared to vaporised formats of medical cannabis.
- Measured dosing: oils allow for precise, controlled dosing, helping patients and clinicians gradually adjust the amount taken over time.
- Different onset and duration: sublingual or oral medical cannabis usually takes longer to start working and may have a longer-lasting effect than vapourised formats. Clinicians may consider this when assessing suitability for a patient.
What is in Medical Cannabis Oil?
Medical cannabis oil contains cannabinoids, which are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. More than 144 cannabinoids have been identified, including two of the most well-known: cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
These cannabinoids are blended with a carrier oil such as medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil to create a consistent, measurable liquid for oral dosing.
As a botanical extract, the medications can also contain minor cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), or others. Moreover, they can also include terpenes and flavonoids extracted from the cannabis flower.
Alternatively, if required, medical cannabis oils can contain isolated preparations of just one cannabinoid, for example in individuals for whom THC is not appropriate.
The specific mix of cannabinoids in a prescribed oil can vary depending on the product and the needs of each patient.
How Does Medical Cannabis Oil Interact with the Body?
The cannabinoids in medical cannabis oils primarily interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors, enzymes, and signalling molecules found throughout the body, and it helps support the regulation of processes such as sleep, mood, stress response, and immune function.
Two of the best-known cannabinoid receptors within the ECS are CB1 and CB2. Some cannabinoids, such as THC, are known to interact directly with these receptors, while CBD may influence the ECS more indirectly.
Each patient may be prescribed a different mix of cannabinoids depending on clinical need. As these cannabinoids act differently within the ECS and individual biology varies, the effects will be different for each patient.
How Medical Cannabis Oils Are Typically Taken
Medical cannabis oils are usually designed for oral or sublingual use. In many cases, they are taken by holding the prescribed amount under the tongue, where the cannabinoids can be absorbed through the lining of the mouth. If prescribed, your specialist will explain how to take your medicine and discuss the dosing schedule that is right for your individual needs.
How to Store Medical Cannabis Oils
Medical cannabis oils should be kept in a cool, dry and dark place, away from heat, light and moisture. Store the bottle upright and always keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Keep the oil in its original packaging, with the labels intact and any instructions clearly visible. Avoid transferring the medicine into a different container, as this may affect its quality or traceability.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Medical Cannabis Oil?
Like any medicine, medical cannabis has the potential to cause side effects in some patients. Some of the most reported include:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Concentration impairment
Side effects can vary depending on the formulation prescribed, an individual’s response to cannabinoids, and whether medical cannabis interacts with any other medications a patient is taking.
Before prescribing medical cannabis, clinicians will review a patient’s medical history and current treatments to help minimise these risks.
How to report a side effect with our team
If you’re a Curaleaf Clinic patient and experience any side effects, please report them straight away.
There are two ways to do this:
- Email us at [email protected]
- Through your Curaleaf Clinic Online account under ‘Report’.
Your clinician will then assess whether any adjustments are needed.
Is Medical Cannabis Oil Available Through the NHS?
NHS access to medical cannabis oil is extremely limited. One example is Epidyolex®, a purified CBD oral solution that may be prescribed for certain severe, treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy. As NHS access to cannabis-based medicines remains limited, most patients prescribed medical cannabis receive treatment through a private specialist clinic.
Is Medical Cannabis Oil Available on Prescription?
Medical cannabis oil can be prescribed by specialist doctors through private clinics in the UK. It is generally considered only when other first-line treatments have not been effective, and when a clinician determines that medical cannabis may be appropriate for a patient’s specific condition and circumstances.
If you would like to speak to a Curaleaf Clinic specialist, complete our eligibility assessment for free, online.
We’ll need to see your GP and any specialist records to assess your suitability for a consultation. The quickest way to do this is by registering with NHS login, but we can also request records on your behalf, with consent.
Reach out to our team, if you have any questions or need support. We’re here to help.
