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.
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 made by extracting cannabinoids from the cannabis plant and blending them with a carrier oil to create a measurable, ingestible medicine.
Different medical cannabis oils may contain different ratios of cannabinoids like tetrahyrdocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), depending on the formulation prescribed.
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 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.
What Are the Different Types of Medical Cannabis Oil Products?
There are three main categories of medical cannabis oils that a specialist doctor may prescribe:
- Isolate oils contain a single cannabinoid, such as CBD or THC, in a purified form.
- Broad-spectrum oils contain several cannabinoids and other plant compounds, and may include THC, but not the full range found in the whole plant.
- Full-spectrum oils contain the widest variety of cannabinoids, along with naturally occurring terpenes and flavonoids.
The type of oil prescribed can vary from patient to patient, with specialist doctors considering individual clinical needs and the intended treatment goals when selecting a format or product.
Oils are one of several administration methods which can be considered, alongside pastilles and dried cannabis flower for vaporisation.
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.
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.
If you’re a Curaleaf Clinic patient and experience any side effects, report them straight away to [email protected] or 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?
Only a small number of licensed cannabis-based medicines are available on the NHS. One example is Epidiolex, a purified CBD oil that may be prescribed for specific severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy conditions.
On the whole, NHS access is limited, so most patients who are prescribed medical cannabis receive it through a private clinic, such as Curaleaf 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.
