Medical marijuana is cannabis that people use as a medicine. It has been used for a long time to treat different health problems, but it is also a disputed and banned drug in lots of places.
As per the name, it is clearly understood that medical marijuana means cannabis that is used for medical purposes or medicinal purposes. Now, does that make it legal? Here, we will discuss everything in detail and answer your questions. So stay with us to know if medical marijuana is legal in the UK.
Yes, Medical Marijuana is Legalized in the UK
Medical marijuana was legalized and made legal in the UK in 2018, but it was under specific conditions. But please note that it is only legal in the United Kingdom if you get the certificate or prescription from the NHS or any private medical expert.It has been reported that around 19,000–20,000 people living in the UK have been using medical marijuana. But we would like to add that this figure might increase as well.
If you do not have a valid prescription, you are not allowed to smoke cannabis or use hemp disposable vapes at any cost. To purchase it, make sure you have valid documents. This perhaps makes the UK the biggest cultivator and growth promoter of medical marijuana.
Let’s Talk about it’s History
In the year 1928, cannabis was made legal in the United Kingdom just for recreational purposes and was placed under Class B drugs, which are noted to be the second most prohibited drug. This was the time when the doctors strictly prohibited the use of cannabis.
When the government came under the power of Tony Blair, he strictly classified it as a class C drug, which forced people to pay penalties if they were found with cannabis. Then again, when Gordon Brown came into power, he classified it under Class B drugs.
In the year 2018, medical marijuana was finally legalized in the United Kingdom. Now, doctors have full authority and control over prescribing cannabis medicine to patients.
Various Conditions To Prescribe Medical Cannabis
The conditions for which medical marijuana can be prescribed are:
Serious form of epilepsy
Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy
If you are suffering from nausea or vomiting,
For people who are suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), this is a condition that causes muscle spasms or stiffness.
Is it Effective?
Now, coming to this section and talking about whether medical marijuana is effective. For this, the research is still going on. Medical marijuana comes into action when it comes into contact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Let's have a look at the data:
Around 93–94% of the people have speculated that it has helped them deal with severe pain.
Talking about mental health, around 77% of the users have admitted that it has helped them improve their mental health.
Due to its adverse effects. Almost 96% of the people confirmed that they felt no side or adverse effects.
Does the Effect of Medical Marijuana Last for Long?
Medical marijuana can be consumed in two ways: orally or through inhalation. If taken orally, the effect may last for around 4–8 hours, whereas if inhaled, the effect may last for 2-4 hours.
From where can one get Medical marijuana in the UK?
Medical marijuana can only be provided when you show the prescription, which can be provided by any medical expert who is a doctor.
Moreover, you must provide the details that you have already experienced and taken all prescribed medicine, and nothing worked, and that is the reason for you to take medical marijuana. Doctors will go through your medical history, and you will be provided with suitable cannabis.
Can I Take Medical Marijuana Provided In The UK to Any Other Country?
Well, this depends on where you are traveling. In this case, consult your doctor first. Also, you are required to get in touch with that particular country’s embassy. This will provide you with a detailed idea about the legality of medical marijuana. To find out this, there are several ways:
Make sure to carry the original prescription with you when you travel.
Talk about the rules and regulations you must follow while traveling with marijuana to other countries.
If you finish the medication, then how can you get it?
Risks That Comes With Using Medical Mariguana In The United Kingdom
No doubt, medical marijuana contains plenty of medicinal benefits, but do not forget that it comes with specific adverse or side effects as well.
It has both short-term and long-term effects. Short-term side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and losing attention or focus.
Talking about the long-term effects, it can cause severe respiratory problems and can knock on mental health.
Though medical marijuana comes with low risk, it can affect people if they are:
Taking about medical marijuana very often and at a very high dose
Suffer from any medical disorder or problem.
If you have started using medical marijuana at a very tender and young age,
If you have a family addiction
THC and CBD levels and dosage are the two main factors adversely affecting an individual's memory and cognitive functions. So it is vital and advisable to contact a doctor and medical expert before taking it.
How much does it Cost?
The price of medical marijuana depends on certain factors or criteria. Now, what factors do you think we are talking about? These factors include the dosage, the THC level, and the forms. For medical marijuana, the price can go around 150 pounds per month.
Conclusion:
To sum it up, we would like to put forward that though medical marijuana has been legalized in the UK, it has received very little support and guidance from law and government.
The effects and outcomes of medical marijuana have been constantly changing day by day. Still, they are not always put forward and brought up by the legislature in the United Kingdom. But we cannot deny the fact that more research is being carried out to help find access to medical marijuana and its uses.