Indica vs sativa: what prescribed patients should know
Indica and sativa began as botanical labels The terms Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica have a long botanical history. Modern commercial cannabis has been heavily crossed, while product language often uses “indica”, “sativa” and “hybrid” as broad market categories. That market shorthand is different from a measured chemical profile. What the labels do not reliably […]
Medical cannabis oil vs flower: choosing between prescribed forms
Oil and flower use different routes Prescribed cannabis flower is usually heated in a vaporiser so cannabinoids are inhaled without burning the plant material. Cannabis oil is measured and taken orally or under the tongue, depending on the product instructions. The route changes how quickly effects begin, how long they may last and how a […]
THC:CBD ratios explained for prescribed patients
What a THC:CBD ratio describes A THC:CBD ratio compares the amount of THC with the amount of CBD in a product. A 1:1 preparation contains roughly equal amounts. A 20:1 preparation contains much more THC than CBD. The ratio does not reveal the dose. One milligram of THC with one milligram of CBD and ten […]
What are terpenes and why do they matter for prescribed patients
Terpenes describe part of the plant’s chemistry Terpenes are aromatic compounds made by cannabis and many other plants. They help create the smell and flavour of a product. Myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, limonene, linalool and pinene are among the names often reported for cannabis flower. More than one form of a terpene can exist. A name such […]
CBD vs THC in medical cannabis: what patients should know
THC and CBD are different cannabinoids THC and CBD are the two cannabinoids most often named on prescribed cannabis products. THC activates CB1 receptors and can cause intoxication and impairment. CBD does not produce the same intoxicating effect, but it is pharmacologically active and can cause side effects or medicine interactions. Calling CBD “medical” and […]
Medical cannabis and addiction
What addiction is A substance use disorder involves impaired control over use, continued use despite harm and, for some people, tolerance or withdrawal. Cannabis can itself produce a substance use disorder. That question is separate from research into cannabinoids for dependence on opioids, alcohol or stimulants. Cannabis research on Addiction and substance use Budney and […]
Medical cannabis and asthma
What asthma is Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways characterised by variable and reversible airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and underlying inflammation. Common symptoms include wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough, which vary over time and in intensity. In the UK, an estimated 5.4 million people receive treatment for asthma. Standard […]
Medical cannabis and bipolar disorder
What bipolar disorder is Bipolar disorder is a serious, lifelong mental health condition characterised by recurrent episodes of mania or hypomania (elevated, expansive, or irritable mood with increased energy, reduced need for sleep, grandiosity, pressured speech, and impulsive or risky behaviour) and episodes of depression. Bipolar I disorder requires at least one full manic episode; […]
Medical cannabis and cancer
What cancer is Cancer is not one disease but more than 200, grouped by the tissue and cell type where abnormal growth begins — carcinoma, sarcoma, leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and central nervous system cancers. The common feature is uncontrolled cell division that can invade nearby tissue and, in many cases, spread to distant sites through […]
Medical cannabis and OCD
What obsessive-compulsive disorder is Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by persistent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that generate anxiety or distress, and by repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules. Compulsions are […]