Exploring Medical Cannabis Clinics: A Potential Alternative for Managing Chronic Pain

Chronic pain affects approximately one in four individuals in the UK, significantly impacting their physical and emotional health, relationships, and work capabilities. This article delves into various strategies for managing long-term pain and highlights recent developments in this arena.

Currently, around 28 million people in the UK endure chronic pain, a figure that may increase due to lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with chest and joint pain frequently reported as common symptoms.

Understanding CBD and Its Legal Status

CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis, distinct from THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which is responsible for the intoxicating effects associated with cannabis. In the UK, the legality of CBD products hinges on their THC content; those containing sufficiently low levels of THC are permissible. CBD can be extracted from both the cannabis plant and hemp, the latter being a legal variant with minimal or no THC.

Guidance issued by NICE in November 2019 advises against the prescription of CBD, THC, or their combination for chronic pain sufferers. Nevertheless, it states that adults currently using cannabis-based medicinal products should continue their use until a mutual agreement with their healthcare provider is reached regarding potential cessation.

At present, Sativex, a 1:1 formulation of CBD and THC specifically designed for muscle spasms, is accessible on the NHS only to patients in England and Wales. The MS Society is actively campaigning to broaden access to this treatment across the UK.

The UK Medical Cannabis Registry has been established to document patient experiences with medical cannabis and CBD treatments, particularly their efficacy in managing chronic pain symptoms. Preliminary analyses from the registry have indicated statistically significant improvements in chronic pain among those studied.

Exploring Medical Cannabis as an Alternative Treatment

For individuals grappling with chronic pain, the search for effective management solutions is often fraught with challenges. Chronic conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, or lower back pain can extend beyond mere discomfort, disrupting sleep, work, and overall enjoyment of life.

While traditional painkillers can provide some respite, they are not without drawbacks, including well-documented side effects and the potential for dependence. This has prompted many chronic pain patients to explore alternative solutions for symptom management.

Medical cannabis consultations and treatments are now legally available through CQC-regulated providers like Releaf, which may prescribe it alongside existing treatments for eligible patients. Understanding the existing evidence and determining eligibility is crucial for those considering this alternative approach.

Assessing Your Eligibility for Medical Cannabis

If conventional treatments have failed to alleviate your chronic pain, discussing medical cannabis with your healthcare provider may be beneficial. Standard treatments often include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants, nerve pain agents, or opioids.

For patients who have not experienced adequate relief from at least two standard treatments, a specialist may evaluate their suitability for a medical cannabis prescription. While it cannot address the root causes of conditions like arthritis or lower back pain, medical cannabis may help alleviate various secondary symptoms.

The therapeutic potential of medical cannabis primarily stems from its two active ingredients: THC and CBD. These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex signalling network involved in essential physiological and cognitive functions.

THC acts on CB1 receptors in the nervous system, believed to diminish pain perception, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. Conversely, CBD influences the ECS indirectly and may assist in prolonging the effects of endocannabinoids. The specific therapeutic effects can vary based on the cannabinoid composition of the prescribed medical cannabis, emphasising the need for a clinician-led approach.

The Latest Research on Medical Cannabis

Research into the use of medical cannabis for chronic pain management has been limited historically, but recent studies are beginning to shed light on its efficacy. A trial involving 820 adults compared those receiving a placebo with those administered a full-spectrum cannabis extract known as VER-01 over an initial 12-week period.

Results indicated that participants in the cannabis group experienced a significant reduction in pain symptoms compared to those on placebo, with ongoing benefits in sleep quality and physical function noted in subsequent months. However, it is essential to recognise that VER-01 is a specific extract, and findings may not necessarily extend to all cannabis-based medicines.

While research on medical cannabis for arthritis is less advanced than for chronic back pain, emerging studies are beginning to yield promising outcomes. A study conducted by the UK Medical Cannabis Registry in 2025 highlighted improvements in pain and overall quality of life associated with cannabis-based treatments, although some studies have shown CBD-rich oil to be no more effective than placebo in treating knee osteoarthritis.

Understanding Risks and Making Informed Decisions

Despite many studies indicating the potential benefits of medical cannabis for chronic pain, it is crucial to approach these findings with caution. Many studies have been observational and cannot definitively establish causation. Therefore, further high-quality trials with larger cohorts are necessary to confirm these relationships.

Each patient’s response to medical cannabis can vary widely, which is why prescriptions should always be tailored on a case-by-case basis by a qualified specialist. To legally obtain medical cannabis in the UK, it must be prescribed by a physician registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register, meaning that general practitioners cannot issue these prescriptions.

For those who have tried at least two conventional treatments without adequate relief or who have experienced undesirable side effects, medical cannabis may present a suitable alternative. It is essential to disclose your full medical history during the initial consultation to ensure the safety and appropriateness of this treatment.

If you are living with chronic pain and conventional treatments have not provided the relief you seek, consider consulting with a specialist at Releaf to assess whether medical cannabis could be an appropriate option for you. Medical cannabis is only available through prescription following a thorough consultation, and it may not be suitable for everyone. Always consult a healthcare professional before embarking on any new treatment plan.