Conditions Treated With Medical Cannabis CBD Oil

Conditions treated with medicinal cannabis: CBD & THC

Firstly please note that medicinal cannabis is not suitable for all patients and all conditions. Limited research means uncertainty about the likely success of using medicinal cannabis. Most patients will know if there are benefits after using the first prescription that usually lasts about a month. When patients are disappointed other medicinal cannabis prescriptions may be trialled. Patients generally like the experience of fewer side-effects from medicinal cannabis.

Many patients have tried cannabis oils, balms, edibles or smoked cannabis and know there are medical benefits. Changing to prescribed cannabis gives certainty of quality and supply as well as being legal.

Here are some educational notes for those interested in medical cannabis.

From 2017 to 2021 CBD oil was the most accessible medicinal cannabis in Aotearoa NZ. In other parts of the world patients would have been prescribed mixes or blends of THC and CBD, thought to be more effective. Dr Gulbransen wanted to be sure that CBD oil was a good use of patients’ money. With patient permission he reviewed ‘before and after’ records of 400 patients seen in 2018. This information was published in the British Journal of General Practice on 5 February 2020.

Dr Gulbransen’s BJGP audit of 400 patients concluded, ‘There may be analgesic [pain relief] and anxiolytic [anxiety relief] benefits of CBD in patients with non-cancer chronic pain and mental health conditions such as anxiety. CBD is well tolerated, making it safe to trial for non-cancer chronic pain, mental health, neurological, and cancer symptoms.’

From 2021 CBD, THC and blends of THC with CBD were verified by the Medical Cannabis Scheme as meeting minimum quality standards. First oils, then dried flower or herbal cannabis (intended for herbal tea then later for vaping).

An audit of 1264 patients who were prescribed CBD oil has been submitted for publication. Download the audit.