Medicinal Cannabis for Chronic Pain
Medicinal Cannabis for Chronic Pain – Ask your Doctor if Cannabis is right for you
Call us on 063 44 88 991 to schedule your appointment with Dr Johann Baard or Book Online.
Medicinal cannabis has been gaining popularity as an alternative pain relief option for individuals suffering from chronic pain. This alternative medicine is being prescribed by doctors as a way to manage pain that is not responsive to traditional treatments such as opiates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months and can be caused by a variety of conditions such as fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and chronic headaches. Traditional treatments for chronic pain often come with side effects that can worsen the patient’s overall quality of life. Opiates, for example, can lead to addiction and overdose, while NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding.
Medicinal cannabis, on the other hand, is a natural alternative that has been found to be effective in reducing chronic pain without the same level of negative side effects. Studies have shown that cannabis can reduce pain, improve sleep, and increase overall quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain.
The active compounds in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, interact with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating pain, mood, and other physiological processes. The most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the “high” most commonly associated with recreational cannabis use. However, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) has also been found to be effective in reducing chronic pain, but the two work best together in full-spectrum formulations.
In order to use medicinal cannabis as a pain relief option, a patient must first receive a medicinal cannabis prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. The prescription will specify the type of cannabis, the dosage, and the route of administration (such as smoking, vaporizing, or orally consuming via drops, sprays or capsules).
In conclusion, medicinal cannabis is a viable alternative pain relief option for individuals suffering from chronic pain. It has been found to be effective in reducing pain and improving overall quality of life without the same level of negative side effects as traditional treatments. However, it is important to note that medicinal cannabis is still considered a Schedule 6 substance and its use is only legal with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
What does medical cannabis treat?
Medical Cannabis can be been used to treat a number of different symptoms and conditions, including
Chronic Pain,
Nausea and Vomiting
Multiple Sclerosis
Seizure Disorders
Fibromyalgia
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Arthritis
Anxiety and Depression
Glaucoma
Endometriosis
Chronic neuropathic pain that impacts daily activity or impairs mobility
Mood disorders such as anxiety, which are common in patients with chronic pain
Sleep disturbances and clinical insomnia, made worse by pain and anxiety.
Your doctor may prescribe medical cannabis to relieve symptoms associated with a variety of conditions that have not responded to conventional medicine.
To know if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment contact us and we will book a consultation for you with our resident medical director, Dr Johann Baard, with a special interest in medical cannabis treatment to assess whether you qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you access medical cannabis in South Africa?
Medical cannabis can only be prescribed by a doctor. If he/she decides medical cannabis therapy is appropriate, then your doctor will apply to SAHPRA for approval. Medical cannabis products are not registered medicines in South Africa and can only be accessed through a section 21 approval process, provided they are in medical use internationally.
Is using medical cannabis legal in South Africa?
Yes, medical cannabis is a legal treatment in South Africa.
Are medical cannabis products quality controlled?
The Regulatory Authority has established quality standards for medicine, including medical cannabis products, and all companies who import, manufacture and supply medical cannabis products in South Africa are required to comply.
Cannabis Clinics was established to assist South African patients seeking access to legal, local and imported pharma-grade medical cannabis through either online or in-person consultations. Medicinal Cannabis in Cape Town.
Older Adults
Are you over the age of 55 and concerned about the long-term side effects of some of the medications that you are taking? Speak to our doctors about medical cannabis as an effective plant-based alternative.
Older South Africans may be deterred by the stigma attached to cannabis. By consulting with one of our doctors you may find that you have the most to gain from this clinically evidenced natural-medicine. Dependent upon the condition for which you are seeking help it is likely that our doctors will be able to prescribe a cannabis medication format that has no psychoactive effect.
