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What is Medical Cannabis

What is Medical Cannabis (Cannabis Based Medical Products)

What is Medical Cannabis? What is it used to treat?

Cannabis Based Medical Products (CBMPs) or Medical Cannabis are medications derived from the cannabis plant, containing cannabidiol (CBD) and/or Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC – which is the psychoactive substance in cannabis). In the UK medical cannabis has been legal since 2018 for the treatment of psychological, neurological, and chronic pain conditions as well as, palliative and/or end of life care: for sake of brevity a full list of conditions treated in the UK is highlighted in eligibility section of this website.

What’s the eligibility criteria?

With cannabis based medical products (CBMPs) being unlicenced, the census would be for patients to evidence unmet clinical needs i.e., their health is not improving despite having ongoing treatment or interventions via conventional healthcare services. It is important for all patients to recognise that due to cannabis containing a psychoactive substance, for the safety of potential patients, if you have any of the diagnosis listed in the exclusion criteria, you will not be eligible. We would advise these patients to liaise with their consultants at the NHS and explore an alternative treatment method to support their health needs.

Patients have a right to a second opinion, provided they do not have any counterindications listed in the exclusion criteria below. Patient’s must be over 18 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria?  

Like all medications, CBMPs is not advisable to use if you struggle from one of the following: –

  • Suffer with high BP (If this is not stable)
  • History of psychosis
  • Diagnosis of schizophrenia
  • Heart condition (Which has NOT been stable for 6+ months)
  • Pregnant or breast-feeding

What are the side effects of medical cannabis?

Side effects of CBMPs include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Imbalance
  • Euphoria
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Anxiety and/or Depression
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Psychological Dependence
  • Tolerance
  • Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)

Adverse reactions include:

  • Headaches
  • Migraines
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

If you experience an adverse reaction, it is important that you report your symptoms to the MHRA via yellow card, who are the medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency. To report a yellow card, please follow this link and fill out the form: Yellow Card | Making medicines and medical devices safer (mhra.gov.uk). It is also vital that you inform your clinic, to ensure this medication is not prescribed to you again in the future.

Cannabis dependence:

Cannabis dependence is known clinically as cannabis use disorder, and user’s of any form of medicines, including medical cannabis are prone to psychological dependency.

Signs of Psychological dependence include:

  • Not using medications as prescribed -> using more than required or larger dosages and/or more frequently
  • Withdrawal
  • Developed a tolerance and require more
  • Failed repeated attempts to control or stop use
  • Physical or psychological concerns related to use (i.e., respiratory concerns or fluctuation in mood)
  • Missing relevant appointments or work to use
  • Craving for purposes other than prescribed

If you experience any of the following, please get in touch with your prescriber, so that they may manage this concern accordingly.

Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, also known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, can affect people who are exposed to prolonged, high doses of cannabis: this can also occur with medical cannabis use.

Signs of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome include:

  • Intense nausea and vomiting
  • Projectile vomiting (can happen without warning, up to 5x an hour)
  • Extreme Diarrhea
  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight loss

Although this is uncommon, if you experience any of the following, please reduce use or stop where possible and urgently alert your prescriber. If symptoms are uncontrollable, please seek urgent medical intervention as you are at risk of dehydration.

Monitoring BP / Warfin prescription

Medical cannabis can for some people cause heart palpations, it is important that people with a history of high blood pressure or a heart condition to be mindful of this, particularly those on warfarin as cannabis can impact the liver enzymes, interacting with other medications. It is important that you work alongside your GP and relevant health care professionals to adequately address your heart.

If you are someone who meets this criterion, regularly monitoring your blood pressure would aid in ensuring your safety and enables you to appropriately reach out for support.

Blood pressure guidance:

Low 90/60 or below Inform GP and clinic, if unwell seek medical attention
Ok 90/60 – 140/90 Continue to monitor – update clinic at FUP appointment
Raised 141/91 – 179/119 Raised, monitor and inform GP and clinic
High 180/120 or more Significant risk, needs urgent review – update GP and clinic

 

What is Medical Cannabis Read More »

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Venue Protocol

The Sanskara Protocol

"Medical Cannabis Friendly Space". Vaporiser with Cannabis Leaf. "This Space is Inclusive towards individuals with a legitimate medical cannabis prescription. Responsible Use Only." Sanskara Logo.
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Reaching out to venues/events can be daunting and while it may seem innocent and of good nature to let the venue/event know of your intentions to bring your medical device and medicine along with you, you may find that the use of the word “cannabis” or “vaporiser” may raise some eyebrows and could provide you with a straight up “NO!”

As this is not ideal, most patients would rather have a positive experience and not be suffering from their condition while out and about. There are some patients who would rather not contact the place they are going as this may be difficult for them for many reasons. However, we have put together a simple step by step guide for patients to ensure they get the answer they should be getting and that the awareness can spread among the general public, in turn supporting those patients that can’t make the initial contact. Using the right language is crucial to ensure a positive experience. 

You can find our list of venues that are inclusive and will respect the rights of patients prescribed cannabis here – Approved Venues

Based on experiences patients have had and our interaction with businesses and the Devon & Cornwall Police, here’s a protocol we recommend patients follow:

Verbal Interactions

Remain calm at all times and stay positive. Ask a family or friend to speak on your behalf if the confrontation is not comfortable for you.

Patient: Hello, I will be required to use a medical device to consume my medication.

Person: (This is when they may ask what the device is)

Patient: Heated Nebuliser is a device used to consume my cannabis based medication prescribed to me by a doctor.

Person: (They may say that there is a no smoking/vaping policy or refute cannabis is legal)

Patient: “I understand that many are not aware of medical cannabis being legal since 2018” (You may wish to present your medication and optionally offer to show the label and an ID) “And as my medical device is a heated nebulising device used for medical purposes, it is exempt from this policy.”

Person: (Still may refuse and may say that others may complain or be jealous for not being able to vape themselves)

Patient: In line with the Equality Act 2010, as a service provider, you must not discriminate and you must treat disabled individuals more favourably than non-disabled individuals. As I have a condition being treated with medication, I fall under this protected characteristic.

If they continue to discriminate or refuse your rights, immediately report this incident to the Police as a hate crime as well as write a report on the Gov.uk website (www.gov.uk/report-hate-crime)

Email Communications (Recommended prior to visit)

Patient Guide: Ensuring a Positive Experience at Venues/Events

 
Step 1: Identify Venue/Event Contact Details
  • Ideally, reach out to the accessibility or safeguarding team for more targeted assistance.
Step 2: Craft a Thoughtful Email Using the Template

Subject: Notice of Intention to Use Medical Device

Dear [Venue/Event Organiser's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. As someone who utilises medical devices for health reasons, I am reaching out to inquire about [Event/Venue Name]'s policy regarding the use of nebulisers on your premises. I wanted to understand the venue's stance on such devices. 

Nebulisers come in different types, each serving various medical requirements:

Ultrasonic nebulizing systems: An assembly of devices designed to generate aerosolized medication/fluids (finely dispersed airborne droplets) for inhalation by a patient with a respiratory disorder [e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF)]. It typically consists of a mains electricity (AC-powered) electronic oscillator, an ultrasound transducer (piezoelectric crystal), a coupling basin, a nebulizer chamber and a fan. A high frequency (e.g., 1-2 MHz) electrical current is applied to the crystal within the oscillator circuit converting it to vibrations which produce sound waves. The coupler (water or saline) transmits the sound waves to the medicated solution in the nebulizing chamber.

Non-heated Nebulizing systems: An assembly of devices designed to generate non-heated aerosolized medication/fluids (finely dispersed airborne droplets in a liquid-phase) intended to be inhaled by a patient with a respiratory disorder [e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF)]. It includes an electrically-powered generator, a reservoir, and a hand-held nebulizing chamber where the nebulization of the medicine usually takes place.

Heated Nebulizing systems: An assembly of devices designed to generate warmed aerosolized medication/fluids (e.g., pharmacological drugs, cannabis-based products for medicinal use) intended to be inhaled by a patient, typically used in the management of respiratory disorders [e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF)] or various other conditions (e.g., chronic pain). It typically consists of an electrically-powered generator, a reservoir, a heating element, dosing capsules, and a hand-held nebulizing/inhalation compartment (e.g., inflatable balloon with mouthpiece).

I appreciate [Event/Venue Name]'s commitment to creating an inclusive environment. To ensure that attendees like myself with medical requirements can participate in events without disruption, I would like clarification on your policy regarding the use of nebuliser devices at the venue.

To assist your understanding, I am ready to provide any additional information or documentation you may require. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to a positive response. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Download Template
Step 3: Record All Responses
  • Keep a record of responses for follow-up communication.
 
Step 4: Follow-Up and Clarify Common Terminology
  • If the response is positive, follow up to clarify common terminology (“Heated Nebulisers” vs. “Dry Herb Vaporisers”).
  • Mention the use of Cannabis-based Products for Medicinal use (CBPM) and specify Medical Cannabis Flower (Bud) consumed using a Heated Nebuliser (Dry Herb Vaporiser).
  • Remind the venue of their policy (if positive) and the Equality Act 2010.
  • Emphasise the intention is not to seek explicit permission but to foster awareness.
 
Step 5: Responding to Negative or Neutral Responses
  • For negative responses, consider sending a polite follow-up, seeking clarification on the reasons for the refusal using the template provided:

Template Email For Negative Response

Dear [Venue/Event Organiser's Name],

Thank you for your prompt response and for taking the time to consider my inquiry regarding the use of nebuliser devices at [Event/Venue Name].

I understand that policies can vary, and I appreciate your diligence in addressing such matters. However, I would like to seek further clarification on the reasons behind the limitation on nebuliser devices at the venue. My primary goal is to foster awareness and ensure a positive and inclusive experience for individuals with medical requirements.

As someone who relies on medical devices for health reasons, it's crucial for me to understand and, if possible, address any concerns the venue may have regarding the use of a heated nebuliser. I am more than willing to provide additional information or documentation to ease any reservations and ensure compliance with venue policies.

Additionally, I would be grateful if you could direct me to the appropriate department or individual who could shed more light on this matter. If there are specific guidelines or protocols in place, I am committed to adhering to them while ensuring my medical needs are met.

Thank you once again for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to any further insights you can provide.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Download Template
  •  For neutral responses, ensure the individual has acknowledged the email and forwarded it to the correct department. Follow up directly with the correct department, using the reference number provided, to seek clarification or address concerns. Use this template to assist you:

Template Email for Neutral or No Response

Dear [Venue/Event Organiser's Name],

I trust this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my recent inquiry about the use of nebuliser devices at [Venue/Event Name]. As an individual who relies on medical devices for health reasons, fostering inclusivity and ensuring an understanding of diverse health needs is important to me.

I understand that you may receive numerous inquiries, and I appreciate your time and attention to this matter. If you've had an opportunity to review my initial inquiry, I would be grateful for any insights or feedback you can provide. My intention is to ensure that I can participate in events without causing any disruption and to collaborate with venues in achieving this goal.

I am aware that venue policies vary, and I want to assure you that I am open to providing any necessary documentation or information to address any concerns you may have. Your feedback is essential, and I am eager to engage in constructive dialogue to find a mutually beneficial solution.

Thank you for considering my inquiry. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Download Template
Step 6: Attend or Decide Not to Attend Based on Communication
  • Attend the venue/event with your medication and medical device if the outcome is positive.
  • Remind the venue/event hosts about the importance of training staff and security on this matter.

Template Email of Acknowledgment and Clarification

Dear [Venue/Event Organiser's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I appreciate your positive response regarding the use of nebuliser devices at [Venue/Event Name]. Your commitment to creating an inclusive environment is commendable, and I am grateful for your understanding of diverse health needs.

To ensure a seamless experience for all attendees, especially those with medical requirements like myself, I would like to request that your staff and security team are made aware of my attendance, including the fact that I may be using my CBPM with a heated nebuliser device (dry herb vaporiser) for health reasons. This proactive measure will help avoid any confusion during the event and contribute to a more inclusive atmosphere.

I am willing to provide any additional information or documentation necessary to facilitate this process. 

Once again, thank you for your positive response and commitment to inclusivity. I look forward to attending [Venue/Event Name] with the assurance that my medical needs will be accommodated appropriately.

If you have any further instructions or if there's anything else I should be aware of, please do not hesitate to inform me.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Download Template

Venue Protocol Read More »

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Support Free Medical Cannabis Education: Join The Sanskara Platform Community!

Welcome to The Sanskara Platform’s Patreon page! We are dedicated to empowering UK patients by providing free education and resources on medical cannabis. Our mission is to ensure that every patient has access to the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.

Through our Patreon page, you can directly support our cause and help us continue providing high-quality content and valuable resources to patients in need. Your patronage will contribute to the maintenance of our website, the creation of educational materials, and the expansion of our outreach efforts.

Join us as we work towards advancing the medical cannabis industry in the UK. By becoming a patron, you not only gain exclusive benefits but also become an integral part of our community of supporters who are passionate about improving patient care and well-being.

Membership:

1. Seedling Supporter – £5 per month:

– Early access to new educational content

– Exclusive behind-the-scenes updates

2. Blossom Advocate – £10 per month:

– All benefits of the Seedling Supporter tier

– Early access to Q&A sessions with medical cannabis experts

– Personalised recommendations for further resources

3. Evergreen Champion – £20 per month:

– All benefits of the Blossom Advocate tier

– Exclusive access to in-depth research articles and case studies

– Invitation to a private online community for discussions and networking

4. Sanskara VIP – £50 per month:

– All benefits of the Evergreen Champion tier

– Personalised 30 min one-on-one support with an experienced patient

– Special recognition as a Sanskara VIP on our website and social media platforms

Your membership support will directly contribute to our ability to provide free resources, maintain our website, and expand our reach to help even more patients. Every tier offers unique benefits, allowing you to engage with our platform and be a part of the positive change we strive for.

Thank you for considering becoming a patron of The Sanskara Platform. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of UK patients seeking medical cannabis education and resources!

Support Free Medical Cannabis Education: Join The Sanskara Platform Community! Read More »

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Your Guide to Importing Medical Cannabis on Your Next Holiday

Travel Abroad With Medical Cannabis

Are you planning to travel abroad with medical cannabis from the UK? It can be a daunting task to navigate the various regulations and import laws of each destination country. Fortunately, The Sanskara Platform has compiled a comprehensive guide to help you with the process.

The Sanskara Platform is an online resource that provides guidance on medical cannabis for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. They have recently released a new table of information that outlines the regulations for importing medical cannabis into several popular British holiday destinations.

The table provides a detailed breakdown of the import laws and regulations for each country, along with contact information for the relevant embassy departments. This makes it easier for patients to plan their travel and ensure they have the necessary documentation and permissions to bring their medication with them.

It is important to note that each country has its own regulations, and it is essential to consult with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. The Sanskara Platform’s guide can serve as a starting point, but it is not a substitute for professional legal advice.

If you are planning to travel abroad from the UK with a medical cannabis prescription, make sure to check out The Sanskara Platform’s table of information. It can be accessed via their website at https://thesanskaraplatform.co.uk/travelling-abroad/.

Medical cannabis is a rapidly growing industry and has proven to be effective in treating various health conditions. However, different countries have varying regulations regarding the importation of medical cannabis. The Sanskara Platform has created a table of information that outlines the necessary details and contact details/links for the importation of medical cannabis into popular British holiday destinations.

Australia, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Jamaica, Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, and Turkey are included in the table. Among these countries, Germany, Poland, and Portugal allow for the importation of medical cannabis for personal use with certain conditions.

Germany permits the importation of cannabis for personal use if prescribed by a doctor on the German list of narcotics. The patient is required to complete a form similar to the provided template and obtain confirmation from the supervising health authority of the patient’s county/area of residence. The patient can carry the cannabis for up to 30 days.

In Poland, a patient may bring medicines to the country for personal use not exceeding five smallest packages. However, the patient needs to complete a document for import/export of narcotic drugs/psychotropic substances for medical needs and obtain consent from the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate.

In Portugal, patients can bring a higher amount of medication than required for the stay to anticipate unforeseen events. For medicines containing controlled substances, including cannabis, patients can bring only the amount required for 30 days of treatment with a medical justification/doctor’s statement. Patients are advised to contact the authority responsible for Customs and/or Civil Aviation in their country to find out the necessary documents required to transport medical cannabis.

Greece allows visitors to bring products for personal health use, such as medicines, food supplements, antiseptics, cosmetics, medical devices, etc., for personal use during their stay. However, visitors are required to bring just enough of each product to cover their needs during their stay and hold a letter from their doctor stating the medication(s) they are carrying.

Overall, it is essential to research and understand the regulations of the destination country regarding the importation of medical cannabis before travelling. The Sanskara Platform’s table of information provides a valuable resource for individuals travelling to popular British holiday destinations with medical cannabis needs.

View Travel Guide

TRAVEL ABROAD

WE ARE REGULARLY UPDATING OUR SITE

Travel Abroad With Medical Cannabis

Happy travels and stay safe!

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View The Medical Cannabis Directory

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