Since endocannabinoid receptors can be found in almost every organ in the body, it shouldn’t be hard to understand why cannabis-based medicines may help with a wide range of conditions.
Cannabis has been used as a medicine for more than 5,000 years, and its versatility and safety make it a great alternative for patients who haven’t responded to pharmaceutical medication. Unfortunately, the lack of clinical trials in this area means scientific evidence is still limited for some conditions.
That said, after many years of research we now know there is sufficient evidence for medical cannabis to be prescribed for chronic pain. It is also one of the safest and most effective treatments for chronic pain management because it simultaneously helps with the anxiety, depression and insomnia that so often come with it — without the side effects of most pharmaceuticals.
Before You Book
At The Pain Clinic, we offer evidence-based medical advice on using cannabis as medicine. Before requesting a consultation, patients are asked to check if they’re eligible — a short online questionnaire saves time and ensures the consultation is the right next step.
The Initial Assessment
During the 1-hour initial assessment, the patient’s history is explored in detail and any medications used in the past are noted. A treatment agreement is signed between patient and doctor — committing to responsible use of the medicine.
The doctor then applies to the Superintendent of Public Health for the patient to start using medical cannabis. The application takes around 2–3 weeks to be approved. Once approved, a follow-up appointment is scheduled where the doctor explains how the medicine is administered and the first prescription is issued.
The first application is approved for 30 days. Following applications are approved for 6 months — so a follow-up after 30 days, then every 6 months, is part of the routine.
At each follow-up the doctor renews the necessary permits. A control card for narcotic and psychotropic drugs is also required and the doctor will guide you through that application.
How the Medicine Is Delivered
Medical cannabis is available as dried flower or as oil. Both can be purchased from a licensed pharmacy with a prescription, control card and permit from the Superintendent of Public Health.
Vaporisation
The quickest and most effective route. A controlled dose of 0.1–0.2g of ground medical cannabis flower is inserted into the heating chamber of a herb vaporiser, heated to 180–200°C and inhaled until symptoms are relieved.
- Relief within seconds
- Effect maintained for 4–6 hours
Sublingual
Cannabis oil is placed under the tongue. This produces an effect after 30–60 minutes — slower onset but longer-lasting therapeutic effect.
- Onset in 30–60 minutes
- Effect may last up to 8 hours
Is This for You?
If you suffer from a chronic condition and haven’t obtained relief from your symptoms despite the medication you’ve been prescribed, medical cannabis can be explored as an alternative. Please complete this online questionnaire and a member of our team will contact you within 3–4 working days with next steps.
Want to understand the science behind it?
Read: How Cannabis Works in the Body