Glossary

Inhale

To inhale is to breathe in and take air into the lungs.

If you are prescribed a dried medical cannabis flower or a cannabis oil vaporiser, you will be instructed to use a vaporiser to inhale the medicine. This method allows for a faster absorption into the bloodstream compared to other routes, leading to quicker relief from certain symptoms.

  

Can you legally inhale medical cannabis by smoking it?

 

No, in the UK, it is not legal to smoke any medical cannabis product. Smoking poses many health risks, and the government wants to avoid exposing patients to these risks. Instead, vaporisation is the recommended method for inhaling medical cannabis flower.

 

Will inhaling medical cannabis make cause intoxication? 

 

The psychoactive effects of medical cannabis come from the compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The level of THC present in your prescribed medical cannabis will vary depending on many factors, but in general, intoxication is not the desired outcome. Your prescribing specialist will work with you to find a dosage that provides therapeutic benefits without causing intoxication. Additionally, vaporisation allows for better dosage control compared to smoking, making it easier to find the correct dosage for each individual patient.

 

What are the potential risks of inhaling vaporised medical cannabis?

 

While vaping medical cannabis comes with much fewer health risks than when compared to smoking, there are still some potential risks to consider. The most common side effects reported by patients include dry mouth, red eyes, dizziness, and increased heart rate.

These side effects are, for the vast majority of patients, easy to mitigate and manage. However, it is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and seek medical advice if you experience any adverse effects.

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If you are interested in learning more about cannabis-based medicine options in the UK, Releaf is here to help.