The ultimate guide to using medical cannabis in summer 2023
Although the better weather usually improves the wellbeing of Brits, summer can be a difficult time for those living with chronic pain. This blog explores the common conditions that medical cannabis can help to relieve, particularly the symptoms that are prevalent in the summer months. We will also offer advice on travelling with your medical cannabis, so you can enjoy your trip with the peace of mind that your health is cared for. Let’s get started.
Amidst the excitement of holidays and outdoor activities, there are some aspects of summer that are harder to manage, such as insomnia, chronic pain and allergies. Find out how medical cannabis can support with those concerns:
Insomnia
A recent poll by The Sleep Council found that as many as 52% of people in the UK believe the temperature prevents them from being able to get to sleep. Studies on CBD have shown that it can help with stress and anxiety relief, consequently promoting better sleep.
CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, helping to reduce the symptoms associated with anxiety which increases relaxation.
Chronic pain
Around 15.5 million people in the UK live with chronic pain. Of those, 5.5 million people experience such intense pain that they often struggle to participate in everyday activities. Medical cannabis provides a natural, holistic alternative to patients that have tried two or more traditional methods of treatment (such as medication) yet have found them to be ineffective. Patients of Mamedica have been supported with migraines, fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), cancer-related pain, arthritis, musculoskeletal pain and more. Find out more here.
Allergies
Did you know that 20% of Brits suffer from hay fever? Luckily, cannabidiol (CBD) has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to relieve symptoms by easing nasal pressure, opening airways and relieving congestion. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an oil derived from the cannabis plant and is not psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce the ‘high’ associated with THC.
Travelling with your medical cannabis prescription: This is what you need to know
Before you book your flight and travel abroad you must make sure to check the legal status of medical cannabis in the country you are travelling to via the government website.
When travelling with your medical cannabis prescription, keep it in your hand luggage to avoid damaging it. If you vape your medical cannabis, check that your accommodation is happy for you to use your vaporiser indoors or whether there are designated areas.
What to do if you are approached by the police with your prescription
We recommend all patients keep their prescription in its original packaging and always have a copy of their prescription on hand as evidence of medication obtained through the complete legal channels.
If you are worried about travelling with your prescription you can contact your clinic for a letter of proof to carry along with your prescription.
At Mamedica, we are committed to supporting our patients and are able to provide additional information if requested by law enforcement – we’re here to help you.
If this blog resonated with you and you are yet to find a remedy that provides relief for your chronic pain, check your eligibility for medical cannabis here.