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Original poster

To try medical cannabis?

7 replies

Spoonie1996 · 07/08/2025 14:00

I have several health conditions - rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, adenomyosis, anxiety and ongoing stomach issues (undiagnosed but chronic acid reflux and nausea).

I currently can’t have any treatment for my rheumatoid arthritis because my white blood cells are too low (undergoing investigations). I am on pregabalin for my anxiety and have been in private therapy for over 2 years. I have tried various medications for my stomach issues, and none have really helped.

I have been looking into medical cannabis via a private clinic, but I have some concerns. I’m solely responsible for a 9 year old child with autism, so I still need to be alert and able to do that. I am also worried that, even though it’ll be a prescribed medication, that it could potentially raise safeguarding concerns because of my DD having additional needs and me taking drugs, even if it is legal in those circumstances.

Has anyone got any experience of taking this and could shed some light please?

Thanks in advance! X

OP posts:
RobertaFirmino · 07/08/2025 14:15

I've never used legal, medical cannabis. My own RA was a lot less bothersome when. I visited Amsterdam though...

Locutus2000 · 07/08/2025 14:20

I'm not sure anyone can answer your question, there are too many variables and potential complications.

You need to discuss it with a medical professional who understands multiple diagnoses and interactions.

namechangeaaargh · 07/08/2025 14:32

I am just about to apply to a clinic so have done a fair bit of research (I also have prior experience of smoking resin many years ago, but not with smoking flower or vaping). My understanding is that there are many strains of flower offered and you can get strains that are good for pain that will allow you to function properly i.e. not make you stoned. There are also pastilles and oils available which are more discreet than vaping but they are less cost effective and take longer to come on and wear off.

I'm not sure how safeguarding concerns could be raised unless you mean something like a neighbour smelling it and ringing social services, but it's a prescribed medication and I doubt they would be interested. You needn't tell your GP or any consultant although I believe with some clinics each prescription does go on your health record.

There's quite a good subreddit called "ukmedicalcannabis", it could be worth asking in there - especially about whether each prescription ends up on your record if that's concerning for you, I definitely saw a discussion about that a while ago.

Original poster
Spoonie1996 · 07/08/2025 14:33

namechangeaaargh · 07/08/2025 14:32

I am just about to apply to a clinic so have done a fair bit of research (I also have prior experience of smoking resin many years ago, but not with smoking flower or vaping). My understanding is that there are many strains of flower offered and you can get strains that are good for pain that will allow you to function properly i.e. not make you stoned. There are also pastilles and oils available which are more discreet than vaping but they are less cost effective and take longer to come on and wear off.

I'm not sure how safeguarding concerns could be raised unless you mean something like a neighbour smelling it and ringing social services, but it's a prescribed medication and I doubt they would be interested. You needn't tell your GP or any consultant although I believe with some clinics each prescription does go on your health record.

There's quite a good subreddit called "ukmedicalcannabis", it could be worth asking in there - especially about whether each prescription ends up on your record if that's concerning for you, I definitely saw a discussion about that a while ago.

Thank you, that is great information. May I ask what clinic you went for please? I have read conflicting information about what one is the best to use!

OP posts:
Agix · 07/08/2025 14:35

Be so so careful with cannabis + anxiety (or any mental health condition ). I'm sure getting stoned makes it feel better in the moment, but can make it so much worse with long term use.

namechangeaaargh · 07/08/2025 14:36

I was weighing up Curaleaf or Alternaleaf but I am probably going to go with Curaleaf. Yes I've read conflicting info as well and have been stuck in analysis paralysis for a few days. There's a thread in the Chronic Pain board about Curaleaf.

I'm just hoping I am eligible, I think I am but you never know.

mamagogo1 · 07/08/2025 14:38

just to make you aware that not everyone can tolerate it, someone I know found that even the half dose gave them uncontrolled diarrhoea. It also made them incredibly sleepy (they can’t drive so that wasn’t a consideration but no way could they drive taking it). Talk to someone with proper knowledge of how it would interact with with other meds and if it’s even possible, then go from there but be aware that it really had terrible side effects from personal experience

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