Medical cannabis

[thesootherfairy]

Anyone else here tried medical cannabis?

I'm currently trying it. I suffer from chronic pain from ankylosing spondylitis with lots of peripheral symptoms.

I tried 9 different anti inflammatory drugs and lot of others for pain.

The clinic I spoke to were really helpful. I got my prescription about a month ago.

It is helping with the joint pain and tendonitis pain and stiffness. I've stopped using other forms of pain relief and I sleep better so feel less tired.

Anyone else?

Yes, well yes and no. I buy cannibals and smoke it for my pain. It's miraculous. Literally a miracle for me. I sleep, I look and feel 10-15years younger, my carpel tunnel is gone, I can exercise, I've lost 3 stone.
I am convinced that it's illegal due to pressure from pharmaceutical companies. I was prescribed 4 x 15mg codiene a day and I am now medication free.

Where are you?

I'm in England. Legal if you have a prescription.

I wonder if my doc would prescribe it for A&D.

Its very rare for an NHS doctor to prescribe so you have to go private to get the prescription. It works for me for pain and much more.

I have a neighbour who takes it for anger mgmt but I'm nervous to ask him where he gets it!

Did you go straight to private? I'd actually like to do this for peri/meno stuff as well. Really I'd like to see a private doc to unpack everything but I don't want to be referred.

I'm convinced it's not legal because it would actually cure most illnesses, including cancers.

You're not the only person I know who is much much better for taking it.

My pain meds where stopped due to new regulations. So yes I’m now taking it.

I buy edibles from Dank bakery. Remember the postie that ate too many brownies? 😁 Its the same company.

Their products are really high quality so definitely recommend them for anyone jumping through the hoops of trying to get a prescription. The only downside is they don't state the strength of the products (legal reasons maybe?) so it takes a while to figure out your dose.

It's nearly impossible to get on NHS and they only prescribe sativex spray which has limited uses.

Private prescription. It is completely legal with prescription.

There are 10 clinics in the UK. I'm with Sapphire.

Just book an appointment and they'll decide whether you're eligible and suitable.

Yes, quit codeine and pregabalin now just the occasional naproxen.
and marijuana private prescription.
The costs cripple me and knowing we grow here and export it irks me but at least I'm not suffering as much and can work!
sapphire clinic have suited me best the medical cannabis clinic was dire ime.

Just sativex

Do you find that useful?

How much does it cost, including the private gp?
Thanks

@JustTheOneSwan
Glad it's working for you.
I don't find the costs too bad but I don't need a particular high dose.
I know some people spend over £1000 per month.

It should be available on NHS prescription it would save money in the long run.

It was first suggested to me in 2020 by my NHS Pain Management consultant. He said regrettably he wasn't able to prescribe but hoped he would be one day.

I first spoke to Sapphire a year ago but wasn't sure. Spoke to them again in June and decided to go for it. Very happy I did.

@Babysharkdoodoodood
Cost of appointments depend on the chosen clinic and whether you qualify for Project Twenty21 which is a reduced cost scheme for those on UC PIP etc.

The cost of the prescription depends on the amount you need.

There are strains which cost £5 per gram and some that are £10 per gram.

What you can access and the cost depends on which clinic and which pharmacy that clinic uses.

Appointments with Sapphire are £50 no cost for repeat prescriptions.

This link is an overview of clinics, pharmacies and the growers and their product. It's updated continuously so is relatively solid info.

I chose Sapphire Because it's the longest established and has an good QCC rating.

I've hear great things about Integro and if I ever needed to switch I'd go there.

medbud.wiki/clinics/

Would it work on arthritis pain? I’ve been in the waiting list for 3 years for 2 new knees and tried all the drugs u can think of.I’m on zomorph which does nothing as I’d need to keep increasing and been told by the surgeon he doesn’t like his patients being on any long term opioids.So I’ve stuck on 20mg which does nothing.Diclofenac seemed to work initially-naproxen etc I’ve tried and nothing helps.it’s 24hr either uncomfortable or just can’t walk/stand full stop.i have pain elsewhere due to cancer ops but i can put up with that if u could try anything for my knees!
where would I start? Do I literally just phone your? Thanks

@Mollymalone123
Absolutely. Ankylosing spondylitis that I have is a form of autoimmune mediated inflammatory arthritis.

@Mollymalone123
Have a look at the clinics I posted in the link.
Pick the one you like the look of. Phone them for an appointment. You'll have appointments via zoom or phone. And your medication will be couriered to you with DPD. Simple.

@Mollymalone123 try and forget the stigma and treat it as any private medical. I've only used two clinics so can't say which is best but it's so worth a try, imagine no morphine and no brain scramble?
I complain about the costs because it eats up my part time wage but I wouldn't go back.

Thanks for the info@thesootherfairy x

@Mollymalone123
Integro are offering free appointments if your eligible under the Grow Access scheme. Be worth giving them a call. If you're on pip DLA or pension etc or registered disability then you may get access to free appointments and reduced cost medical cannabis.

Sapphire have an overall reduced cost if you agree to participate in research. It's just a questionnaire once in a while.
It's worth doing as more research means more people in pain can access one day.

Do the private clinics prescribe actual bags of weed or is it in pill form? I know my neighbours would have a heart attack if they saw me smoking a joint in the garden.

Yes, helps a lot.