Formerly a taboo and now recognized as a painkiller for chronic conditions and more. Medicinal cannabis has long since emerged from its black sheep status and can therefore appear in a completely new light. But what exactly is medicinal cannabis? What effect does it have and are you even allowed to buy it?
Many questions that we will address in this blog article, so if you want to find out more about this medicinal plant, stay tuned and read this blog!
Or would you like to know how medical cannabis is produced? Click here now!
Medicinal cannabis is extracted from the female hemp plant and contains a variety of active substances known as cannabinoids. The two best-known and most commonly used cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). While THC is mainly known for its psychoactive effects that cause a "high", CBD is non-psychoactive and is valued for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. If you're also interested in CBD,
read all about it here!
These cannabinoids can be used in various forms:
The dried flowers of the cannabis plant can be inhaled or vaporized.
Extracts of the plant that are dripped under the tongue or taken in capsules.
Capsules are a popular choice, especially for patients who require an exact dosage.
External use for local complaints such as pain or inflammation.
The form of administration varies and is adjusted depending on the diagnosis and symptoms. Medicinal cannabis therefore not only contains calming cannabinoids, but also those that can have an intoxicating effect.
So it gives you a "high", but in medicine this plays a secondary role. So what effect is medical cannabis supposed to have and how?
Its effect is achieved through the interaction of cannabinoids with your body's endocannabinoid system. This system plays an important role in regulating pain, mood, appetite and other important bodily functions. The active ingredients dock onto your body's own cannabinoid receptors and thus unfold their effect naturally.
Studies have shown that medicinal cannabis can be particularly helpful for the following complaints:
Patients often report significant relief of their pain, especially in the case of neuropathic pain.
The treatment of muscle spasms and cramps can be significantly supported by medicinal cannabis.
Particularly helpful in alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy.
The CBD it also contains can help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, although caution is advised here, especially for people with a tendency towards mental illness.
What cannabis can do has been proven time and again since it was first allowed, e.g. in a study in the Journal of Pain. This study showed that patients with chronic pain experienced a noticeable improvement in their quality of life when using medicinal cannabis [1].
Natural, pain-relieving and calming, medicinal cannabis can be a real wonder weapon when used correctly.
But this wonder weapon must also be used in a controlled and safe manner, which is why medical cannabis is subject to strict rules in Switzerland. You can find out who is allowed to purchase and possess it here:
In Switzerland, the approach to medicinal cannabis has changed significantly in recent years. Since August 2022, doctors have been allowed to prescribe cannabis products if they are needed to treat serious illnesses. This is possible due to a change in the Swiss Therapeutic Products Act (TPA), which regulates the legal framework for the use of medicines.
Important to know:
Medical cannabis can only be prescribed by doctors if conventional therapies are not sufficiently effective.
The prescription is usually made as an individual prescription, which is specially prepared for the patient.
The use of medicinal cannabis is subject to strict controls to prevent abuse and ensure your safety.
So not everyone can simply buy it, but if you suffer from chronic pain or other illnesses, talk to your doctor about the alternative of medicinal cannabis.
In Switzerland, you can only buy medicinal cannabis with a doctor's prescription, we already know that. But if you do have a prescription, what do you do with it? Medical cannabis is available at special pharmacies that have the appropriate license.
It is important that you stay in close contact with your treating doctor to ensure that you get the most suitable product for you. The acquisition and use of medicinal cannabis should always take place in a controlled setting in order to achieve the best possible effect for you and minimize side effects.
The change in the law in 2022 has not made cannabis accessible to everyone, but to those who urgently need it. This is because cannabis does not have to be a drug, but can be considered a remedy.
What you can legally buy, however, are products with CBD. If you have sleeping problems or need something to help you relax, take a look at our range of CBD products!
[1] Journal of Pain
[2] Swiss Therapeutic Products Act (TPA)