TREATMENTS
A number of our patients come to Wye Sanctuary asking whether medical cannabis might help. The answer is different for everyone. Medical cannabis is not a cure for chronic pain, and it is not suitable for everyone. However, for carefully selected patients with an unmet clinical need, it can become an effective part of a broader, personalised pain management plan. At Wye Sanctuary, we believe medical cannabis should never be viewed as a last resort or a miracle treatment. Instead, it is one of many options that may help improve pain, sleep, function and quality of life.
Medical cannabis is a specialist prescription-only medicine. Although cannabis-based medicinal products have been legal in the UK since 2018, they remain subject to strict prescribing regulations. For chronic pain, these medicines are rarely available through the NHS, meaning that most patients who are suitable for treatment access them through specialist private clinics. At Wye Sanctuary, we have chosen to partner with Leva Clinic, one of the UK’s leading specialist medical cannabis services. If medical cannabis appears to be an appropriate option after your assessment, we can arrange referral to Leva Clinic for specialist prescribing and ongoing follow-up within a robust clinical governance framework.
Consultant-led assessment
Careful patient selection
Pharmaceutical-grade medicines
Regular review
Clinical governance
Clinician communication
COMPREHENSIVE PAIN ASSESSMENT
IS MEDICAL CANNABIS THE RIGHT TREATMENT?
Previous treatments tried
Type of pain
Benefits & risks
Mental health assessment
Current medication
Driving & lifestyle considerations
Only patients who meet strict prescribing criteria are referred for specialist assessment through Leva Clinic.
CONSULTANT-LED SPECIALIST CARE
Safe Prescribing • Regular Review • Pharmaceutical-Grade Medicines • Personalised Treatment • Ongoing Support • Integrated Pain Management
Medical cannabis refers to cannabis-based medicinal products containing cannabinoids, naturally occurring compounds found within the cannabis plant. Unlike illicit cannabis, prescribed medical cannabis is manufactured under strict quality controls, prescribed by specialist clinicians, individually tailored, legally supplied through licensed pharmacies and regularly reviewed for safety and effectiveness.
Medical cannabis may be considered for adults living with chronic pain who have tried appropriate conventional treatments, continue to experience significant pain or disability, have an unmet clinical need and have no significant contraindications. Conditions where treatment may be considered include fibromyalgia, chronic neuropathic pain, chronic low back pain, chronic pelvic pain, persistent post-surgical pain, CRPS, hypermobility-related pain and painful diabetic neuropathy.
Medical cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network involved in regulating pain, sleep, mood, inflammation and many other bodily functions. Some patients report improvements in pain intensity, sleep quality, muscle tension, anxiety associated with pain, physical function and overall quality of life.
Treatment is tailored to the individual and may include medical cannabis oils, medical cannabis flower used with a medically approved dry-herb vaporiser, or capsules for some patients. Oils provide gradual, longer-lasting symptom control and often form the foundation of treatment. Flower may provide faster relief for breakthrough symptoms. Smoking prescribed cannabis is never recommended, as combustion produces harmful toxins.
Like any medicine, medical cannabis can cause side effects. The most common include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, temporary impairment of concentration, increased appetite and occasional anxiety. Most side effects improve by starting with a very low dose and increasing gradually. Regular follow-up allows treatment to be adjusted to achieve the best balance between benefit and side effects.
Medical cannabis is not appropriate for everyone. Treatment may not be recommended if you have a history of psychosis or certain severe mental health conditions, pregnancy or breastfeeding, significant uncontrolled heart disease, certain substance use disorders or important medication interactions. A full medical assessment helps determine whether treatment is safe and appropriate.
The goal of treatment is not intoxication. Medical cannabis is prescribed using carefully selected formulations and doses to improve symptoms while minimising unwanted psychoactive effects. Many patients receive products containing both CBD and THC in carefully balanced ratios. Treatment always begins slowly, allowing your body to adjust safely.
Many patients are able to continue driving legally while taking prescribed medical cannabis. However, you must take your medication exactly as prescribed, never drive if you feel impaired, meet DVLA requirements and be able to demonstrate that your medication has been legally prescribed if required. Driving is discussed individually as part of every assessment.
No. Patients referred for medical cannabis treatment through Leva Clinic are expected to stop using illicit cannabis before treatment begins. Illicit cannabis has unpredictable strength and composition, may contain harmful contaminants, makes it impossible to accurately assess prescribed treatment and creates additional safety concerns.
Like many medicines, cannabis-based medicinal products have the potential to cause dependence in some people. Treatment is carefully monitored, prescribed at the lowest effective dose and reviewed regularly. The aim is always to improve quality of life while minimising risks.
Medical cannabis is never viewed as a replacement for comprehensive pain management. It works best when combined with other evidence-based treatments such as lifestyle medicine, medication optimisation, injection treatments, physiotherapy, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, pain education and psychological support. The most successful treatment plans usually involve several approaches working together.
At Wye Sanctuary, our role is to help you decide whether medical cannabis is likely to be an appropriate part of your treatment—not to recommend it for everyone. During your consultation, we’ll explore your symptoms, previous treatments, medical history and personal goals. If medical cannabis appears to offer potential benefit, we can refer you to our trusted partners at Leva Clinic, where specialist assessment, prescribing and ongoing monitoring take place within a highly regulated clinical service.
Is medical cannabis available on the NHS?
Will I automatically qualify?
How quickly does it work?
Will it replace my other medication?
Does the evidence support its use?
“Medical cannabis has received enormous attention in recent years, but it is important to separate evidence from expectation. Like every treatment we recommend, it has potential benefits, limitations and risks. My role is not to persuade patients to take medical cannabis, but to help them decide whether it is the right option for their individual circumstances. Through our partnership with Leva Clinic, patients who are suitable can access safe, specialist prescribing within a carefully governed clinical service, while remaining supported through their wider pain management journey.”
