A REVOLUTION FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS

By Abigail Baker

Once the sinister sister substance of the medical community, cannabis is experiencing a very public glow-up, and consumers, businesses, and healthcare professionals are all taking note.

While South Africa has been relatively slow on the uptake, the market is growing steadily as more of us look to non-traditional and plant-based products to manage our wellbeing.

Here to help South Africans gain access to cannabis-based medical solutions is Cannabis Clinics - the first clinic group to integrate medical cannabis into a treatment regime for patients in the country.

With personalised prescriptions and regimes, Cannabis Clinics aims to help make the following conditions more manageable:

• Chronic pain • Anxiety • Epilepsy • Neuropathic pain • Arthritis • Multiple sclerosis • Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting • Fibromyalgia • Endometriosis • Insomnia …and more

We catch up with their chief strategy officer, Craig Ludwig, to learn more…

What makes medical cannabis different to homegrown or recreational cannabis?

Medical cannabis is not only legal and prescribed by a medical professional, but also of a pharmaceutical-grade source/ solution. It is thus more potent and pure, and can be prescribed in accurate doses, depending on your condition and its severity, as well as on your medical history and body specifications.

In which forms can medical cannabis be taken?

Medical cannabis is available in multiple forms, including edibles, oils, extracts, inhalables, capsules, sprays, and dried plants. If you are eligible, your medical professional will discuss the options with you, and help you choose which form best suits your lifestyle. There are over 100 different types available, so you’re sure to find a solution to suit your needs.

The Natural Way to Live with Diabetes

DIABOOST DIABETES SUPPORTER

Diaboost diabetes drops assist diabetics with sugar stability. It’s a natural way to stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. Diaboost encourages the pancreas to produce enough insulin and makes sure that the insulin that is produced can be used by the body effectively.

• Suitable for vegetarians & vegans • No artificial preservatives or flavourings • Supports polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS • May improve energy levels • May stabilise blood sugar • Assists the pancreas

CIRCULATION BOOSTER

Circuwell may improve the circulation of freshly oxygenated blood to the extremities of the body. It can also aid in the elasticity of veins, arteries and capillaries associated with varicose and spider veins.

• Supports DVT

For best results, use Diaboost with Circuwell if you are diabetic.

• Blood vessel health • Helps relieve headaches, fatigue & memory loss • Helps relieve the symptoms of neuropathy • Helps reduce cold hands and feet

Is there a possibility of getting high or becoming addicted?

Most solutions do not contain THC, and - depending on the condition for which you are seeking help - it is likely that your doctor will prescribe a non-psychoactive treatment. Additionally, there is a very low risk of addiction, as the dosage prescribed is made specifically to meet your needs.

How do you know if you are eligible for medical cannabis, and what questions should you be asking your doctor?

Firstly, you should find out whether medical cannabis can be used to treat your specific condition, and whether it could affect the effectiveness of your other medications. If all is in order, your doctor or healthcare professional will assist you in finding a solution and regime that’s best suited for you, and getting approval from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). After this, they can issue you a prescription which you can take to a dispenser/clinic, or have delivered by Cannabis Clinics.

Where are medical cannabis solutions created?

Many medical cannabis solutions are imported, but some are grown and made locally. They are also created in a similar vein to other pharmaceuticals - in a laboratory.

How much does medicinal cannabis cost?

A consultation at Cannabis Clinics, in person or online, starts at R300, and the different products range between R40 and R200 per day, depending on the ratio and quantity of THC and CBD. Both costs could be covered by your medical aid provider.

Is it safe?

With over 100 000 medicinal cannabis patients seen to date at Cannabis Clinics alone, and with multiple trials conducted, the treatment should not only be effective, but as safe as other medicine prescribed by your doctor.

For more information about Cannabis Clinics and to learn how they could assist you, email info@cannabisclinics.co.za.

“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”

- Mahatma Gandhi