The Use of Medicinal Cannabis in the UK: Analyzing Long-Term Impact

This report examines the potential use of cannabis for medicinal purposes in the UK, focusing on its long-term beneficial impacts. It discusses various diseases and health issues that may be treated with cannabis, highlighting its active ingredient, cannabinoids, and their role in managing conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, and glaucoma. The report explores the legalization debate, aiming to inform whether the UK government should legalize cannabis for medical use, while also considering potential illegal uses. It covers the aims and objectives of the research, including scrutinizing the influence of cannabis, understanding UK laws, assessing health impacts, and evaluating long-term medicinal use. Secondary research highlights both the adverse health effects and therapeutic potential of cannabis, while primary research involves a questionnaire to gather informed perspectives on its medical applications. Desklib provides students access to this assignment and many more solved papers.

SHOULD CANNABIS BE USED FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES IN THE UK AND WHAT BENEFICIAL IMPACTS
IT WILL HAVE LONG TERM

ABSTRACT
There are various diseases and health issues which are observed by the people of the UK. Some
of the diseases are curable by the medicines but still, there are various other diseases and
health issues which could not be cured through medicines. The research and development
department of NIH has analyzed that cannabis could be used for treating incurable diseases.
There are several medicinal benefits of cannabis observed in curing complex diseases such as
cancer, HIV/AIDS, eye disease like glaucoma, etc. This report will be focusing on the utilization
of cannabis for medical purposes such that the UK government should legalize it or not. In
addition to this, the report will be discussing the beneficial influence of utilizing cannabis for a
long period of time.
1

Table of Contents
ABSTRACT........................................................................................................................................1
CHAPTER 1.......................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 2.......................................................................................................................................5
LITERATURE REVIEW....................................................................................................................5
CHAPTER 3.......................................................................................................................................8
METHOD......................................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 4.....................................................................................................................................11
RESULTS.....................................................................................................................................11
CHAPTER 4.....................................................................................................................................18
DISCUSSION...............................................................................................................................18
CHAPTER 5.....................................................................................................................................19
CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................19
RECOMMENDATION..................................................................................................................20
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................21
APPENDIX.......................................................................................................................................23
2

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
The medical industry has attained a huge height in the recent time. It has been observed that
the scientists and researchers in the medical industry have been discovered several medicinal
antidotes for the diseases that are hard to cure. Still, there are some major diseases which are
not effectively cured by the doctors, specialist, or medical experts such as glaucoma, HIV/AIDS,
cancer, epilepsy in children, etc. The experts in the medical industry have been conducting
several types of research in order to find the appropriate medicinal cure for treating the
patients that are suffering from such kind of incurable diseases. It has been evaluated by the
medical experts and scientists that the cannabis plays a major role in curing patient that is
suffering from certain incurable diseases like cancer, joints pain, chronic pain, etc. Cannabis
possesses a major active ingredient known as cannabinoids which us helpful in treating diseases
or improve the symptoms effectively (Meier, et al. 2012). Generally, the cannabis is used during
the chemotherapy in order to reduce the vomiting and nausea. It also helps in enhancing the
appetite of the patients that are suffering from HIV/AIDS. Further, the chronic pain and muscle
spasms are effectively cured and treated with cannabis.
It is also evaluated that the usage of cannabis is illegal in most of the countries but due to its
medicinal benefits, there is huge possibility of its legalization. Still, there are chances that
cannabis could be used for illegal purposes. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Drug Policy
Reform has stated that tens of thousands of the people in the UK break the law by using
cannabis for symptom reliefs. This report will be discussing the extent of using cannabis for the
medicinal purposes in the UK and also understand its benefits for a longer period of time.
3

AIM
This research study aims at analyzing the usage of cannabis for the medical purpose in the UK.
In addition to this, the beneficial impacts of cannabis for a long period of time will also be
analyzed effectively. The research study will also be assessing different effects of cannabis on
the health of the patient.
OBJECTIVES
The major objectives of the research study are:
 To scrutinize the influence of using cannabis for medicinal purposes
 To attain the adequate knowledge of UK governmental laws in terms of cannabis
 To identify the positive and negative impact of cannabis use on the health of the patient
 To assess the medicinal use of cannabis for the longer period of time
HYPOTHESIS
There are several countries that have not legalized the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.
The major reasons due to which cannabis is not legal in countries are inadequate knowledge,
unaware of cannabis benefits for medicinal purposes, outcomes of the usage, etc. It is
important to possess a substantial knowledge and information regarding the usage of cannabis
for the medicinal purposes.
RATIONALE
The use of cannabis for the medicinal purposes is effective and helpful. This report will be
focusing on different aspects regarding the use of cannabis in the medical industry. It has been
observed that the cannabis helps in managing and handling the incurable diseases. The major
ingredients available in cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol which are known as
active ingredients of the prescription drug called Sativex. This drug is highly used for providing
relief to the patient that is suffering from muscle pains. In addition to this, there is another
cannabinoid drug known as Nabilone that used to relieve patients during their sickness while
having chemotherapy for cancer.
4

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
According to Volkow et al (2014), there are several adverse health effects which are observed
due to the usage of marijuana. It has been observed that the legalization of marijuana regarding
its utilization for the medical purposes might result in different effects. The patients are also
asking their physicians about the adverse and beneficial effects of using marijuana on the
health. A harmless pleasure is attained by using marijuana but it is widely illegal in various
countries. In the United States, marijuana is considered as the most illicit drug as 12% of the
people in which 12 years of age or older are the prime user of it (Ammerman, et al. 2015).
There are different ways through which the marijuana is consumed by the people like cigars,
water pipes, cigarettes, pipes, etc. In addition to this, there is another related product of
marijuana such as Hashish which is also smoked by the people.
The regular use of marijuana results in the adverse effect on the health of people such that an
addiction is developed among the people towards it. According to an experiment, around 90%
of the people become addicted to marijuana after regular use. A National Survey on Drug Use
and Health is conducted in 2012 and it states that 2.7 million people met with DSM-IV criteria
which makes them dependent on marijuana while there are 5.1 million people depend on any
kind of illicit drug (Devinsky, et al. 2014). There are different effects which are observed on the
person such as sleeping difficulties, craving, irritability, dysphoria, and anxiety, which further
becomes difficult for the person to overcome. Moreover, the usage of marijuana in the
adolescent age should be banned.
Bostwick (2012) has conducted the study in order to understand the boundaries between the
therapeutics and politics of medical marijuana. It is observed that cannabis sativa is highly used
in the world for different purposes such as recreationally, spiritually, and medically before the
ban by the federal government. Still, there are various countries which are using cannabis for
the medical purposes (Graham, et al. 2011). The major ingredient of cannabis is Ô-9-
5

tetrahydrocannabinol which is highly helpful in treating several kinds of medical issues and
diseases. The cannabis is also used for the recreational purposes such that attaining inner peace
but the addiction of marijuana results in several ill effects. The public provides their approval to
the legalization of marijuana irrespective of relying on the scientific data which could
demonstrate any kind of medication. In addition to this, there are several debates conducted
among the physicians and therapist regarding the marijuana such that it is the scourge,
panacea, or both (Hazekamp and Grotenhermen, 2010). There are several keywords which are
used in order to attain substantial data for the research study such as medical cannabis,
cannabidiol, dronabinol, nabilone, etc.
According to Russo (2013), the cannabis and cannabinoids have huge potential and it possesses
a great influence on the medical field. The study explains the health aspects of the
cannabinoids and cannabis plant. There are several therapeutic benefits of cannabis has been
provided by scientists such that different debates and studies are also presented in the study. It
is also evaluated that the cannabis-based medicine possesses a huge potential for treating
complex diseases effectively. In the previous time, the cannabis was highly used for the
medicinal purposes but with the time certain bans were imposed on usage of cannabis.
However, there are modern techniques which are used for breeding the cannabis plant that
solves the issue of acquiring quality cannabis for medicines (Hall, 2015). There are several
therapeutic benefits of the cannabis in medicinal aspects still there are different issues which
are observed in it. The major ingredient of herbal cannabis is the pure cannabinoid that
possesses potential health benefits. Still, the scientists are unsure about the use of cannabis for
medicinal purposes.
Grotenhermen and Müller-Vahl (2012) state that the cannabis-based medications become one
of the intense study topics due to the endogenous cannabinoid system. In the recent time, the
cannabis extract has been used for the medicinal purpose in Germany. The major effect of the
cannabis based medication is observed due to the activation of the cannabinoid receptors such
as CB1 and CB2. There are several clinical trials has been conducted for evaluating the
effectiveness of the cannabis-based medicines and the study states that the cannabis possesses
6

extract like dronabinol, nabilone, and cannabis (Friedman and Devinsky, 2015). The use of
cannabis-based medicine in Germany is regarding the treatment of moderate to severe pain
diseases. In addition, it is used in the treatment of nausea, neuropathic pain, and anorexia. The
patient could apply for the permission from the government in order to buy the medicinal
cannabis flower in order to self-treat under the medical supervision (Calabria, et al. 2010). Still,
there are some side effects of cannabinoid-like dizziness and tiredness, dry mouth, and
psychological effects. Overall, it is clearly evident that the cannabinoids are extremely helpful
for the medical treatment.
7

CHAPTER 3
METHOD
RESEARCH AIM
The research study aims to understand the usage of cannabis for the medicinal purpose in the
UK along with their beneficial impacts on the health for a long period of time.
SECONDARY RESEARCH
The literature of Grotenhermen and Müller-Vahl (2012) has effectively helped in understanding
the utilization of cannabis-based medication in the treatment of the patient for different
purposes. The major ingredient in the cannabis-based medication is dronabinol, nabilone, and a
cannabis extract. Germany has approved the use of cannabis for the medicinal treatment such
that providing cost-effective treatment to the patients. Still, there are different side effects of
the usage of cannabis-based medication like dizziness and tiredness, dry mouth, and
psychological effects. Overall, the cannabis-based medication helps in attaining effective
treatment as compared to other treatment plans.
PRIMARY RESEARCH (QUESTIONNAIRES)
There are several methods and techniques which could be incorporated in order to conduct the
primary research effectively. Some of the prime primary research techniques are the
questionnaire, survey, observation, etc. Here, the questionnaire is considered as the most
effective technique as it helps in acquiring the required knowledge and information from the
respondents. The respondents who are involved in the questionnaire belong from the age
group of 25 to 45 years. In addition to this, the respondents are free to answer every question
in an effective manner (Lucas, 2012). The questionnaire possesses around 7 questions that are
both open ended and close ended questions along with matrix questions.
8

It is observed that the researchers find it difficult to scrutinize the written work such that they
need to obtain feedback from the required people. Thus, in this research study around 50
people have been taken for the questionnaire survey which possesses adequate knowledge and
understanding of the usage of cannabis in the medical field. The questions that are presented in
the questionnaire are built in a positive manner. The evaluated data from the questionnaire will
be providing adequate information about the concepts and beneficial areas.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY AREA
The research study focuses on the information that has been gathered from 100 people that
possess adequate knowledge and understanding of the usage of cannabis for the medicinal
purpose and also know the long-term beneficial influence. The questionnaire is comprised of
face to face questions such that people from different background and areas (Volkow, et al.
2016). The people that are considered for the questionnaire survey belong to areas like
research, medical experts, therapists, scientist, students, etc.
SAMPLE DESIGN
The questionnaire has been sending to around 250 people but only 100 people participated in
the questionnaire survey. The respondents are approached through several research centres,
medical centres, and colleges. In addition to this, the presence of researcher is essential for
guaranteeing that the answers are made to the questions.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
It is necessary for the researcher to take the support of government permission for the
research. In addition, the confidentiality of the respondent should be made such that following
the rights of confidentiality during the entire research (Winstock, et al. 2010). Further, there are
certain considerations which should be followed for ethical situations like:
 Right to discontinue
 Non-maleficence
 Confidentiality
9

 Sensitive issues
 Informed consent
DATA ANALYSES
The statistical analyses could be attained by utilizing the Microsoft Excel. The numerical data
could be presented in form of the pie chart. The use of pie chart in the research is helpful in
understanding the information and data effectively. The questions asked in the questionnaire
are both open-ended and close-ended such that people could respond it effectively.
10

CHAPTER 4
RESULTS
There are seven questions in the questionnaire which are related to the usage of cannabis for
the medicinal purpose ad its beneficial implication for the longer period of time. The
questionnaire comprises of both open and close types of questions. The data analysis is done
with help of Microsoft Excel. The summary of the data that has been evaluated is presented at
the end.
Question 1 What is your age group?
a) 25 to 30 years
b) 30 to 35 years
c) 35 to 40 years
d) 40 to 45 years
Response Table
TOTAL 25 to 30 years 30 to 35 years 35 to 40 years 40 to 45 years
100 15 30 40 15
11

Age group
25 to 30 years
30 to 35 years
35 to 40 years
40 to 45 years
The major respondents in the questionnaire survey belong to the age group of 35 to 40 years
i.e. 40 people.
Question 2 From which field you belong to?
a) Research and Development
b) Student
c) Medical Expert
d) None of the above
Response Table
TOTAL Research and
Development
Student Medical Expert None of the
above
100 45 15 35 05
12

Field
Research and Development
Student
Medical Expert
None of the above
It has been depicted from the aforementioned figure that the major respondents belong to the
research and development field. These people possess the adequate knowledge of the required
area of the field.
13

Question 3 Is usage of cannabis in medical field effective?
a) Yes
b) No
c) To some extent
Response Table
TOTAL Yes No To some extent
100 85 10 05
Medical effectiveness
Yes
No
At some extent
It is depicted from the aforementioned statistics that the usage of cannabis in the medical field
should be effectively done. The major reason for the support of using cannabis for the
medicinal purpose is its major benefits.
14

Question 4 The long-term usage of cannabis is harmful to health?
a) Yes
b) No
c) To some extent
Response Table
TOTAL Yes No To some extent
100 55 35 10
Harmfulness
Yes
No
At some extent
It has been evaluated from the aforementioned data that the majority of people showed that
the regular use of cannabis has the adverse effect on the health.
15

Question 5 The incurable diseases like HIV/AIDS and cancer are curable through cannabis?
a) Yes
b) No
c) To some extent
Response Table
TOTAL Yes No To some extent
100 75 15 10
Diseases curable through cannabis
Yes
No
At some extent
Most of the respondents are supporting the fact that usage of cannabis for incurable diseases is
effective and helpful at the great level.
16

Question 6 At what level the usage of cannabis is helpful for the health?
a) Low
b) Moderate
c) High
d) Very High
Response Table
TOTAL Low Moderate High Very High
100 20 35 40 05
Usage of cannabis
Low
Moderate
High
Very High
The major respondents respond that the moderate and high level of usage of cannabis for the
medicinal purpose is effective.
17

Question 7 Should cannabis be legal in the UK for medical purposes?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Maybe
Response Table
TOTAL Yes No Maybe
100 70 20 10
Legalization of Cannabis
Yes
No
Maybe
Around 70% of the respondents are in favour of legalizing cannabis for the medicinal purpose.
18

CHAPTER 4
DISCUSSION
The research study focuses on analyzing the usage of cannabis for the medicinal purpose in the
UK and also evaluating its beneficial impact for the long-term usage. The objectives of the
research study are almost accomplished such that the usage of cannabis for the medicinal
purpose is evaluated. It has been depicted that the cannabis possesses some essential
ingredients like cannabinoid that are helpful in treating several kinds of diseases. Still, the usage
of cannabis is prohibited in most of the country which makes it difficult for using cannabis in the
medical segment (Zajicek and Apostu, 2011). The collected data from the literature review is
helpful in understanding the effectiveness of cannabis in different aspects.
In addition to this, the literature review also helps in gaining knowledge of essential ingredients
in the cannabis that could be utilized for the medicinal purpose (Sharma, et al. 2012). It is also
evaluated that the long-term use of cannabis is not highly beneficial on the health of the person
if it took in high amount. The use of cannabis should be done in moderate level so that the
major objective which is acquiring cure could be attained effectively.
19

CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION
The research study has been helpful in acquiring the understanding and knowledge regarding
the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes effectively. In addition, the study has provided
several pieces of evidence that states that the use of cannabis in the medical field is helpful in
treating several incurable diseases such as cancer, eye disease i.e. glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, etc. It is
also observed that different countries are using cannabis for medicinal purpose but there are
several countries which are not legalizing cannabis for the medicinal purpose as they feared
that the cannabis will be used for recreational purposes. It is necessary for the countries to
impose strict laws towards usage of cannabis for the medicinal purposes so that patients could
acquire the benefit of getting adequate treatment effectively.
20

RECOMMENDATION
After analyzing the literature review and the questionnaire survey several aspects has been
evaluated. The use of cannabis will be effective and helpful in treating several incurable
diseases such that the legalization of cannabis in the country is essential such that the patients
which could easily attain the treatment in an effective manner (Hazekamp, et al. 2013). The
literature review helps in understanding that the use of cannabis in the adolescent age leads to
addiction which is a negative impact of cannabis. It is essential to develop strict rules and
regulations towards the usage of cannabis for the medicinal purposes.
21

REFERENCES
 Volkow, N.D., Baler, R.D., Compton, W.M. and Weiss, S.R., 2014. Adverse health effects
of marijuana use. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(23), pp.2219-2227.
 Russo, E.B., 2013. Cannabis and cannabinoids: pharmacology, toxicology, and
therapeutic potential. Routledge.
 Grotenhermen, F. and Müller-Vahl, K., 2012. The therapeutic potential of cannabis and
cannabinoids. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 109(29-30), p.495.
 Meier, M.H., Caspi, A., Ambler, A., Harrington, H., Houts, R., Keefe, R.S., McDonald, K.,
Ward, A., Poulton, R. and Moffitt, T.E., 2012. Persistent cannabis users show
neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife. Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences, 109(40), pp.E2657-E2664.
 Devinsky, O., Cilio, M.R., Cross, H., Fernandez Ruiz, J., French, J., Hill, C., Katz, R., Di‐
Marzo, V., Jutras Aswad, D., Notcutt, W.G. and Martinez Orgado, J., 2014. Cannabidiol:‐ ‐
pharmacology and potential therapeutic role in epilepsy and other neuropsychiatric
disorders. Epilepsia, 55(6), pp.791-802.
 Graham, J., Banaschewski, T., Buitelaar, J., Coghill, D., Danckaerts, M., Dittmann, R.W.,
Döpfner, M., Hamilton, R., Hollis, C., Holtmann, M. and Hulpke-Wette, M., 2011.
European guidelines on managing adverse effects of medication for ADHD. European
child & adolescent psychiatry, 20(1), pp.17-37.
 Hall, W., 2015. What has research over the past two decades revealed about the
adverse health effects of recreational cannabis use?. Addiction, 110(1), pp.19-35.
 Friedman, D. and Devinsky, O., 2015. Cannabinoids in the treatment of epilepsy. New
England Journal of Medicine, 373(11), pp.1048-1058.
 Lucas, P., 2012. Cannabis as an adjunct to or substitute for opiates in the treatment of
chronic pain. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 44(2), pp.125-133.
 Volkow, N.D., Swanson, J.M., Evins, A.E., DeLisi, L.E., Meier, M.H., Gonzalez, R.,
Bloomfield, M.A., Curran, H.V. and Baler, R., 2016. Effects of cannabis use on human
22

behavior, including cognition, motivation, and psychosis: a review. JAMA psychiatry,
73(3), pp.292-297.
 Winstock, A.R., Ford, C. and Witton, J., 2010. Assessment and management of cannabis
use disorders in primary care. BMj, 340(apr01 1), p.c1571.
 Zajicek, J.P. and Apostu, V.I., 2011. Role of cannabinoids in multiple sclerosis. CNS drugs,
25(3), pp.187-201.
 Sharma, P., Murthy, P. and Bharath, M.S., 2012. Chemistry, metabolism, and toxicology
of cannabis: clinical implications. Iranian journal of psychiatry, 7(4), p.149.
 Hazekamp, A., Ware, M.A., Muller-Vahl, K.R., Abrams, D. and Grotenhermen, F., 2013.
The medicinal use of cannabis and cannabinoids—an international cross-sectional
survey on administration forms. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 45(3), pp.199-210.
 Calabria, B., Degenhardt, L., Hall, W. and Lynskey, M., 2010. Does cannabis use increase
the risk of death? Systematic review of epidemiological evidence on adverse effects of
cannabis use. Drug and alcohol review, 29(3), pp.318-330.
 Hazekamp, A. and Grotenhermen, F., 2010. Review on clinical studies with cannabis and
cannabinoids 2005-2009. Cannabinoids, 5(special issue), pp.1-21.
 Ammerman, S., Ryan, S., Adelman, W.P. and Committee on Substance Abuse, 2015. The
impact of marijuana policies on youth: clinical, research, and legal update. Pediatrics,
135(3), pp.e769-e785.
 Bostwick, J.M., 2012, February. Blurred boundaries: the therapeutics and politics of
medical marijuana. In Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Vol. 87, No. 2, pp. 172-186). Elsevier.
23

APPENDIX
1. Number of Patients Using Cannabis For Medicinal Purposes
Number of registered patients (per 1,000 of the whole population) –
Colorado: 82,089 (16.3)
Oregon: 57,386 (15.0)
Montana: 14,364 (14.5)
Michigan: 131,483 (13.3)
Hawaii: 11,695 (8.6)
Rhode Island: 4,466 (4.2)
Arizona: 22,037 (3.5)
New Mexico: 4,310 (2.1)
Maine: 2,708 (2.0)
Nevada: 3,388 (1.3)
Vermont: 505 (0.8)
Alaska: 538 (0.8)
24