Medical Cannabis Consumption Methods Explained: Oils, Vapes, Flower and Pastilles

In this guide, we'll explain some of the most common medical cannabis consumption methods and how they differ.

Medical cannabis oil

Medical cannabis oil is one of the most commonly prescribed forms of cannabis-based products for medicinal use in the UK.

These prescription-only medicines contain measured concentrations of cannabinoids, most commonly THC, CBD or a combination of both. They are different from over-the-counter CBD oils, as prescription cannabis oils are manufactured to medical standards, batch tested and prescribed following a clinical assessment.

How is medical cannabis oil taken?

Medical cannabis oil is commonly taken sublingually, meaning drops are placed underneath the tongue.

Your Medicann doctor will provide specific instructions for your prescription, including how much to take and how often. Consistency is important, and patients should never change their dose without speaking to their prescribing doctor.

What are the potential advantages of oil?

For some patients, oil can be a convenient option because:

• It doesn't require inhalation.

• The amount taken can be measured carefully.

• It can be incorporated into a regular treatment routine.

• Different CBD and THC formulations may be available depending on clinical suitability.

The effects of oral or sublingual medicines can vary between individuals, so your doctor will monitor your response and make adjustments where appropriate.

Medical cannabis vapes and vaporisation

When people talk about medical cannabis vapes, they may be referring to vaporised cannabis flower or cannabis-based cartridges, depending on the prescribed product.

With medical cannabis flower, the flower is heated using an approved medical vaporiser rather than being burned. This process releases cannabinoids for inhalation without combustion. It's important to understand that medical cannabis flower should not be smoked as this is illegal. When prescribed in flower form, it is intended for use with a suitable medical vaporiser.

Why might vaporisation be considered?

One of the main differences between inhaled and oral cannabis medicines is how quickly effects may be experienced.

When cannabis flower is vaporised, cannabinoids are absorbed through the lungs and enter the bloodstream relatively quickly. This means the effects can generally be noticed sooner than with oral formats.

For some patients, this can make vaporised treatment an appropriate part of their personalised treatment plan. However, vaporisation isn't suitable or preferable for everyone. It requires an appropriate device, correct technique and a willingness to use an inhaled medicine.

If you are prescribed cannabis flower, your clinician or pharmacist will provide guidance on using your vaporiser safely.

Medical cannabis flower

Medical cannabis flower is the dried flower of the cannabis plant. When supplied as a prescribed medicine in the UK, it is cultivated and manufactured under controlled conditions and tested for strength, consistency and contaminants.

Flower can contain different concentrations and ratios of cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. It also contains naturally occurring compounds such as terpenes, which contribute to the plant's aroma and characteristics.

How is medical cannabis flower used?

Prescribed medical cannabis flower is vaporised rather than smoked.

A medical vaporiser heats the flower to release cannabinoids without combustion. Your doctor or pharmacist can explain which device is appropriate and how to use it correctly.

Your prescription will also include instructions about how much flower to use and how frequently it should be vaporised.

As with other forms of medicinal cannabis, there is no universal dose. The clinical team at Medicann generally follow a "start low, go slow" approach, allowing treatment to be adjusted gradually according to your individual response.

Medical cannabis pastilles, lozenges and gummies

Pastilles, lozenges and gummies are another form of oral medicinal cannabis.

These contain measured amounts of cannabinoids such as THC, CBD or a combination of both. In a medical context, they are prescription-only medicines and are different from recreational cannabis edibles or unregulated CBD products.

They may sometimes be referred to as medical cannabis pastilles, medical cannabis lozenges or cannabis gummies.

How do medical cannabis pastilles work?

Unlike vaporised cannabis, pastilles, lozenges or gummies are taken orally. The cannabinoids are absorbed through the digestive system and processed by the liver before entering the bloodstream.

This means they generally have a slower onset than inhaled treatments, but their effects may last longer and feel more gradual. Because oral medicines can take longer to have an effect, it's important not to take additional doses simply because you haven't noticed an effect immediately. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your prescribing doctor.

Why might a patient prefer pastilles or lozenges?

For some patients, oral formats may be appealing because they are: discreet, convenient, easy to incorporate into a daily routine, suitable for people who don't want to inhale medication and available in pre-measured doses.

However, they aren't suitable for everyone, and your clinician will consider your individual circumstances before prescribing them. Having a choice of treatment formats means your prescribing doctor can consider which option is most appropriate for your individual needs, rather than every patient receiving the same type of medicine.

If you're already a Medicann patient, you can explore the range of products available for prescription through the Medicann app. The app provides access to a range of different treatment options, including different formulations and products, with both oral and inhaled options available where clinically appropriate.

If you're not yet a Medicann patient and have been looking for a medical cannabis clinic to support you on your journey, you can check your eligibility online.