Medical Cannabis – Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together a list of questions that we are asked frequently. If you have a question that is not answered on our website, please use the contact us page, and we will do our best to answer.

Q: What is the difference between hemp seed oil and cannabis oil?

A: Cannabis oil is a concentrated extract of cannabinoids made from the buds of the illegal drug varieties. Hemp seed oil is made from pressing the oil from seeds of the non-psychoactive commercial hemp plant.

Q: Which cannabis varieties are recommended for making medical cannabis oil?

A: That very much depends on what you want the oil to achieve. The condition you need to treat will determine which variety you choose, depending on whether you require high THC or CBD content. Oil made from a plant that has 50/50 THC and CBD will produce oil with the same cannabinoid profile.

Q: What is the maximum dose of cannabis oil you should take in a 24-hour period?

A: If you are taking it to relieve symptoms then consume as much as you require. The consensus regarding cancer treatment is a minimum of a gram per day. Read more about the RSO Protocol here: Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) – The 90 Day Cancer Dosing Protocol

Q: Is it better to take the oil just before bedtime or do you suggest spreading the dose throughout the day?

A: It is preferable to take the dose throughout the day, but some people prefer to take their daily dose before bedtime.

Q: I have just started on a three-month oil treatment for cancer; when will I become more tolerant to the oil and feel less sleepy?

A: Sleep is an important part of the curing process, but as your dosage increases so should your tolerance.

Q: What is meant by a “’maintenance dose,”‘ and what dosage is recommended?

A: The dose varies between 0.1 and 0.3 grams per day, generally administered by cancer patients who have taken a full course of oil previously.

Q: Is the evidence that cannabis oil cures cancer purely anecdotal or have there been medical trials?

A: So far, all the scientific studies concerning cannabis have been carried out in laboratories, and they have shown conclusively that cannabinoids can kill cancer cells. Read more about current research here: Medical Cannabis – Research Links

Q: How long does it take to grow enough cannabis to make sufficient oil to treat cancer?

A: A 4-foot-square area can provide a pound of cannabis every four months.

Q: Do you treat skin cancer with cannabis ointment, or do you need to complete a three-month oil ingestion treatment as well?

A: Do both if possible, however, the consensus is that a topical application is best.

Q: Is it safe to treat children with cannabis oil?

A: Cannabis has very low toxicity and there is no medical reason why it cannot be administered, although obviously, the dosage will be less.

Q: What is the best method for storing cannabis oil?

A: Keep it in your refrigerator but make sure that it cannot be accessed by children.

Q: What Is The Endocannabinoid System?

A. This is the body’s own “cannabis” system. We all have cannabinoid nerve receptors in our brain and elsewhere in the body. We produce chemicals, called endocannabinoids, which lock on to those receptors and perform vital functions. This system is responsible for such things as pain control, mood control, anti-inflammation response, control of bodily movement, epilepsy, etc. The plant cannabinoids, called phytocannabinoids, help that system by also locking on to those receptors. Therefore, cannabis has so many potential uses. We have written an in-depth article on this: Medical Cannabis & The Endocannabinoid System

Q: What Is The Entourage Effect?

A: Cannabis not only contains cannabinoids but also other chemicals called terpenes (which give smell) and flavonoids (which give colour).

There are over 130 cannabinoids, in addition to CBD and THC, as well as over 100 terpenes and flavonoids. It is thought that the full plant with all those components in various proportions gives a better medical effect than the individual parts. That is the entourage effect and explains why the full plant prescriptions may be better than the over-the-counter hemp CBD products.

Q: What Are The Side Effects Of Medical Cannabis?

A: Possible side effects from THC include: Red Eyes, Dry Mouth, Impaired Memory, Anxiety, Paranoia, Panic, Increased Heart Rate, Reduced Reaction Times, Coordination Problems. Possible side effects from CBD include Dizziness, Diarrhoea, Weight Loss, Fatigue, Changes in Appetite, Drowsiness.

Q: Can You Overdose On Cannabis?

There have been no recorded deaths of overdosing on Cannabis – unlike some medicines like opioids. Overdosing can be unpleasant and can give, for example, palpitations, sweating, dizziness, disorientation and even, in very rare cases, psychotic reactions but these will pass after a few hours. A very large overdose can be serious and if you are concerned, go to A&E and tell them what you have taken.

Further Reading Suggestions

An Introduction to Rick Simpson Oil / RSO

Learn more on how and where to buy RSO oil safely

Help and Advice

If you need more advice or help with sourcing Medical Cannabis, please use the contact form provided. We try to answer all emails within 24 hours and are happy to help and advise on all aspects of Medical Cannabis treatments in complete confidence.

Disclaimer: Please note that whilst we consider ourselves subject matter experts regarding Medical Cannabis, we are not medical professionals. We are a Medical Cannabis information resource, educating and helping those in need. Whilst we are very strong believers in the benefits of Medical Cannabis, there is still limited evidence that Medical Cannabis can treat/cure all the illnesses we discuss on our website. We recommend you do as much research as possible, and where practical seek professional medical advice before proceeding with Medical Cannabis oil.