Medical Cannabis UK Glossary: 50+ Terms Explained for Patients

The percentage of an administered dose of a substance that reaches systemic circulation and is available to produce an effect. Different consumption methods (smoking, vaporising, oral) have different bioavailability rates for cannabinoids.

The process of analysing a production batch of medical cannabis to verify cannabinoid content, potency, and safety before it reaches patients. All UK-prescribed products must undergo rigorous batch testing to ensure consistency and purity.

A type of cannabinoid receptor found primarily in the brain and central nervous system that interacts with THC and other cannabinoids. Activation of CB1 receptors is responsible for many of THC’s psychoactive effects.

A type of cannabinoid receptor found mainly in immune cells and peripheral tissues that interacts with cannabinoids. CB2 activation is believed to produce anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects without the psychoactive effects associated with CB1.

A non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis that has demonstrated therapeutic potential for reducing anxiety, inflammation, and seizures. CBD does not produce the “high” associated with THC and is increasingly used in medical cannabis products.

The raw, acidic precursor form of CBD found in fresh cannabis plants before heating or decarboxylation. CBDA converts to CBD when exposed to heat and may have its own therapeutic benefits distinct from CBD.

A non-intoxicating cannabinoid present in smaller quantities in most cannabis strains that is being researched for anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antibacterial properties. CBG is considered a “minor cannabinoid” due to its lower concentration compared to THC and CBD.

A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid produced when THC is oxidised or degraded over time, often associated with sedative effects. CBN is present in aged cannabis and is being researched for potential sleep and pain management benefits.

A laboratory report detailing the cannabinoid profile, terpene content, and contaminant testing results for a specific batch of medical cannabis. UK patients should request COAs from their suppliers to verify product quality and safety.

The chemical process of removing a carboxyl group from cannabinoid compounds through heating, converting acidic forms (THCA, CBDA) into their active forms (THC, CBD). This process occurs during smoking, vaporising, or cooking with cannabis.

A complex cell-signalling system in the human body consisting of endocannabinoids, receptors (CB1 and CB2), and enzymes that regulate various physiological functions including mood, pain, appetite, and immunity. Cannabis cannabinoids interact with this system to produce therapeutic effects.

The theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work together synergistically to produce greater therapeutic effects than any single compound alone. This concept supports the use of whole-plant cannabis extracts rather than isolated cannabinoids.

A prescription-only pharmaceutical product containing pure CBD used to treat seizures in specific epilepsy conditions (Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome). Epidyolex is one of the few cannabis-derived medicines with a formal marketing authorisation in the UK.

An official list of medications approved for prescription within a specific healthcare system or private clinic. Medical cannabis best UK cannabis clinics in the UK work with specific formularies that list the approved cannabis products available to their patients.

International quality standards ensuring that medicines and products are consistently produced and controlled to quality standards. All medical cannabis supplied to UK patients must comply with GMP certification to ensure safety and consistency.

A cannabis plant strain created by crossing an Indica strain with a Sativa strain, combining characteristics of both parent varieties. Hybrid strains offer varied effects and cannabinoid profiles depending on their genetic lineage and cultivation.

A cannabis plant variety traditionally associated with sedating, relaxing effects and higher CBD content relative to Sativa strains. Indica plants are typically shorter with broader leaves and are often preferred for evening use or pain management.

A UK-based medical best UK cannabis clinics providing telemedicine consultations and prescriptions for eligible patients. Lyphe operates under the Schedule 2 licensing framework to offer medical cannabis to patients meeting specific criteria.

A UK private medical cannabis provider offering consultation and prescription services to patients who meet clinical eligibility criteria. Mamedica operates as a licensed best UK cannabis clinics within the UK