The landscape of the industry and scientific explorations revolving around medical cannabis prescriptions has undergone a significant transformation since the inception of the initial regulatory amendments. These changes have paved the way for a broader spectrum of medical cannabis products that are now easily accessible for clinicians. These healthcare professionals can now prescribe these advanced cannabis-based products to manage an array of complex and challenging health conditions. This profound revolution in medical treatment strategies, primarily owing to the evolution of the cannabis industry, has resulted in creating a better quality of life for many people suffering from a myriad of health issues. Medical cannabis is now available in several forms to cater to the diverse needs, conditions, and preferences of patients. Depending upon the specific health condition and the unique medical needs of each patient, medical cannabis can be prescribed in varied forms. These include oils, topical creams or lotions, and even medical cannabis flower for vaporising. Each form has its unique advantages and utility, making treatment with medical cannabis more flexible and personalized, hence, enhancing its effectiveness. An impressive variety of both licensed and unlicensed medical cannabis products are now being prescribed to patients across the United Kingdom. Among these, the cannabis flower form remains one of the most popular and commonly prescribed forms of medical cannabis. Despite the rise of various innovative cannabis-based products, the traditional cannabis flower has managed to retain its position as a patient-preferred choice, owing to its natural form and potent effects. However, even as medical cannabis continues to gain popularity, the doctors prescribing these treatments remain extremely cautious and particular about the methods of administration. They typically prescribe the cannabis flower for administration exclusively through vaporisation. This is carried out using specialist medical cannabis vaporisers, specifically designed for this purpose. The reason behind this specific method of administration is the potential health implications associated with smoking cannabis. Smoking cannabis can harm lung health and lead to other health complications, which contradicts the primary purpose of using cannabis as a medical treatment. Hence, vaporisation is the preferred method, as it allows patients to inhale the medicinal properties of cannabis without the harmful effects of smoking. In conclusion, the evolution of the medical cannabis industry has resulted in a new era of treatment for complex conditions. With an assortment of cannabis products now available for prescription, medical professionals have more options and flexibility in addressing various health issues. However, the method of administration, particularly with the cannabis flower, remains strictly through vaporisation to ensure the health and safety of the patients. The medical cannabis industry’s development has indeed created new possibilities for clinicians and patients alike, paving the way for more effective and personalised treatments.

The Harms of Smoking Medical Cannabis

Inhaling smoke from the cannabis flower, commonly known as marijuana, when it is smoked carries significant health risks, comparable to those associated with smoking tobacco. Just like tobacco, the act of burning cannabis, and indeed any other plant material, can lead to the production of carcinogens and a variety of other harmful substances. Carcinogens are substances that have the potential to cause cancer in living tissues. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists around 120 known or probable carcinogens, many of which are found in tobacco smoke and are likely to exist in cannabis smoke as well. In addition to carcinogens, the combustion of plant materials can release a host of potentially harmful materials such as carbon monoxide, tar, and other dangerous chemicals. Exposure to these compounds can lead to health complications, ranging from respiratory issues such as bronchitis and emphysema to cardiovascular problems such as heart diseases and stroke. Long-term exposure to these harmful toxins can also result in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung diseases that block airflow, making it difficult to breathe. With the increasing acceptance of medical marijuana in many parts of the globe, including the United Kingdom, highlighted concerns over the potential health risks associated with smoking cannabis have necessitated the introduction of safer administration methods. This is why cannabis flower products that are prescribed in the UK must be administered using a medical-grade vaporiser. A medical-grade vaporiser is a device that heats the cannabis flowers to a temperature that is high enough to extract the therapeutic compounds from the plant, but not high enough to cause combustion. This method significantly reduces the production of harmful by-products, providing patients with a safer way to consume their medication. It is also worth noting that vaporising delivers a more consistent dose compared to smoking, which is highly variable and dependent on the specific smoking technique used. Furthermore, it’s important to note that smoking also initiates changes in the active compounds found in the cannabis plant, which can result in different levels of these compounds in the body than initially intended when prescribed. The primary active compound in cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), for example, can be altered by heat, potentially producing unwanted side-effects and reducing the overall therapeutic potential of the plant. The heat generated from burning cannabis can also break down other cannabinoids and terpenes, which are thought to contribute to the plant’s medicinal properties through an effect known as the ‘entourage effect’. This refers to the theory that the various compounds in cannabis work together synergistically for maximum therapeutic effect. By altering these compounds through combustion, you may not be receiving the full benefits of the plant as initially intended when prescribed. In conclusion, while cannabis can potentially offer therapeutic benefits for patients, it is crucial that it is consumed in a safe manner that minimises potential harm. The use of medical-grade vaporisers represents a safer, more controlled way of administering cannabis flower products, ensuring that patients receive their medication in a form that does not compromise their overall health.

Medical Cannabis Vaporisers

In the United Kingdom, three vaporising devices have now gained approval for their use in a medical context: the Storz-Bickel Mighty Medic, Mighty+ Medic, and the Volcano. These products are created by Storz & Bickel Gmbh & Co., a firm based in Germany that has established a reputation for its specialisation in the fabrication of medical-grade vaporising devices that are noted for their reliability. These vaporising devices are innovative tools designed to heat a specific material – in this case, medical cannabis – to such a point that a vapour is produced. The devices have become increasingly popular due to their effectiveness and easy usage. However, it is essential to make a clear distinction here: while vaporisers have become increasingly common in recent years as an alternative method for consuming tobacco, this should in no way be confused with the devices that have been specifically approved for medical cannabis use. The key to the operation of these devices does not lie in the burning of the plant material. Instead, vaporisers are ingeniously designed to gently heat the medical cannabis. This method has been carefully selected because it leads to the production of a vapour from the plant material, rather than smoke. This process is significant as it allows the user to avoid the harmful by-products that are typically produced when plant material is burned directly. The three devices produced by Storz & Bickel Gmbh & Co. come with a unique selling point: they allow the user to make precise adjustments to the heating temperature. This feature offers users full control over the density of the vapour produced. It is a crucial feature that ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of the device while providing a customisable experience for the end-user. The significance of this temperature control feature was highlighted by several studies. These studies have indicated that heating cannabis to a temperature within the range of 170 to 200 degrees Celsius allows for the effective emission of cannabinoids and terpenes. These are the active compounds in cannabis that serve many therapeutic purposes. At the same time, this controlled heating avoids the burning of the cannabis flower, preventing the release of harmful substances. Burning typically occurs when the temperature reaches 230 degrees Celsius or higher. Thus, the precise temperature control offered by these vaporising devices serves to maximise the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis, while minimising potential harm to the user. In this way, Storz & Bickel Gmbh & Co. devices provide an optimal solution for those seeking the medicinal benefits of cannabis in a safe and controlled manner.

Evidence suggests that the vapour produced using these devices makes for a less harsh and less harmful means of administration when compared with cannabis smoke. But is it as effective?

Vaporising vs. Smoking Medical Cannabis

Numerous rigorous scientific investigations have embarked on a journey to evaluate and comprehend the advantages and potential ramifications of vaporizing cannabis as a viable alternative to the traditional method of smoking it. These studies have been conducted in a bid to establish a more health-conscious consumption method, focusing on the use of vaporizers to heat the cannabis to a point where the psychoactive ingredients are released without causing the plant material to combust. By doing so, it is postulated that the harmful by-products typically associated with smoking can be substantially reduced, thereby providing a safer and less detrimental way to consume cannabis. The process of vaporizing cannabis involves heating the plant material to a precise temperature, below the point of combustion, where the cannabinoids and terpenes, which are the primary active ingredients in cannabis, are released into a vapor. This vapor is then inhaled by the user, providing the desired effects without the harmful by-products of combustion. It is a method that has gained significant popularity, primarily because it presents a potentially lesser health risk than traditional smoking methods, which are known to produce harmful toxins and carcinogens. The use of cannabis, whether for medicinal or recreational purposes, has been a topic of controversy and debate for many years. However, with the increasing legalization and acceptance of cannabis in many parts of the world, understanding the safest ways to consume it is becoming more critical. This is where these studies come into play, offering valuable insights into the potential health benefits of vaporizing cannabis as opposed to smoking it. One of the primary advantages of vaporizing over smoking is related to health and safety. Smoking cannabis, like smoking anything else, introduces a host of harmful substances into the body. These include toxins and carcinogens which can cause significant harm to the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system. On the other hand, vaporizing cannabis offers a safer alternative because it avoids the process of combustion altogether. This can potentially reduce the risk of developing respiratory problems linked to smoking. Moreover, several studies have suggested that vaporizing cannabis might allow for a more efficient extraction of the psychoactive and medicinal compounds found in the plant. This means that users may be able to achieve the desired effects using smaller amounts of cannabis, which could also contribute to potential health benefits. Additionally, the taste and aroma of vaporized cannabis are often regarded as more pleasant than that of smoked cannabis, enhancing the overall user experience. However, while the benefits are noteworthy, it is important to consider potential drawbacks or implications of vaporizing cannabis. For instance, the initial costs of purchasing a reliable vaporizer can be relatively high. Additionally, the effects of vaporized cannabis might differ from those of smoked cannabis, depending on various factors such as the temperature at which the cannabis is heated, the strain of cannabis used, and individual tolerance levels. Hence, more studies are needed to fully understand the implications and potential benefits of vaporizing cannabis. In conclusion, the multitude of studies aiming to analyze the benefits and implications of vaporizing cannabis as an alternative to smoking it provide valuable insights into this matter. They reiterate the importance of developing and promoting healthier consumption methods in a world where the use of cannabis is becoming increasingly common. As the body of research grows, so too does the potential for informed choices regarding the safest and most effective ways to consume cannabis.

Bioavailability

A research study published in 2007, embarked on a comparative analysis of cannabis effects when administered through smoking versus when delivered using a technologically advanced device called the Volcano vaporiser¹. By comparing these two distinct methods of administration, the study aimed to establish if there was a discernible difference in the effect of cannabis within the human body. The components under scrutiny in this study were primarily the psychoactive compounds in the cannabis plant, of which tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most notable. Over a monitored duration of six hours, the researchers diligently kept track of the THC levels in the participants who had consumed cannabis either by the traditional smoking method or through the Volcano vaporiser. The results of this six-hour study period revealed a striking similarity between the THC levels in participants regardless of the method of administration. This finding provided compelling evidence to suggest that the Volcano vaporiser was indeed effective in delivering the active therapeutic ingredients present in the cannabis flower. The discovery alluded to the possibility of utilizing technology to harness the medicinal benefits of cannabis, thus presenting significant implications for the medical marijuana industry. To further corroborate this finding, verification studies were conducted, drawing upon the use of two specific devices, the Mighty Medic and the Volcano Medic. These studies revealed that the bioavailability of vaporised cannabinoids – the proportion of ingested substance that enters the bloodstream when introduced into the body and so is able to have an active effect – stood at an impressive rate of 29-35%. However, the exploration of cannabis use in the realm of medicine did not stop there. Another study ventured into assessing the efficacy of cannabis when delivered using a novel portable thermal-metered-dose inhaler specifically for patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain². Neuropathic pain, a type of chronic pain caused by nerve damage, is notoriously difficult to treat and alleviate. Hence, the shift towards exploring alternative methods of pain relief, such as cannabis, is understandable. In this particular study, the researchers sought to identify if the thermal-metered-dose inhaler could effectively deliver cannabis and subsequently alleviate neuropathic pain. The results of this research were promising. Patients participating in the study exhibited a considerable 45% reduction in their pain intensity as measured 20 minutes post-inhalation. These findings offer hope for those dealing with chronic neuropathic pain, suggesting that strategic administration of cannabis, through devices like the thermal-metered-dose inhaler, could potentially provide substantial relief.

Toxic Products

In a research study conducted to assess the effectiveness and potential health benefits of the Volcano cannabis vaporiser, the results derived were rather enlightening. The focus of the study was primarily to gauge the impact of cannabis inhalation through the Volcano vaporiser on carbon monoxide levels in the body, as compared to the traditional method of consuming cannabis through cigarettes. In this comprehensive study, participants were divided into two groups. The first group was designated to use the Volcano cannabis vaporiser for inhaling THC, the psychoactive component found in cannabis. The second group, on the other hand, was assigned to consume cannabis in the conventional way, through smoking cannabis cigarettes, which also delivers THC, but in a more harmful manner. The study highlighted intriguing results. Participants who had used the Volcano cannabis vaporiser displayed “little if any increase in carbon monoxide after inhalation of THC from the vaporiser”¹. This observation was in stark contrast to the other group of participants who inhaled THC from cannabis cigarettes. It was noted that these participants had a substantial increase in carbon monoxide levels in their bloodstream, which is known to have detrimental health effects. The researchers meticulously analysed the data and arrived at the conclusion that the method of inhalation via the Volcano vaporiser “is expected to be much safer than smoking marijuana cigarettes.”¹ While the consumption of marijuana in any form is not considered entirely harmless, the study posited that using a vaporiser could potentially mitigate some of the associated health risks, particularly the increase in carbon monoxide levels. This is primarily because vaporisers heat the cannabis to a point where it releases the THC, but doesn’t reach the point of combustion, which is where most of the toxins like carbon monoxide are released. Furthermore, the study also delved into the user experience and preference between the two modes of cannabis consumption. Interestingly, the majority of the participants in the study expressed a preference for the Volcano vaporiser as compared to smoking cannabis cigarettes. This preference could be attributed to numerous factors such as the smoother inhalation experience, less throat irritation, or the absence of the strong odor associated with cannabis smoking. It could also stem from the awareness of the potential health benefits of using a vaporiser over traditional smoking methods. In conclusion, this research study provided insightful findings on the potential health benefits and user preference of the Volcano cannabis vaporiser over traditional smoking methods. By reducing the exposure to harmful toxins such as carbon monoxide, the Volcano vaporiser presents itself as a potentially safer alternative to cannabis cigarettes, further enriching the discussion around safer methods of cannabis consumption.

UK Approval for Medical Use

Storz & Bickel Gmbh & Co., a renowned company in the field of medical technology, has now carved a significant niche for itself in the manufacturing of medical devices. Its latest achievement is the production of the only battery-powered medical herbal hot air generator that has been certified for medical use. This development brings forth a unique and innovative approach to modern medicine, offering new avenues for the administration of therapeutic substances. The company’s flagship products, namely the Mighty Medic, Mighty+ Medic, and Volcano Medic vaporisers, have been acclaimed as the first and only medical-grade vaporisers to earn the coveted approval in the United Kingdom. This endorsement is a testament to the groundbreaking nature of their work and the high-quality standards they adhere to in their manufacturing processes. As a result, these products have significantly altered the landscape of medical device technology, further solidifying Storz & Bickel Gmbh & Co.’s position at the forefront of this industry. The approval of these products was influenced by several factors, including the findings of past clinical and verification studies. These comprehensive studies provided valuable insights into the functionality, safety, and effectiveness of these vaporising devices. They were subjected to rigorous testing and examination to ensure that they not only meet but surpass the stringent medical standards set by the UK’s healthcare regulation bodies. The UK’s approval of Storz & Bickel Gmbh & Co.’s vaporising devices is a significant milestone in the company’s journey. This recognition not only adds credibility to their products but also establishes them as the go-to option for patients in need of medical-grade vaporisers. The UK’s endorsement of these devices signifies their reliability and effectiveness in the administration of therapeutic substances, further advancing the practice of modern medicine. Sapphire Medical Clinics, a leading name in the healthcare sector, has taken note of these developments and has exclusively recommended the use of these medical-grade vaporisers for the administration of medical cannabis flower. This endorsement by Sapphire Medical Clinics offers an added layer of validation for Storz & Bickel Gmbh & Co.’s products. The recommendation signifies that these vaporisers not only meet the requirements for medical use but also exceed expectations in terms of safety and efficacy. With these endorsements and the subsequent UK approval, Storz & Bickel Gmbh & Co.’s vaporisers have emerged as the preferred choice for medical professionals and patients alike. The company’s commitment to innovation and excellence continues to pave the way for the development and production of medical-grade devices that are revolutionising the healthcare industry.