Medical Cannabis for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Understanding Symptom Relief & Access in the UK

Below we’ll be exploring ankylosing spondylitis pain management and if medical cannabis has any potential anti-inflammatory effects.

Medical Cannabis for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Understanding Symptom Relief & Access in the UK

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that mainly affects the spine, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, which can significantly impact the quality of daily life. Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. And this includes AS. 

Medical cannabis is a regulated treatment that may be prescribed under specialist supervision to help manage associated symptoms of AS when other treatments have not been effective. These symptoms can include chronic pain, inflammation, and sleep disruption. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website. 

THC vs CBD for Ankylosing Spondylitis: What’s More Effective?

The cannabis plant is complex. It contains over 100 cannabinoids which are active compounds that can cause effects throughout the body. THC is just one of these compounds. It’s psychoactive, so it can produce a ‘high’. Some potential therapeutic benefits include muscle relaxation, appetite stimulation and pain relief. CBD is another compound, but it’s non-psychoactive, so won’t cause a ‘high’. Although it still has some potential therapeutic benefits including easing inflammation, anxiety, and helping to manage overall wellbeing. 

But how does THC and CBD for ankylosing spondylitis work? 

Well, to understand that, we need to explain the endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS. This is a messenger and receptor system that experts believe plays a big role in homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and much more.

One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why medical cannabis has the potential to work positively on so many different conditions. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD can interact with and influence the ECS and these receptors to potentially regulate pain, mood, immune function, and more.

But keep in mind, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently. 

And if you’re looking at THC vs CBD for chronic pain, you might want to look at them as a pair instead. A phenomenon known as the entourage effect suggests that sometimes the two together can potentially produce different effects on certain health conditions.

‍Can Medical Cannabis Help Relieve Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms?

Consuming medical cannabis for inflammatory back pain and other symptoms of AS, such as stiffness and fatigue, has become a more common option since the legality of medical cannabis in 2018. And with growing interest comes growing research. For example, this clinical trial has been published to study the effects of CBD followed by THC on chronic pain in AS patients.

Early evidence from broader chronic pain research also suggests cannabinoids may have the potential to relieve pain via CB1 and CB2 receptor activity, though results vary. For example, this study shows how CBD may potentially help relieve pain by reducing inflammation when it indirectly interacts with the CB2 receptors. And THC also has the potential to help relieve nerve damage pain by interacting with the CB1 receptors.

That said, clinical data that’s specific to AS is limited, and more targeted trials are needed. And whether you’re looking for chronic pain relief with cannabis, or relief from other symptoms, it’s always important to do so through a legal route with medical oversight and guidance. 

How to Use Medical Cannabis Safely for Ankylosing Spondylitis 

There are a variety of different forms of medical cannabis available on prescription in the UK. The way you consume is down to personal preference and your clinicians recommendation. They’ll advise you based on your symptoms and condition, but they’ll also work with you to find what you’re comfortable with. Remember, you may not find the right form at first, so speak to your clinician if you have any questions or preferences. Below we’ve got a brief explanation of different methods of consumption:  

• Inhaling: This method of consumption provides rapid onset of effects, typically within minutes, making it suitable for immediate relief of symptoms such as pain. However, remember that smoking your prescription is illegal in the UK and could lead to lung damage. So, if your preferred method is inhalation, purchasing a dry herb vaporiser through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf is the best solution.

• Cannabis Edibles & Capsules: Consuming cannabis-infused ‘edibles’, like pastilles, or soft gel capsules, results in slower onset of effects, which can take between 1 to 2 hours. This method is ideal for longer-lasting relief.
• CBD & THC Oils/Tinctures: Placing cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue provides a faster onset than edibles, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and, like edible options, relief tends to last. 
• Cannabis Topicals (Creams, Balms, Patches): Applying cannabis-infused products directly to the skin targets localised pain and inflammation. Please note, you should only ever apply a medication topically if it has been advised by your doctor. The majority of medical cannabis products available for prescription are for consumption via inhalation or sublingually only. There are currently no topical products available for prescription at the time of writing this article.

Every medication comes with potential risks, and medical cannabis is no different. Possible side effects are rare, and can vary depending on THC and CBD content. Likewise, personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition could also play a role. Your clinician will explain all this in detail ahead of prescribing any medication. It’s important to follow their guidance on dosage, and to monitor for side effects. And if you are experiencing any side effects, speak to your clinician. It may be a simple case of altering THC or CBD dosage.

Also keep in mind that medical cannabis could potentially interact with other medications. Again, speak to your clinician about this. 

Can UK specialists prescribe medical cannabis for ankylosing spondylitis?

Under UK law, specialist clinicians can prescribe medical cannabis when clinically appropriate. But what counts when it comes to UK medical cannabis eligibility?

Well, to be eligible for a medical cannabis UK prescription, you’ll need a diagnosis of a qualifying condition and evidence of being offered at least two conventional treatments for that condition. Medical cannabis can only be prescribed by specialist doctors in the UK, and prescriptions are only available to eligible patients under doctor supervision - usually through licensed medical cannabis clinics like Alternaleaf. 

It’s only prescribed when other conventional treatments have not been effective or have caused unwanted side effects. This ensures that patients receive it only when clinically appropriate, as part of a regulated and supervised care plan.

If you’re pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, you won’t qualify. Treatment is carefully monitored and tailored to individual needs, and you can easily find out if you qualify by completing our 30 second eligibility checker.

Summary 

So that’s a short explanation of how there is potential to relieve some of the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis with medical cannabis treatment. It may offer some people living with ankylosing spondylitis support with symptoms like chronic pain, inflammation, and disrupted sleep, thanks to how cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. While early research is promising, evidence specific to AS remains limited, and treatment should always be accessed legally with medical supervision. 

The best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.