Medicinal Cannabis: The Science and Project Twenty21

I would like to share the science bit, just briefly, and describe what the two main chemical cannabinoids in cannabis do as well as inform you about Project Twenty21.

The science bit

Cannabis has been around for a very long and was used in medicine for its many properties: analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties.¹

Cannabis consists of many chemical compounds which are known as cannabinoids and there are many cannabinoids but we are just going to focus on the main two of which most people are aware of: CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, and THC  known as Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.¹

Both CBD and THC are responsible for activating certain receptors within our bodies which have an effect on these receptors. The CBD contains therapeutic properties which work upon our central nervous system and the THC is the 'high', the psychoactive property which creates differences in our perceptions of things and how we feel.¹

Project Twenty21

I came across Project Twenty21 about a year ago on Tik Tok. I was extremely interested however due to the massive lupus flare-up I was experiencing, I could barely think straight let alone try and sort out something like this.

My mind wouldn't let me forget it and every now and then I would wonder if I was able to meet the strict criteria that would be involved. I didn't have the mental strength to fill in any forms right then and there.

Life got worse

At Christmas, something changed. I decided to try and take my health back into my own hands. Sadly my GP [general practitioner] and doctors were very good at knowing the symptoms of all my illnesses and conditions but they had no idea how everything felt on a daily basis. I felt that my life wasn't worth living, my quality of life was zero. I rarely left the house.

I was told to "be brave and stay positive!" Well excuse me, my middle name is positivity! And that was about as much help as anyone was offering me.

I just couldn't understand why they couldn't see how much pain I was in or why they wouldn't help and usually fobbed me off with taking paracetamol like I hadn't already thought of that or done it.

Taking the plunge

I decided that this was the time to see what criteria you needed to have. I knew that the bladder cancer wouldn't count due to being NED and to be honest that was the last of the issues.

Strict criteria had to be met. A huge list of autoimmune disorders, cancer, and debilitating illnesses would allow you to have access to medicinal cannabis. I was invited to look for a private clinic from their list. I chose The Sapphire Medical Clinic as it was the closest to us and on Harley Street. We love a jaunt to London.

I clicked those that applied to me and sent off the form. I was anxious and a little nervous however within a few hours I received an email from them saying that I met their criteria. I was invited to book a consultation with a consultant at the clinic. I was so happy. They also informed me that they would be contacting my GP for my medical records.

It would mean that I would be legally allowed to take cannabis for my conditions and without the 'high' I would be able to live my life, free.

Pharmacies

At this present time, there is only one pharmacy allowed to prescribe medicinal cannabis and it is located in Newcastle.

In order to receive my medicinal cannabis, I had to sign an agreement, a legal contract stating that I would abide by the rules and regulations in accordance with Project Twenty21.

As I previously stated that Project Twenty21 is designed to collect and corollate information on how the oils and buds help their own personal illness.

Another aim of this project is to make medicinal cannabis affordable as well as capping the price so that you will always be charged the same amount each time.

Cost of initial consultation

It was easy to book a consultation and the fee was only 50 pounds. I was booked in to see Dr. Wendy Holden, a rheumatologist on the 16th of March 2022.

Eeeek! It was happening!

Check out part one of Anita's cannabis experience, here.