What is Sativex?

So… what is Sativex?

Sativex is a cannabis-based medicine that has been approved in over 24 countries and counting. Available as a peppermint-flavored oral spray medication, it is the first pharmaceutical drug of its kind.

It is currently prescribed as a multiple sclerosis treatment in countries such as the United Kingdom, Spain, Australia, and Canada. While it has undergone clinical trials in the United States, it has not yet received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical use.

This article will explore Sativex uses, how it is made, and the legal status of Sativex compared to medical marijuana.

But first…

What’s the Difference Between Sativex and Medical Marijuana?

GW Pharmaceuticals is the UK-based company behind the drug, and they are quite open about the fact that Sativex contains the same active compounds as medical marijuana.

So, what is the difference?

Composition

When it comes to marijuana, it’s the lack of standardization that throws up an obstacle for doctors uncomfortable in lending their support for legalization.

Sativex contains a standardized 1:1 ratio of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The drug is manufactured using modern processes that result in a chemical compound called “Nabiximol.” This means every bottle has the same consistent formulation.

Legal Status

Sativex has undergone clinical trials and received regulatory approval in some countries as a prescription medication for MS-related spasticity. In contrast, medical marijuana remains subject to varying local and federal regulations, with some regions allowing its use for medical or recreational purposes.

Medical Use

Sativex is approved primarily for multiple sclerosis-related spasticity and some pain conditions.

Marijuana is used more broadly, often without medical oversight. Common uses of medical marijuana include pain management, stress relief, and inflammation reduction, and more. That said, not all medical marijuana treatments have undergone the same level of clinical testing as Sativex.

THC Content and Psychoactive Effects

Sativex contains a controlled 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD, which is generally lower than the THC levels in some high-potency cannabis strains.

Marijuana can vary significantly in THC strength, with some strains producing a much stronger intoxicating effect.

Both can cause a high. However, since Sativex dosage is formulated for medical use, its effects are more predictable.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Sativex include fatigue, dizziness, and oral discomfort, as it is administered as a cannabis-based medicine in the form of an oral spray medication.

Marijuana users may experience additional effects depending on the strain, consumption method, and individual tolerance.

Okay, So What’s the Difference Between Sativex & CBD Oils?

While Sativex contains a balanced mix of THC and CBD, CBD oil typically has little to no THC.

This difference affects legality and side effects:

• CBD oil does not cause a high.

• Sativex can cause mild intoxication, so its legal status is more restricted.

• Sativex dosage is carefully measured, whereas CBD oil dosages vary.

If you’re looking for natural remedies for pain without psychoactive effects, CBD oil might be a better option. Keep in mind that in the U.S., the FDA has not approved any over-the-counter CBD products for medical treatment. If you are considering CBD for health reasons, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

To find out more about CBD and CBD oils, read our cannabidiol resource page.

And What Is Sativex Used For?

Sativex has been studied for several medical conditions, but so far, it is officially approved for multiple sclerosis-related spasticity.

Here’s what it helps with:

Muscle Spasticity

As we touched upon at the beginning of the article, Sativex has been approved solely for dealing with MS-related spasticity in several countries around the world. Although it produces a “high,” there has been no evidence to suggest that its users have developed a tolerance to the drug throughout a year.

Creators GW Pharmaceuticals are hopeful that the drug will soothe several other medical conditions, including the likes of diabetes, schizophrenia, and epilepsy.

Neuropathic Pain

Some studies suggest Sativex could be effective for neuropathic pain relief, particularly in pain management for conditions like MS and arthritis. However, not all clinical trials have shown significant benefits, and additional research is needed before further approvals are granted.

Bladder Control Issues

Some MS patients experience bladder dysfunction, and Sativex has been shown to help manage these symptoms.

While further research is needed, clinical trials are ongoing to determine if Sativex could be approved for other conditions.

How Is Sativex Made?

Sativex is produced by GW Pharmaceuticals in the UK. Unlike general marijuana, which is cultivated for a variety of uses, Sativex is made from specially selected cannabis plants grown under strict conditions to maintain consistent levels of active ingredients.

Once harvested, the THC and CBD compounds are extracted and mixed into a precise formulation, ensuring that every dose delivers the same effects.

Even though marijuana is illegal for general use in the UK, GW Pharmaceuticals received a special government license to grow cannabis for research and development.

The Legal Issues & Concerns

Why Is Sativex Treated Differently from Marijuana?

Sativex contains cannabis-derived ingredients, but it’s classified separately due to its pharmaceutical formulation. The scientific name for its active ingredient, Nabiximol, allows it to be scheduled differently from cannabis.

This strategy has allowed some countries to approve Sativex while still banning medical marijuana and cannabinoid therapy.

Will Sativex Be Approved in the US?

Sativex entered the FDA’s Fast Track program in 2014, but early clinical trials did not show significant benefits. As of now, Sativex is not FDA-approved and cannot be legally prescribed or sold in the United States.

However, ongoing research may lead to future approval, particularly for conditions like multiple sclerosis. Until then, patients in the U.S. do not have legal access to Sativex.

The Cost Issue

One of the biggest barriers to access is cost. Sativex is very expensive in some countries. In New Zealand, the annual prescription cost exceeds USD 16,000.

In Canada and Australia, access can be limited due to high prices and lack of subsidies.

If it gets approved in the U.S., it remains to be seen how affordable it will be.

Final Thoughts

Sativex is a standardized, pharmaceutical-grade cannabis-based medicine primarily used for multiple sclerosis treatment. It differs from marijuana due to its controlled formulation, precise dosing, and regulated production.

While it shares similarities with CBD oil, the key difference is that Sativex contains THC, making it more potent but also potentially intoxicating.

As clinical trials continue, Sativex may gain approval for additional conditions. However, cost and accessibility remain major barriers.

Would you try Sativex if it were available in your country? Let us know in the comments!

Disclaimer: Here at Healthy Hemp Oil, we thoroughly research everything we publish. However, this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All information contained here, and elsewhere on our website, is for general informational purposes only. This content may not contain the most recent legal or other information. Please seek appropriate counsel for your own situation.