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My limited experiences ofcannabis have not provedparticularly pleasant.They have mainly beendefined by bouts of hysterical laughter,followed by one too many savourysnacks. But now is the time to rethinkour opinion on cannabis, as researchsuggests that the drug has a lot more tooffer than a fleeting munchies-inducinghigh – including its potential to alleviateand treat a long list of debilitatingmedical conditions.Findings are so convincing thatwhen Professor Mike Barnes, directorof Christchurch Group Neuro-logical Rehabilitation, conducted agovernment-commissioned study intothe medicinal benefits of cannabisfor the all-party parliamentary groupon drug reform in 2016, he decidedto become a tireless campaigner forits legalisation. “The medical andtherapeutic benefits are so impressivethat criminalisation of cannabis is initself immoral,” he claims, beforecontinuing, “Instead of a reliable medicalprescription, we have a black-marketsupply, which is being avoided by peoplewho could benefit from it for fear ofcriminalising themselves. Or else, peopleare funding the black market and self-medicating with an unregulated drug.”His findings showed that cannabiscontaining a high level of CBD – oneof its chemical components, known ascannabinoids – helps to treat symptomsBlazing the trailAttitudes to cannabis are changing – and it’shigh time they did, says Lottie Winter``````of multiple sclerosis, stroke and epilepsy,as well as chronic and neuropathic pain,and psychological conditions such asstress and anxiety.Luckily, not everywhere has been asslow on the uptake as Britain. At theend of 2016, 26 American states votedto legalise cannabis for medical use,joining Canada, the Czech Republic,Italy and a roster of other countries.Business is predictably booming (arecent report by the Brightfield Groupestimates the global industry to be wortha cool £23 billion), and there has beena hopeful shift in attitude, as seen in theproliferation of cannabis-based productsin the wellness and beauty industries.“There’s a new wave of beauty brands,such as MGC Derma, Kiki Health andOptiat, using modern techniques toseparate the cannabinoids from the``````whole plant and use them for theiruber-efficient skin-healing properties,”says Alexia Inge, founder of Cult Beauty,which stocks a range of cannabis-basedskincare. “The skin has native receptorsfor cannabinoids, allowing the extractsto be instantly and fully absorbed,making them an effective treatment forinflammatory conditions such as eczemaand acne,” she explains.Marley Natural, the official heritagebrand of the Bob Marley estate, offersa selection of cannabinoid-based bodyproducts in addition to its existing rangeof smoking paraphernalia. While theconveniently pre-rolled joints areavailable to buy only in legalised areas,the body products boast high-qualityhemp oils and topical cannabinoidsthat can be enjoyed by all – just minusthe munchies. Q``````Earth Tu Face Palmarosa& Aloe Face Wash, £43,at Net-a-Porter``````Perricone MD CBx For MenLightweight Moisturizer, £49``````MGC Derma CBD Stem Cells &Algae All Night Cream, £80,at Cult Beauty``````Kiki Health CBD Oil, £40,at Cult Beauty``````Body Shop Hemp Hard-Working Hand Protector, £12``````SKINCARE THAT’S GONE GREENILLUSTRATION: STINA PERSSON. PIXELATE.BIZWELLNESS SPECIAL117