The theureputic use of marijuana has a history spanning over 5000 years and recently it has been found to have anti-oxidative and neuro-protectional properties.
Marijuana contains over 300 compounds. 60 of these are cannabinoids, which are the basis for medical and scientific use of cannabis.
THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. When used, either through ingestion or inhalation, THC binds to specific receptors in the brain called cannabinoid receptors.
The cannabinoids found in cannabis have three major properties which are medically useful. These are
- an analgesic (relieves pain)
- an anti-emetic (relieves nausea and vomiting)
- an appetite stimulant (induces hunger)
Three important cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- β-caryophyllene
- Cannabigerol
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is a major constituent of medical cannabis. It represents upto 40% of the extracts of a medical cannabis plant and is a non-psychoactive ingredient. Cannabidol relieves convulsion, inflammation, anxiety, nausea, and inhibits cancer cell growth. Canabis Strains with a high CBD have been used to help people with MS, Frequent Anxiety Attacks and Tourette Syndrome.
β-caryophyllene
This compound is the mechanism of the cannabis plant that reduces tissue inflammation. A Cannabiniod receptor called CB2 plays a vital role in reducing inflammation in humans and animals. β-caryophyllene selectively activates the CB2 receptor and is especially concentrated in cannabis essential oil, which contains 12-35% β-caryophyllene
Cannabigerol
This is another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Like cannabidiol, cannabiogerol is not psychoactive but has been shown to lower blood pressure in rats.
The cannabis sativa medicating effect is often characterized as uplifting and energetic. The effects of a sativa are mostly cerebral. They give a feeling of optimism and well being, as well as providing a good measure of pain relief for certain symptoms like those suffered by MS Sufferers.
The cannabis indica medicating effect ismost often described as a pleasant body tingle. Indicas are said to be good for relaxation and stress relief, and for overall sense of calm and serenity. Indicas are also effective for overall body pain relief and often used in treatment of insomnia. They have been said to help many patients as an all night sleep aid. Some pure indica strains are very potent in THC and give a couch lock effect and is favoured by some medicinal users who can’t slepp because of pain and cannot be treated by anything else.
Cannabis should not necessarily be viewed as a ‘harmless’ substance. Its active constituents may produce a variety of physiological and euphoric effects. As a result, there may be some populations that are susceptible to increased risks from the use of cannabis, such as adolescents, pregnant or nursing mothers, and people who have a family history of mental health problems. Patients with Hepatitus C, decreased lung function (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or who have a history of heart disease or stroke may also be at a greater risk of experiencing adverse side effects from marijuana. As with any medication, patients should consult thoroughly with their physician before deciding whether the medicinal use of cannabis is safe and appropriate.