POTENTIAL AND PROBLEMS OF THE CLINICAL USE OF CANNABINOIDS

Cannabinoids

Table of Contents

Introduction2

Discussion2

Historical Development2

Pharmacology of Cannabinoids3

Potential and Problems of Clinical Use of Cannabinoids4

Potential of Cannabinoids5

Problems of Use of Cannabinoids7

Conclusion8

References9

Cannabinoids

Introduction

Cannabinoids are substances that come from the plant Cannabis sativa and are among the most commonly used illegal drugs around the world. The drug is also known as marijuana or ganja. Since ancient times, as a medicine, cannabis has been used. Medical marijuana, in modern times, has turn out to be a political matter as an increasing number of U.S. states has moved to make its availability legal even while it is prohibited by federal law as a Schedule I drug (i.e. it has no recognized medical usage). The medical value of cannabis was officially endorsed by the American Medical Association, in 2009, and its medical use has been legalized by 15 states with more legislation pending. (Martin et. al., 2012) Increasing scientific evidence of effectiveness of marijuana has been seen in recent years for an extensive array of conditions and mounting usage by patients and doctors. Medical marijuana is legally available in Canada, Israel, and the Netherlands, and a marijuana-based extract is under development in the United Kingdom.

Discussion

Historical Development

Cannabis is referred in the initial pharmaceutical texts of the ancient world. Dr. William O'Shaughnessy introduced it in 1839 to Western medicine. During the 19th century, it was extensively advised for conditions encompassing neuralgia, migraines, menstrual cramps and spasticity. With the introduction of stronger narcotics, medical interest went down to the end of the century. Cannabis, until modern times, was often dispensed in oral preparations. The dose of these drugs was complex to measure, as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)- the key active ingredient, was not known til 1965. Other active ingredients, notably the THC congeners known as cannabinoids, have been identified in marijuana. (Bock, 2000, p. 16- 44)

Pharmacology of Cannabinoids

Cannabis can be prepared into a concentrated resin (hashish) and smoked, vaporized, or ingested (alone or baked and cooked into food products). Usually, however, the dried leaves of the plant are smoked in a pipe or a rolled cigarette. It is typically used as a recreational drug, but there are some medical applications. Accepted medical use includes preparations of THC to stimulate appetite and relieve nausea in patients receiving chemotherapy. Marijuana has also been used to treat conditions such as chronic pain and glaucoma. Medical use of cannabis remain controversial, in part because of the suspicion that many people who are using the drug under the guise of medical treatment do not have the condition that they claim or could do well enough with other, more traditional treatments.

Potential and Problems of Clinical Use of Cannabinoids

Medical reports regarding the effects of marijuana use are often contradictory. Many studies have been conducted by those advocating for some change in drug policy, including both adherents of and opponents to liberalization of drug laws. As a result, some studies extol the benefits of cannabis use while others emphasize the risks. Not enough unbiased research has been conducted to make reliable statements ...