Medical cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, is a topic of growing interest and debate in healthcare. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in research and public acceptance of the possible therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
This article seeks to provide a comprehensive view of medical cannabis, addressing its definition, history, active ingredients, medicinal functions, risks of use, routes of administration, effects and side effects.
Definition and Context
Medical cannabis refers to the use of the Cannabis sativa plant or its derivatives for therapeutic purposes. The plant contains a variety of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, which interact with the human body's endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of receptors and neurotransmitters that play a key role in regulating various physiological functions such as pain, appetite, mood and the immune system.
History and Traditional Use
The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, such as the Chinese and Egyptians, already used the plant to treat a variety of medical conditions.
In India, cannabis has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, believed to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Active principles
The main active compounds found in cannabis are cannabinoids. Two of the most studied cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis, while CBD does not produce these effects and has been the subject of studies due to its potential therapeutic properties.
Medicinal Functions
Medical cannabis has been investigated for its possible benefits in a variety of medical conditions, such as:
- Pain control: Cannabinoids can act as pain relievers, alleviating chronic pain such as that associated with fibromyalgia and neuropathy.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment often report relief from symptoms of nausea and vomiting after using cannabis.
- Neurological Disorders: Some studies suggest that CBD may be effective in treating conditions like refractory epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
- Psychiatric disorders: While controversial, there is anecdotal evidence and some studies exploring the use of cannabis in the treatment of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD).
Risks of Use
Like any medicinal treatment, cannabis also has risks. Some of the risks associated with use include:
- Psychoactive effects: The THC present in cannabis can cause psychoactive effects, such as changes in perception, mood and cognition, which may be undesirable for some patients.
- Dependency: Frequent and prolonged use of cannabis can lead to the development of dependence, especially in people with a predisposition to substance abuse problems.
- Cognitive impairments: Excessive cannabis use, especially in young people, can affect cognitive development, including memory and learning skills.
- Effects cardiovascular: Cannabis use can increase heart rate and pose risks for people with pre-existing heart conditions.
Routes of Administration
Medical cannabis can be administered in a number of ways, including:
- Smoke: The traditional form of consumption, however, smoking can pose risks to lung health.
- Vaporization: In this method, the cannabis is heated to a temperature that releases the cannabinoids without burning the plant, which can be less harmful to the lungs.
- Oils and tinctures: These concentrated forms of cannabis can be ingested directly or added to food and drinks.
- Edibles: Food products, such as brownies and candies, that contain cannabis. The effects are generally longer lasting, but also longer lasting.
Effects and Side Effects
The effects of medical cannabis can vary depending on the type of cannabinoids present and the dose used. Some of the common effects include:
- Analgesic effect: Cannabis can alleviate pain and improve comfort in patients with painful conditions.
- muscle relaxation: Patients with neuromuscular diseases or musculoskeletal disorders may experience muscle relaxation after use.
- Appetite stimulation: Cannabis can increase appetite, which can be beneficial for cancer or AIDS patients.
- Sleep improvement: Some people report improvements in their sleep quality after using cannabis.
However, it is also important to consider the possible side effects:
- Cognitive changes: THC can cause temporary deficits in memory, concentration and reasoning.
- Anxiety and paranoia: Cannabis use, especially in high doses, can trigger anxiety and feelings of paranoia.
- Dizziness and impaired coordination: Some people may experience dizziness and reduced coordination.
- Dry mouth and red eyes: Mild side effects such as dry mouth and red eyes are common.
Conclusion
Medical cannabis presents intriguing potential in the field of medicine, offering an alternative or complement to conventional treatments for various medical conditions.
However, it is essential that its use is supervised by qualified health professionals, considering the possible benefits and individual risks of each patient.
Research continues to advance, providing a deeper understanding of the therapeutic effects and possible risks associated with medical cannabis.
As legalization and regulation are evolving in many places, it is important that patients, clinicians and policymakers work together to ensure safe and informed access to medical cannabis.
