The good and the bad effects of (-) trans-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9-THC) on humans.
Toxicon September 15, 2004 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2004.05.009 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | Argues that THC has demonstrated therapeutic benefits for chemotherapy-induced nausea, appetite stimulation, pain, and multiple sclerosis symptoms, but also causes cognitive impairment and adverse psychic reactions; long-term effects remain unknown. |
Abstract
This review analyses the therapeutic usefulness of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and its potential to induce adverse reactions on humans. During the last 30 years an enormous amount of research was carried out resulting in the disclosure of the cannabinoid system in Central Nervous System, with its CB(1) and CB(2) receptors, and the agonist anandamide. Under the clinical point of view, Delta(9)-THC produces some therapeutic benefits which are beyond reasonable doubt. Thus, the effects on nausea/emesis due to cancer chemotherapy, as appetite promoter, on some painful conditions and on symptoms of multiple sclerosis are clearly demonstrated. Delta(9)-THC is not devoid of ill effects. On the cognitive domain it impairs the human capacity to discriminate time intervals and space distances, vigilance, memory and the performance for mental work. On the psychic area Delta(9)-THC may induce unpleasant reactions such as disconnected thoughts, panic reactions, disturbing changes in perception, delusions and hallucinatory experiences. However, the long term effects on the psyche and cognition are not known as there are no reports of prolonged use of Delta(9)-THC. Actually, it has been proposed by WHO that Delta(9)-THC should be rescheduled to schedule IV of the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Drugs, as it does not constitute a substantial risk to public health and its abuse is rare if at all.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causal association between cannabis and psychosis: examination of the evidence | 2004 | Review | |
| Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. General (historical and pharmacological review) | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychiatric effects of cannabis | 2001 | Review | |
| Beyond THC: The New Generation of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs | 2011 | Review | |
| Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug | 2006 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Revisão: funcionamento executivo e uso de maconha Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry March 1, 2008
- Plant and Fungal Hallucinogens as Toxic and Therapeutic Agents Plant Toxins 2019
- Clinical Diagnosis and Management of Gradual Onset Cannabis-Induced Psychosis Following the Consumption of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Cureus March 1, 2024
- Δ9-THC-caused synaptic and memory impairments are mediated through COX-2 signaling. Cell November 21, 2013
- Central side-effects of therapies based on CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists: focus on anxiety and depression. Best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism February 2009
and 1 more in the library
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