Cannabis: Drug of Abuse and Therapeutic Agent, Two Sides of the Same Coin.
Ana Canseco-Alba, Gabriela Rodríguez-Manzo
Revista de investigacion clinica; organo del Hospital de Enfermedades de la Nutricion 2023 DOI: 10.24875/ric.23000112 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Keywords | Cannabinoids Cannabis sativa Cannabis-based treatments Endocannabinoid system Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol |
| Key findings | The review argues that Cannabis, Δ9-THC, and CBD present contrasting profiles, with Δ9-THC responsible for psychoactive and intoxicating effects and CBD non-intoxicating and central to the search for clinical applications. The authors contend that changing legal status and highly potent extracts create new challenges while scientific efforts aim to exploit therapeutic potential. |
Abstract
The consumption of Cannabis sativa plant, known as marijuana in the Western world, for different purposes (therapeutic, intoxicating, and spiritual) due to its psychoactive effects, can be traced back to ancient times. Cannabis is the most used illicit drug worldwide; however, its legal status is changing rapidly. Cannabis regulation will allow a better understanding of its effects as a misused drug, including new challenges, such as the availability of highly potent Cannabis extracts. Furthermore, scientific research is making significant efforts to take advantage of the potential therapeutic uses of Cannabis active compounds. The science of Cannabis derivatives started with the identification of the phytocannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), allowing the formal study of the complex set of effects triggered by Cannabis consumption and the deciphering of its pharmacology. Δ9-THC is recognized as the compound responsible for the psychoactive and intoxicating effects of Cannabis. Its study led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, a neuromodulatory system widespread in the human body. CBD does not induce intoxication and for that reason, it is the focus of the search for cannabinoid potential clinical applications. This review examines the current state of knowledge about contrasting perspectives on the effects of Cannabis, Δ9-THC, and CBD: their abuse liability and potential therapeutic use; two sides of the same coin.
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
Cites 19
- Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. Journal of Ethnopharmacology December 5, 2018
- Cannabidiol inhibits THC-elicited paranoid symptoms and hippocampal-dependent memory impairment Journal of Psychopharmacology October 5, 2012
- Acute Effects of a Single, Oral dose of d9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) Administration in Healthy Volunteers Current Pharmaceutical Design September 12, 2012
- The Association Between Cannabis Use and Schizophrenia: Causative or Curative? A Systematic Review Cureus July 21, 2020
- Does cannabidiol make cannabis safer? A randomised, double-blind, cross-over trial of cannabis with four different CBD:THC ratios Neuropsychopharmacology November 16, 2022
and 14 more in the library