Uses of Medical Cannabis

People have been using cannabis as medicine for thousands of years. In the 18th century, they started categorizing cannabis plants into types like Indica, Sativa, and sometimes Ruderalis for commercial purposes. These distinctions became popular, especially among recreational users. However, today’s scientists propose a different way of looking at it. The old system of classifying cannabis into Indica, Sativa, and hybrids is considered outdated, especially in medical contexts. It doesn’t properly account for how cannabis works. Instead, a more relevant approach is to look at things like the amount of CBD and THC, along with the types of terpenes found in the cannabis flowers. This way, we can better classify cannabis for medical use.

Cannabis, the Endocannabinoud System and Phytocannabinoids

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) constitutes a regulatory framework composed of receptors designed to interact with endogenous cannabinoids. These endocannabinoids can activate receptors as needed, thereby influencing various physiological processes. These processes encompass pain perception, emotional regulation, sleep patterns, and immune system function.

Moreover, compounds present in the cannabis plant, known as phytocannabinoids, can also bind to these receptors, triggering similar effects. The cannabis plant boasts over 100 cannabinoids, although only a subset has undergone extensive investigation. Among these, THC and CBD are the most prevalent and thoroughly examined phytocannabinoids.

Of paramount importance are the cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2). Activation of both receptors is believed to contribute to analgesic effects. CB1 receptors are abundant in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are prominently found in immune cells. These receptors are widely distributed throughout the body.

Pain Management

Cannabis holds potential as a valuable aid in pain management. Cannabinoids can be recommended as a supplementary option alongside conventional pain relievers like opioids. This approach proves particularly beneficial for patients who find inadequate relief from standard treatments, as it offers the potential for complementary cannabinoid therapy.

Furthermore, individuals grappling with the often adverse effects of opioids can find advantages in pain management through cannabinoids. Ideally, the altered pain perception resulting from cannabinoid therapy may lead to a reduction in opioid dosages, subsequently minimizing side effects and the susceptibility to opioid dependency.

In Conclusion

Numerous studies have indicated that phytocannabinoids could potentially alleviate the side effects of potent pain relievers and secondary symptoms associated with chronic illnesses:

• Nausea and Vomiting: Opioid therapy often triggers nausea and vomiting. Cannabis treatment during chemotherapy has demonstrated its potential to mitigate these symptoms.
• Appetite Stimulation: Prolonged severe pain and opioid pain therapy can lead to appetite loss and weight reduction. Cannabis has shown the ability to stimulate appetite.
• Depression: Chronic pain patients commonly experience depression. A German study revealed that 2.8% of cannabis prescriptions were intended to address depression.
• Sleep Disorders: Chronic pain often brings about sleep disturbances. Research suggests that medical cannabis might have a sleep-promoting effect, offering relief from this additional burden.

Recent studies have underlined just how complex the effects of the cannabis plant can be. Relying solely on the look of cannabis flowers to make therapeutic decisions is too simple. This plant is intricate, and we need more research to accurately predict what different strains will do based on their specific chemical makeup.

Further Resources

To learn more about natural extracts, CPC and chromatography in general, click any of the links below.

• CPC Technology
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