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Cannabis: the truth overshadowed by stigma

Cannabis: the truth overshadowed by stigma

09/01/2023

Cannabis is currently the most widely consumed illicit substance in the world [1]. At the same time, it is considered the safest among all controlled substances, as not a single case of death from a cannabis overdose has ever been recorded in the history of medicine [2]. The use of this plant in medical and spiritual practices spans thousands of years [3], and modern scientific research not only confirms the effectiveness of cannabis in therapy but also discovers its new beneficial properties [4].

The Global Legal Paradox

Despite its proven therapeutic value, cannabis was banned in the middle of the 20th century, first in the USA and later in most UN member states. However, recent decades demonstrate a rapid paradigm shift: the medical use of cannabis-based drugs has already been legalized in 37 US states and many European countries, including Germany, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, and Poland. Unfortunately, a number of countries still adhere to an outdated policy regarding cannabis, whereas in Ukraine, its circulation is already clearly regulated: psychoactive THC remains under strict state control, while the medical and industrial use of the plant is legal and accessible [5].

Chemical Composition and the "Entourage Effect"

The key component responsible for the psychoactive effect is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The THC content in different cannabis strains varies from less than 0.08% to 34%. Strains with a THC concentration below 2% do not exert a psychoactive effect on human consciousness. In addition to THC, the plant contains a wide spectrum of other cannabinoids and terpenes. It is their unique combination that determines the individual impact of a particular cannabis strain on the body [6].

How Cannabis Affects Humans

The consumption of THC-containing strains for recreational purposes causes individual reactions that depend both on the characteristics of the plant and the physiology of the specific person [7].

Desired effects: feelings of happiness, relaxation, increased appetite, fits of laughter, altered perception of time, and sensory sensations.

Negative effects: anxiety, panic, fatigue, and disorientation.

Effects of high doses: slowed motor activity, drowsiness (catalepsy), and temporary impairment of short-term memory [8].

Medical Potential and Therapeutic Application

Today, global medicine actively integrates cannabis preparations into treatment protocols. The therapeutic effect is provided by both psychoactive THC and non-psychoactive compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD) [9].

The Role of THC

Synthetic analogs of THC are successfully used for:

Treating nausea during chemotherapy.
Correcting appetite in patients with anorexia.
Pain relief [9].

Scientists also highlight the so-called "entourage effect" [10] — a phenomenon where the therapeutic properties of THC are significantly enhanced in the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes.

The Role of Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol is a distinct component with pronounced healing properties:

Epilepsy: CBD is an active component of medicines used to combat childhood epilepsy [11].
Multiple Sclerosis: a combination of THC and CBD forms the basis of drugs for treating spasticity and chronic pain [12].
General effect: the substance has a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effect [13].

It is important to note that CBD has low toxicity and is safe even for children [11]. Unlike THC, the circulation of CBD is entirely legal in Ukraine [14] and most countries around the world. Currently, researchers view cannabidiol as a promising remedy for the therapy of depression, anxiety disorders, and sleep disturbances [15].

Further research continues to expand the spectrum of medical applications for cannabis, proving that the potential of this plant will only grow.

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