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Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) derivatives are used clinically as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulant, anti-emetic and anti-tumor cannabinoids. THC and its related compounds are at present obtained by extraction from intact Cannabis plants or chemical synthesis, but plant cell cultures may be an alternative source of production. In the present study, hairy root cultures of C. sativa (Cannabaceae) were induced by incubation of aseptically grown callus culture with solid B5 medium supplemented with 4 mg/l naphthaleneacetic acid in darkness at 25˚C. Hairy root growth profiles in shake flask, increased periodically during 35 days of growth cycle. The cannabinoid contents produced in minor levels and remained below 2.0 μg/g dry weight. The contents of cannabinoid were analyzed by liquid chromatography and confirmed by mass spectrometry.

Cannabis sativa L. (marijuana; Cannabaceae) is a plant with worldwide distribution, yielding fiber and food, as well as a psychoactive drug. Cannabinoids and in particular the main psychoactive Δ 9 -THC are promising substances for the development of new drugs and are of high therapeutic potential. This review gives an overview of Cannabis classification, the current verities, botanical features, genomics, chemicals constituents, cellular site and biosynthesis of cannabinoids. Furthermore, the different cultivation and breeding forms, changes in cannabinoids over time, method of harvesting, drying and processing of Cannabis are extensively described in addition to the analytical procedures for standardization of Cannabis based medicinal extracts. Finally, some aspects of current approved Cannabis based medicine and its ways of administration are described.

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