Cannabinoids mainly target the endocannabinoid system, which emerges as a potentially interesting
therapeutical target due to its major role in modulating key biological processes throughout the
body. As such, cannabinoids have already been proposed as, for example, anti-emetics, antispasticity
agents, appetite stimulants, anti-epileptic, analgesic, depressants of intraocular pressure
or as agents to control movement disorders in Tourette syndrome.
Here, we reviewed the research evidence available regarding the use of cannabis and cannabinoids
for a set of suggested therapeutical applications, and addressed some of the short- and long-term
risks that have been correlated with the use of these substances.
We found scarce scientific evidence supporting the use of cannabis-based products for most of
the suggested applications, as well as no unmet medical need that is not already tackled by existing
medicines (some cannabinoid-based) in the market. In such a scenario, the potential risks associated
with the chronic use of these substances may deter their medical use.