Introduction: Cannabis: From Pariah to Prescription

Abstract

SUMMARY.Cannabis has been employed in human medicine for more than 4000 years. In the last century, political prohibition led to its disappearance from the conventional pharmacopoeia, but this trend is reversing due to the broad acceptance and application of this forbidden medicine by patients with chronic and intractable disorders inadequately treated by available therapeutics. This study addresses the "road back" for cannabis medicines, and reacceptance as prescription products.Current pharmacology of the two primary therapeutic phytocannabinoids, THC and CBD, is reviewed with respect to herbal synergy and as pertains to treatment of pain, spasm and the wide range of therapeutic applications and adverse effects of cannabis.In particular, the efforts of GW Pharmaceuticals to develop cannabis based medicine extracts (CBME) are documented including cultivation of genetically-selected medical-grade cannabis cloned strains in glass houses with organic and integrated pest management techniques, and their processing employing supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and winterization. These CBMEs are then available for formulation of dosEthan Russo, MD, is a Clinical Child and Adult Neurologist,

Agonistic Properties of Cannabidiol at 5-HT1a Receptors

“…Although cannabis and its extracts have been extensively studied, knowledge of the biochemical mechanisms of one of its major components, cannabidiol (CBD), has not been thoroughly explored (1,2). This lack of knowledge of CBD's biochemical pharmacology is noteworthy in the context of its known potential in human therapy: for example, it has been demonstrated to have anxiolytic (3), anti-seizure (4), anti-psychotic (3), and neuroprotective properties (5,6).…”

Solubility of Cannabinol in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

“…Its effects are perceived to be mostly cerebral. 2 However, ∆ 9 -THC is not the only biologically active compound in cannabis. In total, cannabis contains more than 400 different ingredients, including 66 cannabinoids that can show biological activity.…”

“…In total, cannabis contains more than 400 different ingredients, including 66 cannabinoids that can show biological activity. 2 One of these cannabinoids is cannabinol (CBN). CBN is only mildly psychoactive and is perceived to be sedative or stupefying.…”

Children as voices and images for medicinal cannabis law reform

“…The lobby to decriminalise cannabis for medicinal purpose because of its asserted capacity to heal and relieve pain has a lengthy history (see Joy and Mack 2000;Booth 2003;Backes 2014;Wedman-St Louis 2019;Younger 2018;Bridgeman 2017;Freckelton 2016aFreckelton , 2016bRusso 2003). Latterly, in Australia the Victorian Law Reform Commission (2015) recommended a scheme for the legalisation of a closely regulated scheme for cultivation and manufacture of cannabis products for medicinal use.…”