Pharmacological properties, therapeutic potential, and legal status of Cannabis sativa L.: An overview

Abstract

Marijuana, or Cannabis sativa L., is a common psychoactive plant used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. In many countries, cannabis‐based medicines have been legalized under certain conditions because of their immense prospects in medicinal applications. With a comprehensive insight into the prospects and challenges associated with the pharmacological use and global trade of C. sativa, this mini‐review focuses on the medicinal importance of the plant and its legal status worldwide; the pharmacological compounds and its therapeutic potential along with the underlying public health concerns and future perspective are herein discussed. The existence of major compounds including Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC), cannabidiol, cannabinol, and cannabichromene contributes to the medicinal effects of the cannabis plant. These compounds are also involved in the treatment of various types of cancer, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease displaying several mechanisms of action. Cannabis sativa is a plant with significant pharmacological potential. However, several aspects of the plant need an in‐depth understanding of the drug mechanism and its interaction with other drugs. Only after addressing these health concerns, legalization of cannabis could be utilized to its full potential as a future medicine.

Role of Caryophyllane Sesquiterpenes in the Entourage Effect of Felina 32 Hemp Inflorescence Phytocomplex in Triple Negative MDA-MB-468 Breast Cancer Cells

“…Particularly, Blasco-Benito et al [10] highlighted a similar or slightly greater potency of a THC-rich cannabis extract with respect to pure THC in reducing the viability of different breast cancer cells, although minor identified terpenes did not affect THC effects. Furthermore, several studies have reported the anticancer properties of cannabidiol in both in vitro and in vivo preclinical models [4,21,23,24]; recently some evidence about the anticancer activity of cannabichromene, β-caryophyllene, β-caryophyllene oxide, and α-humulene have been highlighted as well [4,25,26].…”

Supercritical Extract of Cannabis sativa Inhibits Lung Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer Cells by Increasing AMPK and MAPKs-Mediated Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest

“…In particular, supercritical fluid extraction of C. sativa was developed to contain more cannabinoids [ 31 ]. Cannabinoids have shown diverse remedial potential against depression, epilepsy, and other effects of clinical relevance [ 32 , 33 ]. Among the various pharmacological effects, several studies have reported an inhibitory effect of cannabinoids on CRC progression.…”

Identification of CB1 Ligands among Drugs, Phytochemicals and Natural-Like Compounds: Virtual Screening and In Vitro Verification

“…One of the most successful strategies of targeting the ECS is based on Cannabis sativa or its specific phytocannabinoids. While they have proved effective in many indications , and are generally well tolerated, the therapy comes with a risk of addiction and adverse effects, such as memory impairment or cognitive dysfunctions caused by the long-term use . Thus, there is still room for improvement in this therapeutic area.…”