Toward a Medical Understanding of Marihuana

Abstract

This paper is based on a review of the English language medical literature over the past 35 years on Indian Hemp, with direct reference being made to the more significant articles published during that time. The paucity of direct experimental observation is noted and the difficulties in experimental studies are highlighted by descriptions of the wide variations in the potency of Indian Hemp derivatives. Specific references are provided for the wide range of observations made in relation to acute and chronic physical and psychological effects, personal characteristics of the users and possible factors in causation. It is concluded that marihuana is a poorly defined intoxicant which varies in potency, deteriorates with time and whose chemical composition is largely unknown at present. There are wide variations in human response and the state of intoxication itself carries with it varying degrees of unpleasant physical and psychological experiences. The association between hashish and, to a lesser extent, marihuana and short-term and long-term complications is discussed in relation to complex variables, of which the drug is but one factor.

Evaluation of Antiulcer Activity of Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol in the Shay Rat Test

“…One reason for this con clusion is the difference between these two compounds on free and total acid concentra tion of tire gastric contents, despite the fact that both THC and tridihexethyl chloride significantly reduced gastric volume. Some published data supporting an anticholinergic component of activity for marihuana or THC are equivocal (1,6,8,10); other data suggest a different effect. For example, Layman and Milton (5), using pure THC, demonstrated in hibition of the twitch response of the isolated guinea pig ileum to electrical stimulation, but no alteration in response to exogenously administered acetylcholine, suggesting blockade of acetylcholine release from nerve endings rather than an anticholinergic action.…”

“…Schwarz (8) and Lieberman and Lieberman (6) reported clinical anticholinergic symptoms, including dry mouth, tachycardia and decreased saliva tion, after smoking or oral ingestion of mari huana or A9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), its major psychoactive constituent (7). Moreover, Bose et al (1) demonstrated in vitro anti cholinergic activity of marihuana extract against acetylcholine-induced contractions of isolated rat intestine and uterine strips.…”