An overview of the possibilities of using cannabis and cannabinoids in medicine
Cannabinoids act primarily on two organ systems: the nervous system and the immune system. As a result, deviations in the functioning of the endocannabinoid system are associated with the pathology of these two systems, that is, with neurological-psychiatric disorders and disorders of the immune system and inflammatory response, as well as the widest therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in the treatment of pathologies related to these systems.
So far, the most research and the widest successful introduction into clinical practice has been in the use of cannabinoids for palliative purposes, i.e. for the treatment of pain, nausea, insomnia and other symptoms that negatively affect the patient's quality of life. In neurology, positive effects are seen in inflammatory diseases (multiple sclerosis), as well as in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's) and diseases where the pathogenesis is related to excessive signal transmission and synapse excitation, for example in epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
In the psychiatric field, information is being gathered about the possibility of treating various conditions with cannabinoids. CBD exhibits antipsychotic, anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, while THC can worsen psychotic conditions. In addition, the endocannabinoid system is present in practically all organic systems, in the management of various processes in the entire organism. It affects the endocrine, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, metabolic processes, as well as tumor tissue in oncological diseases. it is expected that indications and contraindications will develop in the future also in connection with pathology in these areas. At the current level of research, the usefulness of cannabinoids in medicine for alleviating the symptoms of various diseases and for improving the healing effects of many standard therapies is practically indisputable. Meanwhile, the evidence for the treatment of basic diseases with cannabinoids is still mostly too limited to justify its introduction into medical practice.
Text: Matej Červek, PhD, Department of Neurology, UKC Ljubljana.
Source: https://www.institut-icanna.com/files/%C5%A0ola%20zdravnikov%20RS%202016.pdf