The debate over the usage of cannabis as a therapeutic remedy remains ongoing, and scientists are hastily investigating its clinical benefits and detriments to settle the battle. Due to the presence of the ECS engraved in our nerve network, cannabis can have multiple effects on our bodies. It is well known for the euphoric effects that it can induce due to the presence of THC. However, it also contains other non-psychotropic compounds such as CBD and CBG which have been studied to be beneficial in combating disease. Arguably, cannabis’s interference on the nervous system can also do more damage than good by impairing certain regions in the brain that are needed to regulate bodily functions.

Few countries have legalized the use of cannabis for treating chronically ill patients. Canada and the Netherlands have government programs in which specialized companies supply qualitative and safe herbal cannabis for patient use. Cannabinoids can be administered orally in organic edible oils, inhaled as a vapor, applied topically, smoked, brewed in tea, or mixed in food. For clinical use, cannabinoids can be prescribed as nabilone capsules, dronabinol capsules, and oromucosal spray nabiximols.

However, many clinicians are unaware of the medical benefits of cannabis to authorize its use. Therefore, patients or caregivers seek illicit drugs, “street marijuana”, that may contain compositions of cannabinoids and other substances that are unsafe for the patient. To further understand the implications of cannabis, the debating pros and cons are reviewed.

The Pros 

Pain Management 

Cannabis may be a beneficial and safer alternative for pain management. Current emerging literature demonstrates beneficial properties of cannabinoid use for treating pain symptoms including cancer pain. A meta-analysis reported an average 30% pain reduction with cannabinoid use than placebo. This will be further discussed in Chapter 5.4.

Epileptic Seizures

Cannabis can help control epileptic seizures and possibly prevent occurrence. Growing pre-clinical evidence has shown beneficial factors for the use of cannabinoids in treatment of epilepsy. Several studies have demonstrated anti-convulsant properties of CBD  and cannabidivarin, the propyl variant of CBD, in epileptic mouse and rat models. Furthermore, a prospective, single centered study reported that after CBD treatment, 72 children and 60 adults with treatment resistant epilepsy presented improvements in their illness.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Cannabis can also benefit patients with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. C. sativa phytocannabinoids such as CBD can exert anti-inflammatory function by activating CB₂ receptors. Additionally, they can promote wound healing through activation of CB₁ receptors in the gut. Moreover, these compounds can decrease permeability of the intestine by blocking endogenous THC- like compounds to its receptors, thereby preventing bacteria entry.

Cannabis can also be used a potential prophylactic treatment against neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer’s disease. CBD and CBG both exert anti- oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that would protect neuron cells from cell damage. This property will be further discussed in Chapter 5.6.

Relief From Nausea and Vomiting

Some studies have demonstrated cannabis as an effective treatment in relieving nausea and vomiting. Due to the wide distribution of the ECS in the intestines, multiple C. sativa cannaibinoids can treat nausea and vomiting. In 1985, the FDA approved nabilone, a synthetic equivalent of D9-THC, as a treatment drug for chemotherapy- induced nausea and vomiting.

The Cons

Impairment of Cognitive Function

Historically, it is well known that THC can have significant physical and psychological effects. Due to the ECS, it can directly target numerous regions of the brain that control cognitive function, thereby affecting basic motor coordination, the ability to plan, organize, solve problems, make decisions, and control emotions. Many studies have suggested a significant cognitive decline in cannabis abusers compared to a healthy control.

Impairment of Short-Term Memory

THC can alter the way information is processed and how memories are formed in the hippocampus, a region in the brain that is responsible for memory. There is evidence that supports that a high dosage of D9-THC impairs short term memory tasks. More importantly, cannabis use can create serious memory impairments in developing brains.

Psychosis 

Cannabis users who have taking large dosages may experience periods of acute psychosis including hallucinations, delusions, and a loss of the sense of personal identity.  Adolescent abusers are specifically at risk because it can affect neurodevelopment and dysregulate the ECS. This increases the risk of developing schizophrenia.

Trajectory for Medical Cannabis Use

Chronic diseases are increasing in prevalence and are impacting the quality of lives of patients and their fellow caregivers. Despite conventional drugs in treatment of disease, adverse effects can additionally harm the patient. Therefore, finding alternative solutions, such as cannabis to treat disease symptoms with low adverse effects, is essential in progressing treatment options. Although large emerging research has suggested benefits for cannabis use in numerous conditions, many continue to disapprove of its use due to psychosocial and emotional concerns. More research and debate are required to reach a consensus for the medical use of cannabis.