Medicinal cannabinoids, not to be confused with supplemental CBD products, are widely used to treat various medical conditions. This article explains their potential benefits, uses, and side effects.
Key Takeaways
- Medical cannabinoids, primarily THC and CBD, interact with the endocannabinoid system to provide therapeutic benefits for various medical conditions, aiming to alleviate symptoms rather than cure them.
- THC can be beneficial in pain relief and reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea, while medicinal CBD offers properties useful for anxiety, sleep issues, and seizures.
- There are ongoing research gaps in understanding both the therapeutic potential and long-term health risks of cannabinoids, highlighting the need for further studies to optimise their clinical applications.
- Supplemental CBD products, which we offer here at BROWN'S CBD, are not used to treat medical conditions.
Understanding Cannabinoids
In recent years, cannabinoids have gained attention for their therapeutic benefits, with private medical prescriptions now available in both the UK and US.
The most well-known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), each with its own distinct properties and effects.
Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors that regulate various physiological processes such as appetite, memory, movement, and pain.
This interaction is the foundation for the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in treating a wide array of medical conditions.
Medical cannabis is used to alleviate symptoms rather than cure underlying conditions, providing patients with much-needed relief.
Despite their benefits, raising awareness of cannabinoids’ potential side effects is important. Common side effects of medical cannabis include increased heart rate and impaired memory.
Patients and healthcare providers must understand these side effects to make informed decisions about cannabis-based medicines.
Medicinal cannabinoids are used under the supervision of a medical professional and are not the same as over-the-counter CBD products that are widely available in the UK.
Unlike medical cannabinoids, supplemental CBD products are often marketed for general health and well-being without claims of treating medical issues.
Key Medicinal Cannabinoids
The main cannabinoids used in medical marijuana are THC and CBD, both of which have shown significant therapeutic potential.
These compounds are the primary focus of most medical cannabis research and applications. Recognising the distinct properties and effects of THC and CBD is key to appreciating their medical roles.
THC is renowned for its sedating properties, which can alter mood, behaviour, and thoughts. While CBD is known for its milder nature and wide range of therapeutic benefits.
Both cannabinoids are often used together in treatment plans to make the most of synergistic effects.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most well-known cannabinoid due to its ability to get people 'high'.
It affects mood, behaviour, and thoughts and exhibits a euphoric sensation. This euphoric effect is what distinguishes THC from other cannabinoids and makes it a subject of interest and regulation.
The sensation of ‘high’ associated with THC is a result of its interaction with the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, altering the release of neurotransmitters. This alteration can lead to various effects, including euphoria, relaxation, and altered sensory perception.
However, these psychoactive properties also mean that THC can cause adverse effects such as anxiety and paranoia in some individuals.
Despite its euphoric effects, THC has significant medical uses. Synthetic THC, such as dronabinol, is approved for treating nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment and anorexia linked to AIDS-related weight loss.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD, or Cannabidiol does not produce the euphoric high typically associated with cannabis use. This makes CBD an attractive option for patients seeking therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects.
CBD has been studied extensively for its potential therapeutic benefits. Research indicates that medicinal CBD can reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and manage seizures, making it a versatile component in medical cannabis.
However, CBD is not without its side effects. Common short-term side effects may include decreased alertness, mood changes, decreased appetite and gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea.
Understanding these side effects is crucial for patients and healthcare providers to manage and mitigate potential risks.
Approved Medical Uses of Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids have been approved for several medical uses, providing significant relief for a variety of conditions.
Chronic pain management, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and multiple sclerosis symptoms are among the primary areas where cannabinoids have shown substantial benefits.
In chronic pain management, medical cannabinoids offer modest benefits, particularly for neuropathic and cancer-related pain. They provide an alternative for patients who may not respond well to traditional pain medications.
Cannabinoids are also effective in controlling nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, helping patients endure their treatment regimens more comfortably.
Additionally, cannabinoids are beneficial in alleviating muscle spasms and stiffness associated with multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders.
These approved uses of cannabinoids showcase their potential to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic and severe medical conditions.
Emerging Therapeutic Applications
Beyond the well-established uses of medicinal cannabinoids in the UK, ongoing research indicates that cannabinoids may have potential therapeutic applications for a range of medical conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders.
The cannabis plant contains over 100 identified cannabinoids, many of which may have therapeutic benefits that are still being explored.
This growing body of research is expanding our understanding of how cannabis sativa can treat conditions beyond those previously known. However, much of this research is still in its early stages, and further studies are needed to confirm these potential benefits.
As research progresses, it is likely that new therapeutic applications for cannabinoids will be discovered, offering hope for patients with a variety of medical conditions.
Anxiety Disorders
Medicinal CBD is known for its potential to reduce anxiety and has a favourable safety profile when compared to THC. This makes it an attractive option for patients seeking relief from anxiety disorders without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
Medicinal cannabidiol shows promise for providing short-term relief from anxiety symptoms, particularly in social anxiety disorder.
Limited evidence indicates that cannabidiol may improve anxiety symptoms, making it a potential treatment option for those suffering from social anxiety disorder.
However, more clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of cannabis products for medical use in treating anxiety disorders.
The growing emphasis on conducting these trials will help to provide a clearer understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with using cannabinoids for anxiety.
Epilepsy
Medical CBD has shown promise in treating epilepsy and inflammatory disorders. Uncontrolled case series have reported that cannabidiol may lead to significant reductions in seizure frequency for some patients with epilepsy, offering hope for those affected by this condition.
Certain forms of epilepsy can be treated with cannabidiol medicine (Epidiolex), bringing relief to patients who may not respond to traditional treatments. This highlights the potential of CBD as a valuable treatment option for epilepsy.
Despite these promising findings, more controlled studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of CBD in managing epilepsy and to better understand its potential side effects.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Current evidence regarding the effectiveness of cannabinoids for PTSD remains limited and inconclusive, requiring further research.
In a study involving nabilone treatment, 7 of 10 subjects improved in their global clinical state, indicating potential benefits from this pharmaceutical cannabinoid. However, nabilone treatment did not significantly affect sleep quality and quantity in the PTSD study.
Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the full potential of cannabinoids in treating PTSD.
Safety and Side Effects
Various safety concerns have been raised regarding the use of cannabis and cannabinoids, highlighting the need for careful consideration and informed decision-making.
The type of cannabis used can significantly influence both the symptom relief and the side effects experienced by users.
For example, THC can cause anxiety and paranoia as potential adverse effects in some individuals.
Regular use of THC can also lead to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, characterised by severe nausea and vomiting.
Short-Term Side Effects
Short-term effects of medical cannabis can include various physiological and psychological changes.
Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, and an altered mental state, which are important for users to be aware of. Additional effects may include euphoria, altered sensory perceptions, and impaired memory.
These short-term side effects highlight the need for careful dosing and monitoring when using medicinal cannabinoids to ensure that patients receive the therapeutic benefits while minimizing potential risks.
Long-Term Health Risks
Long-term cannabis use may lead to cognitive issues, particularly in younger users whose brains are still developing.
These cognitive impairments can affect various aspects of daily life and underscore the importance of understanding the long-term health effects of regular smoked cannabis use.
Additionally, long-term cannabis use may lead to an increased risk of mental health issues in predisposed individuals, such as anxiety and depression.
Regular use of cannabis is also associated with a higher risk of developing cannabis use disorder, which can have significant implications for mental health and well-being.
Healthcare professionals play an important role in educating patients about these risks and helping them make informed decisions about their treatment options.
Administration Methods
Cannabinoids can be administered through multiple routes, including orally, inhaled, and topically. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Oral consumption, inhalation, and topical applications are the most common methods of administering medicinal cannabinoids.
Each offers different onset times and duration of effects, providing flexibility in treatment options. Optimising the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids requires understanding these methods and minimising potential side effects.
The following subsections will provide a detailed discussion of each administration method, including their benefits and potential drawbacks.
Research Gaps and Future Directions
Current cannabis research often lacks comprehensive investigation into both therapeutic and adverse effects, highlighting the need for more robust studies.
The lack of diverse cannabis strains available for research limits the external validity of findings, making it difficult to generalise results to wider populations.
Methodological challenges in drug delivery impact the reliability of studies on cannabis health effects, further complicating efforts to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of cannabinoid use.
Obtaining accurate exposure assessments is also challenging due to the diversity of cannabis strains and usage methods.
There is a pressing need for a wider range of funding sources to support comprehensive cannabinoid research.
By addressing these research gaps, future studies can provide a clearer understanding of the therapeutic potential and safety of cannabinoids, paving the way for more effective and informed medical use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are medical cannabinoids and how do they work?
Medical cannabinoids are compounds derived from the cannabis plant that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, playing a crucial role in managing functions such as appetite, memory, and pain. Their ability to influence these processes highlights their significance in both medicinal and recreational contexts.
What are the main medicinal cannabinoids?
The primary medicinal cannabinoids are THC, recognised for its euphoric effects, and CBD, which is milder and offers various therapeutic benefits.
What medical conditions can cannabinoids help treat?
Cannabinoids are effective in treating chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and symptoms of multiple sclerosis. These applications highlight their potential as therapeutic agents in various medical conditions.
What are the short-term side effects of using cannabinoids?
Short-term side effects of using cannabinoids typically include dizziness, dry mouth, euphoria, altered sensory perceptions, and impaired memory. These effects can vary among individuals, impacting their overall experience.
What are the long-term health risks of regular cannabinoid use?
Regular cannabinoid use can lead to cognitive impairments, heightened risk of mental health issues, and potential development of cannabis use disorder.