The medical community has witnessed significant interest in cannabis plants owing to the potential they harness as medicine. The therapeutic harnessing of medical cannabis is through its active compounds known as cannabinoids that work with the human body’s endocannabinoid system or ECS. Knowing the right type of cannabinoids and their uses will be beneficial for patients and medical professionals looking to utilize marijuana use to treat a certain condition. The main focus of this article is to investigate the most researched cannabinoids, along with exploring the medical use of cannabis.
How Do the Effects of Cannabinoids Impact Medical Conditions?
Cannabinoids are active natural compounds of cannabis sativa plants, which interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the body to help manage pain, mood, sleep, inflammation, and several other functions. Examples are THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN. Now lets look at cannabinoids that you might interact with.
Delta-9 THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
- Effect: Psychoactive, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulant.
- Chronic Pain: Analgesic properties of THC make it useful in neuropathy and arthritis.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Chemotherapy-induced nausea is reduced by it.
- Appetite Stimulation: Particularly beneficial for cachexia/anorexia, especially HIV/AIDS or cancer patients.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
- Effect: Non-psychoactive, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant.
- Epilepsy: Epidiolex is the approved form for severe epilepsy syndromes.
- Anxiety and PTSD: THC can help ease anxiety symptoms without its psychoactive effects.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Effectiveness for autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s or rheumatoid arthritis.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
- Effect: Non-psychoactive, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective.
- Glaucoma: Could lower the pressure in your eyes.
- Neurodegenerative Diseases: May help protect neurons in Huntington’s disease
- Antibacterial Applications: Effective in drug-resistant bacterial infection.
CBN (Cannabinol)
- Effect: Mildly psychoactive, sedative, anti-inflammatory.
- Insomnia: A strong CBN sedation action allows its common use for sleep therapy.
- Pain Relief: Responding primarily to people with persistent or inflammatory types of pains.
- Bone Health: CBN might aid bone cell growth, which helps heal bones with fractures.
CBC (Cannabichromene)
- Effect: Non-psychoactive, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant.
- Depression and Anxiety: Possible enhancement of the mood.
- Acne Treatment: Decreases the activity and inflammation of the sebaceous glands.
- Neuropathy: Nerve pain is relieved.
Effects of Cannabis Use on Treatment of Medical Conditions?
A cannabinoid profile is a term that refers to the specific combination and concentration of cannabinoids of interest. Different cannabis products are designed to provide relief from the symptoms of the medical condition. Let’s take a look at the top cannabinoid profiles and their treatment for different medical conditions.
Chronic Pain
- THC profile to be high for analgesic properties.
- CBD is moderate for THC psychoactivity moderation and anti-inflammatory enhancement.
- CBN to enhance pain relief and patient sedation.
Delivery Method: Sublingual oils or vaporizers are the preferred delivery method in this case, as they provide effective and quick relief.
Anxiety and PTSD
- CBD should be high to achieve this purpose.
- Depending on the person’s degree of sensitivity to THC, there may be very low or no such substance.
- Combination with CBC is good for mood stabilizing.
Delivery Method: Tinctures and/or capsules are better suited to ensure the same dosage each time the remedy is taken.
Epilepsy
- High amounts of CBD, which clinical studies have shown to be effective in reducing seizures.
- A minimal amount, if any, of THC is needed since it may increase the severity of the seizures.
Delivery Method: Isolated CBD or oils from broad-spectrum extracts
Insomnia
- Moderately high in CBN for its sedative effects.
- Moderate THC to help in relaxing the mind and body.
- CBD for anxiety related to sleeplessness.
Delivery Method: Edibles or sublingual drops taken 30-60 minutes before sleep.
Cancer-Related Symptoms
- THC to help with nausea, stimulation of appetite, and pain relief.
- CBD to reduce inflammation and block the psychoactive effects of THC.
- CBG for its antibacterial and neuroprotective properties during treatment.
Delivery Method: Balanced THC: CBD oils or capsules for effective whole-body impact.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
- High amounts of CBG for neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory action.
- Moderate amounts of CBD for comprehensive brain health.
- Less THC in order to avoid cognitive impairment and provide symptom relief.
Delivery Method: Sublingual oils or patches that provide long-lasting effects.
Inflammatory Conditions (e.g., Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease)
- High amounts of CBD for anti-inflammatory properties.
- Moderate amounts of THC for pain relief.
- CBC for enhanced anti-inflammatory actions.
Delivery Method: Creams for local effect or oral tinctures for general reactions.
How to Choose the Most Suitable Cannabinoid Profile
If you’re confused as to which cannabinoid profile is the most effective for you, this guide will surely be of help to you.
Full or broad-spectrum extracts:
- Full-spectrum cannabis extracts contain all cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds of cannabis and produce an “entourage effect,” increasing their efficacy.
- Isolates: Pure forms of a single cannabinoid such as CBD or THC. Completely focused on a specific target.
The ratio of THC to CBD
- High THC: Useful in relieving severe pain or nausea for stimulation of appetite.
- Balanced THC:CBD: For conditions where both psychoactive and non-psychoactive effects are needed.
- High CBD: Good for treating anxiety, epilepsy, or inflammation-related problems.
Forms and routes of administration
- Edibles: Comes in various forms and textures and exhibit long-lasting effects, but onset is delayed.
- Tinctures: Comes in pre-determined doses, can be used with ease and don’t take a long time to show results.
- Topical: Provide relief in certain areas where localized pain or skin conditions exist.
- Vaporizers: Generally provide quick results but have short-term effects.
Are There Any Safety and Precautions?
There are several key things to keep in mind before starting to use cannabinoids for medical purposes.
- Dosage: Start at a low dose while increasing slowly in an effort to assess the effects of cannabis use on your body and get the best dosage.
- Ask a professional: To utilize cannabis therapy, cannabis users should find a health care provider in this field.
- Be legal: Local places have rules pertaining to cannabis substance use; make sure to follow the legalities.
How Do You Get Medical Marijuana?
Obtaining medical marijuana usually requires a series of steps. These steps differ from one jurisdiction to another around the world. Below is a brief description of the common procedure.
Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Program
Establish if you have an eligible condition. Usually, chronic pain, anxiety disorder, epilepsy, or any other local condition will suffice. Different States / Regions have specific lists of deemed to be qualifying conditions.
Consult with a Licensed Doctor
Find a qualified, licensed healthcare provider who can recommend medical marijuana and book an appointment with them. They will examine your medical history and determine if there are conditions that might justify cannabis use.
Acquire a Medical Marijuana Recommendation
After such a consultation, if you are a suitable candidate, the physician will recommend treatment or certify your request for medical marijuana. The certificate is crucial in applying to the Medical Marijuana Program within your state.
Acquire a Medical Marijuana Card
If they have a medical marijuana card, state laws require patients to obtain a recommendation document and other documents. Once verified, one is issued a medical marijuana card.
Get Medical Marijuana from a Legal Online Store or Dispensary
Finally, a medical marijuana card can be used to buy state-approved dispensary items.
Cannabinoids and Medical Conditions
The development of cannabinoid profiles that are specifically customized to fit selective medical conditions has the potential to maximize the potential of cannabis therapeutics while minimizing side effects. From chronic interference with pain and anxiety to neuro-damaging diseases, the ability to know cannabinoids may help both the users and the healthcare providers to make rational choices regarding effective treatment.