For centuries, cannabis has been used for a variety of purposes, including reducing anxiety and pain, stimulating appetite, and treating seizures. In 2018, a medication called Epidiolex, which is made from purified CBD derived from cannabis, was approved for managing seizures in certain patients.
Individuals suffering from serious conditions such as schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer may choose to self-medicate with cannabis due to the belief that it may provide relief.
Raphael Mechoulam, an expert in the field of chemistry, recognizes the potential benefits of cannabis for these conditions. According to him, there are numerous studies on the effects of cannabinoids on these diseases, and the majority of them have yielded positive results. He shares this insight with Knowable Magazine.
To identify potential medical uses of cannabinoids, it is essential to comprehend their pharmacology while weighing the trials.
THE RISE OF CANNABIS PROHIBITION
After the 1910 Mexican Revolution, there was a significant influx of Mexican immigrants into the United States. It is believed that during this period, the use of recreational marijuana was popularized in the US.
During the same period, marijuana was also introduced into North America through New Orleans by West Indian immigrants and sailors from the Caribbean. In the 1920s and 1930s, the recreational use of cannabis became linked with jazz music, and early proponents of marijuana included famous trumpet player Louis Armstrong.
In the early 1900s, drugs were largely unregulated, and substances like cocaine and heroin were easily accessible, with the latter being sold as an over-the-counter medication. Cannabis, too, was available in tinctures.
However, the passing of the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906, which explicitly referenced cannabis indica, marked the beginning of drug regulation in the United States. The legislation mandated that drugs and food carry ingredient labels, paving the way for greater transparency in drug manufacturing and distribution.
CANNABIS PLANT: A LONG MEDICAL HISTORY
During the early stages of exploring the potential clinical uses of cannabis, Mechoulam played a vital role. With anecdotal reports stretching back to ancient times suggesting that cannabis could help with seizures, he and his colleagues set out to investigate the effects of THC and CBD on epilepsy.
Their research began with mice, and since CBD showed no signs of toxicity or side effects, they progressed to human subjects. In 1980, while still at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mechoulam co-published the results from a small, 4.5-month trial of patients with epilepsy who did not respond to current medications.
The findings appeared promising, with four out of eight individuals experiencing little to no seizures throughout the study and three others noting partial improvement. Only one patient did not respond to the treatment.
These results sparked further interest in the potential use of CBD as a treatment for epilepsy and set the stage for future research into the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
EMBRACING THE CANNABIS PLANT IN THE WORLD OF MEDICINE
The drug approval process is typically lengthy, but the cannabis industry faces additional challenges, such as legal barriers and difficulties in obtaining patent protections for natural compounds. This presents a significant obstacle for pharmaceutical companies as they struggle to justify the cost of expensive human trials and the time-consuming approval process without the ability to patent a product.
The path to approval for cannabis-based treatments has been slower compared to traditional pharmaceuticals. Very few medicinal drugs have been licensed that are based on cannabinoids, and these drugs are solely based on THC and CBD.
In addition to Epidiolex, the FDA has approved synthetic THC and a THC-like compound to combat nausea in patients undergoing chemotherapy, as well as weight loss in patients with cancer or AIDS.
The National Institutes of Health maintains a registry of clinical trials, which includes hundreds of ongoing research efforts around the world that investigate the potential effects of cannabinoids on various medical conditions, such as autism, sleep disorders, Huntington’s Disease, and pain management, among others.
THE RISE OF THE CBD IN WELLNESS MARKETING
As the demand for health and wellness products continues to rise, cannabis brands recognize the potential to tap into this lucrative market. Curaleaf, a consumer-facing cannabis brand, was originally founded as a medical marijuana business and has maintained its commitment to promoting cannabis as a wellness product.
In fact, the company has partnered with top universities to perform research on the significance of cannabis for various medical treatments.
Curaleaf’s marketing strategy focuses on highlighting the health and well-being benefits of its products without making any unsupported medical claims. The brand has leveraged customer testimonials to convey the relaxation and wellness benefits of cannabis.
By positioning its products as tools for improving overall health, Curaleaf is capitalizing on the growing interest in wellness and cannabis products.
As consumers continue to prioritize products that align with their health and wellness goals, cannabis brands are expected to have more opportunities than ever. The trend towards low-dose cannabis products for wellness purposes is likely to continue, similar to the trend seen in the alcohol industry with low-alcohol beverages and sobriety products.
ONGOING RESEARCH ON THE CANNABIS PLANT
Cancer Research provides support to researchers worldwide investigating cannabis and cannabinoids. However, the cannabis studied by researchers is generally not the same as that found on the street or sold in shops.
When conducting rigorous scientific studies, researchers often use purified forms of the compounds being investigated. This approach provides more reliable evidence of the effects of different cannabinoids.
Through numerous experiments detailed in a review article from the British Journal of Cancer, scientists have found that both natural and synthetic cannabinoids have various effects on cells. Consequently, researchers are exploring whether cannabis can be a component in treating diseases such as cancer, as well as helping to alleviate side effects.
The lack of knowledge regarding the efficacy of medicinal cannabis treatments is a hindrance to advancing the field, but it also provides a roadmap for future research.
With a focus on conducting more rigorous studies and clinical trials, researchers may be able to unlock the potential of cannabis as a therapeutic option for a variety of conditions.
There is a clear demand for effective drug treatments, and the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis make it an attractive area for investigation. For instance, flower products for anxiety are a promising area for further exploration.
The Lambert Initiative and its collaborators are poised to take on this challenge and help determine the efficacy of medicinal cannabis treatments, paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of its potential as a medical tool.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There are numerous complementary and alternative remedies available worldwide for managing epilepsy, ranging from gaining knowledge about the condition to using herbal remedies and spiritual healing. While some of these remedies have been researched and found to be effective, others may be ineffective and even pose a danger to individuals, especially if they misuse herbal remedies.
QUALITY CBD IN VANCOUVER, CANADA
CBD has been seen as a safe and regulated product and is likely to be the entry point for individuals who want to explore the potential benefits of THC and other health and wellness-focused adaptogens. As people become more familiar with CBD, they will be more open to trying other THC and natural remedies that can improve their overall health and wellness.
Sea to Sky Cannabis is a Vancouver-based dispensary that has been around since the early days of medicinal marijuana in 2013. Initially an alternative healing society, the dispensary has earned a reputation for offering top-notch cannabis products to those in need.
“We remain committed to providing the same high-quality service and products that our loyal customers have come to trust over the last decade”.
