By Kamryn Gibson
Graph by Kamryn Gibson
THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the euphoric "high" associated with marijuana use. It binds to cannabinoid receptors (CB1) in the brain and central nervous system, influencing mood, perception, and appetite.
CBD (Cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive and has gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors (CB2) found in the immune system, influencing inflammation and immune responses.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is central to the science behind medical marijuana, a complex cell-signaling system in the body. The ECS consists of receptors, endocannabinoids (produced naturally in the body), and enzymes that regulate their production and degradation. When cannabinoids from medical marijuana interact with the ECS, they can modulate various physiological processes, including mood, appetite, sleep, and immune responses.
Therapeutic Effects include pain management, anti-inflammatory properties, nausea and vomiting, neurological disorders, and mental health. For pain management, THC and CBD have analgesic properties that may alleviate chronic pain by interacting with CB1 receptors in the nervous system. Medical marijuana is increasingly prescribed for conditions like neuropathic pain and arthritis.
For anti-inflammatory properties, CBD's interaction with CB2 receptors contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects. Medical marijuana shows promise in conditions with inflammatory components, such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. With nausea and vomiting, THC has antiemetic properties that can help manage nausea and vomiting, especially in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Medical marijuana has been an effective alternative for those resistant to traditional antiemetic medications.
Neurological disorders, CBD's impact on neurotransmitter systems makes it a potential candidate for neurological disorders. Studies suggest its potential in treating epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Andrew Hathway, who is a Sociologist, stated, "I've talked to people who, you know, senior citizens who find eating like a cannabis cookie as a useful way to control, like, their seizures from Parkinson's or something, and within their social circle, their retirement home or whatever, they're getting like, uh, stigmatized for that choice, right? Like the people who just don't understand, um, that medical marijuana has these benefits." Mental Health, while THC may exacerbate anxiety in some individuals, CBD's anxiolytic properties show promise in anxiety disorders. Medical marijuana is being explored as a complementary therapy for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
Despite the potential therapeutic benefits, challenges persist in the field of medical marijuana research. Regulatory restrictions, varying legal statuses, and limited access to research-grade marijuana hinder comprehensive investigations. Standardized dosing and precise formulations also pose challenges in ensuring consistent therapeutic effects. Bednarczyk also stated, "So what you have to do is separate this kind of co-mingling of use of the cannabis plant versus using the ingredients that are present in the cannabis plant for, uh, for going through the rigor of the FDA process so we can correctly define the right dose. And, you know, maybe it's not just the dose, maybe it's you need a blend of cannabinoids that are in there."
In conclusion, the science behind medical marijuana is an intricate interplay between cannabinoids and the body's Endocannabinoid System. Research continues to unravel the potential therapeutic benefits of this complex plant, offering hope for patients with various medical conditions. As the scientific community navigates the regulatory landscape, it is essential to prioritize rigorous research to maximize the therapeutic potential while addressing challenges in dosage precision and accessibility. Medical marijuana represents a promising frontier in healthcare, beckoning further exploration and unlocking new avenues for patient well-being.