Cannabis use in the world5 answersCannabis is a widely-used substance globally, with prevalence varying across countries and demographics. The historical use of cannabis dates back to ancient civilizations and is intertwined with various religions. Currently, cannabis is the most used illicit drug worldwide, with changing legal statuses and increasing scientific research on its effects and therapeutic potential. The prevalence of cannabis use disorder among adult users has increased significantly since the early 1990s, ranging from 20-33% depending on usage frequency. Recent surveys show high rates of cannabis use in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, where public perception of risk associated with cannabis is decreasing. The lack of data on harmful usage patterns necessitates surveys to assess cannabis use and related harms, with a focus on designing feasible studies for larger samples.
Cannabis Sativa (hemp plant)4 answersCannabis sativa, also known as hemp, is a versatile plant with industrial, medicinal, and recreational uses. It synthesizes phytocannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which have high and low psychoactive properties respectively. Scientists and cultivators are working on developing improved production systems for high-cannabinoid hemp cultivars, considering factors such as flowering date, shoot-tip cannabinoid concentration, plant architecture, and inflorescence biomass. Genetic variation exists for photoperiod sensitivity in hemp, and the identification of specific loci associated with photoperiod-insensitive flowering can allow for the development of cultivars suitable for higher latitudes. Hemp root extracts have shown potential in ameliorating hyperglycemia and improving glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice, suggesting their anti-diabetic properties. Hemp has the potential to be a sustainable and ecologically benign crop, with the ability to absorb heavy metals, trap carbon, and suppress weeds.
Cannabinoids: Emerging sleep modulator5 answersCannabinoids have been found to play a role in the modulation of sleep, with evidence supporting their sleep-promoting effects. The endocannabinoid system, which includes cannabinoids like anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, interacts with neurotransmitter systems and can induce sleep. However, the therapeutic efficacy and safety of cannabinoid therapies for sleep disorders are still unclear, as there is insufficient evidence to support their routine clinical use. Despite this, there is promising preliminary evidence that suggests cannabinoids could be effective in treating sleep apnea, insomnia, nightmares, restless legs syndrome, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, and narcolepsy. Further research is needed to investigate the safety and efficacy of cannabinoid therapies for sleep disorders using larger, controlled trials. While there is interest in using cannabinoids for sleep disorders, the evidence base is still limited, and practical considerations such as dosing, side effects, and drug interactions need to be taken into account.
What are the most important things about endocannabinoids?4 answersThe endocannabinoid system is a crucial physiologic system involved in maintaining human health. It oversees relaxation, appetite, sleep, protection, and memory processes. Recent research suggests that the effects of phytocannabinoids are not limited to cannabinoid receptors, but also involve interactions with non-cannabinoid receptors, producing pharmacological effects in diseases such as Alzheimer's, epilepsy, depression, neuropathic pain, cancer, and diabetes. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body, connecting brain activity with physical health and disease states. Endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, function as signaling molecules in mammals, stimulating feeding behavior and metabolic regulation. The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors and endogenous transmitters, which work through retrograde neurotransmission to modulate the release of neurotransmitters. Overall, the endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and has potential implications for various disease states and therapeutic interventions.
How does cannabis sativa affect the human body?5 answersCannabis sativa affects the human body in various ways. It has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in managing hypercholesterolemia and associated metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Cannabis extracts have also shown effectiveness against various bacteria and yeast, and have potential benefits for skin hydration, elasticity, and sebum production. Additionally, cannabis products have been found to affect different systems in the body such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and immune systems, and have shown analgesic, antiemetic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antitussive, and cardioprotective effects. However, it is important to note that cannabis can have both beneficial and harmful effects, and its abuse can negatively impact various organs and organ systems, as well as male and female potency. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of cannabis on the human body and to determine safe and appropriate use.
Cannabis therapieformen inhaltsstoffe5 answersCannabis sativa contains various therapeutic compounds, including Longifolen, Humulenepoxid-I and -II, Caryophyllenol-I, and m-Mentha-1.8(9)-dien-5-ol. These substances are found in the essential oil of cannabis sativa and have been separated and identified. Additionally, cannabis sativa also contains nor-sesquiterpenoids, aliphatic compounds, and sterols. The therapeutic forms of cannabis include the use of its essential oil, which contains these beneficial compounds.