Medicinal Usage of Cannabis and Cannabinoids offers readers a comprehensive reference on the medical usage and symptom relief provided by these compounds in a variety of disorders. With coverage of neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and a wide range of other afflictions including depression, anxiety, nausea and cancer, this broad coverage allows readers to learn about symptom control, along with the physiological, psychological and pharmacological effects of these compounds. Unique case reports are provided as well. This volume provides a platform for research on the use of these compounds in improving patient care, brain function and neurological dysfunction.

Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
Contributors
Preface
Part I: Setting the scene and introductory chapters
Chapter 1: How medical cannabis may influence the future of Western medicine
Abstract
Introduction
Use of medicinal cannabis
Demographics of medical cannabis use
Difficulties in understanding medical cannabis
It's not a flaw, it's a feature How cannabis may influence the future of medicine
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of how medical cannabis may influence the future of medicine
Summary points
References
Chapter 2: Medical cannabis and cannabinoids: How best to extract components from plant material
Abstract
Introduction
Conventional method
Advanced techniques
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of medical cannabis and cannabinoids: How best to extract components from plant material
Summary points
References
Chapter 3: Medicinal usage of cannabis and its impact on mental health among cancer patients and survivors
Abstract
Acknowledgment
Introduction
Endocannabinoid system
Cannabinoids
Cancer and clinical implications
Cannabinoids and cancer treatment
Cannabinoids and cancer symptom management
Mental health and mental health illnesses
Cannabis stigmas: Legal landscape, mental health, and culture
Gaps, future directions, and precautions
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of cannabis legality in the United States
Summary points
References
Chapter 4: Cannabis sativa as a traditional phytomedicine: A new narrative covering different countries
Abstract
Introduction
Traditional uses of Cannabis sativa as a phytomedicine globally
Argentina
Bangladesh
Brazil
China
Chile
Colombia
Croatia
India
Iran
Japan
Mexico
Morocco
Nepal
Nigeria
Pakistan
Philippines
Romania
Russia
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Turkey
Uganda
West Indies
Other countries
Application to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of traditional medicine
Summary points
References
Chapter 5: The medical use of cannabis in the Middle East
Abstract
Introduction
The geographic importance of the Middle East
Population of the Middle East
Religion in the Middle East
Economy of the Middle East
History of medicine in the Middle East
Traditional herbal medicine in the Middle East
Potential uses of cannabis in the Middle East
Factors delaying the use of cannabis in the Middle East
Limitations to cannabis use in the Middle East
Solutions and recommendations
Conclusion
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts on the Middle East
Summary points
Further reading
Chapter 6: The use of medical cannabis: A focus on Canada Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Endocannabinoids
Abstract
Introduction
Conclusions
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of medical cannabis use in Canada
Summary points
References
Chapter 7: New York perspectives of medical cannabis laboratory analysis
Abstract
Introduction
Potency
Pesticide, plant-growth regulator, and mycotoxin
Metals contamination
Microbiological contamination
Conclusions
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of New York Cannabis Laboratory Testing
Summary points
References
Chapter 8: Potential roles of epigenetic memory on the quality of clonal cannabis plants: Content and profile of secondary metabolites
Abstract
Introduction
Phenotypic changes during cannabis propagation
Cellular changes during cannabis propagation
Epigenetic regulation during cannabis propagation
Conclusions and prospects
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of Cannabis clones
Summary points
References
Chapter 9: Defining problematic use of medicinal cannabis: Theoretical and empirical considerations
Abstract
Introduction
Assessing problematic use of psychoactive medications
Conclusion
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of medicinal cannabis
Key facts of cannabis use disorder
Summary points
References
Further reading
Chapter 10: Use of medical cannabis and cannabinoids in older adults
Abstract
Introduction
Applications to other areas
Key facts of the clinical applications of medical marijuana in older adults
Mini-dictionary of terms
Summary points
References
Chapter 11: Use of cannabidiol oil by caregivers: A focus on Alzheimer's disease
Abstract
Introduction
The need for effective treatment in Alzheimer's disease
Studies investigating the effectiveness of cannabinoids in dementia
Cannabidiol oil as a potential treatment for individuals with Alzheimer's disease
Key findings
Conclusion and future directions
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of cannabidiol oil
Summary points
References
Chapter 12: Medicinal use of Cannabis: Adverse events as a balanced perspective
Abstract
Introduction
Safety of medicinal Cannabis in men and women
Safety of medicinal Cannabis in special populations: Children and elderly
Psychiatric and central nervous system disorders
Cardiac disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders
Drug-drug interactions
Postmarketing surveillance
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of Cannabis safety
Summary points
References
Part II: Physiological aspects and metabolic aspects
Chapter 13: Physiopathology and use of cannabinoids for fibrotic diseases
Abstract
Introduction
Skin fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis
Cardiac fibrosis
Liver fibrosis
Kidney fibrosis
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of fibrosis
Summary points
References
Chapter 14: Cannabinoids in inflammation and atherosclerosis
Abstract
Introduction
Atherosclerosis
Cannabinoids and the cardiovascular system
Cardiovascular effects of phytocannabinoids
Final considerations
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts
Summary points
References
Chapter 15: Targeting the CB (2) receptor to delay progression of cardiovascular diseases
Abstract
Author contributions
Institutional review board statement
Informed consent statement
Data availability statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of interest
Introduction
Intracellular signaling of CB2 receptors
Effects of CB2 receptor agonists in hypertension
Effects of CB2 receptor agonists in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion
Genetic studies exploring the role of CB2 receptors in myocardial infraction
Effects of CB2 receptor agonists in cardiomyopathy
Effects of CB2 receptor agonists in heart failure and myocardial remodeling
Application to other areas
Key facts
Concluding remarks and prospects
Summary points
References
Chapter 16: Reduced BMI in Cannabis users: Regulation, mechanisms, and public health impact
Abstract
Introduction: The obesity epidemic and its causes and consequences
Regulation of BMI
Evidence for reduced BMI in Cannabis users
Explanations for reduced BMI in Cannabis users
Public health impact of reduced BMI in Cannabis users
Applications to other areas
Key facts
Mini-dictionary of terms
Summary points
References
Part III: Neurological, psychological and behavioral aspects
Chapter 17: Neuroprotection by the cannabis-related products, cannabidiol and cannabigerol, and their associated mechanisms of action
Abstract
Introduction
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts
Summary points
References
Chapter 18: Cannabis terpenes as neuroprotective agents: A focus on a-bisabolol
Abstract
Introduction
Cannabis phytochemicals
a-Bisabolol
a-Bisabolol's therapeutic properties
a-Bisabolol and neuroprotection
In silico docking of (+)-a-bisabolol, (-)-a-bisabolol, and -bisabolol with A 1 42 pentamer (PDB: 2BEG)
Conclusion
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of a-bisabolol
Summary points
References
Chapter 19: Cannabidiol in medicinal usage of stress: Modeling investigations into cocaine
Abstract
Introduction
Preclinical data in rodent models of cocaine addiction
Gaps found in the literature: Lack of studies including sex and age as variables
Preliminary clinical data in patients with cocaine use disorder
Neurochemical mechanisms behind cannabidiol's actions
Future directions
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of cocaine use disorder treatment
Summary points
References
Chapter 20: Applying a cannabis impairment framework to medical cannabis patients
Abstract
Introduction
Impairment
Case study
Novel framework for assessing impairment in clinical settings
Tools for measuring impairment in the workplace
Applying the framework to the patient case study
Application to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of cannabis impairment
Summary points
References
Chapter 21: Genetic models of audiogenic seizures: What they are and how cannabinoids and Cannabis-derived compounds can be used to alleviate their symptoms An updated narrative
Abstract
Epilepsy Definitions and basic concepts
Genetic models of epilepsies Audiogenic seizures and audiogenic strains
Brain sites involved with audiogenic seizure manifestation
The endocannabinoid system in epilepsy
Pharmacological modulation of CB1R on AGS expression
Cannabis-derived compounds for treating audiogenic seizures
CBD mechanisms of action in epilepsies
CB1R receptors in the WAR strain
The impact of acute and chronic AGS on CB1R expression in WARs
CBD effects in the WAR strain
CB1R receptors in the GASH/Sal
CBD effects in the GASH/Sal strain
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of audiogenic seizures (AGS)
Summary points
References
Chapter 22: Evaluating the preclinical validity of cannabinoid therapy for the treatment of psychostimulant use disorder
Abstract
Introduction
The role of anandamide in preclinical models of cocaine use disorder
The role of 2-AG in preclinical models of cocaine use disorder
The role of CB2 receptors in preclinical models of cocaine use disorder
Conclusions: Utility of cannabinoids for limiting cocaine use
The role of anandamide in preclinical models of methamphetamine use disorder
The role of 2-AG in preclinical models of methamphetamine use disorder
The role of CB2 receptors in preclinical models of methamphetamine use disorder
Conclusions: Utility of cannabinoids for limiting methamphetamine use
The role of anandamide in preclinical models of amphetamine use disorder
The role of 2-AG in preclinical models of amphetamine use disorder
The role of CB2 receptors in preclinical models of amphetamine use disorder
Conclusions: Utility of cannabinoids for limiting amphetamine use
Conclusions
Applications to other areas
Key facts of psychostimulant abuse and treatment options
Mini-dictionary of terms
Summary points
References
Part IV: Pharmacological and cellular aspects
Chapter 23: Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), features and profiles: Anti-hyperalgesic effects
Abstract
Introduction
CBDA
Hyperalgesia
Other potential therapeutic benefits
Relevant antihyperalgesic targets
Conclusions
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of hyperalgesia
Summary points
References
Chapter 24: Cannabis-drug interactions: Implications for medicinal cannabis use
Abstract
Introduction
Brief overview of the pharmaceutical chemistry of medical cannabis
Pharmacokinetic-mediated medical cannabis drug interactions
Clinical data on cannabinoid-drug interactions
Conclusions
Mini-dictionary
Summary points
Key facts of drug interactions
Appendix A
References
Chapter 25: Cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2R): Features and targets for medical applications
Abstract
Introduction
CB2R involvement in diseases
CB2R agonists
CB2R antagonists/inverse agonists
CB2R fluorescent probes
Application to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts
Summary points
References
Chapter 26: Medical use of cannabidiol and impact on cancer cell viability
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
CBD vs THC
Potential clinical applications
Applications to other areas
Medical uses of CBD
Potential medical uses
CBD as a cancer therapy
Variants of cannabidiol
Conclusions
Mini dictionary
Key facts of medical use of cannabidiol and impact on cancer cell viability
Summary points
References
Chapter 27: Antiinflammatory and antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of phytocannabinoid -caryophyllene: A mechanistic review
Abstract
Introduction
Pain
Ischemia-reperfusion injury
Alzheimer's disease (AD)
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Parkinson's disease (PD)
Metabolic disorders
Cardiovascular diseases
Respiratory system disorders
Gastrogenial system disorders
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of antiinflammatory and antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of -caryophyllene
Summary points
References
Part V: Symptom control and medicinal uses
Chapter 28: Cancer patients and providers: Attitudes and beliefs of cannabis and cannabinoids use as a treatment
Abstract
Introduction
Patient attitudes and beliefs
Provider attitudes and beliefs
Conclusions
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts about common cancer-associated symptoms
Summary points
References
Chapter 29: Cannabidiol (CBD) use in breast cancer chemotherapy
Abstract
Introduction
ECS and breast cancer
Anticancer activity of CBD as monotherapy
Effect of CBD as a combination therapy
Effect of CBD on ABC transporters
Administration of CBD
Conclusions
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of breast cancer chemotherapy
Summary points
References
Chapter 30: Sleep regulation by exogenous and endogenous cannabinoids
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
The neurobiology of the sleep-wake cycle: An overview
Principal components of C. sativa
Effects of cannabinoids on the sleep-wake cycle
The endocannabinoid system components and the modulation of sleep
Conclusions
Applications to other areas
Key facts
Dictionary
Summary points
References
Chapter 31: The relationship between cannabis and reproductive, sexual, and urogenital health
Abstract
Female sexual dysfunction
Cannabis and sexual health in women
Male sexual dysfunction
Mechanisms: Sexual health
Reproductive health
Cannabis and urogenital health
Summary of findings
Application to other areas
Mini dictionary of terms (Bergeron et al., 2020; Jenkins & Mulhall, 2015;Kessler et al., 2019; Mitchell et al., 2017; Sorensen et al., 2018; Tayyeb, 2021; Weinberger et al., 2019)
Key facts on female sexual dysfunction (Allahdadi et al., 2009; Carrubba et al., 2021; Liang et al., 2022; Lynn et al., 2019; Mitchell et al., 2017; Parish & Hahn, 2016;Ponte et al., 2009; Tayyeb, 2021)
Summary points (Brents, 2016; Carrubba et al., 2021; Liang et al., 2022; Lynn et al., 2019; Payne et al., 2019; Pizzol et al., 2019; Roncero et al., 2020; Ryan et al., 2021)
References
Chapter 32: Symptom control in palliative care settings: The role of cannabis-based medicines
Abstract
Introduction
Cannabis-based medicine for symptom management
Safety concerns
Summary of CBM use in hospice and palliative care
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of palliative and hospice care
Summary points
References
Chapter 33: Medical use of cannabidiol in fragile X syndrome
Abstract
Introduction to fragile X spectrum disorders
Behavioral problems associated with FXS
Endocannabinoid system
Role of FMRP in the endocannabinoid system
ECS and inhibitory/excitatory control
Treatments used in fragile X syndrome
CBD and fragile X syndrome
Applications to other areas
Key facts of targeted treatments
Mini-dictionary of terms
Summary points
References
Chapter 34: Antihypercholesterolemic effects of Hemp (Cannabis sativa)
Abstract
Introduction
Hypercholesterolemia
Etiology of HC
Pathophysiological effects of hypercholesterolemia on different organ systems
Hemp (C. sativa)
Nutritional composition of cannabis
Active components of Hemp (Cannabis sativa): Why cannabis might work?
Diverse pathophysiological roles of Hemp (C. sativa)
Evidence and mechanisms of the antihypercholesterolemic effect of cannabis
Modulation of common pathophysiological pathways linked with hypercholesterolemia (HC) and other associated diseases by Hempseed
Applications to other areas
Key facts
Mini dictionary
Summary
References
Chapter 35: Benzodiazepines and cannabis use
Abstract
Introduction
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of benzodiazepine and cannabis use
Summary points
References
Chapter 36: Features of (+)-trans-cannabidiol-2-hydroxy pentyl and applications to disease: A focus on usage in diabetic nephropathy
Abstract
Introduction
(+)-Trans enantiomers of CBD
Synthesis and properties of (+)-CBD-HPE
Therapeutic application of (+)-CBD-HPE on type 1 diabetes and its complications
(+)-CBD-HPE in diabetic nephropathy
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of (+)-enantiomers of cannabidiol
Key facts of type 1 diabetes
Key facts of diabetic nephropathy
Summary points
References
Chapter 37: Medical use of cannabis: Applications to Tourette syndrome
Abstract
Introduction
Evidence for an involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of TS
Evidence from animal studies
Studies in humans
Safety of cannabis-based medicine in Tourette syndrome
Practical guidelines regarding the treatment with cannabis-based medicine in patients with Tourette syndrome
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of cannabis-based medicine in Tourette syndrome
Summary points
References
Chapter 38: Cannabinoids and their use in chronic noncancer pain
Abstract
Introduction
Analgesic efficacy of cannabinoid for chronic noncancer pain
Nonanalgesic effects of cannabinoid
Recommendations on the use of cannabinoids for chronic noncancer pain
Application to other areas
Mini dictionary
Key facts of chronic noncancer pain
Summary points
References
Chapter 39: Endometriosis: Features and potential role of medicinal cannabis
Abstract
Introduction
Etiology and pathogenesis
The endocannabinoid system
Endocannabinoid system involvement in endometriosis
Current medical interventions for the management of endometriosis
History of use in women's and reproductive health
Medical rationale for the use of cannabis in endometriosis
Current evidence for cannabis use in endometriosis
Safety and adverse effects associated with cannabis use
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of endometriosis
Summary points
References
Chapter 40: The utility of cannabis use in Crohn's disease
Abstract
Crohn's disease, a primer
Scientific basis for using cannabis in Crohn's disease
Current use of cannabis in Crohn's disease
Clinical studies
Safety and adverse events
Discussion and future
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Summary points
Key facts of Crohn's disease
References
Chapter 41: Medical cannabis and use in migraine
Abstract
Introduction
History of medical cannabis in migraine
Patient studies
Migraine patients and their experience with medical cannabis
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of medical cannabis and use in migraine
Summary points
References
Chapter 42: Cannabidiol (CBD) and potential in medicinal use in rheumatoid arthritis
Abstract
Introduction
CBD is under-researched in the context of inflammatory conditions
Impact of CBD on inflammation in RA
Effects of CBD in in vivo arthritis models
CBD and arthritic pain
CBD and RA comorbidities
CBD in RA therapy Take it or leave it?
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of rheumatoid arthritis
Summary points
References
Chapter 43: Role of cannabinoids in glaucoma: Lowering intraocular pressure or neuroprotection
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Authors contribution
Conflict of interest
Introduction
Glaucoma and contributing risk factors
Glaucoma treatment options and preferences
Endo-cannabinoid system and the eye
Role of endo-cannabinoid system in glaucoma
Mechanism of action
IOP and cannabinoids
The implication of endocannabinoids in lowering IOP
Excitotoxicity, neuroprotection, and cannabinoids in glaucoma pathology
Oxidative stress, glaucoma, and cannabinoids
Glaucoma and antiinflammatory action of cannabinoids
Autoregulation, glaucoma, and cannabinoids: Mechanism of blood flow regulation
Blood pressure: A contributing risk factor in glaucoma
Signaling pathways, apoptosis, and progression of glaucoma
Receptors cross talk and glaucoma: Hope for chimeric molecules
Cannabinoids: Limitation in clinical use for glaucoma
Conclusion and future perspectives
Key facts of glaucoma
References
Chapter 44: Medicinal potential of anandamide as a representative endocannabinoid and its effect at the cellular level in skin
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Basics of the skin An example tissue with a functional ECS
Metabolic pathways of anandamide in cells
Occurrence of AEA and other eCB in skin cells
AEA and other eCB interactions with receptors present on the skin cells
Basics of eCB use in laboratories and on the cell culture
Endocannabinoids influence on the healthy skin cells
Endocannabinoids influence on the skin cancer cells
Applications to other areas
Mini-dictionary of terms
Key facts of eCB influence on skin cells studied in vitro
Summary points
References
Part VI: Resources
Chapter 45: Recommended resources for studying and investigating the medicinal usage of cannabis and cannabinoids
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Resources
Other resources
Summary points
References
Index