Journal article
Cannabis: Are there any benefits?
Internal Medicine Journal, Vol.50(11), pp.1326-1332
2020
Abstract
Cannabis has been used as a medicine for millennia. Prohibition in the mid‐20th century precluded early scientific investigation. ‘Cannabis’ describes three separate forms – herbal cannabis, ‘hemp’ products, pharmaceutical‐grade regulated cannabinoid‐based medical products (CBMP). In Australia, CBMP became available for prescription in November 2016. Herbal cannabis with Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is illegal, and cannabidiol (CBD) in herbal extracts, are both unregulated and unreliable sources of cannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), delineated in the late 1990s, has increased the understanding and interest in research for appropriate clinical indications. The ubiquitous ECS has homeostatic and anti‐inflammatory effects and comprises cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids and degrading enzymes. Phytocannabinoids are partial agonists of the ECS. In pre‐clinical studies, THC and CBD produce beneficial effects in chronic pain, anxiety, sleep and inflammation. Systematic reviews often conflate herbal cannabis and CBMP, confusing the evidence. Currently large randomised controlled trials are unlikely to be achieved. Other methodologies with quality end‐points are required. Rich, valuable high‐quality real‐world evidence for the safe and effective use of CBMP provides an opportunity to examine benefits and potential harms. Evidence demonstrates benefit of CBMP in multiple sclerosis, chronic neuropathic pain, chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, resistant paediatric epilepsy, anxiety and insomnia. CBMP are well tolerated with few serious adverse events. Additional clinical benefits are promising in many other resistant chronic conditions. Pharmaceutical grade prescribed CBMP has proven clinical benefits and provides another clinical option in the physician's pharmacopeia.
Details
- Title
- Cannabis: Are there any benefits?
- Authors/Creators
- A.W. Vickery (Author/Creator) - The University of Notre Dame AustraliaP.M. Finch (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
- Publication Details
- Internal Medicine Journal, Vol.50(11), pp.1326-1332
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Identifiers
- 991005541549507891
- Copyright
- © 2020 Royal Australasian College of Physicians
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Allied Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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Source: InCites
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.100 Substance Abuse
- 1.100.625 Cannabinoids
- Web Of Science research areas
- Pharmacology & Pharmacy
- ESI research areas
- Clinical Medicine