Medicine

The oldest confirmed medical use of cannabis was in china in 3750BCE. The first recorded pharmacopoeia, the pen t’s’ao listed cannabis hemp (ta ma) among the superior immortality elixirs. The illustration below is of a hemp plant with text describing its functions from the Cheng-lei pen t’s’ao edition of 1234 CE. The female plant was said to possess yin energy (and the male plant yang energy) the female plant was used for rheumatism, beri-beri, malaria, constipation, gout and absent mindedness. Moving closer to the present, in 1850s America, cannabis was used as a primary medicine for more than 100 illnesses or diseases in the U.S. pharmacopoeia.

Extremely strong preparations then called cannabis extractums, hashish extracts, tinctures and elixirs were common. Cannabis was routinely one of the top 3 ingredients (that with opium and alcohol) used in patent and prescription drugs.

These were manufactured by some of the biggest pharmaceutical companies of the day Eli lilly, Squibb and Parke-Davis. These are still some of the largest pharmaceutical companies, now known as Lilly, Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer. Even queen Victoria (1837-1901) was known to have used cannabis resins to relieve pain associated with her menstrual cycles.

Throughout history and all the way up to modern day cannabis has been used to treat many different health conditions in various preparations. In this century cannabis research has shown extremely safe and effective therapeutical value in the treatment of asthma, glaucoma, nausea, tumours, epilepsy, infection, stress, migraines, anorexia, depression, rheumatism, arthritis, aids, ms and Parkinsons disease to name a few.

Cannabis’s ability to help with such a large array of illness and disease is to do with particular substances created by the female flowering plant called cannabinoids. The flower and leaves of this female plant are covered in what looks like (under a microscope) tiny mushroom like structures (called trichromes) and the head or cap of this trichrome produce a variety of cannabinoids.

Although research is limited there is estimated to be around 100-150 different cannabinoids of which the most well known are THC and CBD. More are being discovered and researched everyday. Cannabis is also not unique in creating these cannabinoids other plants, animals and even human beings produce cannabinoids. These substances are the reason that the majority of preparations used medicinally throughout history where called ‘extractums’ or what I’ll call extracts. Elixirs, tinctures and oils produced from the resinous substances made within these little mushroom like caps on the female flowering plant.

Although this is by far the most used medicinal part of the plant and certainly the modern focus especially with extracts isolating particular cannabinoids (like the CBD boom of the last couple of decades) the roots and seeds also historically played a role in helping with certain conditions.

The seed is one the of the most nutritious on the planet and uniquely a complete food; meaning it contains the amino acids, fatty acids and good amount of essential vitamins and minerals that would support human health even in the absence of any other food source. This would be helpful for a variety of health conditions simply because of this fact and is noted to improve immune function, help with digestive disorders and skin conditions.

The roots have been used historically to make poultices or topical pastes for cramped/painful joints, gout, and burns. Effectively any external ailment to help soothe, reduce inflammation and facilitate healing (its worth noting the root cannot be used internally as it is poisonous to the body when consumed).

The leaves and flowers can also be juiced which is a less researched medicinal use but seems to be showing a lot of promise. Especially when considering that this method negates the psychoactive effects of THC because you are using fresh plants where the THC is left in its acid form and without heat (decarboxylation) much higher concentrations of the cannabinoids can be administered without the patient feeling the strong psychoactive effects. Its very apparent why this could be a preferred method for many people especially those without previous experience of or desire for such effects. If you would like to find more out about this approach please look in to the work of Dr. William Courtney at cannabisinternational.org.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Now back to cannabinoids. The reason these substances have such profound effects on humans is because they mimic endogenous chemicals (substances produced within the body) and interact with something called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This is a complex biochemical communication network that helps regulate our behaviour, mood, wellbeing and maintaining homeostasis (or balance), it does this by regulating cluster cell and intercellular functions. An ECS is found in all mammals. Although a relatively new discovery (starting in the late 80s) the easiest way to understand the ECS (and I’m really doing a laymen explanation, please research the science if interested) it is a network throughout the body of chemical signals and cellular receptors found in the brain, organs, connective tissue, glands and immune cells.

The two main receptors are CB1 receptors present mostly in the CNS (the brain and spinal cord) as well as in the cardiovascular and reproductive systems and help to regulate neurotransmitters, hormone function as well as appetite and mood regulation. The others are CB2 receptors which are mainly found in organs, immune cells and the nervous system (those outside of the brain and spinal cord) and help with immune function, inflammation and pain regulation.

These cannabinoid substances we have talked about present in the cannabis plant mimic cannabinoids that are created within the body and fit like a lock and key with these receptors. The cannabinoids act as messengers carrying messages from one part of the body to another and the receptors receive these messages and take action.

If you have ever experienced the euphoric and satisfying feeling from eating a chocolate bar this is in some part to do with the cannabinoids present in the cacao bean. Cannabinoids are actually present in mothers breast milk.

Effectively these cannabinoids have the ability to help regulate various different mechanisms within the body at a cellular level and its because of this that cannabis seems to be able to help with such a large variety of very different conditions. The cannabinoids help the function of cells and it doesn’t matter what that particular cell does it just helps it to do its job more effectively and bring equilibrium or balance. This flies in the face of modern medicine when most pharmaceutical drugs are one drug for one symptom and often more drugs to counter the side effects of the first drug. The cannabinoids abilities through the interaction with the ECS makes it a multifaceted medicine that can help with many different health issues and makes it very difficult to categorise within the current medical framework.

Again the reason why all mammals have an ECS is because the cannabinoids or more accurately the endocannabinoids are produced within the body already, you don’t have to get them from cannabis. It is a coincidence or perhaps by design (whichever way you want to look at it) that the cannabis plant happens to mimic these substances. This is why they are found in mothers breast milk and when you consider these little messengers help with hormone, immune and nervous system function as well as appetite and mood regulation. Its no wonder they are present and most certainly plays a significant role in why breasting feeding an infant is considered so important.

Cannabinoids

Now just to go over the more common cannabinoids. THC or delta9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is often regarded as the psychoactive component of cannabis and is often in higher quantities then other cannabinoids in modern cannabis. So this is the chemical that is responsible for the ‘high’ and the recreational use or illegal drug association. However THC has other properties, for example, it is extremely anti-carcinogenic and (particularly in certain types of cancer) is likely the reason some people have had successful tumour suppression when using high THC extracts. Rick Simpson, was responsible for the resurgence of these high THC oils in the suppression of certain types of cancer in the modern day. He treated and cured his own skin cancer with a preparation of cannabis oil he created. He subsequently helped many others to do the same and propagated the information even at his own peril (led to him leaving his home country of Canada and immigrating to south America, a true patriot and hero). Although this oil would have been produced throughout antiquity these preparations are often referred to as RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) in Ricks honour.

CBD or cannabidiol is also a well known cannabinoid maybe even more so then THC in recent years. This ironically or not is also known as the anti-psychoactive cannabinoid which can counter some of the effects of THC. As well as anti-psychotic it is also an anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, anti-depressant, antioxidant and a sedative. Its main uses therefore are as an analgesic (pain reliever); as sedative to help with sleep; as an anti-anxiety remedy and to help with spasmatic ailments particularly epilepsy.

Others you may not have heard of are CBC, CBN, CBDV, THCV, THCA, CBL, CBG, CBGA, delta8 THC just to name a few. As I said this list is ever increasing.

Terpenes

Another element to discuss in terms of this plants ability to help in a medicinal capacity is terpenes. Terpenes which you may have heard of before are the aromatic oils (or essential oils) produced by plants that give them their scent and taste.

Plants use them as defence mechanisms to repel pests and also to attract pollinators. There are over 100 different terpenes within the cannabis plant and each individual strain or cultivar has a different terpene composition. Some terpenes can give more of a relaxing effect whilst others can give us energy and focus. Again more research is being done into how these terpenes interact with cannabinoids and how this effects the ECS. It seems that they have a synergistic effect, meaning the medicinal attributes of both substances are amplified when combined.

Terpenes have medicinal effects all of their own and this is apparent when you consider many essential oils are suggested for a variety of health ailments (whether through ingestion, aromatherapy or used topically). Similarly to cannabinoids the medical benefits of some of these compounds is extensive – to name a few – anti-viral, anti-carcinogenic, anti-depressant, anti-microbial, analgesic and anti-fungal. These are the common terpenes.

Caryophyllene – Found in black pepper, cloves, oregano and cinnamon – Peppery scent – anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory.

Limonene – Found in citrus rinds, rosemary, juniper and peppermint – Citrus scent – anti-anxiety, anti-carcinogenic, digestion aid and reduce gallstones – Energizing effect.

Linalool – Found in lavender, mint, cinnamon and coriander – Spicy/Floral scent – anti-anxiety, anti-epileptic, anti-psychotic, analgesic (pain killer) – Relaxing effect.

Myrcene – Found in mangos, hops and lemongrass – Herbal/Earthy scent – anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain killer), sedative – Calming effect.

Pinene – Found in pine needles, rosemary, basil and dill – Earthy/Piney scent – anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, bronchial stimulator – Calming effect

Terpinolene – Found in nutmeg, tea tree, cumin and lilacs – Herbal/Piney/Fresh scent – anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-insomnia, antiseptic – Energizing effect.

Finally there is also flavonoids, this is a very new field of study and little research has been done on flavonoids in cannabis. They exist in nature to provide plants their colour and there are over 6000 varieties. Early indications show ones found in cannabis may have similar benefits to terpenes.

So the various compounds found within the cannabis plant mostly seem to have strong medicinal benefits and also research is suggesting that these work in synergy with one another to enhance there benefits. Also the various amounts or ratios of these particular substances also has a role to play. This very much helps to explain how certain cultivars or strains can be beneficial for one aliment and another cultivar for another. The cannabis plant is extremely versatile in this regard however this is just the beginning of its versatility.

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