Review of the Literature: Cannabinoids as Novel Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Review of the Literature: Cannabinoids as Novel Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, weed, pot, hash etc. is a product of the Cannabis

sativa plant and the active compounds from this plant are collectively referred to

as cannabinoids.

In the past hundreds of years marijuana has been used as a holistic treatment and its

beneficial effects can be seen in treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer

chemotherapy; anorexia and cachexia seen in HIV/AIDS patients; and in neuropathic pain

and spasticity in multiple sclerosis.

Cannabinoid pharmacology has made important advances in recent years after the discovery

of the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). Cannabinoids are a group of compounds

that mediate their effects through cannabinoid receptors.

Cannabinoid receptors include CB1, which is predominantly expressed in the brain, and

CB2, which is primarily found on the cells of the immune system. The fact that both CB1

and CB2 receptors have been found on immune cells suggests that cannabinoids play an

important role in the regulation of the immune system.

Furthermore, when CBD compounds bind to these receptors, dopamine is released

providing a relieving euphoric feeling that has become very useful as a natural “pain killer”.

Cannabinoids also suppress the inflammatory response and subsequently reduce disease

symptoms.

For more info check out this article

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/

Also call Great Lakes Physical Medicine at (216) 302-0947 for CBD options that are available.