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Cannabis treatment
What is it, how does it work and how can I get started
What is the treatment with Medicinal Cannabis or Cannabidiol?
Medical Cannabis
Cannabis is a genus of plants originating in Asia and which has plants such as marijuana and hemp in its family. Marijuana (Cannabis sativa subspecies sativa) is considered in Brazil, and in several other countries, an illicit drug, due to the high content of THC, which is the main toxic and psychoactive element of the plant. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of the plant, that is, the component responsible for the “high” that the plant gives.
Already, hemp (Cannabis sativa subspecies ruderalis), which has many of the same properties as marijuana, has low levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC<1%), and this makes it very targeted for therapeutic purposes. In hemp there is the presence of Cannabidiol (CBD), the main component extracted for therapeutic purposes.
In the case of marijuana, the plant itself is not a medicine, however, the components extracted from it, if applied in the correct doses after formulation, can be used for the treatment of various diseases.
cannabidiol
Cannabidiol acts as a lock and key system, where the compound is recognized by the patient's body.
The human body produces certain cannabinoids on its own, and also has two receptors for cannabinoids, called the CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as producing molecules that act on them.
The main cannabinoid receptors are located in the central nervous system, in cells of the immune system and in some peripheral tissues, but their action can occur through more than one receptor pathway.
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CB1 receptors are present throughout the body, but with the highest concentration in the brain. They act on coordination, movement, pain, emotions, mood, appetite, memory, etc.
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CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system. They affect inflammation and pain.
There are different ways to administer CBD to the patient, who can use the drug in the form of an oil solution, nasal spray or tablet, and all these forms and doses must be prescribed by a responsible physician.
Treatment with Cannabis and its derivatives in Brazil has been legal since 2014, when Anvisa began to authorize the importation of medicines with cannabidiol, or CBD. In December 2019, the entity regulated the sale of cannabinoid-based medicines in the country by the pharmaceutical industry. The Federal Council of Medicine recommended its “compassionate” use, that is, it should be prescribed after the traditional alternatives have already been tested by the patient.
The use of medicinal Cannabis has been used for various physical and psychiatric pathologies, since the active substances present have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties. Therefore, it can be useful for some physical illnesses, such as: epilepsy, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, fibromyalgia, some skin diseases and immune system dysregulation. It has also been shown to be useful in cases of autism, severe mental retardation, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, anxiety and addictions to some psychoactive substances.
It is important to point out that medicinal treatments with cannabinoids are not carried out using marijuana cigarettes, since in this form of use it is not possible to isolate the potentially therapeutic components of this plant. The most common is the use of oils associated with the two main components of cannabis: CBD and, to a lesser extent, THC.
How it works
The action of cannabinoids occurs when they connect with the receptors for these substances in the human body. Thus, it is possible to take advantage of the medicinal benefits in various diseases.
However, it must be made clear that the effects of cannabinoids vary in each individual. Therefore, it is always recommended to introduce medical cannabis treatment gradually to understand the reactions and the ideal dose for each person. Also, know that there are different types of cannabinoids, the best known are THC, CBN and CBD.]
THC
It must be made clear that each of the cannabinoids have different effects separately and together. For example, TCH is more often associated with psychoactive properties such as mental confusion and euphoria. The intensity of these effects varies according to the amount existing in the plant.
However, be aware that THC is also beneficial for medicinal purposes, such as cancer and chemotherapy treatments. That's because this cannabinoid also reduces nausea, pain and muscle inflammation. For this, it is necessary to ensure medical follow-up.
CBD
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, can have positive effects in some psychiatric treatments, as studies show. This is the case with anxiety, schizophrenia, depression and some addictions. In addition, research also shows positive signs in cases of resistant epilepsy.
Another positive point of CBD for medicinal purposes is the inability to cause psychometric effects, linked to THC, which makes this cannabinoid more accepted in medicine. In any case, it is necessary to ensure that its medicinal use is accompanied by a doctor. This mitigates side effects and increases the chances of effectiveness.
CBN
CBN is another cannabidiol present in Cannabis. It is produced when THC deteriorates. Thus, there are some therapeutic potentials behind this substance. For example, aid in the treatment of Multiple Lateral Sclerosis, antibacterial action, anti-inflammatory potential, etc.
Given the factors presented, it is clear that the main cannabinoids can be beneficial to health. Also, know that THC and CBD used together can be more efficient than alone.
How do I start the treatment?
The beginning of the treatment occurs through a medical prescription, which shows the indication of a doctor for this type of product.
Thus, you can make an appointment with doctors who are part of the list of Cannabis prescribers for him to analyze your condition. So, in case of any pathology that can be treated with this plant, he can prescribe the product.
Therefore, when starting this type of treatment with medical indication, the perceived benefits can be:
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improved quality of life;
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improvement of autonomy to carry out daily activities;
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increased levels of well-being;
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increased sleep quality;
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decreased stress;
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etc.
Anyway, like any other medical treatment, the prescription of the product is not the same for all patients. This will depend on each person's profile and the uniqueness of each medical problem.
So, the amount of CBD and THC should take these factors into account. Even so, usually the doses recommended at the beginning are smaller, so that the doctor can analyze the patient's reactions.
Why do medical cannabis treatment?
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Few contraindications: cannabidiol connects to receptors in the human body, which rebalances bodily functions;
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It can be used as an adjunct to another product: the interaction of CBD with traditional medicines in many cases can be even more satisfactory;
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Fast results: the effects of CBD on the body are usually noticed relatively quickly;
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Rare adverse effects: almost all patient profiles can benefit from CBD and adverse effects are rare;
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Effective against resistant diseases: conventional drugs can become tolerant in the treatment of resistant diseases, unlike how CBD usually works;
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Entourage effect: the therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol can be enhanced by the entourage effect, in which there is a synergy with all the chemical components present in Cannabis.
In addition to CBD, using THC-based products is also valid for medicinal purposes. Learn more about the benefits below:
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anti-inflammatory: it is possible to reduce pain and inflammation with the help of THC;
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antidepressant: anxiety and depression can often be treated with the help of these products;
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antihypertensive: may be useful to reduce blood pressure especially in the elderly;
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anticonvulsant: it is especially beneficial for epileptic patients and those with resistance to conventional medications;
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muscle relaxant: they are more suitable for patients with chronic pain
