The rocky vista of medicinal cannabis research is bringing into view Premium

Cannabis plant's effects on mood, cognition, and potential treatments for various disorders are under significant research interest globally.

The cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa) has long been of interest to psychiatrists for its perceived effects on mood and cognition. There is currently significant research interest in using cannabis-based compounds to manage and/or treat schizophrenia and cannabis-use and heroin-use disorders.

Recently, researchers at the University of British Columbia in Canada floated a new clinical trial to examine whether cannabidiol could be used to treat bipolar depression. Given the paucity of agents to treat depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, this trial has the potential to uncover a novel treatment to treat the debilitating depression associated with the condition.

The major psychotomimetic agent in C. sativa is a compound called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). There is growing interest in another cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), which may have antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. The plant’s flowering parts are more potent than its leaves.

Marijuana is a combination of buds and leaves of pollinated female plants, and is usually cultivated outdoors.

The human cannabinoid system has two cannabinoid receptors, called CB1 and CB2. The naturally occurring substrate of the CB1 receptor is anandamide, a compound whose name comes from the Sanskrit word ‘ananda’, meaning bliss.

CB2 is found in the spleen and testes and to a lesser extent in the central nervous system (CNS). CB1 is found diffusely throughout the CNS. The CNS is involved in the release of various neurotransmitters, including dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. CB1 is like a traffic cop: it controls the levels and activities of other neurotransmitters. The CB1 receptor is relevant to the drug’s mind-altering effects.

To stimulate these receptors, our bodies produce molecules called endocannabinoids. These are endogenous: they occur naturally within the body. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises a dense network of chemical signals and cellular receptors. The cannabis plant works its effect by hijacking this machinery.