NCJ Number
199346
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2002 Pages: 28-31
Date Published
May 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the basis for medical use of marijuana and its usefulness in a clinical setting.
Abstract
Cannabis sativa or marijuana contains a psychoactive ingredient called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC binds to certain receptors in the body with different potency and can produce different effects in the body. There are two compounds based on THC that are marketed as prescription drugs. Dronabinol (Marinol) is synthetic THC, structurally identical to the psychoactive THC found in marijuana. Nabilone (Cesamet) is an analogue of THC. Both drugs are commercially available in pill form. Animal studies have shown synthetic THC to be effective in stimulating appetite, preventing nausea and vomiting, in pain management, and in relieving muscle tremors associated with several disorders, including multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. There is a large body of literature examining the anti-nauseant properties of THC. Cannabinoids appear to be slightly more effective than standard anti-nausea drugs and placebo for controlling nausea and vomiting associated with moderate chemotherapy. THC may be an effective treatment option in medical conditions such as AIDS where multiple symptoms exist that can be alleviated by the use of one treatment, rather than offering separate medications for each symptom. Studies with humans on pain management have produced conflicting and inconsistent results with THC. Side effects, such as drowsiness, sedation, euphoria, hallucination, and paranoia, occur significantly more often with cannabinoids. There are concerns with synthetic THC that it could become a drug of abuse. In Canada, marijuana and its synthetic derivatives fall under schedule II of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The Correctional Service of Canada does not have a national policy regarding the use of prescription THC. 23 notes