Learn and use wisely
Cannabis (which is a scientific name) is a plant species from the Cannabaceae family. It belongs to one species – hemp (lat. Cannabis sativa), in which three varieties can be distinguished: sativa, indica and ruderalis. Hemp has been grown all over the world for over 6,000 years, due to its wide use, among others as medicine, food, material for the production of clothes or ropes, but also as a drug.
Marijuana is a term used to describe cannabis rich in psychoactive substances, used for medicinal or intoxicating purposes. The word also describes a mixture of dried (sometimes also fermented) female inflorescences and cannabis plant leaves. Marijuana was already used in ancient cultures to treat many diseases, and until it was outlawed in the 1930s, it was the main ingredient in many medicines.
From the time that it was made illegal and until the 21st century, cannabis disappeared from pharmacy shelves. However, since the beginning of the 21st century, there has been a consistent rise in the range of its various applications, as well as in the number of users of cannabis for medical purposes, known as medical cannabis.
There are more than 480 chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. The best known and most studied active substances in the plant are the cannabinoids of the cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) types. Cannabis products are classified according to the concentrations of these substances, in addition to specifying the name of the specific species. CBD is considered to have a wider range of medical applications than THC. Additional ingredients are also known today (cannabinoids and terpenes) which are also of therapeutic importance. However, there exists very little research data regarding their pharmacological effects. At present, the products are suitable for any patient according to the concentration of the active substances, species and the botanical origin of this species (sativa/Indica).
Properties of Sativa – Considered to have a stimulating, invigorating effect and is more suitable for daytime use.
Properties of Indica – known as having a sedating and calming effect and is more suitable for night-time use.
Currently, most of these species are hybrid (mixed) in order to maximize the advantages of them both. Each patient has his own specific needs and, therefore, importance is placed on adapting the composition, form of treatment and the personal dosage separately and gradually. Furthermore it would be reasonable to assume that there is even a need to combine more than one product in order to reach the most suitable treatment, with minimum adverse effects.