AIDS, HIV positive

Medical research has indicated that cannabinoids extracted from Cannabis sativa have therapeutic properties, but the psychotropic effects of its primary component, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have limited their medical application. Fortunately, recent scientific advancements in our understanding of the endocannabinoid system have led to the identification of new receptors, ligands, and mediators, providing new avenues for treatment that minimize the undesired psychotropic effects of the plant’s constituents.

Thanks to these advancements, drugs like nabiximols, which is a combination of THC and non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD), have been approved by the FDA for treating pain and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. Similarly, Dronabinol and nabilone are now being used to alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients, while Dronabinol has been approved to treat anorexia in patients with AIDS.

This review underscores the significant therapeutic potential of both natural and synthetic cannabinoids and their efficacy in treating a range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative and dermatological disorders, and viral infections. By shedding light on these promising developments, we hope to provide readers with valuable insights into the medical benefits of marijuana and the potential ways in which it may be used as a viable treatment option.