Cannabis
contains over 200 chemical compounds, several of which
may have a beneficial, or harmful, effect either working
alone, or in concert with other compounds.
Recent research
has established a neurochemical mechanism for the action
of cannabis, based on a 'cannabis receptor' and an endogenous
ligand known as 'anandamide'. The mode of action appears
to be the modulation of the responses to incoming stimuli
mediated by a 'second messenger' system. The body"s
natural cannabinoids may be used to "turn up or
down the body"s pain thresholds. There is also
increasing evidence of anti-inflammatory activity of
cannabidiol (CBD). At least two types of cannabinoid
receptors have been found, not only in the brain and
nervous system, but also in peripheral tissues such
as the skin and gut. The endocannabinoids are clearly
important in mediating a number of bodily functions
and physiological processes, with new research papers
published at a rate of one a day.
There is
also a substantial body of research, much of it historical
and/or anecdotal, but supported by a number of laboratory
studies on animal models, to demonstrate increased tolerance
of pain from administration of cannabis or individual,
cannabinoids, including THC. Other studies have shown
a temporary decrease in intraocular pressure in Glaucoma
patients, a reduction in brain-cell death following
strokes, relief from muscle spasms in MS, reduced seizure
frequency and intensity in epilepsy, stimulation of
appetite in AIDS and anorexia, bronchodilation in asthma,
relief from the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome,
alcohol or opiate withdrawal, and a variety of other
medical uses.
Although
the scientific evidence is equivocal, more users report
"relaxation" as an effect of cannabis use
than any other "benefit". American studies
using THC or smoked marijuana may produce effects different
to those found with cannabis resin (containing higher
levels of cannabidiol) smoked with tobacco. In addition,
na"ve users are more likely to report anxiety and/or
panic than habitual users of the drug. The effects of
cannabis on different individuals are too inconsistent
for the drug to have a widespread application as a prescribed
anxiolytic, however many individuals "self-medicate"
to cope with stress from the work or home environment.
The BMA recommended
that THC and/or other cannabinoids be made available
for prescription and research for patients with intractable
pain. The House of Lords Science & Technology Select
Committee recommended that doctors should be allowed
to prescribe cannabis for medical use, and that a prescription
should form a defence against prosecution for cannabis
offences. The Government have rejected these recommendations
For our House
of Lords Addendum - click here.
