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Science of the Medicine

Differences between Indica and Sativa
The trial process that some patients encounter in deciding which medicine best suits their needs can be assisted by understanding the effects of different types of cannabis. The terms Indica and Sativa refer to subspecies within the species Cannabis sativa. While it is rare to find medicine today that is exclusively Indica or sativa, genetic predominance of one subspecies can lead to distinguishing effects between the two.

Refer to the table to the right below for reference.

SCIENCE BEHIND THE MEDICINE






THC
Teterahydrocannabinol



  • Primary psychoactive component of genus Cannabis.
  • Found predominantly in C. sativa.
  • Mimics the action of anadamide (a naturally produced neurotransmitter)
  • Attaches in higher concentrations to cannabinoid receptors in the brain to create a cerebral effect.
THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin



  • Found predominantly in C. Indica
  • The shorter hydrocarbon chain (near the bottom right of the figure) is believed to cause a more intense yet shorter lasting effect
  • Blocks cannabinoid receptors in the brain to cause a more somatic effect
CBD
Cannabidiol



  • Found predominantly in C. Indica
  • Has greater affinity for cannabinoid receptors located on specific cells of the immune system (T cells)
  • Believed to be the main cannabinoid associated with anti-inflammatory responses
  • Focal point of many medical studies due to positive physiological reactions and lack of psycho activity.
CBN
Cannabinol




  • Non psychoactive cannabinoid concentrated in C. sativa
  • Thought to manipulate anti-body production
  • Some research shows potential to fight microbial infection by increasing anti-body production.

Teterahydrocannabinol (THC) is believed to be the main pharmacologically active cannabinoid and has exhibited a wide range of physiological effects including dilation of bronchioles of the lung and decreased pressure on the eye. Some antioplastic (anti-cancerous) activity has been attributed to THC’s ability to inhibit certain DNA synthesis. CBD appears to increase coronary flow without increasing heart rate along with antiepileptic and muscular relaxation activity. The effects of CBN have only been exhibited intravenously and include anticonvulsive and a decrease blood clotting activity (Grotenhermen, Russo, 2002).

The human body produces an endogenous (self-made) cannabinoid called anandamide (named after the Sanskrit word for bliss). This molecule acts as a neurotransmitter in the pain perception pathways (among others) in the brain and spinal cord. THC appears to be roughly 4 to 20 times more effective in stimulating these nerves as endogenous anandamide. This endogenous molecule appears to be extremely important in the pain management systems of the human body. (Grotenhermen, Russo, 2002).

The medical significance of Cannabinoids in undeniable and hopefully with time certain restrictions will be lifted pertaining to medical cannabis research. Cannabinoids are labeled by researches and physicians alike as being an extremely exciting new frontier for therapeutic drug discovery. Lester Grinspoon, an emeritus professor of psychiatry at Harvard, once wrote “The mountain of accumulated anecdotal evidence that pointed the way to the present and other clinical studies also strongly suggests there are a number of other devastating disorders and symptoms for which Cannabis has been used for centuries… If Cannabis were a new discovery rather than a well-known substance carrying cultural and political baggage, it would be hailed as a wonder drug.” Please do your part by researching the scientific benefits of medical cannabis and lobby your local congressperson to create serious reform to medical cannabis research and usage laws.
 



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