Page 28 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203
P. 28

Cannabichromene may enhance THC activity and has antifungal, antimicrobial and
antiinflammatory activity.
Cannabis has been also used as a source of fiber and ropes of clothing. Medicinal properties of
cannabis were recognized some 5000 years ago. In the mid-nineteenth century it was used in
Europe as a hypnotic, anticonvulsant, analgesic, antianxiety and antitussive agent. Over many
years it fell into disuse in human and veterinary medicine, and because of its narcotic properties
importation into many countries became illegal. Promising results on the use of Δ9-THC for the
relief of nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy led to its use in the USA as an
antiemetic. It is also employed to stimulate the appetite of AIDS patients. It can be prescribed in
the UK under license on a named-patient basis.

Some Effects of Cannabis on body systems:

    1. Cardiovascular effects: Ingestion or inhalation, often result in tachycardia.

    2. Pulmonary effects: Bronchial and pulmonary irritation.

    3. Psychomotor/CNS effects: Cannabis intoxication, impairs reaction time, motor
       coordination and visual perception. It can produce panic reactions (flash-backs) and other
       emotional disturbances for which children and adolescents appear to be at highest risk.

    Distortion of time and distance and visual and auditory hallucinations also occur.

    4. Endocrine Effects: Long-term use of cannabis affects males and females. In females it may
       cause abnormal menstruation.

    5. Ocular Effects: Increased conjunctival vascular congestion.

    6. Antiemetic Effects: THC is effective in patients refractory to other agents and appears to
       be particularly useful in patients receiving radiotherapy.

Marijuana and Memory Problems:

The memory issues come from the way marijuana hits the hippocampus, the region of the brain
that regulates short-term memory. The effect of cannabis temporarily prevents the brain from
developing new memories and learning new things, which is a form of short-term memory.

                                                             26
   23   24   25   26   27   28   29   30   31   32   33