Cannabis, known by various names such as marijuana, weed, and ganja, has been used for various purposes throughout history. Its applications range from religious rituals and medicinal use to food and providing fibre for clothing1,2. A specific variety of the plant, hemp, has found its way into industries like biofuel, contributing to sustainable energy production3. The plant’s derivatives are also increasingly used in skincare, leveraging their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to promote skin health4. Outside the health benefits of marijuana, these modern uses underline its continued relevance and untapped potential in today’s world.
Brief History Of Cannabis
Historically, the marijuana plant is one of the earliest plants used as medicine, with documented usage for treating ailments such as asthma and seizures. It has also been utilized for pain relief, including during childbirth, reducing nausea and anxiety, and improving appetite and sleep5,6,7. Additionally, there’s evidence of its recreational use in old times to achieve a state of euphoria. For example, in ancient India, cannabis is said to be one of the five herbs to “release us from anxiety ”8.
Despite these many benefits, cannabis remains one of the most controversial plants in the world. Many people miss out on the potential benefits of cannabis due to widespread misinformation and a lack of understanding about the plant’s various components. Most people associate marijuana solely with the “getting high” effect of the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) component. However, there are other components, such as cannabidiol (CBD) which offer significant health benefits without producing a high.
Cannabis and Culture
According to historical records, cannabis usage in Africa can be traced back to the 1400s, with evidence suggesting its origins in Asia before spreading through Europe and into Africa. Medical marijuana was valued not only for its ability to treat diseases like malaria but was also cultivated as a profitable crop by African farmers. In Nigeria, marijuana is popularly referred to as “Igbo” and is prevalent and often portrayed favourably in youth culture. Several Afrobeats songs highlight this, for example, Burna Boy sings about needing marijuana in his hit song ‘Last Last.’
The legendary Nigerian musician and activist Fela Kuti was also known for marijuana use and advocacy. He frequently referenced it in his songs and interviews, seeing it as a spiritual and creative inspiration tool. In his song ‘Expensive Shit,’ Fela narrates his experience of swallowing a joint to avoid arrest by the police.
Overcoming Criminalisation And Stigmatisation
Despite its historical and cultural significance, cannabis use in Africa —and many other regions— remains heavily associated with social stigma and negative stereotypes, particularly among the older generation. “Amugbo,” a word that translates to someone smoking cannabis, is commonly used in a derogatory tone to label cannabis smokers, reinforcing misconceptions about its psychoactive effects, especially in mainstream media.
Cannabis use is often considered drug abuse and is illegal in many countries, with severe legal penalties for offenders. The lack of accurate information about cannabis—including its risks, benefits, and various forms of consumption—continues to fuel misuse and potential harm.
By unravelling the complex world of cannabis, including scientific evidence on cannabinoid receptors, medical purposes, and the benefits of cannabis for specific medical conditions, we hope to offer a further understanding of this topic, fostering an informed dialogue about cannabis that may help to overcome the long-standing criminalization and stigmatization.
The Science Behind The Cannabis Plant
Cannabis is a multifacet plant; it is scientifically known as Cannabis sativa. The cannabis sativa plant contains over 100 chemical compounds referred to as cannabinoids9which work with the endocannabinoid system in our body to produce a range of effects.
The Different Strains And Their Effects
Cannabis plants can be grouped into three main strains: cannabis sativa, cannabis indica and the less common strain cannabis ruderalis. Each strain possesses distinct characteristics, growth patterns, and potential effects. Understanding these differences is crucial in harnessing the plant’s potential and can also help consumers make informed decisions about their usage.
Cannabis sativa: is known for producing an uplifting and energizing effect. Sativa strains promote creativity and focus, making them suitable for daytime use or engaging in activities requiring mental alertness10.
Cannabis indica: Provides a relaxing effect; it is often recommended for nighttime use or when seeking physical relaxation and stress relief.
What Is The Hemp Plant?
The hemp plant is a variant of the cannabis sativa species. It is often cultivated primarily for fibre, seeds, and naturally higher CBD content. In addition, Hemp contains only trace amounts of THC, making it non-psychoactive and more suitable for producing CBD-based products which do not cause a “high”.
The Components Of Cannabis
Two primary cannabinoids, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are responsible for many of the plant’s psychoactive and therapeutic effects11. However, concentrations of both components can differ significantly across different cannabis products, leading to various health consequences for users12.
What Is THC?
THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis responsible for producing the plant’s well-known “high”. By binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, THC can influence mood, memory, and appetite. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-signalling system in the body that plays a role in maintaining internal balance.
While THC is often associated with its psychoactive effects, it’s essential to recognize that it also has several medicinal properties.
The Healing Power Of THC: Medicinal Benefits
Pain Management: It effectively reduces acute and chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain13,14.
Sleep and PTSD: It improves sleep quality and alleviates nightmares associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)15,16,17.
Appetite Stimulation: It boosts appetite in patients with severe forms of cancer.
Nausea Relief: It helps reduce nausea and vomiting in cancer chemotherapy patients.
However, it’s crucial to be aware that high concentrations of THC aren’t without risks. Particularly in genetically predisposed individuals, high THC levels can lead to increased anxiety, paranoia, impaired cognitive function, and even psychosis and addiction18,19. These side effects underscore the importance of responsible use and the need for professional guidance when using cannabis for medicinal purposes. While cannabis holds significant potential, it’s essential to respect its potency and tread cautiously.
What Is CBD?
CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, offers various health benefits without producing a high.
What Does CBD Do?
Pain and Inflammation Relief: CBD is an effective pain medicine; it reduces inflammation and eases chronic pain20,21.
Brain Health: It supports overall brain health and function. It also helps with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress22.
Epilepsy Treatment: CBD is particularly effective in treating seizures. It is an anticonvulsant, especially for children with epileptic syndromes.
Substance Abuse: CBD can help address substance abuse by modulating the brain’s reward system, which helps reduce drug-seeking behaviours, including those associated with heroin and cannabis use disorder. Moreover, it has been shown to alleviate symptoms that come with withdrawing from various substances, such as opioids and tobacco, including insomnia, irritability, tremors, and intense cravings23,24,25.
CBD’s therapeutic benefits come without the adverse effects of THC; It can even counteract some of them, making it an appealing option for various medical applications.
Harmonizing Healing: The Synergistic Relationship Between CBD And THC
CBD and THC can be thought of as the two wheels of a bicycle, working in tandem to create a balanced experience for the user. Much like both wheels are crucial for a smooth ride, this balancing act occurs because CBD interacts with the same receptors as THC, albeit slightly differently, offering a more pleasant and advantageous experience.
The intriguing phenomenon known as the Entourage Effect proposes that combining both components can enhance therapeutic impact while simultaneously reducing unwanted side effects. One notable advantage is CBD’s capacity to counteract the psychoactive effects of THC, resulting in decreased anxiety and stress.
Marijuana’s adverse effects, such as psychosis, are frequently associated with high THC consumption26. In addition, studies indicate that strains containing elevated levels of THC and minimal CBD concentrations can heighten the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Conversely, CBD exhibits antipsychotic and anxiolytic properties, potentially mitigating symptoms of psychosis and anxiety.
Unfortunately, the THC content in recreational cannabis has risen significantly over the past two decades, especially in countries where it is acquired illegally. This suggests that the cannabis consumed today differs from what was available years ago; this shift in cannabis composition may substantially impact cognitive functions and overall public health.
Medical Vs Recreational Use
One solution to combat the circulation of strains with high THC levels is promoting awareness and education on the components of the consumed strain, particularly the benefits of optimal ratios. It is also essential to highlight the importance of responsible usage and appropriate sourcing.
“Medical cannabis” or “medical marijuana” refers to the tailored use of cannabis to meet individual needs. Here, specific concentrations of THC and CBD are used to target specific symptoms or conditions. This personalized approach helps to minimize potential health risks while maximizing the therapeutic benefits of both cannabinoids. However, the use of medical cannabis is often overshadowed by other applications, such as recreational use or prescription medicine.
The ongoing debate between medical and recreational cannabis use is a complex and multifaceted issue. Critics of recreational use often express concerns about the potential for drug abuse, addiction, and adverse health effects. They argue that the focus should be on maximizing the medical benefits of cannabis while minimizing potential harm. This concern is particularly relevant for vulnerable populations, such as adolescents and individuals predisposed to mental health disorders.
On the other hand, advocates for recreational use claim that responsible consumption can provide cognitive performance enhancement27, temporary stress relief28, and social interaction benefits29, with research further showing it could be effective in curbing addiction and withdrawal symptoms from drugs such as heroin and cocaine30.
Marijuana: Forms, Dosage, And Administration
Our family, particularly our Nigerian mother, was initially disapproving of our cannabis use. This reaction was largely due to prevalent misconceptions about the plant and the various forms it can be consumed. The smell of the plant, in particular, seemed to nauseate my mother. Yet, when she turned to CBD oil in search of relief for her aching knees, she had a change of heart. She called us one day, full of praise for how the oil had helped alleviate her symptoms and reduce her dependency on painkillers. Her experience perfectly illustrates the potential benefits of cannabis if used responsibly and with a clear understanding of its properties.
Various Forms Of Medical Cannabis:
Edibles: are discreet and easy to consume in versatile products such as brownies, tea and gummies. The onset of effects is slower up to 2 hours after consumption, but it can have a longer-lasting effect, lasting up to 12 hours, depending on metabolism. However, the dosage can be challenging to control; regulated infusions exist for products such as oils and honey, depending on federal law and may offer a safer approach to consumption, especially with chronic pain relief.
Smoking Cannabis: Marijuana is often smoked for fast-acting relief, but potential risks include lung irritation and chronic cough. It is also essential to avoid the common practice of adding tobacco to cannabis products as this can introduce carcinogenic effects and further health complications31.
Pill Form: Professionals often recommend medical marijuana in pill form. It has slower onset but longer-lasting effects compared to smoking. It is often prescribed for nausea and vomiting and as a palliative medicine.
Topicals: Creams and products are available on the market to be applied directly to the skin to treat pain and inflammation.
What Is The Responsible Use Of Cannabis?
- Respecting local laws and regulations
- Awareness of the source and content of what is consumed
- Consultation with healthcare professionals before using cannabis for a medical condition
- Recognizing signs of abuse or dependence and seeking help if necessary
Medical Marijuana: Enhancing Patient Access And Safety
While the legality of cannabis varies worldwide, some countries have made significant strides in their policies. For instance, Canada has fully legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational use. Conversely, in the United Kingdom, only specific components of cannabis, such as CBD, are legal for general use, while THC is restricted to medical use. In order to access medical cannabis under UK federal law, initiatives such as the CanCard program require that individuals have a qualifying medical condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome, or a specific need, such as weight gain, for treating eating disorders.
As more research and clinical trials are conducted, the scientific evidence supporting all uses continues to evolve.Legalisation and regulation of the cannabis industry could significantly contribute to a safer market, ensuring better quality control and offering consumers access to cannabis products with optimal ratios of needed components.
As we delve deeper into the world of cannabis, it is crucial for each of us to take personal responsibility. Always consult with healthcare professionals before beginning any regimen that includes medical marijuana, and be sure to respect all local laws and regulations when using weed or medical marijuana for recreational or medical purposes. Let us strive to promote responsible use and deepen our understanding of the differences between medical and recreational cannabis. In doing so, we can maximise the therapeutic benefits of both cannabinoids while minimising potential health risks. Together, we can debunk the myths, lift the stigmas, and embrace the full potential of this fascinating plant.
You can explore other ways to care for your mental health, such as using positive affirmations, engaging in regular exercise, or even owning a pet if you are not yet interested in exploring cannabis .
