Abstract
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, contains several chemicals, especially ?-9 tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, that may have therapeutic and medical benefits. Though few of them are cardiovascular in nature, cannabis may have medicinal advantages. On the other hand, cardiovascular disorders are among the many alarming health effects of cannabis, however delivery systems may play a role. This statement assesses the safety and efficacy profile of cannabis, especially in regard to cardiovascular health, and critically examines its usage for medical and recreational purposes from a clinical, policy, and public health standpoint. Although the identification of its botanical basis, cannabis, as a substance of abuse has hindered the development and clinical application of cannabinoids, they exhibit promise as therapeutic agents, especially as analgesics. More cannabis study is required to better understand the pharmacological potential of cannabinoids as medicines and to ascertain the impact of growing herbal cannabis use on both individual and public health. In order to help doctors provide patients who use cannabis with informed advice and care, this article discusses clinical, research, and regulatory problems linked to herbal cannabis. It also looks at potential and challenges to further study on the health consequences of cannabinoids and herbal cannabis. It used to have a significant place in medical history and was advised by various distinguished doctors for a variety of illnesses, most notably headache and migraine.This plant has had an interesting transformation over the years, going from being legal and often recommended to being outlawed due to social and political considerations rather than scientific ones. But as evidence of its many therapeutic benefits grows, the false stigma associated with cannabis is eroding, and there has been a significant drive to legalize medical marijuana and research. Since patients may unavoidably ask about cannabis for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain and headache disorders for which there is some intriguing supporting evidence, doctors must be knowledgeable about the drug's history, pharmacology, therapeutic indications, and appropriate clinical use.
Keywords
Cannabis Sativa, cardiovascular disorders
Introduction
The existence of several chemicals that cause psychoactive effects in those who consume it defines the complexity of the Cannabis sativa plant. Through a sequence of pyrolysis events, more than 500 chemical compounds have been found in marijuana to date, including over 60 cannabinoids, which produce more than 2000 chemicals in marijuana smoke [1],[2] When tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is introduced into the body, it causes a variety of effects, including changes in mood, perception, memory, movement, and cognition. In certain situations, it also causes an increase in dopamine release, which ultimately results in euphoric feelings and anxiolytic effects [3] As a result, this study has also studied the usage of marijuana as a pharmaceutical medicine, particularly its application in the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARs-Cov-2). [4] [5] Notwithstanding the fact that efforts to curb its use have been met with a push to legalize it primarily for medical purposes, marijuana's increased illegal trading in black markets and consumption patterns raise concerns about its potentially harmful effects on human health, particularly its role as a precursor to the development of cancer. This is true even though there are few documented mortality cases linked to marijuana use among consumers. However, some systematic and epidemiological investigations have identified marijuana use as a risk factor for respiratory problems and pulmonary function. [6]
From sea level to the mountain slopes of the Himalayas, where it may have originated, Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae) can be found in a range of environments and elevations [7]. Since ancient times, cannabis sativa has been used for therapeutic purposes. Its medicinal usage was first documented in the sixth century B.C. in the Middle East and Asia. It wasn't until the early nineteenth century that it was first used in western medicine. [8, 9] By evaluating a few published studies from various journals and databases, this study aims to investigate the apparent harm and psychotic effects that result from recurrent use of this psychoactive chemical substance as well as the scientific attempts made to stop it. The main goal of this effort is to evaluate the known emerging compounds from cannabis cigarette smoke and their potential for cancer. Additionally, this survey has assessed scientific initiatives aimed at lowering marijuana toxicity. Furthermore, the legalization of marijuana for medical use due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anticonvulsant properties has expanded in several states and countries worldwide on the grounds that it contains chemical compounds that are effective in treating a variety of illnesses and symptoms, regardless of the risks involved [10]. The system of endocannabinoids (ECS) It was discovered in 1964 that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), commonly referred to as dronabinol, is the main psychoactive component of cannabis. Early research into its mode of action mostly focused on electrophysiological evidence, which revealed that euphoria could result from a decrease in inhibitory activity in the thalamus, cerebellum, and septum. [11] There is mounting evidence that the ECS is disrupted in a variety of physical and mental health disorders, either as a component of the underlying disease or as a physiological reaction. [ Therefore, the ECS is a likely target for a novel pharmacological approach to many illnesses that are currently untreatable, either by boosting the endocannabinoids themselves or by directly targeting the receptors with agonists or antagonists. [12,13]
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Akshay Wagh
Corresponding author
Department Of Pharmacology, K. V. N. Naik S. P. Sanstha's Institute Of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Nashik.
Kunal Kothawade
Co-author
Department Of Pharmacology, K. V. N. Naik S. P. Sanstha's Institute Of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Nashik.
Shivshankar Ambhore
Co-author
Department Of Pharmacology, K. V. N. Naik S. P. Sanstha's Institute Of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Nashik.
Dr. Avinash Darekar
Co-author
Principal, K. V. N. Naik S. P. Sanstha's Institute Of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Nashik.
Akshay Wagh*, Kunal Kothawade, Shivshankar Ambhore, Dr. Avinash Darekar, Comprehensive Pharmacological Study of Cannabis Sativa Plant, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025, 2 (4), 636-645. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15295450