Anest. intenziv. Med. 2023;34(1):8-14 | DOI: 10.36290/aim.2023.003

Medical cannabis ad its significance for current medicineReview Article

Landa L.^{1, 2}, Juřica J.^{1, 4, 5}, Trojan V.², Demlová R.^{1, 4}, Hřib R.^{2, 3}

¹ Farmakologický ústav, Lékařská fakulta, Masarykova univerzita, Brno

² Cannabis Facility, Mezinárodní centrum klinického výzkumu při Fakultní nemocnici u sv. Anny v Brně

³ Centrum pro léčbu bolesti, ARK, Fakultní nemocnice u sv. Anny v Brně

⁴ Masarykův onkologický ústav, Brno

⁵ Ústav farmakologie a toxikologie, Farmaceutická fakulta, Masarykova univerzita, Brno

Since the recent changes in legislation, it is presently possible to use cannabis for medical purposes and there is an increasing interest in this mode of treatment. This review describes brief history of cannabis use and basic classification of substances found in the plant. It is focused on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the main cannabinoids THC and CBD, with note on definition and significance of endocannabinoid system. Practically used routes of administration and drug dosage forms are mentioned as well. Furthermore, the article concisely summarizes specializations of physicians, who can prescribe medical cannabis, its main indications, adverse effects and contraindications, including aspect of safe driving in patients with this treatment. The last part of this review is aimed at therapy of pain and it brings two case reports of real patients treated with medical cannabis.

Keywords: cannabis, THC, CBD, pain treatment.

Received: January 16, 2023; Revised: January 16, 2023; Accepted: February 13, 2023; Published: April 25, 2023  Show citation