420 with CNW — Pharmacologist Highlights Untappe
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Medical cannabis dispensaries have a growing selection of products for anxiety, pain, sex and other conditions, with many available strains having magical and evocative names such as Bubba Kush, Blue Dream and Chocolope. But what exactly does this mean? Do the various strains’ medical properties differ from one another? Or are the creative names merely marketing ploys?
Cannabis is not just a source of cannabinoids, as several studies have shown. The plants is an especially abundant source of therapeutic substances that humans have not yet fully explored. But to fully utilize the plant’s potential, society must move past its prejudices against marijuana and consider what the evidence unambiguously demonstrates about its therapeutic value.
The FDA has already taken steps in this direction by approving prescription medications made from marijuana, such as cannabidiol (CBD), dronabinol, nabiximols and nabilone. Nabilone and dronabinol are used to treat nausea, while CBD and nabiximols, which contain THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, are used for multiple sclerosis.
Cannabis contains at least 27 terpenes and 85 cannabinoids. Terpenes refer to fragrant oils produced by numerous flowers and herbs as well as possibly active, drug-like substances.
THC is the most common cannabinoid. It comes from THC acid, which contains up to 25% of the plant’s dry weight. Tetrahydrocannabivarin, which comes from tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid, also leads to a high when ingested or smoked in baked products. However, some cannabinoids, like CBD, do not cause a high.
Additionally, cannabis contains a number of monoterpenoids, which are small, aromatic molecules with a wide range of functions, including the reduction of pain and anxiety. The most prevalent monoterpenoid is myrcene, which can be used to ease muscle tension.
The market is flooded with numerous cannabis varieties, all claiming to treat a variety of conditions, over which the FDA has no control because it does not legally recognize marijuana. So, how can you be sure that the strain you select is legal and likely to have health benefits?
Every strain ought to have an analysis certificate that details the amounts of each active ingredient in the product you purchase. A majority of states have a cannabis control department that validates these certificates. Many certificates, however, fail to list the monoterpenoids content level since it tends to evaporate from the plant matter. Ask for evidence if you’re looking for a strain with a lot of linalool or myrcene.
It’s also important to remember that, although cannabis can treat a range of ailments, it can also exacerbate other disorders and have unpleasant side effects.For example, the legalization of recreational cannabis has resulted in the rise of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, a condition in which people experience uncontrollable vomiting after regularly consuming marijuana.
Additionally, high-THC marijuana strains such as Fat Banana and Royal Gorilla can make some people anxious and even go into psychosis.
The scientific community needs to conduct more research to help determine the proper, secure use of cannabis. However, the FDA’s refusal to acknowledge medical cannabis uses makes marijuana research funding a challenge. Perhaps the industry should think about supporting marijuana-related scientific research. Conflicts of interest, however, might become an issue, as we have seen with studies funded by pharmaceutical companies.
Startups such as India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) are looking to leverage the potential of many of these cannabinoids in order to develop formulations that get FDA-approved for use in the medical system.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to India Globalization Capital Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/IGC
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