Cannabis-based medicines are progressively gaining recognition for their potential in treating an array of conditions, prominently including inflammation and oxidative stress. These two conditions are paramount to human health and often linked to numerous ailments. The former, inflammation, is the immune system’s natural response to injury or infection. However, its chronic presence can be detrimental, leading to a plethora of diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer. Oxidative stress, on the other hand, manifests when an imbalance occurs between free radicals and antioxidants in the body – a precarious state that can cause significant cellular damage. Free radicals, unstable molecules that can adversely affect cells and tissues, are the principal culprits behind this adversity. They possess an unpaired electron in the outermost shell making them highly reactive. This instability leads them to snatch electrons from nearby molecules, wreaking havoc in the body’s biological systems. On the flip side, antioxidants stand as the body’s defense mechanisms against these harmful free radicals. They act as neutralizing agents by offering one of their own electrons to free radicals, mitigating their damaging effects. While the body has its built-in system to combat these threats, external help often proves beneficial. This is where the role of cannabis-based medicines comes to light. There is a burgeoning body of evidence that suggests these medicines can be effective in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This is primarily attributed to the plentiful compounds found in cannabis, including cannabinoids and terpenes, both of which showcase anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Cannabinoids are the active compounds in cannabis, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the most renowned. THC is infamous for its psychoactive nature, responsible for the “high” feeling associated with cannabis use. However, it also boasts potential medicinal benefits. CBD, in contrast, is a non-psychoactive compound that has shown promising outcomes in multiple medical trials. Complementing cannabinoids, terpenes, the aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants, also possess a multitude of medicinal properties. These include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, among others. They contribute significantly to the plant’s overall therapeutic profile, working synergistically with cannabinoids to enhance their effects – a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect.” Several studies showcase the efficacy of cannabis-based medicines in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. For instance, a particular study revealed that CBD significantly reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in arthritic rats. In another study, THC exhibited effectiveness in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in mice suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. As such, the potential of cannabis-based medicines in addressing these conditions cannot be understated, and further research in this field could uncover more of its therapeutic prowess.

Cannabis-based medicines are generally well-tolerated, but they can cause side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking cannabis-based medicines, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

The evidence suggests that cannabis-based medicines may be effective in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. However, more research is needed to confirm their safety and efficacy in humans.

Cannabis-based medicines are indeed becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including inflammation and oxidative stress. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a number of diseases, such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Oxidative stress is a condition caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and tissues. Antioxidants are molecules that help to neutralize free radicals ¹.

Cannabis contains a number of compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Cannabinoids are the active compounds in cannabis. The two most well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the “high” feeling. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that has been shown to have a number of medicinal benefits ¹.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants. Terpenes have been shown to have a variety of medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties ¹.

A number of studies have shown that cannabis-based medicines can be effective in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. For example, one study found that CBD was effective in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in rats with arthritis. Another study found that THC was effective in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in mice with Alzheimer’s disease ¹.

Cannabis-based medicines are generally well-tolerated, but they can cause side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness ¹. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking cannabis-based medicines, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

Learn more:

1. mdpi.com2. mdpi.com3. hemppedia.org4. link.springer.com5. doi.org6. frontiersin.org7. healthline.com