Cannabis sativae indicae summitates et resina

Cannabis sativae indicae summitates et resina refers to medicinal preparations from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica).

Cannabis, hemp, is an annual herbaceous plant originally native to Central Asia. Today it is found worldwide in all temperate to tropical zones, sometimes cultivated but also running wild. The leaves of the hemp plant are large, toothed, lance-shaped, and covered with glands and hairs on both sides.

The glands secrete a resin that consists mostly of cannabinoids and essential oils, as well as high-polymer phenols, terpenes and waxes. Currently, about 60 different cannabinoids have been analyzed. Well over a hundred are suspected. Proportionally, the most represented are:

• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Cannabinol (CBN)
• Cannabigerol (CCG)
• Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
• Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-psychotropic phytotherapeutic agent).

The leaves of the hemp plant are large, toothed, lanceolate and covered with glands and hairs on both sides. The glands secrete a resin, which consists for the most part of cannabinoids and essential oils, as well as high-polymer phenols, terpenes and waxes.

At present, about 60 different cannabinoids have been analysed. The largest part is made up by the less psyochotropic ingredients cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN).

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the best studied and is responsible for the psychotropic effects of the hemp plant. Furthermore, the substance has a vasoconstrictor effect.

The inflorescences of the hemp plant are small and inconspicuous, have the form of umbels or panicles and are located at the base of the upper leaves. Male flowers consist of 5 pendulous stamens and as many greenish bracts. Female flowers have a reduced perianth. Pollination of the flowers is by wind. The resulting fruit of hemp is called a "nut" and contains a seed.

Originally probably native to Central Asia, hemp is now widespread in almost all temperate to tropical zones. Hemp has been used in China for thousands of years as a remedy for malaria and rheumatic diseases. From the Middle Ages to modern times, hemp was used to make medicinal products, especially against pain.

In Europe, hemp and flax were important fiber plants for a long time, with applications in paper production (the Gutenberg Bible was printed on hemp paper), handicrafts and seafaring (hemp ropes, hemp fabrics, ship sails, etc.). Hemp seed was also used as animal feed.

The cannabinoids contained in the cannabis plant:

• Delta-9-tetrahydocannabinol (Delta-9-THC) and
• cannabidiol (CBD)

are the best researched. They act through the body's own receptors. The best known cannabinoid receptors are:

• Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1)
• Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2).

CB1 is expressed in the CNS and gut nervous system. The CB2 receptor is found on cells of the human defense system and on cells that regulate bone metabolism.

Cannabinoids have been used, for example, to alleviate typical side effects of chemotherapy. These include nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Furthermore, neuropathic pain (Lee G et al. 2018), depressive mood, weight loss, and anxiety are among the indications for cannabis therapy. In particular, delta-9-tetrahydocannabinol and its metabolites 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol are responsible for the psychogenic effects of the hemp plant (Huestis MA 2005).

Hemp seed oil: Hemp seed oil is obtained from the seeds of cannabis. This is used as an edible oil and as a well-tolerated skin care oil. Hemp seeds contain only insignificant amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol. Extracts therefore have no psychoactive effect. Note: As an alternative to hemp seed oil in skin care, borage seed oil or evening primrose oil can be used. Hemp seed oil is to be distinguished from the essential, psychotropic hemp oil distilled from leaves and flowers of hemp.

Hashish oil: Hashish oil, which is distilled from the resin of hemp, must also be distinguished.

Cannabis allergy. Hemp fibers and dusts cannot be broken down by humans due to the glycosidic bond. Intensive inhalation of these dusts can lead to accumulation in the lungs (clinical picture of byssinosis).
Sensitization by cannabis products is known, currently still relatively rare, but in the future more frequent than previously expected. Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis up to anaphylactic reactions have been described, some of which were severe. Cross-reactions due to the lipid transfer protein Can s 3 have been described with various fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables have been described (cannabis-fruit-vegetable syndrome) (Drouet M et al. 2017).

Vascular damage: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol can lead to Raynaud 's syndrome and possibly to"cannabisarteritis" (El Omri N et al. 2017) - a clinical picture that can be assigned to thrombangiitis obliterans - in the case of prolonged consumption of cannabis products (possibly in combination with cigarette consumption).

Cannabis has been named the 2018 "Medicinal Plant of the Year". It has been used for thousands of years to relieve pain. Herbal cannabis is currently being heavily promoted by some patients and their advocates to treat any type of chronic pain (Muecke M et al 2018).

Marijuana: The dried and crushed resinous flower clusters and flower-like small leaves of the female plant are called marijuana (weed).

Hashish: resin of the shoot tips obtained by stripping from the surface of the shoot tips.

Spice: Cannabinoid-containing fashion drug.

In Germany, cannabis is the most commonly used drug.

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