History of Plants
In Medicine

History Of Plants In Medicine

Plants since have long been an integral part of medicine, dating back to prehistoric times. The use of herbs, roots, and even non-woody parts of plants required extensive research and years of trials and errors.

Ancient unani manuscripts, Egyptian and Chinese, described the use of plants for medicinal purposes in extensive detail. Moreover, enough evidence suggests using plants in medical treatments in areas like the Mediterranean, Rome, Egypt, Africa, and many more. These plants were also an integral part of spiritual healing rituals.

Recently WHO suggested that around 80 percent of people worldwide rely on plant-based or herbal medicine as some primary care treatment. According to WHO, almost twenty-one thousand plants have some benefit of being used for medicinal purposes.

Use Of Medicinal Cannabis

Cannabis, long before being misunderstood and abused, was actively used in many cultures and religions as a medicinal purpose plant. Its use is first dated to that in central Asia or western china in 2800 BC. It was mentioned in books like Emperor Shen Nung’s pharmacopoeia, who is widely considered the father of Chinese medicine. Therapeutic uses of marijuana have been listed in texts from the Hindus, Greeks, and Romans, that used it for diseases like arthritis, depression, inflammation, asthma, etc.

Research History

Since the early use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, there have been studied worldwide for thousands of years. From prehistoric times in areas such as Africa, Europe, Asia, Italy, and India, a detailed look into marijuana and its use as a healing plant have been carried out. Centuries later, back in the 1800s, doctors were still studying cannabis to cure several ailments. With the discovery of Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the critical component of marijuana, it soon became a plant widely used to cure diseases and understand its biochemical mode of action.

A Brief History Of Legislation Related To Marijuana

In the early 20th century, America went through a devastating opioid epidemic that claimed many people’s lives and debilitated others. It caused widespread job crises and housing crises and ultimately led to homelessness. In response to the collateral damage caused by drugs like opioids and synthetic derivatives of opioids, the League of Nations collectively signed a multilateral treaty that restricted and heavily monitored the use of plants like marijuana for scientific and medical use only. Countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom began to ban and criminalize cannabis during the prohibition era.

With all the stigma and misinformation attached to it, governments and societies are slowly beginning to change their stance on cannabis and seeing the benefits it can offer if used in moderation for medicinal uses. Studies and research show that cannabis is an affordable, natural, and effective treatment for several ailments. With the advancements in the information regarding marijuana, legal cannabis markets are also evolving rapidly.

The exponential growth in the legal market has primarily been driven by countries like Canada and America, where the recreational use of marijuana has been legalized. Countries like Germany, Norway, and the United Kingdom have also made significant advancements in using cannabis as a source of plant-based therapies. Australia, in 2016, has made a licensing and permit scheme that legalizes the legal research, cultivation, and manufacturing of medicinal use of cannabis and its by-products. With very highly monitored climate control and high green standards, Australia has now positioned itself to be a key supplier of cannabis for the rest of the world.

In The Early 20th Century

Types Of Cannabis Plants

With the legalization and advancements in the legal cannabis market, every day, there are new strains and hybrids created that produce different effects on the central nervous system and the body. Initially, it was widely believed that many kinds of cannabis plants were differentiated either by their phenotypes that govern their visual appearance or by their different chemotypes or chemical compositions. However, after extensive research on the plants, this is no longer considered accurate.

Historically, there were two kinds of cannabis variants called Indica and Sativa in general and were differentiated by their different chemotypes and phenotypes. Their makeup and composition had other effects on bodies and various medical uses. Although this information is discarded, it is still widely distributed and believed. Over time, due to hybridization, the other species of the cannabis plant have become so hybridized that taxonomically and scientifically, they have more or less become the same thing.

Types Of Cannabis Plants

Sativa & Indica

The two main kinds, Sativa and Indica, are used for medicinal and recreational purposes. Sativas produce a creative “head high” and have a refreshing and energizing effect that helps to reduce anxiety and stress and increase creativity and focus.

Indices are typically associated with a euphoric, full-body effect that induces deep relaxation and reduces insomnia.

Although research into these effects and their biochemical mode of action in producing these changes is limited, it is believed that the plants have many things in common. The cannabis industry, as a general rule of thumb, has also collectively stopped using terms such as strains used for different types of bacteria and viruses. The term used now is chemovars or chemical variants. The different types of variants in the cannabis plant are;

Type I: High THC
Type II: THC/CBD combined
Type III: High CBD

Effects Different Strains
Produce On The Body

Before any strain consumption, one should know its general effects on the body. It would eliminate any adverse reactions and help consumers look for the specific variant that would help their symptoms.

The general applied rule is that Sativa is more energizing and invigorating, whereas India, on the other hand, is more calming and has mellowing effects on the body. Although it is not easily profiled, the results produced by individual plants differ for different individuals.

The products can also vary between the same types of cannabis plants depending on the unique composition and the techniques used to grow the plant. Consumers should consider the kind alone and look at the description the growers and pharmacies provide. Relying on the names of the strains alone does not provide the consumer with enough information to make an educated choice of a strain that would help them with their symptoms.

This is why plant types are now divided into chemovars and compounds known as cannabinoids which are specific chemical compound profiles that help provide a more detailed overview of the effects a strain can produce on the body and help a customer choose the right kind. The plant types are divided into specific chemovars or breeds.

Chemovars, short for chemical variants, are distinguished by their cannabinoid and terpene content. This cannabinoid profiling provides the user with the most detailed information that will help them choose a variant that would specifically alleviate their symptoms.

Biochemical Reactions In The Body

To understand how bodies react to cannabis, it is essential to understand the endocannabinoid system that attaches to the cannabis particles in the body. The endocannabinoid system is a neuromodulatory system. It is composed of endocannabinoids which are occurring endogenous neurotransmitters that bind to the cannabinoid receptors spread throughout the body.

The endocannabinoid system is essential in regulating bodily functions such as sleep, reproduction, appetite, memory, mood, and inflammation. These functions keep the body regulated and help maintain overall homeostasis.

The endocannabinoid system is made of the following three parts, namely;

endocannabinoids
Receptors
and the enzymes

Biochemical Reactions In The Body

Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids are the body’s natural versions of cannabis compounds. They are created by the body to keep the internal functions functioning smoothly. Endocannabinoids regulate neurotransmitters that change and modify the activity of other transmitters while it binds to the receptors of other cells. There are two kinds of endocannabinoids that are;

Anandamide or AEA;

By chemical nature, a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid plays an essential and crucial role in regulating our biological functions and emotions. It influences the body’s homeostatic functions by binding with the endocannabinoid receptors.

2-Arachidonoylglycerol Or 2-AG

It is a central nervous system that signals lipids. It is an essential regulator of neurotransmitter release. It activates the cannabinoid CB1 receptors, and it regulates functions such as emotions, pain, cognition, memory, and energy.

Mechanism Of Action

Typically other neurotransmitters are released from a presynaptic cell where it travels across the synapse and attaches to the receptor on a postsynaptic cell. Upon attachment with the receiving neuron, it is immediately put into action. The mechanism of the endocannabinoid system is slightly different. After attachment with the postsynaptic neuron, it is activated, and cannabinoids are formed in the fat cells that surround the neuron. Once released, they travel back to the presynaptic neurons and attach as cannabinoid receptors. They control how chemical signals are sent, processed, and received by the neurons in the body.

Endocannabinoid Receptors

Endocannabinoid receptors are present all through the body and regulate and mediate the effects of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids. These receptors are believed to control physiological and pathophysiological functions such as regulation of appetite, immune functions, and mood.

There are currently two identified cannabinoid receptors;

CB1 is primarily found in organs such as the gonads, glands, and connective tissues and is widespread throughout the central nervous system.

CB2 is found in the body’s peripheral nervous system and immune cells.

Endocannabinoids can attach to any of the receptors, and the resultant effect depends on the location and the specific receptor to which it binds. Once the receptor is activated, it can produce products such as relieving pain and inflammation.

Enzymes

The enzymes help to break down the used endocannabinoids after they have completed their specified function. The two main enzymes are fatty acid hydrolase, which helps in the breakdown of the AEA, and monoacylglycerol acid lipase, which helps to break down the 2-AG.

What Happens In
An Endocannabinoid Deficiency

Studies have shown that the deficiency of endocannabinoids or their improper functioning is the underlying cause of ailments related to inflammation and the immune system. This imbalance affects the body’s regulated homeostasis and leaves the body more prone to diseases. Studies have concluded that a decrease in the average amounts of endocannabinoids can be linked to disorders such as migraines and headaches, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinsonism, muscular dystrophy, and fibromyalgia. Although this theory needs extensive research, it is a consensus that cannabinoid products can help the symptoms of these conditions by assisting the endocannabinoid system in functioning properly.

Cannabis & Its Effects On
The Endocannabinoid System

Cannabis has over 60 different compounds in its chemical composition, but the main compounds that interact with the Endocannabinoid System are two known; Tetrahydrocannabinol is commonly referred to as THC. It is typically known as the compound in marijuana that gives you the euphoric high and is the psychoactive component. It also binds to the CB1 and the CB2 receptors and is crucial in several medicines.

It binds to the receptors in three main areas of the brain: the basal ganglion, the cerebellum, and the hippocampus. These centres control short-term memory, learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking along with coordination. THC in the body mimics the actions of anandamide and attaches to the receptors to activate the neurons that affect the mind and body.

Some of the diseases and conditions THC therapy can be used for are;

Glaucoma
Low Appetite and Nausea
Insomnia
Pain and Anxiety

Cannabidiol or CBD in the market does not react the same way as THC. Research and studies show that it prevents the breakdown of endocannabinoids and thus has a much more significant effect on the body. It does not cause a euphoric feeling or a high and is the non psychoactive part of the drug. It acts opposite to that THC and helps reduce memory impairment and paranoid thoughts. It can also cause drowsiness if mixed with other medications and should be used cautiously.

CBD can be used to combat;

Nausea and Vomiting
Psychosis Disorders (Such as Schizophrenia
Seizures)
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Tumor Growth and Cancer Cell Growth
Anxiety and Depression

More From Plants In Medicine

The Entourage Effect

Hundreds of other phytocannabinoids like CBD or THC in a plant’s composition likewise affect the endocannabinoid system. Studies show that when used separately, these affect the system differently. The entourage effect is a theory that states that when these phytocannabinoids are taken with organic substances such as terpenes and terpenoids, the health outcome in the body are much more pronounced. They can help treat conditions like anxiety, epilepsy, and cancer too.

Difference Between Street
Cannabis & Medicinal Cannabis

In general, the medicinal use of cannabis is much more regulated than cannabis used for recreational purposes. In Australia, medicinal cannabis and its products are controlled drugs produced and grown under strict regulations and rules from the Commonwealth Department of Health’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Office of Drug Control (ODC).

Medicinal cannabis products are pharmaceutical-grade products that include a range of preparations and concoctions for therapeutic uses. Moreover, unlike street cannabis, which is sold and grown illegally without a check, the federal government regulates pharmaceutical-grade medicinal marijuana. The formulation, effects, and dosages are more predictable and reliable than street cannabis, which is uncontrolled or unregulated and can be contaminated with mold or tampered with solvents. These impurities can be harmful and also fatal in some untreated cases.

Eligibility Criteria For
Medicinal Use

Medicinal-grade cannabis can be bought legally for medical purposes in states like Australia, United States for patients that meet specific criteria. These criteria are followed through and prescribed by a licensed doctor or primary care physician. The doctor prescribing it must justify his diagnosis to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on why the person needs medical marijuana. The TGA approval considers the patient’s unique circumstances and medical conditions, and upon following a strict database for eligibility criteria, the patient is granted access to it. Moreover, it should be noted that admission to medical-grade marijuana is not subject to certain conditions. The TGA often considers the previous medical treatments that many have been discarded due to being ineffective or due to the patient having severe side effects.

Who Can Prescribe
Medicinal Cannabis?

In states like Australia, all licensed medical professionals are permitted to prescribe medicinal cannabis. Still, it requires ultimate approval by the Department of Health’s Therapeutic Goods Administration and state health departments. Patients that do not respond to conventional means of medicine or treatment have intolerable side effects.

Through the framework, the authorities like TGA considers each patient’s prescription via the unique access scheme application. The SAS application provides necessary data from the clinical trials and reasons for treatment, doses, and treatment period on the doctor’s behalf. Another way patients can gain access to medicinal cannabis is through the Authorized Prescriber Scheme (APS), which can help doctors readily prescribe medicinal cannabis for specific conditions.

Clinical Trials On Marijuana

In recent years, although well-detailed clinical trials are still scarce and in the initial stages, the medical industry is slowly becoming more interested in cannabis treatment for long-term conditions. Cannabis can readily help in these conditions:

Juvenile and Adult Epilepsy
Multiple Sclerosis
Chronic Non-Cancer-Related Pains
Nausea Due To Long-Term Chemotherapy
Vomiting Due To Cancer

Administration Of Cannabis

Medicinal cannabis can be administered into the body in many ways, such as dried buds, vapes, oil, oral spray and soft gels.

Inhalation, Sublingual & Topical

Inhalation

Dried flowers and vapes are inhaled. The effects are felt almost immediately. However, peak effects can take upto 30 minutes. These effects can last upto 2-4 hours.

Sublingual Route

Oils, sprays and soft gels can be administered through the sublingual route. The effects can be felt after the initial 2 hours of using it and can last upto 6-8 hours.

Topical

Cannabis plant oils are also added to oils, lotions and gels that can be applied topically. The effects are felt immediately depending on the site of the application, and the results last upto 1-2 hours.

Delivery Of Medicinal Cannabis

Almost all medical-use cannabis is picked up from general pharmacies, but a patient requires a TGA-approved doctor’s prescription.

Cost Of Medical-
Grade Cannabis

Many governments do not fund medicinal cannabis products under the PBS or the pharmaceutical benefits scheme. This prompts the patient to pay the total cost of the cannabis. The price can vary based on the dosage and the strain of cannabis required for alleviating their specific symptoms. Although the government does not subsidize medical-grade cannabis, some conditions, such as Dravet syndrome, a form of epilepsy, are given free medical cannabis from the government. Cannabis drugs such as Epidyolex and Sativex, which treat mild to severe muscular spasticity in multiple sclerosis, are also subsidized.

Many organizations, such as Cannatrek, have taken many initiatives that make cannabis products more affordable to the average person by having specific deals with medical practitioners, pharmacists, etc. For a small group of people, such organizations can help reduce the cost through clinical trials and discounts on medicine.

Accessing Medical Cannabis

The first step to having access to medical-grade cannabis is to contact your doctor. If on the fence, the licensed doctor can track organizations that can help decide whether cannabis is the right treatment plan for your symptoms.

Moreover, patients can also contact organizations that can help them get licensed and experienced doctors in cannabis therapies. These organizations can help prescribed patients find medical cannabis more easily, legally, safely, and securely.

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History of Plants
In Medicine