Therapeutic and toxicological aspects of the use of cannabis and cannabinoids in medicine

Abstract

Abstract: The legalization of cannabis products for recreational and/or medical use means that our society is now clearly more open to its diffusion. Thus, it is particularly important for people to understand what is known about both the adverse health effects and the potential therapeutic benefits linked to cannabis. The evaluation of the benefit vs adverse effect of cannabis use is generally referred to its recreational use; however, medicinal cannabis is now authorized in several countries, and therefore, it has become a public safety issue. In this article, the acute and long-lasting consequences of recreational cannabis use as well as the therapeutic vs toxicological effect of medicinal cannabis will be summarized. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]