Cannabis

Abstract

Cannabis L. has a long history of medicinal use; however, the history has not been without controversy. As early as 1851 it was listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States (USP) and by the early 1900s detailed instructions for its preparation and use were published. By 1970, however, Cannabis was banned as a Schedule I drug in the United States in what many consider to be a political move that had little basis in fact. A brief history of cannabis is presented along with its cultivation, preparation, and purported uses. A brief review of the current literature suggests that cannabis' derivatives, delta-9 tetrahydro-cannabinol and cannabidiol, through its constituent cannaflavins and terpenes, have the potential for wide use in mental health and neurogenerative disorders, chronic pain, and inflammatory conditions. Its safety profile remains under study and appears to be reasonable at least with short term use.