Medical Cannabinoids

Abstract

The endocannabinoid (EC) system is an essential endogene modulatory system for the psycho-vegetative homeostasis. Endocannabinoids block the synaptic over-activity by stimulation of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), a widely expressed G protein-coupled receptor in the brain. Numerous neuropsychiatric disturbances negatively interfere with the function and effects of the EC-system. Here, medical cannabinoids (mCB) come into the play. mCB are medical products with THC which are legalized by the so-called Cannabis law, plus cannabinol (CBD). This review discusses the functiones of the EC-system and its clinically relevant dysregulations. The second part summarizes the actual knowledge on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of mCB including flowers and extracts. With these informations it becomes clear that under appropriate medical control mCB are safe and without relevant risk of addiction. The last part addresses the clinical effects of low-dose mCB and their pronounced potential to lower the dosages of concomitantly prescribed opioids.