As is well known, psychotropic drugs are particularly intrusive medications that can give rise to many side effects. It is therefore essential to search for possible substitutes, capable of controlling crises, but without creating additional problems. Therapeutic Cannabis seems to be a good solution, especially thanks to its non-psychoactive agent CBD.
Therapeutic Cannabis: differences between THC and CBD
Cannabis has two important agents: the psychoactive THC and the non-psychoactive CBD. They have different functions and produce different reactions within the human organism. The first difference is very simple: THC in high doses alters the mind, while CBD has no such function. They then differ in their medical usefulness, with the THC agent being excellent for the treatment of pain and neurodegenerative diseases, and the CBD agent having antispasmodic and calming properties, making it an interesting alternative to synthetic drugs and antidepressants. However, studies on the use of Therapeutic Cannabis in the psychological field are very recent, so it is still a long way to go, but the road now seems marked and destined to be taken.
Unlike most psychoactive drugs, CBD is not addictive, giving total control to the patient, who is not induced to consume the drug. This is an often underestimated aspect, which is nevertheless crucial, especially in the treatment of diseases that already affect our mind. The less a drug affects our lives, the more we can be aware of its usefulness.
The Endocannabinoid System and the Relationship between Cannabis and Man
It was in 1990 that Lisa A. Matsuda, a member of a group of researchers at the National Institute of Mental Healt, announced a very special discovery: a network of receptors activated by cannabinoids. This discovery was made thanks to a study that was trying to explain how THC interacts with our organism. But why does this system exist and what does it do? Well, our body produces signalling molecules, the endocannabinoids, which bind to this particular system, which in turn also reacts in the presence of THC. There are two types of receptor, CB1 and CB2, which bind to a specific endocannabinoid. These receptors are present in different parts of the body. The endocannabinoid system is present in several species, from mammals to reptiles, not excluding invertebrates.
This complex system is fundamental for communication between cells. It is in fact used to communicate changes in external conditions within the body so that the receptors needed in a given situation can be activated. Thanks to the endocannabinoid system, a large number of physiological processes are regulated, and their location also indicates their role, as this system interacts with memory, cognition, movement, appetite, emotions and pain. Its presence is fundamental to the proper functioning of our organism.
Man and Nature, a symbiotic relationship
Now that we know the endocannabinoid system, we know why our bodies react so well to THC and CBD. The two cannabis agents are in fact ‘different twins’ of the signalling molecules that activate the endocannabinoid system. Having discovered this, we can also understand why cannabis is a safe and ideal component for our bodies. We do not know whether the endocannabinoid system or cannabis came into being first, but we do know that in some ways, the coexistence of nature and man is indispensable.
THC, in particular, is perfectly adapted to the structures of the human body’s endocannabinoid system. THC, according to the most recent US government studies, is broken down during the first or second passage through the liver, while the remaining THC metabolites accumulate in fat deposits, to be utilised by the body at a later stage. Many other substances are processed by the body in exactly the same way, a sign that THC is not an enemy of the body. On the contrary, it can be a great ally if used in the right ways and at the right times.
Psychoactive drugs: a $500 billion a year business
A chemical substance, in order for it to influence brain activity, must be able to attach itself to special receptors. However, these substances, the chemicals, only dock to a certain extent, as they are not entirely identical to the natural substances that normally attach to these receptors. For example, morphines latch onto beta-endorphin receptors, and amphetamines onto dopamine receptors, however, these drugs in particular pose a serious threat to the fluid balance of our nervous system. They are in fact “forced adaptations” that lead our organism to be tricked by these substances.
In contrast, no side effects are recognised for the use of medical cannabis, even in the case of psychiatric illnesses. Psychiatric drugs, however, can affect the nervous system, leading to debilitating spasms in the face and body. Although patients are not always warned of these side effects, psychiatrists are fully aware of them. Pharmaceutical preparations severely reduce the quality of life of those affected and some even lead to suicide.
There are several studies positing cannabis as a possible substitute for antipsychotics. The agent CBD has been directly compared against antipsychotics and seems to have a similar, if not better, effect in some cases. Therapeutic Cannabis thus seems to be a great ally against schizophrenia. The absence of side effects and its perfect compatibility with the human organism seem to be the basis of a new medicine.
Cannabis and Psychoactive Drugs, Nature Medicine at the Centre of Studies
In view of this, it is crucial not only to continue the studies on the use of Cannabis Therapeutics in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses, but also to continue the dissemination of this information, in order to eliminate forever the preconceptions against Cannabis, which often see it as the “enemy of man”. On the contrary, Cannabis can be a very important ally. Our organism tells us so; now is the time to listen to it.
