cannabinoid

“Pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids “(i.e. a set of biological effects elicited in the living organism by interaction with its biochemical and biophysical functions up to the cellular level) is studied for a long time during both, physiological and pathological conditions. Cannabinoids received their names according to their natural occurrence as constituents of Cannabis sativa L. (marijuana). 

Background: Although illegal, Ghana has a long history of cannabis use. With changing perceptions, advocacy for legalization has increased globally. This study exams pharmacological evidence on the prospects and challenges of decriminalization and /or legalization of cannabis in Ghana. Results: Cannabis and cannabinoids are a “pharmacological enigma” with unique ability to activate at least 3 of the 4 drug receptor super families. This include; inotropic Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), metabotropic Cannabinoid Receptors (CB) and nuclear Peroxisome Proliferator Activator Receptors (PPAR). Cannabinoid receptors also dimerize with other receptors creating distinctly new signaling pathways. Cannabis and cannabinoids show good anti- nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant anti-emetogenic activity and variable anticonvulsant activity. It can play important role in palliative care, some rare intractable epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, cachexia and Opioid Use Disorder. Cannabis precipitates psychosis in individuals with underlying genetic susceptibility. Chronic cannabis use alter the neurobiology of adolescent brain, predisposing them to amotivational syndrome characterized by depersonalization and inhibited motivation for goal directed behavior. Cannabis is also a “gateway drug”; ushering users to “harder” substances of abuse and reinstating extinguished drug seeking behaviours. The recent tramadol abuse in Ghana may have been precipitated by previous and concurrent cannabis use. Furthermore, Ghana’s cannabis may have a higher propensity to induce detrimental effects because of preferential accumulation the psychotropic delta-9-Tetrathydrocannabinol as a result of the high tropical temperature and humidity. Conclusion: There is not sufficient pharmacological evidence supporting criminalization of medical cannabis in Ghana. However, the same evidence does not support legalization of recreational cannabis.

Medical benefits of cannabis and related compounds is widely known. Discovery of psychotropic plant cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol have urged researchers to study more about the cannabinoid system and related therapeutics in the field of neurology and medicine. Where activation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) yielded in unwanted and serious side effects, discovery of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) and its ligands gave a new hope. Till now there is limited success in this field because of complex expanded endocannabinoid system comprising of receptors, ligands and enzymes. In this review we will update about the role of endocannabinoidome relevant to neurological disorders.

Cannabis sativum has long been used globally for hallucination. However, detrimental effects on female reproduction have never been studied. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate cannabinoid-induced oxidative stress and reproductive containment in female mice. Fifteen adult female Parkes strain mice were randomly chosen from institutional animal houses (n = 5/group) with ad libitum access to water and food. Animals were grouped into control (vehicle-treated), treated with 6mg of cannabis/100 g of body weight, and 12 mg of cannabis/100 g of body weight. After 15 days all animals were sacrificed and tissues were collected for histology, immunohistochemistry, and estimations of different parameters. Histology and immunohistochemistry (of Cannabinoid Receptor 1; CB1) were performed following standardized protocols. All parameters were estimated either by standard biochemical protocols or by kit following the manufacturer’s protocol. Stress parameters (Super Oxide Dismutase; SOD, Catalase, CAT; Malonaldehyde, MDA and Glutathione Peroxidase; GPx), apoptotic parameters of thecal cells (by Caspase-3 assay), serum level of Estrogen (E2), steroidogenic parameters (3β Hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase; 3β HSD and 17β Hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase; 17β HSD) and expression of CB1 were noted in ovary. Data were analyzed by One-way Analysis of Variance (One-way ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range post hoc Test. We found a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in steroidogenic parameters and a significant increase (p < 0.05)in free radical and apoptotic parameters and CB1 receptor expressions upon dose-dependent cannabis treatment. We may conclude that chronic treatment of cannabis causes reproductive containment in females which has never been addressed previously.