THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN THE US

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Objective. This study was conducted to review the various clinical uses for cannabis in regards to its efficacy and side effect profile. Background. Focuses on the mechanism of action of marijuana and the chemical compounds, including THC (delta- 9-tetrahydrocannibol) and CBD (cannabidiol). We will examine the pharmacological and the toxicological effects on the brain, both short-term and long-term. Other topics that will be discussed include the addiction component, the theories around using marijuana as a treatment alternative, and the current state laws Methods. A comprehensive literature review was performed on several articles regarding the use and effectiveness of medical marijuana. Results. Most studies that have been made show some improvement in MS, depression, anxiety, appetite stimulation in AIDs/HIV, insomnia, Tourette's and glaucoma. Most were not statistically significant while others showed no evidence of improvement. Conclusion. Many of the claims for the effectiveness of medical marijuana seem to be anecdotal as opposed to being based on substantial clinical evidence. Randomized, controlled clinical trials are difficult to undertake due to legality issues; current studies focus more on adverse effects of cannabis and its potential for substance abuse rather than its therapeutic efficacy. In addition, the varying formulations and administration routes in these studies (namely, smoking herbal products) produce an array of results and adverse effects that may or may not be due to other psychoactive excipients. This, however, is always the case using natural products. Historically, if an herbal product is thought to have therapeutic properties, the standard protocol is to isolate the active components to study for possible clinical uses. More studies are needed with this protocol in mind to determine more substantial clinical evidence. Grants. None