Marijuana is a hemp plant with the scientific name Cannabis sativa. When chemists isolated the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana they named it tetrahydrocannibinol, abbreviated as THC. They subsequently found a related active compound called cannabidiol. Compounds that are structurally similar to these compounds, or have a similar effect in the body are called cannabinoids. Interestingly, cannabinoids are found naturally in the body as well, known as endocannabinoids. Examples are arandamide and arachidonolyglycerol. Researchers have found that endocannabinoids have important roles in pain, in memory, in nerve degeneration, and in inflammation.
In order carry out their effects in the body, the cannabinoids must first bind to specific receptors in the body. Receptors are protein molecules found on the cell membranes. There are two types of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are associated with the nervous system and are found in abundance in the brain as well as other parts of the body. The psychoactive effects of cannabinoids are dependent on binding to the CB1 receptor. CB2 receptors are associated with cells and tissues related to the immune system, whose function is still not well understood. The binding of cannabinoid to its receptor results in the transmission of signals that effect changes in physiological functions.
Palliative effects
Advocates of the use of medical marijuana have long sought its use to alleviate the suffering of patients with severely debilitating and terminal diseases such as AIDS and cancer. Although many patients would prefer to smoke marijuana in order to achieve a more rapid response, physicians are not inclined to approve of this method due to its history of abuse and the known dangers of smoking. Instead, the physician administers the pure cannabinoids.
1. Pain inhibition- Cancer pain originates from inflammation, mechanical pressure from growing tumors, and nerve damage. Cannabinoids reduce pain by inhibiting neurotransmission, and may act locally by inhibiting the release of mediators of pain and inflammation.
