What is Cannabis?
Cannabis sativa L. is a species of plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family, of the Cannabis genus.
There are several popular names that differ according to the purpose of cultivation of the plant. Plants that are grown for recreational purposes (drug-type) and that, therefore, have a high THC index are usually called marijuana. And plants that are cultivated for other purposes (fiber-type) are called hemp: religious, food, fiber production, textiles and, as they are plants with a low THC content, they are also used for therapeutic purposes.
Does Cannabis have a Medicinal Indication?
Yes. Israeli researcher Raphael Mechoulam, from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and his team were the first to isolate the components of cannabis – the so-called cannabinoids – and to describe their interactions with humans. Mechoulam and his colleagues discovered that our bodies have specific receptors for these substances, which he described as the “endocannabinoid system”. Thus, through the links with this system in the human body, cannabinoids may have antiemetic, analgesic, anticonvulsant, antispastic properties, among others.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are a group of terpene-phenolic chemical compounds, which show affinities with cannabinoid receptors. They have action on the human body through the endocannabinoid system either directly - through their binding to receptors; and secondarily – activating other intracellular communication pathways.
It was between the 1930s and 1940s that the chemical structure of the first cannabinoid was successfully discovered, THC.
Cannabinoids can be distinguished between endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and exogenous cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids).
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a phytocannabinoid that does not have psychoactive effects and is a molecule with a broad therapeutic spectrum, having anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, analgesic, muscle relaxant, antineoplastic and antiemetic properties. It has antagonistic action on CB1 receptors and low affinity with CB2 receptors.
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC, was the first isolated phytocannabinoid with the chemical structure identified in 1964. THC has psychoactive action and its pharmacological applications have a wide therapeutic range, such as analgesic, muscle relaxant, antiemetic, appetite stimulant, immunomodulatory, anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory. This phytocannabinoid acts primarily as an agonist of the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
What Are the Health Benefits of CBD?
In recent decades, CBD has become the focus of several experimental studies, revealing a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties, such as analgesic and immunosuppressive action, with effects on anxiety and movement disorders, as well as in the treatment of symptoms resulting from epilepsy, chronic pain, autism, among possible others.
Is Therapeutic Use of Cannabis Allowed in Brazil?
Yes. In Brazil, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has authorized the medicinal use of CBD and other derivatives of Cannabis sativa since 2015.
Fulkan
Isokan
THkan
Ecomedical is the name of a product line based on Medicinal Cannabis developed through the merger of SPH Medical with Ecomedical, a Brazilian company founded by health professionals and investors, in the segment of cannabinoid-based medicines. Focusing on guiding, clarifying, demystifying and bringing the best to prescribing professionals and their patients, through legalized, safe and effective products, manufactured with the highest industrial quality, advocating good manufacturing practices.
