A review of the current trends on the use of Cannabis sativa for recreational, medicinal applications, and its toxicological health impacts

Abstract

Aims: Cannabis sativa (Marijuana) finds application in the medical field, recreational drug use, and as a pain reliever notwithstanding increased trends in the death toll associated with marijuana use. Accordingly, this review seeks to explore the emerging trends through which marijuana is consumed, and the chemicals produced in the course of its use which may trigger medical and toxicological effects. Methods: Relevant articles were identified from database search published during the period 2012 -2020 in PubMed, Crossref, Google scholar and Web science. The articles were considered if they addressed marijuana use, impacts to users and non-users, carcinogenicity, medicinal value and Covid-19 management by impeding serine protease TMPRSS2 that the corona virus require to penetrate the human host cells. A number of methods by which marijuana is used have been identified with each method producing different results among users. Results: Cannabis sativa has found medicinal value in the management of cancer and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/ AIDS) patients to alleviate pain and improve appetite, respectively. Even though marijuana is prohibited, there is limited documentation in literature that extensively reports on its toxicological mechanisms. On the contrary, scientific studies emphasize its use in medical applications including its possibility as a cure for SARS-Cov-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Campaigns to legalize cannabis for use in clinical medicine are fundamentally recommended despite its possible toxicological impacts and psychotic related problems. The application of Cannabis sativa in medicine especially in the management of corona virus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and perceived harm is important in research.