Safety and Toxicology of Cannabinoids

Abstract

There is extensive research on the safety, toxicology, potency, and therapeutic potential of cannabis. However, uncertainty remains facilitating continued debate on medical and recreational cannabis policies at the state and federal levels. This review will include a brief description of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system; a summary of the acute and long-term effects of cannabis; and a discussion of the therapeutic potential of cannabis. The conclusions about safety and efficacy will then be compared with the current social and political climate to suggest future policy directions and general guidelines.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0380-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Positive and Negative Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids on Health

“…Despite the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, the current findings present evidence on acute adverse effects of cannabinoid‐based drug use . The magnitude of these adverse effects is dependent on several factors, including early age of first use and the cannabinoid concentration within the product .…”

“…Parallel to the rise in the popularity of cannabis use, numerous studies have indicated the therapeutic potential of cannabis and its derivatives for a range of health conditions, including neurological and psychiatric disorders ( Table ). However, despite the suggested therapeutic potential of cannabinoid‐based medications current studies have indicated inconclusive results regarding the efficacy of medical cannabis in certain conditions . Furthermore, additional publications have shown that repeated exposure to cannabinoid agonists is associated with increasing risk for having somatic and psychological side effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, cognitive alterations, addiction, psychosis, schizophrenia, and mood disorders .…”

“…Consumption of cannabis produces a wide range of psychotropic effects, such as mild euphoria, relaxation, time distortion, sensory alterations, and a general pleasant feeling . Compared with other psychoactive substances cannabis has a relatively low risk for toxicity because studies in animals showed that the doses needed to induce a fatal effect are well beyond that consumed by humans . Some common acute side effects of cannabis on psychological function are anxiety, panic reactions, cognitive alterations, and psychotic symptoms .…”

“…Cannabis is mostly consumed by smoking it in a “joint” or other smoking instrument, mixed with tobacco or by itself. Because smoking is one of the leading causes of respiratory and heart diseases, the potential negative effect that smoking cannabis might have on the respiratory system has drawn attention during the last decades …”

The Road towards the Responsible and Safe Legalization of Cannabis Use in Portugal

“…19 • Cannabis e condução: O consumo de cannabis parece aumentar duas a sete vezes o risco de acidentes de viação. 20,21 • Risco da dependência: Sugere-se que cerca de um em cada 11 utilizadores se torna consumidor sistemático de cannabis. 22,23 Este número aumenta entre aqueles que começam na adolescência (até cerca de 17%, ou um em cada 6) 24 e entre pessoas que usam cannabis diariamente (até 25% -50%).…”