Content
Classification (Psychoactive and Non-Psychoactive Cannabis)
CLASSIFICATION
Psychoactive and Non-Psychoactive Cannabis
Under current regulations, psychoactive cannabis refers to medicinal cannabis products with a THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) concentration greater than 1%. Products with a THC concentration below this threshold are classified as non-psychoactive cannabis.
This means that psychoactive products displayed on thid platform require a special medical prescription for purchase, while non-psychoactive cannabis products require a simple prescription for purchase.
Psychoactive cannabis products are characterized by inducing a cerebral intoxicating effect on the user, whereas non-psychoactive cannabis lacks any intoxicating properties or effects on the user.
SUGGESTIONS
Due to the cerebral effects noticeable from psychoactive cannabis consumption, it is advised to avoid combining it with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids during cannabis treatment.
Kalant and Poranth (2016) indicate that cannabis or cannabis derivatives like THC are contraindicated in the following cases:
• Pregnant women: Cannabinoids and other compounds cross the placental barrier and may harm the fetus..
• Breastfeeding women: Cannabinoids are excreted in breast milk and can intoxicate the infant.
• Children and adolescents: THC derivatives have severe effects on various aspects of mental and brain development, as well as cognition. CBD does not exhibit these adverse effects.
• Patients with a history of problematic drug use (alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances).
• Patients with a personal or family history of psychosis (THC).
• Patients with pre-existing heart disease and/or coronary artery disease.
MacCallum and Russo have published some recommendations for the use of medicinal cannabis:
• Start slow, continue with small doses, and maintain low doses.
• If using THC, adverse effects like fatigue, tachycardia, and dry mouth can be avoided with low doses and careful titration. Prefer vaporization.
• Using CBD-rich, low-THC derivatives may improve quality of life, symptom control, and functioning with few side effects (e.g., for refractory seizures, cannabis oil).
For more information on contraindications, consult your assigned or preferred doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS
If the user experiences side effects or undesirable outcomes due to substance interaction or excessive consumption, symptomatic and supportive treatment is recommended. In more serious situations, consult your trusted doctor. In case of any adverse effects, discontinue cannabinoid treatment until consulting with a physician.
The most frequently observed adverse effects in various clinical trials involving cannabinoid compounds include dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, muscle weakness, muscle pain, and palpitations. Less commonly, users have reported disorientation, intoxication sensations, memory and concentration issues, tremors, motor coordination difficulties, nausea, hypotension, constipation, blurred vision, dysphoria, anxiety, depression, paranoia, and hallucinations.
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE
Regarding the effectiveness of cannabis in treating various medical conditions, there is conclusive or substantial evidence that cannabinoids are effective for:
• Chronic pain treatment in adults.
• Antiemetic effects in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
• Improvement of spasticity symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients (oral cannabinoids).
• Treatment of refractory epilepsy.
Patients with a history of substance abuse may be more prone to abuse Sativex. Sudden discontinuation of long-term Sativex treatment does not result in a uniform withdrawal symptom pattern or timeline, with potential consequences limited to temporary disturbances in sleep, emotional state, or appetite in some patients.
It has been found that approximately one in ten users may develop dependence, characterized by the occurrence of withdrawal syndrome after discontinuation; withdrawal peaks two to three days after cessation and can last up to a week, with sleep difficulties persisting for up to three weeks.
Concerning the harmful effects documented in the evidence, there is an emphasis on the potential risk that "medical cannabis use" could later develop into problematic cannabis or substance use. However, data collected on medical cannabis use and its legal regulation suggest that they have not measurably impacted non-medical cannabis consumption. There is no strong evidence linking medical cannabis use with increased recreational cannabis consumption among the population, nor is there conclusive evidence linking medical cannabis use and regulation with increased criminal behavior.