Narcotic drugs are considered illegal in most countries. Their use and distribution is strictly punishable by law. As you know, substances such as hemp and marijuana are “soft” drugs. Nevertheless, not everyone knows that they have healing properties. For example, in American films it is often seen how people with glaucoma smoke marijuana in order to relieve intraocular pressure. This plant can actually be used as a symptomatic treatment of certain pathologies. In some countries, cannabis seeds are used for pharmaceutical purposes. Also, analogues of this substance are synthesized in laboratory conditions.
THC - what is it?
Drugs based on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are classified as narcotic drugs. Therefore, in countries such as Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and many others, they are listed in No. 1, intended for illicit drugs. It includes the following tools:
- N- (adamantan-1-yl) -1-benzyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide and its derivatives.
- Alfameprodil.
- Alphametadol.
- BDB.
- Benzethidine.
- Hashish.
- Heroin.
- Hydrocodone.
- Desomorphine.
- Morpheridine.
- Norkodein.
- Tebon.
- Fenadon and others.
The sale, use and acquisition of these medicines is prohibited. THC is a substance in the cannabinoid group. This compound is obtained from hemp leaves and flowers. After the formation of pollen on a plant, the substance gradually turns into cannabinol. This compound was first isolated from a plant in the 60s of the 20th century in Israel. Later developed synthetic analogues of THC.
As you know, the use of marijuana and cannabis seeds (smoking, adding to food) is prohibited by law. However, in the Netherlands this substance is not classified as a “serious” drug. There introduced free sale and purchase of hemp. In other countries, the use of marijuana as a drug (enjoy, relax) is prohibited. In addition to the fact that the plant belongs to psychotropic drugs, it has some valuable properties. It is used in veterinary medicine and medicine. Nevertheless, the use of hemp for these purposes is not common and is found only in a small number of states.
The mechanism of action of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the body
Almost everyone knows that smoking marijuana causes relaxation, euphoria, hallucinations and a feeling of hunger. However, not everyone knows about its beneficial properties. The main effects of cannabinoids are on the brain. There are several types of receptors in the cells of the nervous system that can interact with THC. This, in turn, leads to various changes in perception. As a result, a temporary violation of physical and mental activity occurs. Normally, the canabinoid receptors interact with a neurotransmitter - anandomide. But hemp and marijuana, when ingested, disrupt this connection. THC released by these substances mimics the effects of anandamide. As a result, the brain is disturbed until this compound is removed from the body. The following effects of cannabinoids are distinguished:
- Tachycardia.
- Imbalance, coordination of movements.
- Blurred consciousness.
- Euphoria.
- An attack of panic or melancholy.
- Hallucinations.
- Increased appetite.
Medical use of THC
Given the adverse effects on the body, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) refers to psychotropic substances. The use of this compound in its "pure" form, or its synthesized analogues, is equivalent to drug use. Therefore, medications containing this substance are listed No. 1. Nevertheless, they have found application in other countries. There, this compound is actively used in medicine. Indeed, in addition to the adverse effects on the brain, THC also has a beneficial effect. For example, it is used in oncological practice. It helps a lot of people endure heavy chemotherapy. It also alleviates the symptoms of glaucoma.
In addition, the substance is used for certain neurological and psychiatric diseases. Thanks to it, the appetite increases and the disturbed menstrual cycle is restored.
Indications for the use of THC
Currently, cannabinoid drugs are approved in several states of America. Among them are the well-known Hawaii, Washington, Alaska, Arizona and Colorado. There THC is officially a drug and is used in several areas of medicine. Indications for the appointment of this "narcotic" means are the following conditions:
- Cancerous diseases. In this case, THC is not a method of treating cancer pathologies, but only a symptomatic tool that helps to undergo chemotherapy.
- AIDS. Cider of secondary human immunodeficiency is often accompanied by loss of appetite and nausea. To combat these symptoms, cannabinoids are used.
- An increase in intraocular pressure (glaucoma), which is not stopped with the help of other medicines.
- Multiple sclerosis. It is believed that drugs containing cannabis seeds, weaken not only muscle pain in neurological pathologies, but also contribute to the relief of hyperkinesis.
- Some mental illnesses and syndromes. Among them are schizophrenia and Tourette’s syndrome, anorexia.
- Menstrual irregularities.
- Phantom pain after amputation of a limb.
Which drugs contain THC?
Despite the prohibition of smoking and the use of THC in food, this substance is synthesized in the laboratory and create drugs based on it. In countries where such medicines are permitted, they can be purchased with a doctor’s prescription in pharmacies. The first drug containing cannabinoids was released in the United States in the 80s of the last century. This is the medicine "Marinol". The analogue of this drug is the drug "Dronabinol." These medicines were prescribed to patients who underwent chemotherapy. After the discovery of other beneficial effects of cannabis, the drug “Cesamet” and the spray “Sativex” were released.
The use of cannabinoids in oncology
It is believed that the use of hemp and cannabis seeds as painkillers was common in the 19th century. Nevertheless, evidence that this plant is able to improve the condition was obtained only in the 1980s. After creating a chemical analogue of hemp, patients with cancer pathologies confirmed the effectiveness of THC. Considering that, in addition to pain, this substance helps to get rid of nausea, it has become used as a symptomatic drug prescribed for chemotherapy.
A new generation of cannabinoid preparations is being developed. According to scientists, these medications will be able to replace opioid drugs.
The effectiveness of THC in glaucoma
Thanks to cannabinoids, you can reduce the pressure in the eyeball, which rises with glaucoma. The effect is achieved due to the action of these substances on CB receptors. Nevertheless, such a method of treatment is resorted to only in cases where other medicines do not help.