Cannabis
Other names for Cannabis
cannabis
cannabis indica
cannabis sativa
cannabis sativa aerial parts extract
cannabis sativa aerial parts extract, decarboxylated
cannabis sativa aerial parts extract isolate
cannabis sativa aerial parts extract, raw
cannabis sativa, distillate
cannabis sativa herb extract
cannabis sativa oil
cannabis sativa oil concentrate
cannabis sativa oil extract
cannabis sativa whole plant extract
hemp whole plant extract
huo ma ren (cannabis sativa)
kush
Synopsis of Cannabis
History
Cannabis has a rich and enduring history as a medicinal plant, dating back thousands of years across various cultures. Ancient Chinese texts from around 2700 BCE describe the use of cannabis for alleviating pain, treating rheumatism, and as an aid for a variety of ailments. In India, it was revered in the Ayurvedic tradition, where cannabis was combined with other herbs to create potent remedies for digestive issues, insomnia, and anxiety. The Greeks and Romans also utilized cannabis extracts for inflammation, earaches, and as a general pain reliever.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, cannabis was widely recognized in Western medicine. Physicians prescribed cannabis tinctures for conditions such as migraines, menstrual cramps, and muscle spasms. Its versatility made it a staple in many household remedies and commercial pharmaceuticals of the era.
One of cannabis’s unique strengths lies in its compatibility with other herbs. Herbalists have long combined cannabis with botanicals like valerian, chamomile, and passionflower to enhance its calming effects, or with turmeric and ginger to support anti-inflammatory action. These synergistic blends highlight cannabis’s adaptability in holistic treatment plans, offering broad-spectrum support for wellness.
Today, renewed interest in cannabis’s medicinal properties is fostering innovative nutritional products and herbal combinations. Extensive research continues to validate its traditional uses, celebrating cannabis as a valuable ally in natural medicine. Its historical and ongoing contributions to health and healing underscore its importance as a gentle yet effective remedy in the herbal pharmacopeia.
Traditional and scientific validation
Cannabis has a long history of use as both a medicinal and nutritional ingredient, dating back thousands of years to ancient civilizations in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Traditionally, various parts of the cannabis plant, including its seeds and oils, have been consumed for their purported health benefits. Hemp seeds, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, are particularly valued for their rich profile of essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and are commonly incorporated into nutritional products such as protein powders, oils, and snack bars.
In recent decades, scientific interest in cannabis and its constituents, such as cannabinoids (CBD and THC) and terpenes, has grown. Studies suggest that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound, may possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Some clinical trials have investigated the potential benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids for conditions like epilepsy, anxiety, and chronic pain, with promising but preliminary results. Hemp seed oil, in particular, has been shown to have a favorable omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio, which may support cardiovascular and skin health.
However, while the nutritional value of hemp seeds is well-documented, the broader health effects of cannabis-derived ingredients in food products require further validation. Current clinical evidence is limited and often inconclusive regarding many therapeutic claims. Ongoing research and regulatory developments will help clarify the role of cannabis in nutrition. Nevertheless, the inclusion of cannabis-derived ingredients, especially from hemp, continues to be recognized for their potential contributions to balanced diets and overall health.
Cannabis is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Scientific)
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Scientific)
Addictions (general remedies for) (Scientific)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing) (Scientific)
Alcoholism (Scientific)
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Anxiety (Scientific)
Anxiety Disorders (Scientific)
Appetite (deficient) (Scientific)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Crohn's Disease (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Dysmenorrhea (Scientific)
Epilepsy (Scientific)
Glaucoma (Scientific)
Headache (cluster) (Scientific)
Headache (general) (Scientific)
Headache (sinus) (Scientific)
Headache (tension) (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Insomnia (Scientific)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Scientific)
Lupus (Scientific)
Cannabis is used to support these body systems
Brain (Scientific)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Dopamine (Scientific)
Eyes (Scientific)
Female Reproductive System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Muscles (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Scientific)
Skin (Scientific)
Stomach (Traditional)
