Cannabinoid Medication - Past Remedies Rediscovered

What is cannabis?

A plant species found to grow naturally in various regions across the globe, endemic to South Asia. Mature cannabis plants contain unique compounds called ‘cannabinoids’ that are utilised for their therapeutic and medicinal value.

A great many cultures from different regions across the globe have a long history of utilising cannabis as a natural remedy for anxiety, pain, insomnia, and the treatment of various other ailments. However, despite this storied and shared cultural heritage, an overall lack of scientific understanding coupled with a perceived potential for societal harm has resulted in decades of strict prohibitions worldwide.  

Fortunately, the accumulation of a slow but steady trickle of evidence-based research has begun to rapidly change perceptions regarding cannabis medicine, and the wide range of therapeutic applications of cannabinoids.

Countries Studying Cannabis Therapies

This research has helped to fuel recent regulatory and social changes across the globe, leading to a resurgence in the use of cannabis as medicine, and redefining our understanding of its therapeutic potentials. 

Countries such as India, Canada, the USA, Uruguay, Australia, Germany, the UK and many more have enabled pathways for patients and health care providers to access cannabis medicine-based therapies. This has rapidly accelerated advancements in research into the many applications of cannabis medicine, and has subsequently led to the creation of an entirely new generation of products and consumption methods. All of which have been designed to maximize efficacy while minimizing any potential harm/side-effects.

Cannabis in India

For patients in India, cannabis is recognised as a potent plant ingredient in Ayurveda, and cannabis medicine has earned ratification from India’s Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy (AYUSH). As with other medications, patients can speak with their doctor about the appropriateness of cannabis medicine therapy for their needs. One can also seek out the advice of a medical practitioner who specialises in the use of cannabis medicine. If deemed appropriate, patients will be provided with a prescription to be fulfilled by a manufacturer of approved cannabis medicine products. 

Cannabis medicine products currently available in India are to be made from the leaves of the cannabis plant. Once harvested, the leaves undergo an extraction process resulting in a highly concentrated mixture of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in the cannabis plant. This concentrated extract is then used by manufactures of cannabis medicines to create infused edible oils, topical creams/lotions and other form factors.

As the body of research on cannabis medicine grows, so shall the medical form factors, including development of targeted formulations for treating specific ailments. India is poised to become a leader in the cannabis medicine and phytopharmaceutical revolution.

Check out our extensive range of plant based medicine here. 

Originally published in the Indian Association of Functional Medicine Newsletter