Interplay between chemistry and morphology in medical cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.)

2019 ◽  
Vol 129 ◽  
pp. 185-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nirit Bernstein ◽  
Jonathan Gorelick ◽  
Sraya Koch
Keyword(s):  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Medical Cannabis

scholarly journals Cannabis, a Miracle Drug with Polyvalent Therapeutic Utility: Preclinical and Clinical-Based Evidence

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Rishabh Verma ◽  
Farazul Hoda ◽  
Mawrah Arshad ◽  
Asif Iqubal ◽  
Ali Nasir Siddiqui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Palliative Therapy ◽  
Pharmaceutical Research ◽  
Legal Aspects ◽  
Chemical Components ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Total Potential ◽  
Plant Chemical ◽  
United States Food

<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L. is an annual herbaceous dioecious plant which was first cultivated by agricultural human societies in Asia. Over the period of time, various parts of the plant like leaf, flower, and seed were used for recreational as well as therapeutic purposes. The main chemical components of <i>Cannabis sativa</i> are termed as cannabinoids, among them the key psychoactive constituent is Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol (CBD) as active nonpsychotic constituent. Upon doing extensive literature review, it was found that cannabis has been widely studied for a number of disorders. Very recently, a pure CBD formulation, named Epidiolex, got a green flag from both United States Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration for 2 rare types of epilepsies. This laid a milestone in medical cannabis research. This review intends to give a basic and extensive assessment, from past till present, of the ethnological, plant, chemical, pharmacological, and legal aspects of <i>C. sativa</i>. Further, this review contemplates the evidence the studies obtained of cannabis components on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, emesis, epilepsy, chronic pain, and cancer as a cytotoxic agent as well as a palliative therapy. The assessment in this study was done by reviewing in extensive details from studies on historical importance, ethnopharmacological aspects, and legal grounds of <i>C. sativa</i> from extensive literature available on the scientific databases, with a vision for elevating further pharmaceutical research to investigate its total potential as a therapeutic agent.

scholarly journals Global Impact of Non-essential Heavy Metal Contaminants in Industrial Cannabis Bioeconomy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis Bengyella ◽  
Mohammed Q.O. Ali ◽  
Piyali Mukherjee ◽  
Dobgima J. Fonmboh ◽  
John E. Kaminski
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Economic Trend ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Due Diligence ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Regulatory Instruments ◽  
Intrinsic Signatures ◽  
Essential Heavy Metal ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The intrinsic signatures of Cannabis species to bioaccumulate non-essential harmful heavy metals (HMs) are substantially determined by their high tolerance, weedy propensities, phenotypic plasticity attributes, and pedoclimatic stress adaptation in an ecological niche. The detection trends of HMs contaminants in cannabis products have reshaped the 2027 forecast and beyond for global cannabis trade valued at $57 billion. Consumer base awareness for the cohort of HMs contaminants viz., lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and radioactive elements, and the associative dissuading effects significantly impact cannabis bioeconomy. On the premise that fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) could be repurposed to diverse non-consumable products, concerns over HMs contamination would not significantly decrease fiber trade, a trend that could impact globally by 2025. The economic trend will depend on acceptable consumer risk, regulatory instruments, and grower's due diligence to implement agronomic best practices to mitigate HMs contamination in marketable cannabis-related products. In this unstructured meta-analysis study based on published literature, the application of Cannabis species in HMs phytoremediation, new insights into transportation, distribution, homeostasis of HMs, the impact of HMs on medical cannabis, and cannabis bioeconomic are discussed. Furthermore, a blueprint of agronomic strategies to alleviate HMs uptake by plant is proposed. Considering that one-third of the global arable lands are contaminated with HMs, revamping global production of domesticated cannabis requires a rethinking of agronomic best practices and post-harvest technologies to remove HMs contaminants.

scholarly journals The Highs and Lows of P Supply in Medical Cannabis: Effects on Cannabinoids, the Ionome, and Morpho-Physiology

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sivan Shiponi ◽  
Nirit Bernstein
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Maximum Yield ◽  
Dilution Effect ◽  
P Uptake ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Cannabidiolic Acid ◽  
Growing Conditions ◽  
And Function ◽  
P Supply

Environmental conditions, including the availability of mineral nutrients, affect secondary metabolism in plants. Therefore, growing conditions have significant pharmaceutical and economic importance for Cannabis sativa. Phosphorous is an essential macronutrient that affects central biosynthesis pathways. In this study, we evaluated the hypothesis that P uptake, distribution and availability in the plant affect the biosynthesis of cannabinoids. Two genotypes of medical “drug-type” cannabis plants were grown under five P concentrations of 5, 15, 30, 60, and 90 mg L–1 (ppm) in controlled environmental conditions. The results reveal several dose-dependent effects of P nutrition on the cannabinoid profile of both genotypes, as well as on the ionome and plant functional physiology, thus supporting the hypothesis: (i) P concentrations ≤15 mg L–1 were insufficient to support optimal plant function and reduced photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance and growth; (ii) 30–90 mg L–1 P was within the optimal range for plant development and function, and 30 mg L–1 P was sufficient for producing 80% of the maximum yield; (iii) Ionome: about 80% of the plant P accumulated in the unfertilized inflorescences; (iv) Cannabinoids: P supply higher than 5 mg L–1 reduced Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) concentrations in the inflorescences by up to 25%. Cannabinoid concentrations decreased linearly with increasing yield, consistent with a yield dilution effect, but the total cannabinoid content per plant increased with increasing P supply. These results reveal contrasting trends for effects of P supply on cannabinoid concentrations that were highest under &lt;30 mg L–1 P, vs. inflorescence biomass that was highest under 30–90 mg L–1 P. Thus, the P regime should be adjusted to reflect production goals. The results demonstrate the potential of mineral nutrition to regulate cannabinoid metabolism and optimize pharmacological quality.

scholarly journals In vitro tissue culture and genetic analysis of two high-CBD medical cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) breeding lines

Genetika ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 925-941 ◽  
Author(s):  
Spela Mestinsek-Mubi ◽  
Sinja Svetik ◽  
Marko Flajsman ◽  
Jana Murovec
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Culture ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Shoot Culture ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Breeding Lines ◽  
In Vitro Tissue Culture ◽  
Tissue Culture Media

The species Cannabis sativa L. has recently witnessed a resurgence of interest all over the world due to its multipurpose applications and the scientific confirmation of its pharmacological properties. Genotypes with high cannabinoid content are appreciated in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries due to their therapeutic potential. These genotypes, with predominantly high cannabidiol (CBD) content, are the subject of research and breeding in several programs, but to date, little data is published on the in vitro tissue culture of cannabis. Our study focused on the establishment of an efficient micropropagation method for two high-CBD breeding lines (MX-CBD-11 and MX-CBD-707) as the basis for advanced biotechnological breeding approaches. The results demonstrated that the in vitro culture of medical cannabis can be initiated on different culture media, that cultured plants can be successfully acclimatized, and that nodal position, and especially the genotype, have a significant influence on the success of shoot culture establishment. They showed that the published tissue culture media optimized for one high-THC strain of Mexican cannabis are not as efficient for other genotypes of (medical) cannabis. We complemented this research with a genetic study of 95 plants of the two breeding lines with 16 microsatellite (SSR) markers which clustered the plants based on breeding line. The results demonstrated that only 8 markers are needed for discrimination of all analyzed plants and their usefulness for clonal identification.

scholarly journals Cannabis: from plant condemned by prejudice to one of the greatest therapeutic options of the century

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-97
Author(s):  
Adriana Ferreira Grosso
Keyword(s):  
Immune Cell ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Main Tool ◽  
Therapeutic Options ◽  
Therapeutic Area ◽  
Molecular Signaling ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Natural Substances ◽  
African Slaves

Cannabis sativa has a fascinating history and has been used by mankind for millennia. Many societies such as Greek, Roman, Chinese, African, Indian and Arabic take advantage of the plant's qualities, which are consumed as food, medicine, fuel, fibers or tobacco. The first reference found related to the therapeutic use of the plant data from 2700 B.C. and is present in the pharmacopoeia of the Chinese Emperor Shen-Nung, where this plant was recommended in the treatment of malaria, rheumatic pain, in irregular and painful menstrual cycles. The book “De Matéria Médica”, written by the doctor Pedânio Dioscórides considered thefounder of pharmacology, exposes  Cannabis as one of the natural substances that can relieve inflammatory pain. In Brazil,  African slaves  brought a cannabis  during  the colonial period, around 1549. Then, its use spread quickly among black slaves and Indians, who started to cultivate it. Once the plant was popularized among French intellectuals and English doctors in the Indian imperial army, it started to be considered in our country as an excellent medicine for men, until it was suppressed by the police authorities in the 1930s. Only 60 years later important findings were highlighted  around  Cannabis  with the System Endocannabinoid and its receptors, neurotransmitters such as anandamide and 2-AG, revolutionizing the understanding of molecular signaling that modulates pain and analgesia, inflammation, appetite, gastrointestinal motility and sleep cycles, immune cell activity and  hormones among others.We are in front of  a huge revolution in the therapeutic area, in which phytocabinoids represent one of the great therapeutic options of the century. We need a widespread disclosure that CBD is not marijuana and that its use for recreational purpose has nothing to do with the use of medical cannabis. Scientific research is seriously committed to the use of the substance in various pathologies. The role of information is absolute, being  the main tool to clarify a society.

scholarly journals THC Yield and Greenhouse Cover Materials: Optimizing the Profit of Medical Cannabis

2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 107
Author(s):  
Maria KOUSOYLA ◽  
Stella BRAKATSOULA ◽  
Christina NIKAKI ◽  
Dimitrios BILALIS ◽  
Alexandros TATARIDAS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Financial Analysis ◽  
Business Plan ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Psychoactive Substance ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Business Opportunities ◽  
New Business ◽  
Therapeutic Properties

Even though Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive substance, studies indicate that it has therapeutic properties. Moreover, the modification in Greece legislation regarding the legalization of cannabis has resulted in new business opportunities for medical-cannabis related companies. This study aimed to evaluate whether different greenhouse cover materials affect THC yield and propose a business plan for any potential medical-cannabis related company in Greece. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of different plastic cover films in greenhouses for the cultivation of Cannabis sativa. Furthermore, the economic viability of a potential medical-cannabis related business in Greece was evaluated based upon a financial analysis. Yields were increased in greenhouses with double plastic cover materials (compared to the control). According to the results of our comparative economic analysis the production of medical cannabis in greenhouses constructed with double layered cover materials would significantly increase profits. Finally, greenhouse medical-cannabis production is much promising in Greece. Nevertheless, the use of appropriate greenhouse cover materials should be considered as they affect THC yield and therefore, the profit of the company.

scholarly journals Identification of a new cannabidiol n-hexyl homolog in a medicinal cannabis variety with an antinociceptive activity in mice: cannabidihexol

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pasquale Linciano ◽  
Cinzia Citti ◽  
Fabiana Russo ◽  
Francesco Tolomeo ◽  
Aldo Laganà ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stereoselective Synthesis ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Monomethyl Ether ◽  
Psychotropic Activity ◽  
Aliphatic Chain ◽  
Molecular Formula ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Biological Tests ◽  
Medicinal Cannabis

AbstractThe two most important and studied phytocannabinoids present in Cannabis sativa L. are undoubtedly cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic compound, but with other pharmacological properties, and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which instead possesses psychotropic activity and is responsible for the recreative use of hemp. Recently, the homolog series of both CBDs and THCs has been expanded by the isolation in a medicinal cannabis variety of four new phytocannabinoids possessing on the resorcinyl moiety a butyl-(in CBDB and Δ9-THCB) and a heptyl-(in CBDP and Δ9-THCP) aliphatic chain. In this work we report a new series of phytocannabinoids that fills the gap between the pentyl and heptyl homologs of CBD and Δ9-THC, bearing a n-hexyl side chain on the resorcinyl moiety that we named cannabidihexol (CBDH) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabihexol (Δ9-THCH), respectively. However, some cannabinoids with the same molecular formula and molecular weight of CBDH and Δ9-THCH have been already identified and reported as monomethyl ether derivatives of the canonical phytocannabinoids, namely cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabidiol monomethyl ether (CBDM) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol monomethyl ether (Δ9-THCM). The unambiguously identification in cannabis extract of the n-hexyl homologues of CBD and Δ9-THC different from the corresponding methylated isomers (CBDM, CBGM and Δ9-THCM) was achieved by comparison of the retention time, molecular ion, and fragmentation spectra with those of the authentic standards obtained via stereoselective synthesis, and a semi-quantification of these cannabinoids in the FM2 medical cannabis variety was provided. Conversely, no trace of Δ9-THCM was detected. Moreover, CBDH was isolated by semipreparative HPLC and its identity was confirmed by comparison with the spectroscopic data of the corresponding synthetic standard. Thus, the proper recognition of CBDH, CBDM and Δ9-THCH closes the loop and might serve in the future for researchers to distinguish between these phytocannabinoids isomers that show a very similar analytical behaviour. Lastly, CBDH was assessed for biological tests in vivo showing interesting analgesic activity at low doses in mice.

scholarly journals The Use of Medical Cannabis in Pediatric Palliative Care: A Case Series

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antuan Divisic ◽  
Irene Avagnina ◽  
Valentina De Tommasi ◽  
Anna Santini ◽  
Laura Brogelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Clinical Experience ◽  
Plant Extract ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Pediatric Palliative Care ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Treatment Resistant ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background: Medical cannabis may be a useful tool for the management of treatment-resistant epilepsy and chronic pain, which affect many patients who are in PPC; however, little evidence is available in this setting. Case presentation: We aimed to describe a clinical experience, in a setting where high-level evidence may not be obtained. We report our clinical experience in a pediatric palliative care department in Italy. Caregivers reported changes in intensity and frequency of pain and epilepsy events. Six patients received a titrated plant extract of cannabis sativa for 1 year. Only mild and transient adverse events occurred. All patients experienced seizures during the pre-treatment observation period, and obtained a reduction in seizure frequency, although with variable extent while receiving cannabis. In addition, a benefit on pain was observed, based on the caregiver’s evaluation, and a reduction of analgesic use. Conclusion: Our experience suggests that a titrated plant extract preparation of medical cannabis may be useful to control treatment-resistant pain and epilepsy in PPC patients.

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