Hemp- medical cannabis: properties, uses, precautions
Dorothée BanchetonJournalist Published on in collaboration withDr LaureMartinat (Anesthetist-resuscitator, Naturopath, graduate in Phytotherapy and Aromatherapy)
Hemp, also called cannabis, has a sulphurous reputation behind it. If its recreational consumption is prohibited in France because of its THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol content (a stupefying molecule), this plant has many health benefits, including analgesics. Used since prehistoric times, medicine has been focusing more on it in recent years to develop drugs.
- Medicinal properties of hemp
- Hemp: Internal use
- Hemp: External use
- Hemp: Usual therapeutic indications
- Hemp: Other supposed therapeutic indications
- History of the use of hemp in herbal medicine
- Botanical description of hemp
- Composition of hemp
- Use and dosage of hemp
- Precautions for using hemp
- Hemp: Recognized benefits
- Safe use of cannabidiol (CBD)
Scientific name: Cannabis sativa L.Common names: hemp, cannabis, Indian hemp, marijuana, hashish, ganja, shit, weed, kif...English names: HempBotanical classification: Cannabaceae familyForms and preparations : oils, capsules, infusions, tablets, vaporization, seeds
Medicinal properties of hemp
Hemp and cannabis are botanically one and the same plant. Cannabis has psychotropic effects due to the presence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. It should not be confused with hemp also called "industrial hemp" widely used in the textile, food or stationery industry for example. This hemp can be grown in France within the framework of compliance with very strict regulations with authorized varieties displaying a THC content of less than 0.2%; only seeds and fibers can be used.
Hemp has a very interesting nutritional profile: it is rich in protein, fibre, essential amino acids and has a perfect balance between omega 3 and omega 6. Medicinal hemp has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in case of muscle contractures linked to multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, lack of appetite and nausea induced by AIDS or cancer.
To better understand:
If cannabis and hemp designate the same plant, Cannabis sativa, there are however different varieties that are distinguished, among other things, by their content of cannabinoids, the active ingredients responsible for medicinal effects but also narcotics. The best known cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC and cannabidiol or CBD but there are many others.
THC is responsible for the narcotic effect, while cannabidiol has no narcotic effect and seems to have interesting medicinal properties, in particular anxiolytic or anticonvulsant.
Hemp: Internal use
Organic hemp seeds, called hemp seeds, have a reputation as a superfood. They do not have a psychotropic effect, their traces of THC being minimal. They are rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids with an omega 6 and omega 3 ratio measured at 3 to 1 (this ratio in the Western diet is very unbalanced and is rather between 15 and 20 to 1). Its insoluble fibers improve transit and its soluble fibers prevent blood sugar peaks. The seed contains a rare omega 3, stearidonic acid (SDA), known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Several scientific studies have also looked at the potential beneficial effects of stearidonic acid for health, particularly with regard to its preventive action against inflammation, cardiovascular disease and cancer. This is particularly the case of the study published by P Prasad and his team in 2020.
Hemp: External use
Hemp seed oil, rich in essential fatty acids (omega 3 and gamma linolenic acid), minerals and vitamin E has moisturizing, healing, nutritive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoallergenic... Applied to the skin daily, it revives its radiance by activating superficial microcirculation, reduces redness and contributes to cell regeneration. It is indicated against eczema in local application but also internally. A study published in 2005 by J Callaway and his team evaluated the effects of taking hemp oil orally in 20 patients with atopic dermatitis. The results show a decrease in clinical symptoms linked to atopic dermatitis (skin dryness, pruritus) and in the use of medication.
Source: Callaway J, Schwab U, Harvima I, Halonen P, Mykkänen O, Hyvönen P, Järvinen T. Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis. J Dermatolog Treat. 2005 Apr;16(2):87-94.
Hemp: Usual therapeutic indications
Medical cannabis has recognized properties against pain, particularly chronic pain, spasms in cases of multiple sclerosis or partial epilepsy, nausea and vomiting for patients undergoing chemotherapy or with AIDS. It would also help to stimulate the appetite of the elderly, suffering from Alzheimer's or suffering from AIDS.
See alsoArticleUsing essential oils safely: precautions to take
ArticleEssential oil of lemongrass: properties and uses
Hemp: Other supposed therapeutic indications
This plant has other fields of action and could treat insomnia, improve the management of glaucoma.
History of the use of hemp in phytotherapy
Archaeological traces bear witness to the use of hemp since prehistoric times, particularly in Asia. During Antiquity, with migrations and conquests, it established itself in Europe and North Africa. Hemp is used there, for example, in fumigation to facilitate labor during childbirth, as an anesthetic during operations, against rheumatism, malaria, lack of appetite... Its therapeutic virtues, mainly analgesic, are particularly exploited in the West between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Then comes the time of prohibition all over the world. France, the leading European producer of hemp, banned hemp and its derivatives in 1916 and cannabis disappeared from the French pharmacopoeia in 1953. In 1960, Inra selected monoecious cultivars low in THC and the manufacture of industrial hemp resumed in France . Since the end of 2018, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM) has found it "relevant to authorize the use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes for patients in certain clinical situations". This is how certain recent varieties containing a singular content cannabidiol (CBD), a substance with no psychotropic effect, have been selected and are legal in Europe if their THC content is less than 0.2%. Research into their medical potential is ongoing.
Botanical description of hemp
Hemp is an annual plant. There are many varieties. Those with narcotic effects are prohibited in France. The hemp plant for industrial use comes in a larger form, with wider stems than that of cannabis. On the other hand, it has fewer branches and flowers although it is the same plant. Some strains of Cannabis sativa can reach 7m in height, but are usually 2-4m tall. The plant is rigid, fibrous. Its green leaves are palmatized (in the shape of stars or palms), long and serrated and have 5 to 7 segments.
Composition of hemp
Hemp: Parts used
In herbal medicine, dried flowers and leaves, seeds (called hempseed) are used. The stems (to obtain hemp fiber and hemp) are intended for other uses (textiles, building, etc.).
Active ingredients of hemp
Hemp contains more than 500 natural constituents, including cannabinoids (THC...), terpenes, polyphenols (flavonoids), alkaloids, ketones, aldehydes. THC, under the effect of heat, has a psychoactive effect. In France, it is considered a drug. Another compound present in large quantities in hemp: cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), a precursor of cannabidiol (CBD), which has soothing and analgesic properties without harmful effects on the psyche ( no psychoactive effect).
Use and dosage of hemp
Hemp: What dosage?
Hemp seeds are eaten raw (between 20 and 30 g/day approximately), or ground into fine flour or powder (1 teaspoon/day) or oil when pressed (1 tablespoon/day).
For an infusion, immerse a pinch of flowers in a cup of water and/or animal or vegetable fat milk (almond, hazelnut, etc.), then bring to the boil and leave to infuse for 15 minutes, covered, off the heat. Filter. It is recommended not to drink more than 250 ml of this herbal tea per day.
Note: current regulations prohibit the sale of hemp leaves and flowers, only seeds and fibers are authorized. However, many sales sites and stores offer infusion preparations made from hemp flowers and leaves. According to the law, the sale of flowers and leaves is illegal; however, the application of the law is the responsibility of the prosecution, it seems that there is a certain tolerance on this subject, provided of course that the other items of the regulations are respected, in particular a THC content of less than 0.2%. .
Precautions for using hemp
Contraindications of hemp
In case of known allergy or intolerance.
Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children should avoid consuming hemp-based products:
Adverse effects of hemp
According to several studies, smoked cannabis increases the risk of lung cancer. Consumption for medical use, authorized in various countries, therefore encourages its use in other forms.
The THC contained in cannabis has effects on the central nervous system, which explains its prohibition. Its regular consumption (more than 10 joints per month) increases the risk of schizophrenia by 30%. Other cognitive disorders (loss of memory, difficulty concentrating, etc.) have also been noted. Hemp, rich in fiber, can cause gas, bloating, diarrhea...
Interactions of hemp with drugs
In France, products containing THC are strictly prohibited by law. On the other hand, those based on CBD are tolerated. However, a study1 from the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey (United States) explains that these could interfere with antidepressant treatments, oral contraceptives, against thyroid disorders, anticoagulants, sedatives, anxiolytics and analgesics. It is therefore important to discuss this with your doctor beforehand.
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Hemp: Recognized benefits
Medical hemp is used in addition to therapeutic treatments to relieve certain side effects or as an alternative to other treatments. It is authorized and prescribed in certain countries according to the conditions of indications specific to each of them, the origin and the form of administration of the product.
Use of hemp: Warning
The French authorities urge caution regarding the potentially harmful effects of the CBD molecule, which is still little known. In addition, they recall that the THC molecule, classified as a narcotic, is likely to be present in products derived from hemp.
Research on hemp
Research continues to continue to explore the benefits and possible actions of hemp on neuroprotection, in particular on brain cancers, Alzheimer's disease, disorders Obsessive Compulsive (OCD)...
To know:
Hemp applied to cardiovascular diseases
Given the nutritional profile of hemp seeds, some people argue that it would have a favorable effect on the prevention and management of burden of cardiovascular disease. However, these data are not currently confirmed by the scientific literature: studies are still needed to assess the place of hemp seeds in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases.
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Hemp applied to neurology
Epilepsy
Many patients report an improvement in their epileptic disease thanks to the intake of hemp and in particular CBD. However, current studies are often built on models of low to moderate methodological quality, so new studies are needed to clarify this effect.
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Multiple sclerosis
Several studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of hemp in the case of multiple sclerosis, in particular with an improvement in the symptomatology of the disease, particularly in terms of spasticity and pain.
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Chronic pain
Due to the lack of solid scientific data and the potential adverse effects associated with the use of cannabis, it seems preferable to consider cannabis-based therapies only within the framework of a multidisciplinary approach, with a framework by experienced professionals, and if the recommended first- and second-line treatments are insufficient.
The data in the scientific literature seem sufficiently solid to consider it in the context of chronic neuropathic pain. For all other types of chronic pain, it is currently not possible to issue real recommendations.
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Chronic neuropathic pain
Cannabis and its active ingredients could help relieve chronic neuropathic pain. However, some studies suggest that the expected benefits could be overridden by the potential toxicity of certain preparations, in particular those containing THC.
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Tourette Syndrome
Rare placebo-controlled studies have suggested that taking THC may be associated with a statistically significant reduction in the severity of tics in patients with Tourette syndrome.
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Hemp applied to oncology
Nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy
Studies suggest a beneficial effect of hemp in relieving and preventing nausea and vomiting secondary to certain cancer chemotherapies.
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Hemp applied to psychiatry
Anxiety
A small study, at high risk of bias, evaluated patients with generalized social anxiety and found that cannabidiol was associated with greater improvement in anxiety assessed on a visual analogue mood scale compared to placebo in a simulated public speaking test.
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Hemp applied to ophthalmology
Chronic glaucoma
If some data suggest a potential effect of cannabis and in particular of THC on the reduction of intraocular pressure, the indication of cannabis in the management of glaucoma is limited by the impossibility of separating the potential clinical action adverse psychoactive effects. As a result, cannabis is currently not used in the management of glaucoma: for example, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society does not recommend its use, especially since there are currently more effective therapies and do not not exposed to the risks induced by cannabis.
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Other applications of hemp
Appetite stimulation in patients with HIV or AIDS
Few studies have evaluated the use of certain cannabinoids to stimulate appetite in patients with HIV or AIDS, and they all carry a significant risk of bias. A study published in 2003 by DI Abrams and his team showed significantly greater weight gain with the two forms of cannabinoids tested compared to placebo.
Another study published in 1997 found contradictory results: this comparative trial showed that megestrol acetate was associated with greater weight gain than dronabinol (a cannabinoid) and that the combination of dronabinol and megestrol acetate did not cause additional weight gain.
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Safety of use of cannabidiol (CBD)
The safety of use of cannabidiol has been little studied. While some studies suggest that it could be relatively safe (no effect on heart rate, blood pressure, no impairment of psychomotor and psychological functions), other studies point to potential interactions with several drugs due to an interaction at the level of the hepatic metabolism of certain drugs. In addition, potential deleterious effects on fertility and cell viability have been demonstrated. Further research is therefore needed.
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