Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol: Separating the chemicals from the "weed," a pharmacodynamic discussion

Ment Health Clin. 2016 Nov 3;6(6):277-284. doi: 10.9740/mhc.2016.11.277. eCollection 2016 Nov.

Abstract

Cannabis is being increasingly used as a medical treatment for a variety of illnesses. However, the cannabis plant has more than 70 different phytocannabinoids with potential pharmacologic activity. Two of the most researched phytocannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Evidence suggests CBD can decrease some of the psychomimetic effects of THC. This has led to the development of a new drug, Nabiximols, for the treatment of moderate to severe spasticity due to multiple sclerosis. A discussion of evidence supporting proposed pharmacodynamic interplay between CBD and THC is presented.

Keywords: Nabiximols; cannabidiol; cannabis; delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; marijuana.