PubMed · 16026306
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María L López-Rodríguez. 2005. Cannabinoids.. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389557054368835
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The results of recent clinical trials of medicinal cannabinoid drugs show that dizziness and vertigo are commonly reported adverse side-effects. Cannabinoid CB1 receptors were initially thought to be expressed in very low densities in the vestibular nucleus complex (VNC). Recent immunohistochemical studies have challenged this idea and suggested that CB1 receptors may exist in numbers similar to the granule cell layer of the cerebellum. This, together with evidence that brainstem CB1 receptors have a higher efficacy than those in many other parts of the brain and that application of cannabinoids can elicit potent electrophysiological effects in VNC neurons, suggests that CB1 receptors and their endogenous ligands may be important in central vestibular function. In this review, we consider the potential clinical significance of the endocannabinoid system for the development of vestibular disorders, the effects of recreational cannabis use and the therapeutic use of medicinal cannabinoids.
In order to assess the current knowledge on the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, a meta-analysis was performed through Medline and PubMed up to July 1, 2005. The key words used were cannabis, marijuana, marihuana, hashish, hashich, haschich, cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, dronabinol, nabilone, levonantradol, randomised, randomized, double-blind, simple blind, placebo-controlled, and human. The research also included the reports and reviews published in English, French and Spanish. For the final selection, only properly controlled clinical trials were retained, thus open-label studies were excluded. Seventy-two controlled studies evaluating the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids were identified. For each clinical trial, the country where the project was held, the number of patients assessed, the type of study and comparisons done, the products and the dosages used, their efficacy and their adverse effects are described. Cannabinoids present an interesting therapeutic potential as antiemetics, appetite stimulants in debilitating diseases (cancer and AIDS), analgesics, and in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy and glaucoma.
INTRODUCTION: There is little information available about the real content of cannabis consumed in France. OBJECTIVE: To assess the chemical content, including adulterants and contaminants, and potency of cannabis samples obtained from end-users. METHODS: Samples of resins considered by users to produce "unusual" effects were collected from habitual consumers and chemically analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-seven samples were obtained. Average THC content was 8.8%. The effects reported by users were consistent with the THC content. Apart from an unidentified fatty substance found in two samples, no adulteration was found. DISCUSSION: This study, which relied on volunteers, enabled us to collect samples considered abnormal by experienced users. It did not confirm the numerous anecdotes of adulteration. CONCLUSION: We suggest that this study should be widened to monitor the current chemical contents of cannabis derivatives available in France. The impact of providing users with the results remains to be evaluated.