Neurológia pre prax 1/2025
Cannabis as medicine
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is a herb which was used for the production of canvas until the 19th century in Bohemia and Moravia. The progress in research focused on endocanabinoid system brings this herb into the focus again. Endocanabinoid system influences homeostasis of the whole organism due to modulation of neurotransmiter activity and subsequently the nociception, cognition, spasticity, sleep etc. Cannabinoid receptors are situated in the peripheral (CB2) and central nervous system (CB1), as well as in the connective tissue and immune system. The best-known effective molecules are delta-9-tetrahydrocanabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). I present a case report of a patient with chronic vertebrogenic problems and polyneuropathy of the lower extremities accompanied by neuropathic pain. Medical cannabis in monotherapy or in combination therapy can be a good choice for patients with neuropathic pain in individualized treatment.
Keywords: hemp, endocanabinoid system, cannabinoid receptors, THC, CBD, neuropathic pain
