Cannabis Sativa Uses, Health Benefits, Research & Side Effects

Cannabis sativa is a medicinal perennial plant that is used as a prescription medication in some locations for pain, HIV/AIDS, bipolar disorder, cancer and more.

Commonly called marijuana, its medicinal and recreational use has been documented for thousands of years ago.

Cannabis is now used commonly worldwide. Although it is considered a Schedule 1 controlled substance in the US, it has been legal in many countries for most of recorded history. [1]

Cannabis is being increasingly explored for possible health benefits in research. According to PubMed, in 2006, there were 471 studies completed on this herb. As of 2016, were already 1199 published studies. [2]

Cannabis sativa refers to one of two popular strains of this plant, purported to have energizing and mood-lifting effects. The other – Cannabis Indica – is purported to have stronger analgesic and sedative effects. Hybrids of the two are often cultivated with properties of both.

Cannabis Sativa Health Benefits

ProCon.org reviewed 60 clinical studies conducted between 1990 and 2014. They found that cannabis was beneficial in 68.3% of the studies reviewed. These studies involved the following health conditions: [3]

• ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease)
• Bipolar disorder
• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Huntington’s disease
• IBD (irritable bowel disorder)
• Crohn’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Nausea
• Pain
• Parkinson’s disease
• Psychosis
• Schizophrenia
• rheumatoid arthritis
• Tourette’s syndrome

According to ProCon, this list is neither exhaustive nor comprehensive.

A 2015 review of marijuana by the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute suggests that Cannabis sativa “may have a therapeutic role for a multitude of diseases.” [4]

However, most of the pharmacologic and biologic components of Cannabis are not yet well understood. Randomized human trials are required to further evaluate the possible health benefits of marijuana.

Cannabis Sativa vs Cannabis Indica

What are the differences between Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica? Both are species of the Cannabis genus and the Cannabaceae family.

Both contain more than four hundred chemical compounds; dozens of which are classified as cannabinoids. [5]

The most studied and understood of the cannabinoid compounds are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

These plants both contain roughly 120 other active compounds, many of which are volatile sesquiterpenes and terpenes. Some of the compounds which are believed to create the unique, pungent aroma of Cannabis, include: [5]

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• Alpha-Pinene
• Myrcene
• Linalool
• Limonene
• Trans-beta-ocimene
• Alpha-terpinolene
• Trans-caryophyllene
• Alpha-Humulene
• Caryophyllene

Research suggests that by modulating the endocannabinoid system, both Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica may target multiple therapeutic pathways.

Researchers believe that the active components of marijuana may provide bases for “many new classes of medications”. [4]

The differences between the effects of Cannabis sativa vs. indica is attributed to these plants having different concentrations of bioactive constituents.

Some research suggests that C. sativa contains more THC than CBD and that C. Indica contains more CBD than THC.

However, according to 2014 research from Spain, “huge variability exists within either species, and there is an increasing discussion whether the existing paradigm of the difference between species adequately represents the variability found within the Cannabis genus”. [6]

Many users report that Cannabis sativa strains induce more mentally-stimulating effects, while Cannabis indica induces more sedative effects. Sativa strains are noted for uplifting the mood and energy levels, while indica strains are commonly used for relaxing the body and mind.

C. indica plants have wider stalks, broader leaves and denser flower clusters (buds). C. sativa plants have skinnier leaves, are not as bushy and have more elongated flower clusters.

Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oils are extracted from certain strains of plant bred to be very low in THC and high in CBD. They produce little to no psychoactive effects, but may have medicinal benefits.

These oils are gaining popularity as medicinal agents, especially for use in children with Dravet Syndrome, a condition marked by multiple seizure episodes daily.

According to ProCon.org, as of March 2016, sixteen states in the US have approved the medicinal use of CBD oils.

Cannabis oil is also believed to be helpful for conditions including chronic pain, epilepsy in both children and adults and various types of cancer. Research continues in these and various other areas of health.

Side Effects

Cannabis is not associated with any serious side effects in most people. There are no reports of this plant causing death as a primary agent.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that Cannabis sativa can cause certain adverse effects in sensitive people. The most common include:

• Dry mouth (xerostomia);
• Reddening of the eyes;
• Appetite stimulation;

There are other adverse effects possible with marijuana use, including changes in blood pressure, dizziness, coughing, slowed reaction time and panic reactions.

Other possible, but unlikely side effects include hallucinations, emotional disturbances and/or lacking motor coordination. [7] Individuals should not drive or operate heavy machinery while under the influence of this herb.

Because Cannabis sativa is comprised of so many compounds, and many of them are not yet well understood, interactions with various drugs and health conditions are possible.

You should seek medical advice before beginning to use Cannabis. Discuss any existing health conditions, and medications and/or herbal supplements you may be using. Cannabis sativa is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.

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