Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) is attaining once again interest for its medical uses in the recent years. Cannabis based medicines were used for thousands of years in Asia. These were also popular in Western medicine in the mid-nineteenth century.

The results were bad because of the poor standardisation possibilities of the plants with their components. This problem is solved today by the modern techniques of plant breeding. One should always keep in mind the narrow therapeutic window with its desired benefits and the unwanted psychic effects. We know the reason of banning LSD from the medical use because the psychic effects are too much and uncontrollable.

Is there any possibility to use cannabis as medicine? Many say the single components like cannabidiol or delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) could be used wherever it is necessary. The psychic effects are produced by delta-p-THC and so cannabidiol could be used as a medicine. The oral intake is not reliable. If cannabis is smoked the components could reach the blood quickly, but there are many side effects. They include:

• Can lead to bronchitis
• May cause lung, mouth, and airways cancer in he long use
• May make problems with fertility
• Can weaken the immune system
• May alter the human DNA

Smoking 3 to 4 cannabis cigarettes a day brings the same damage to bronchial mucus membrane as more than 20 cigarettes a day.

In the 1990s cannabis receptors have been found in brain and in other organs. This led to the discovery of anandamide, the first endogenous cannabinoids. Synthesis of anandamide-like chemicals may bring a new light in the medicinal use of cannabis. In future if more cannabinoid receptors and more endogenous substances with pharmacological effects found this could lead to new therapeutical chances.

It is a known fact that cannabidiol has good antioxidant qualities. But one antioxidant alone could not change the history of mankind.

Cannabis if smoked is a good painkiller and used to bring appetite in the last stadium of AIDS. The medicinal uses discussed in the literature include the treatment of glaucoma, asthma, vomiting, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), convulsion, muscle spasticity, anxiety, inflammation and hypertension. It is neuro protective and could be used for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, AIDS dementia, stroke, and trauma. It may be useful in all autoimmune diseases.

There are, today, many varieties of cannabis plants with very little delta-9-THC. The oil taken from these plants are used in biscuits, other snacks and used with salads in some European countries.

We should never forget the side effects of cannabis and at the same time more research is necessary to know the medicinal values.

It is bad to hope and believe with one good antioxidant to master all our health mistakes. This is not only childish but also foolish. Our lifestyle must be good always. The risk factors must be minimised. Fast food, junk food, processed food, smoking, excess alcohol and stress must be avoided. More healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains products, nuts, seeds, beans and pulses must be eaten regularly. There are many antioxidants and phytochemicals present here. Enough physical activity does not only good to the body but also to our mind. If everything is so perfect why we need cannabis?

Cannabidiol is patented already in USA but it is still present in Schedule I list and this says everything.

Before abusing cannabis ask your legal adviser the narcotic laws in your country. In some countries abusing cannabis brings death sentence.