Marijuana is a preparation of a plant called Cannabis sativa. During the history, in different cultures, this plant has been used for different reasons. But the question is what it contains that has such impact on the person who uses it? According to the article of “Endogenous cannabinoids revisited: A biochemistry perspective”, Cannabis has at least 400 chemical components, 60 of them to cannabinoid class.
Why our body naturally produces cannabinoids:
We have cannabinoid system in our body, which is called endogenous cannabinoid system. It has protein molecules that are functioning as receptors for the cannabinoids that are naturally produced in our body. These are called endocannabinoids. They are naturally produced in the body. Different endocannabinoids in the body are produced when they are needed; they are not stored in the cells. They have important roles, for example, Anandamide, an endocannabinoid that is able control motor activities (movements), stimulates appetite, and so many other impacts. Another example is Oleamide, which is a sleep inducing substance. Endocannabinoids are involved in the pathway that leads to cell death. This characteristic and so many other benefits of endocannabinoids make scientists more willing to research and discover possible benefits of different compounds in Cannabis sativa plant. This is important because of possible production of new drugs to treat many diseases.
Potential benefits of cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa:
This is the molecular structure of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a cannabinoid isolated form Cannabis sativa plant. Extensive research has been done on the characteristics and structure of this compound. The results of scientific researches on this cannabinoid, as a treatment for cancer, have indicated its important role in apoptosis of cancer cells. This is death of cancer cells. THC kills cancer cells by binding to the cannabinoid receptors and causing changes in the cell which leads to the death of the cell. Marijuana, a schedule I classified drug, needs to be thoroughly explored through scientific studies. This is because of its compounds’ possible potential for development of drugs, which can help with treatment of diseases. Having marijuana as a schedule I drug disables scientific studies about it. There are thousands of cancer patients who have used marijuana and reported satisfying results. The link to a video, which contains interviews with doctors, researchers and cancer patients. The video provides a helpful summary about potential benefits of this plant.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=THC+and+cancer+treatment&FORM=HDRSC3#view=detail&mid=FE8E4717191445E6C3FEFE8E4717191445E6C3FE
Why should general public care about this topic:
I have learned helpful information during one week of discussion on topic of cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, endogenous cannabinoids system in the body, the role of endocannabinoids, and possible helpful characteristics of cannabinoids derived from marijuana. I shared what I have learned in the first three paragraphs. I would like to share my knowledge on the topic, even if it is not very completed, because I think it is very critical for general public to know about a matter before making any decision. We do know that marijuana can have potential to treat disease, but abuse of the drug is also associated with unwanted consequences. I found the adverse impacts of abusing THC on an online article, which the link is provided for. According to the article, some possible risks of consuming THC include: impaired motor skills, decrease in IQ, memory and cognition [in younger people]. The same article on this website explains, “THC before birth, soon after birth or during adolescence have shown problems with specific learning and memory tasks later in life”. Having enough information about risks and medical benefits of marijuana can help people to make informed decisions.
http://www.livescience.com/24553-what-is-thc.html
