For centuries, the psychotropic effects of the cannabis plant have been widely recognized. In recent years, a more scientific approach has been taken to explore the medicinal properties of cannabinoids. These compounds, present in cannabis, influence cannabinoid receptors in the human body. Although their role in plant biology remains unclear, it's hypothesized that they help in plant defense and seedling development. Similar compounds are also produced by humans and other animals, playing a crucial role in stem cell growth.
The human body contains receptors specifically binding to cannabinoids. Intriguingly, these receptors appear to have evolved before the cannabinoids themselves. Studies have found that certain plant cannabinoids affecting adenylyl cyclase in the brain are psychoactive. Interestingly, many cannabinoids, including AM404 (a metabolite of Tylenol), show neuroprotective qualities. They can also inhibit the growth of harmful amoebae like Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, responsible for amoebic encephalitis. Continued research may reveal more medical benefits of cannabis.
The next sections summarize recent findings from human clinical trials on the potential therapeutic use of plant- and human-derived cannabinoids.