title: Therapeutic potential of cannabis-related drugs.
abstract: In this review, I will consider the dual nature of Cannabis and cannabinoids. The duality arises from the potential and actuality of cannabinoids in the laboratory and clinic and the 'abuse' of Cannabis outside the clinic. The therapeutic areas currently best associated with exploitation of Cannabis-related medicines include pain, epilepsy, feeding disorders, multiple sclerosis and glaucoma. As with every other medicinal drug of course, the 'trick' will be to maximise the benefit and minimise the cost. After millennia of proximity and exploitation of the Cannabis plant, we are still playing catch up with an understanding of its potential influence for medicinal benefit.
authors.affiliation: Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham NG7 2UH, England, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Steve.alexander@nottingham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Stephen P H
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Alexander
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002188:Cannabis; D063388:Endocannabinoids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D002189:Marijuana Abuse; D008517:Phytotherapy
chemical_list: D002186:Cannabinoids; D063388:Endocannabinoids
keywords: Cannabinoids; Drugs of abuse; Therapeutic potential