THE Active Ingredients of Fresh Cannabis and Alternative Medicine Active Ingredients of Fresh Cannabis and Alternative Medicine

Abstract

The Ministry of Public Health of Thailand officially removed cannabis from the Category 5Narcotics list on June 9, 2022, reclassifying it as a controlled herbal plant. Cannabis can now be utilized, particularly through the extraction of THC and CBD in concentrations not exceeding 0.2% by weight. Currently, cannabis is used in medical treatments, research studies, and various product developments, with the stipulation that all extracts must be produced domestically. Cannabis has also been incorporated into alternative medicine practices to treat symptoms and diseases that have not responded adequately to conventional medical treatments.  Cannabis contains two major active compounds: THC and CBD. THC has been used for its anti-cancer properties, antiemetic effects, appetite stimulation, and pain relief. Specifically, THC exhibits anti-tumor activity in brain tumors. Meanwhile, CBD has been incorporated into medications such as nabilone, a cannabinoid drug used to alleviate nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Additionally, CBD has been found to reduce tremors and improve mobility in Parkinson's disease patients. However, prolonged regular use of these substances can lead to tolerance, requiring increased dosages to achieve the same therapeutic effect, potentially resulting in dependency.  Fresh cannabis primarily contains the acidic forms of these compounds: THCA and CBDA. The “A” denotes the natural acidic form. Over time, or when exposed to heat, these acidic phytocannabinoids undergo decarboxylation, converting into their neutral counterparts. THCA and CBDA are mainly found in the fresh flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that is non-psychoactive when consumed in its unprocessed form.  Studies conducted abroad on patients who had not improved with conventional treatments showed that switching to fresh cannabis juice could alleviate and even cure certain diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), brain tumors, and rheumatoid arthritis. Nevertheless, the use of fresh cannabis requires caution. To ensure safety, cannabis must be cultivated without the use of any chemical substances, as contamination could pose significant health risks. Cannabis is known for its high capacity to absorb heavy metals from the soil. Consequently, fresh cannabis may be contaminated, particularly with heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg), which tend to accumulate in the leaves and flowers. Excessive intake of THCA and CBDA contaminated with these substances could adversely affect health and potentially lead to the development of various diseases.