Hemp in medicine
A comprehensive guide
Here you can find out everything about hemp in medicine.
In recent years, hemp, particularly in the form of CBD (cannabidiol) products, has gained more and more attention in the medical world . Hemp, a plant that has been used for various purposes for centuries, shows enormous potential in modern medicine. Even though many studies have not yet been completed and there are contradictory results in some cases, the use of cannabis is being discussed more and more aggressively. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the medical benefits of hemp products and highlight some of the current scientific research in this area.
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You can find out more about hemp in medicine on this page and in the following blog posts:
- History of hemp in medicine
- The science behind hemp in medicine
- Cancer treatment
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory
- Neuroprotection and epilepsy
- Anxiety and stress management
- sleep disorders
- Addiction therapy
- Inflammation and immune response
- Pain management
- Chronic pain
- Intractable epilepsy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inflammatory diseases
- Side effects and safety
- Endocannabinoid system
- Cannabinoids
- The early use of hemp
- Hemp in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance
- Hemp in North America
- Hemp as a drug
- The renaissance of hemp
- Hemp and the environment
- Milestones of hemp
- Clinical studies
The history of hemp in medicine
The history of hemp in medicine goes back thousands of years. Hemp was already used as a medicinal plant in ancient China and ancient Egypt . Its medicinal uses spanned various cultures, from traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine to medieval European healing traditions. In the 19th century, hemp gained particular attention in Western medicine when researchers isolated cannabinoids. The active ingredient cannabidiol (CBD) showed potentially positive effects on epilepsy, pain and inflammation . However, hemp fell into disrepute in the 20th century due to political decisions and the ban on cannabis. In recent years, however, hemp has experienced a renaissance in medicine. The growing acceptance of medical cannabis and legalization in some countries has led to increased research into the therapeutic uses of hemp, particularly for chronic pain, neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders.
Find out more about this in the blogCancer treatment
Hemp has gained importance in cancer therapy due to its potentially positive effects on symptoms and side effects . Cannabinoids, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), show promising results in relieving nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite that are often caused by chemotherapy. Additionally, some studies suggest that hemp may reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with cancer and its associated therapies. Nevertheless, research in this area remains ongoing, and further clinical studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms and optimal use of hemp in cancer therapy.
How is medical cannabis used?
The therapeutic options with cannabis have constantly expanded in recent years and decades. Its use for pain is widely known, but there are also other areas of application in which THC and CBD are increasingly being used. Here is an overview of the areas of application , according to a study from 2021*:
| pain | approx. 73% |
| New formation | approx. 18% |
| Spasticity | approx. 10% |
| Anorexia/wasting | about 6 % |
| multiple sclerosis | about 6 % |
| Nausea/vomiting | approx. 5% |
| depression | approx. 3% |
| migraine | approx. 2% |
| ADHD | approx. 1% |
*Schmidt-Wolf G, Cremer-Schaeffer P. 3 years of cannabis as medicine - interim results of the cannabis companion survey . Federal Health Gazette Health Research Health Protection. 2021 Mar;64(3):368-377. German. doi: 10.1007/s00103-021-03285-1. Epub 2021 Feb 9. PMID: 33564897; PMCID: PMC7932947.
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory
Hemp shows promising properties in terms of pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. The cannabinoids in hemp, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body, which plays a key role in regulating pain sensations and inflammatory processes. Studies suggest that CBD has pain-relieving properties and can reduce inflammation without the psychoactive effects (highs) of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This makes hemp a promising approach for treating chronic pain, inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, and other health problems where reducing inflammation and pain is beneficial.
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The science behind hemp in medicine
The scientific research behind hemp in medicine has increased significantly in recent years. Hemp contains cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which interact with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system in the body. Numerous studies have suggested that these compounds may provide a variety of health benefits , from pain relief to anti-inflammatory. The neuroprotective properties of hemp are also being researched, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, in which a deterioration of the nervous system occurs. Although promising, integrating hemp into medicine continues to require extensive clinical research to better understand dosage, long-term effects, and specific uses .
Neuroprotection and epilepsy
Hemp, specifically the component cannabidiol (CBD), is being researched as a potential treatment for epilepsy . CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which could cause epileptic seizures to occur less frequently and with less intensity. Studies, such as that of Epidiolex , a drug containing CBD, show positive effects in reducing seizures in some types of epilepsy . These neuroprotective properties of CBD could be important for new therapies for epilepsy and other neurological diseases, but require further research.
more about this in the hemp blog
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are complex chronic diseases of the digestive tract. Hemp, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), shows promise for relieving IBD symptoms. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system , cannabinoids can inhibit inflammation in the gut and modulate the immune system. Studies suggest that CBD can not only reduce pain and inflammation, but also has a calming effect on the intestines .
sleep disorders
Sleep disorders are a widespread problem that affects the quality of life of many people. Hemp, particularly its main component cannabidiol (CBD), is increasingly being researched as a potential therapeutic option for sleep disorders . Studies suggest that CBD may have calming properties that regulate the sleep-wake cycle. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating sleep, mood and stress.
Addiction therapy
The use of hemp in addiction treatment is an increasingly researched area. Cannabidiol (CBD), a main component of hemp, shows potential positive effects in the treatment of addictions . Studies suggest that CBD may influence the neurotransmitters associated with addictive behavior and may reduce withdrawal symptoms. It is believed that CBD may also be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress , which often accompany addiction.
Pain management
Patients with chronic pain report positive experiences when using hemp products to relieve their symptoms. CBD could potentially influence the perception of pain and reduce inflammation.
Chronic pain
Patients with chronic pain report positive experiences when using hemp products to relieve their symptoms. CBD could potentially influence the perception of pain and reduce inflammation.
Intractable epilepsy
Intractable epilepsy, also known as refractory epilepsy, affects people for whom conventional treatments do not work adequately. In recent years, hemp, particularly the cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD), has received increased attention as a potential treatment option for intractable epilepsy . Studies suggest that CBD may work on the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain and reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures. Patient success stories , particularly in children with severe forms of epilepsy, have led to increased interest.
Intractable Epilepsy & CBD - more in the blogAnxiety and stress management
Hemp, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), shows promise in managing stress and anxiety. Studies suggest that CBD may interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating stress and anxiety . People report a relaxing effect and a reduction in stress-related symptoms after using hemp products.
Inflammatory diseases
People with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism, arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease report possible positive effects after using hemp products. CBD could influence the release of inflammatory mediators and thus modulate inflammatory reactions.
Endocannabinoid system
It consists of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids (the body's own cannabinoids) and enzymes responsible for their synthesis and breakdown. The ECS is present in almost all tissues and influences functions such as mood, sleep, appetite, immune response and pain sensation.
more about this in the blogCannabinoids
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that have a variety of effects on the human body. The best known are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, while CBD is non-intoxicating but has various potential health benefits.
more about this in the blog
The early use of hemp
Archaeological finds show that hemp was used in various cultures for food, textiles, ropes and medicinal purposes. In ancient civilizations such as China and Egypt, hemp played a central role in agriculture and trading activities. Its sturdy fibers were used to make clothing and rope, while its seeds served as food. Hemp has also been valued in traditional medicine for its potential healing properties.
about the origin of hemp in the blogMilestones of hemp
Hemp's milestones span millennia, beginning with its early use by ancient cultures. In hemp history, the Industrial Revolution marked an important turning point when hemp was used on a large scale for textiles, paper and rope. In the United States, hemp was a key agricultural commodity until marijuana prohibition in the 1930s. The discovery of cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), led to a modern hemp boom as CBD is researched for its potential health benefits. Recent legal changes have fueled the renaissance of hemp as a versatile resource for sustainable products and medical applications.
read more in the blogClinical studies
Studies are exploring the potential of hemp in various medical uses, including pain management, epilepsy, anxiety disorders and inflammation. Some clinical studies have shown positive results in reducing seizures in epilepsy patients, while others point to anti-inflammatory properties of hemp. Research also focuses on the effects of hemp on mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD .
more knowledge about clinical trials in the blogNausea and vomiting
Studies suggest that CBD may have antiemetic (anti-nausea) effects through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system. This is particularly relevant for people undergoing chemotherapy , as CBD could reduce the side effects of this treatment. By influencing neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain, hemp can reduce nausea and vomiting.
Continue readingInflammation and immune response
Inflammation and immune response are essential components of the body's defense mechanisms against harmful influences. When there is inflammation, the immune system reacts to stimuli such as infections, injuries or foreign bodies. White blood cells are mobilized to protect the affected area, causing typical signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, warmth and pain. CBD can have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Continue readingSide effects and safety
Hemp, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), is often considered safe but may have some side effects. Reported, although rare, effects include fatigue, dizziness, and changes in appetite . The safety of hemp depends on the individual response, and drug interactions should be considered.
Continue readingI hope that after studying our content on the topic of hemp in medicine, you have received a good overview of the facets and areas of application. Please keep in mind that many studies are still needed to make comprehensive and definitive statements about effectiveness. Regardless of the type of illness or application, please always consult a doctor to make the right decision for you.
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