Abstract
Objective: This systematic review aims to summarize current evidence on which naturally present cannabinoids contribute to cannabis psychoactivity, considering their reported concentrations and pharmacodynamics in humans.
Design: Following PRISMA guidelines, papers published before March 2016 in Medline, Scopus-Elsevier, Scopus, ISI-Web of Knowledge and COCHRANE, and fulfilling established a-priori selection criteria have been included.
Results: In 40 original papers, three naturally present cannabinoids (∆-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, ∆-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabinol) and one human metabolite (11-OH-THC) had clinical relevance. Of these, the metabolite produces the greatest psychoactive effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) is not psychoactive but plays a modulating role on cannabis psychoactive effects. The proportion of 9-THC in plant material is higher (up to 40%) than in other cannabinoids (up to 9%). Pharmacodynamic reports vary due to differences in methodological aspects (doses, administration route and volunteers' previous experience with cannabis).
Conclusions: Findings reveal that 9-THC contributes the most to cannabis psychoactivity. Due to lower psychoactive potency and smaller proportions in plant material, other psychoactive cannabinoids have a weak influence on cannabis final effects. Current lack of standard methodology hinders homogenized research on cannabis health effects. Working on a standard cannabis unit considering 9-THC is recommended.
Keywords
Therapeutic use of cannabis; Psychoactive drugs; 9-THC
Bibliographic citation
Casajuana Kogel C, López-Pelayo H, Balcells Olivero MM, Colom J, Gual A. Constituyentes psicoactivos del cannabis y sus implicaciones clínicas: una revisión sistemática. Adicciones. 2018 Apr 15;30(2):140-151.
Audience
Professionals
Use this identifier for quote and/or link this document
https://hdl.handle.net/11351/6994This item appears in following collections
The following license files are associated with this item: