Cannabis-based medicine: what is it good for?

Abstract

The Cannabis is constituted by compounds with therapeutic properties, obsered in distinct contexts. Some Cannabis-based products are already available in the international market, and here we will highlight those already in use, which are supported by solid scientific evidence, including phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids and herbal extracts. The biggest challenge is to balance the beneficial effects of Cannabis and the potential adverse effects, which may happen after chronic high-dose use. Despite the equivalente efficacy, smoked Cannabis is not well tolerated by patients without previous recreative use. On the other hand, the herbal product is preferred by recreative users that become patients. In this case, one should vaporize the plant, to avoid the harms caused by the smoke. Considering cost-effectiveness, therapeutic efficacy and quality control, the standardized herbal extracts seem to be the best option, so far available.