THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

Therapeutic Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: A Review.

Hsu M, Shah A, Jordan A, Gold MS, Hill KP · JAMA · 2026

Approximately 27% of adults in the US and Canada report having ever used cannabis for medical purposes. An estimated 10.5% of the US population reports using cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical compound extracted from cannabis that does not have psychoactive effects, for therapeutic purposes. Conditions for which cannabinoids have approval from the US Food and Drug Administration include HIV/AIDS-related anorexia, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and certain pediatric seizure disorders. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials reported a small but significant reduction in nausea and vomiting from various causes (eg, chemotherapy, cancer) when comparing prescribed cannabinoids (eg, dronabinol, nabilone) with placebo or active comparators (eg, alizapride, chlorpromazine; standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.29 [95% CI, -0.39 to -0.18]). A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials among patients with HIV/AIDS reported that cannabinoids had a moderate effect on increasing body

Pharmacotherapies for cannabis use disorder.

Spiga F, Parkhouse T, Tang VM, Savović J, Le Foll B, Nielsen S · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2025 · n=3201

Globally, cannabis use is prevalent and widespread. There are currently no pharmacotherapies approved for the treatment of cannabis use disorder (a problematic pattern of cannabis use that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress). This is the second update of a Cochrane Review first published in the Cochrane Library in Issue 12, 2014. To assess the effectiveness and safety of pharmacotherapies as compared with each other, placebo or no pharmacotherapy (supportive care) for reducing symptoms of cannabis withdrawal and promoting cessation or reduction of cannabis use. We updated our searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO in May 2024. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of medications to treat cannabis withdrawal and/or to promote cessation or reduction of cannabis use, in comparison with other medications, placebo or no medication in people diagnosed as cannabis dependent or who are likely to

Cannabis-based medicines and medical cannabis for adults with cancer pain.

Häuser W, Welsch P, Radbruch L, Fisher E, Bell RF, Moore RA · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2023 · n=10

Pain is a common symptom in people with cancer; 30% to 50% of people with cancer will experience moderate-to-severe pain. This can have a major negative impact on their quality of life. Opioid (morphine-like) medications are commonly used to treat moderate or severe cancer pain, and are recommended for this purpose in the World Health Organization (WHO) pain treatment ladder. Pain is not sufficiently relieved by opioid medications in 10% to 15% of people with cancer. In people with insufficient relief of cancer pain, new analgesics are needed to effectively and safely supplement or replace opioids. To evaluate the benefits and harms of cannabis-based medicines, including medical cannabis, for treating pain and other symptoms in adults with cancer compared to placebo or any other established analgesic for cancer pain. We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 26 January 2023. We selected double-blind randomised, controlled trials (RCT) of medical

Interventions for generalized anxiety disorder.

Byrne GJ · Current opinion in psychiatry · 2023

To provide an overview of recently published work on anxiety, focusing on generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and its treatment. Self-reported anxiety symptoms were highly prevalent during the COVID-19 global pandemic in both the general population and in selected groups. There remains divided opinion about whether internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is noninferior to face-to-face CBT for GAD. A systematic review of drug treatment for GAD showed efficacy for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), agomelatine, and quetiapine. There may be a place for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of GAD. There was some evidence of efficacy for complementary therapies, including physical exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and Withania somnifera (ashwagandha). However, a systematic review of cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol found insufficient evidence of efficacy in anxiety disorders. Antidepressants and quetiapine show efficacy in the treatment of G

Medicinal cannabis for psychiatric disorders: a clinically-focused systematic review.

Sarris J, Sinclair J, Karamacoska D, Davidson M, Firth J · BMC psychiatry · 2020

Medicinal cannabis has received increased research attention over recent years due to loosening global regulatory changes. Medicinal cannabis has been reported to have potential efficacy in reducing pain, muscle spasticity, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and intractable childhood epilepsy. Yet its potential application in the field of psychiatry is lesser known. The first clinically-focused systematic review on the emerging medical application of cannabis across all major psychiatric disorders was conducted. Current evidence regarding whole plant formulations and plant-derived cannabinoid isolates in mood, anxiety, sleep, psychotic disorders and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is discussed; while also detailing clinical prescription considerations (including pharmacogenomics), occupational and public health elements, and future research recommendations. The systematic review of the literature was conducted during 2019, assessing the data from all case studie

Cannabis for the treatment of Crohn's disease.

Kafil TS, Nguyen TM, MacDonald JK, Chande N · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2018 · n=21

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated condition of transmural inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, associated with significant morbidity and decreased quality of life. The endocannabinoid system provides a potential therapeutic target for cannabis and cannabinoids and animal models have shown benefit in decreasing inflammation. However, there is also evidence to suggest transient adverse events such as weakness, dizziness and diarrhea, and an increased risk of surgery in people with CD who use cannabis. The objectives were to assess the efficacy and safety of cannabis and cannabinoids for induction and maintenance of remission in people with CD. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, the Cochrane IBD Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.Gov, and the European Clinical Trials Register up to 17 October 2018. We searched conference abstracts, references and we also contacted researchers in this field for upcoming publications. Randomized controll

Guideline No. 425a: Cannabis Use Throughout Women's Lifespans - Part 1: Fertility, Contraception, Menopause, and Pelvic Pain.

Robert M, Graves LE, Allen VM, Dama S, Gabrys RL, Tanguay RL · Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal d'obstetrique et gynecologie du Canada : JOGC · 2022

To provide health care providers with the best evidence on cannabis use with respect to women's health. Areas of focus include general patterns of cannabis use as well as safety of use; care for women who use cannabis; stigma; screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment; impact on hormonal regulation; reproductive health, including contraception and fertility; sexual function; effects on perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms; and use in chronic pelvic pain syndromes. The target population includes all women currently using or contemplating using cannabis. Open, evidence-informed dialogue about cannabis use, which will lead to improvement in patient care. Exploring cannabis use through a trauma-informed approach provides the health care provider and patient with an opportunity to build a strong, collaborative, therapeutic alliance. This alliance empowers women to make informed choices about their own care. It also allows for the diagnosis and possible treatment of canna

Directive clinique n(o) 425a : Le cannabis aux différentes périodes de la vie des femmes - Partie 1 : Fertilité, contraception, ménopause et douleur pelvienne.

Robert M, Graves LE, Allen VM, Dama S, Gabrys RL, Tanguay RL · Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal d'obstetrique et gynecologie du Canada : JOGC · 2022

Fournir aux fournisseurs de soins de santé les meilleures données probantes sur l'utilisation de cannabis et la santé des femmes. Les domaines d'intérêt sont : les profils généraux d'utilisation du cannabis ainsi que la sécurité de la consommation; les soins aux femmes qui utilisent le cannabis; la stigmatisation; le dépistage, l'intervention brève et l'orientation vers le traitement; les effets sur la régulation hormonale; la santé reproductive, y compris la contraception et la fertilité; la fonction sexuelle; les effets sur les symptômes périménopausiques et postménopausiques; et l'utilisation dans le traitement des syndromes de douleur pelvienne chronique. La population cible comprend toutes les femmes qui consomment ou utilisent du cannabis ou qui envisagent de le faire. RéSULTATS: Un dialogue ouvert et fondé sur des données probantes relativement à l'utilisation et la con

Cats and cannabinoids: past, present and future.

Niño Cital S, Wakshlag J, Kennedy A, Tittle D, Petty M · Journal of feline medicine and surgery · 2025

The use of cannabinoids from hemp, which is classified as a cultivar of Cannabis sativa with up to 0.3% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol by USA federal definitions, is becoming increasingly popular in veterinary medicine. Owners frequently ask about their utility in a variety of conditions, including predominantly osteoarthritis, behavioral management, cancer, dermatitis and seizure disorders. Cannabinoid clinical utility, particularly cannabidiol (CBD) in dogs, is gradually emerging, while evidence for its use in cats remains limited. Several newer publications around the pharmacokinetics of CBD and cannabidiolic acid in cats show dramatic differences in bioavailability, elucidating that not all formulations are similar regarding serum or plasma concentrations. To date, although the pharmacokinetics look favorable, there are a handful of clinical studies on feline acute/chronic pain states and fear/anxiety/stress, alongside some pre-clinical studies where there is a potential for clinical

Oral Cannabis Extract for Secondary Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Final Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase II/III Trial.

Grimison P, Mersiades A, Kirby A, Tognela A, Olver I, Morton RL · Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology · 2024 · n=250

The aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled, two-stage, phase II/III trial was to determine the efficacy of an oral cannabis extract in adults with refractory nausea and/or vomiting during moderately or highly emetogenic, intravenous chemotherapy despite guideline-consistent antiemetic prophylaxis. Here, we report results of the prespecified combined analysis including the initial phase II and subsequent phase III components. Study treatment consisted of oral capsules containing either tetrahydrocannabinol 2.5 mg plus cannabidiol 2.5 mg capsules (THC:CBD) or matching placebo, taken three times a day from days -1 to 5, in addition to guideline-consistent antiemetics. The primary measure of effect was the difference in the proportions of participants with no vomiting or retching and no use of rescue medications (a complete response) during hours 0-120 after the first cycle of chemotherapy on study (cycle A). We recruited 147 evaluable of a planned 250 participants from 2016 to 2022.

A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol in Idiopathic and Diabetic Gastroparesis.

Zheng T, BouSaba J, Taylor A, Dilmaghani S, Busciglio I, Carlson P · Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association · 2023 · n=44

Cannabis (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), a nonselective cannabinoid-receptor agonist, relieves nausea and pain. Cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid receptor 2 inverse agonist with central effects, also reduces gut sensation and inflammation. We compared the effects of 4 weeks of treatment with pharmaceutical CBD vs placebo in patients with idiopathic or diabetic (diabetes mellitus) gastroparesis. We performed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of CBD twice daily (Epidiolex escalated to 20 mg/kg/d; Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Dublin, Ireland) in patients with nonsurgical gastroparesis with delayed gastric emptying of solids (GES). Symptoms were assessed by the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index Daily Diary. After 4 weeks of treatment, we measured GES, gastric volumes, and Ensure (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL) satiation test (1 kcal/mL, 30 mL/min) to assess volume to comfortable fullness and maximum tolerance. Patients underwent specific FAAH and CNR1 genotyping. St

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Ng T, Gupta V, Keshock MC · 2026

Cannabigerol (CBG): A Comprehensive Review of Its Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential.

Li S, Li W, Malhi NK, Huang J, Li Q, Zhou Z · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024

Cannabigerol (CBG), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent with a diverse range of potential applications. Unlike its well-known counterpart tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBG does not induce intoxication, making it an attractive option in the clinic. Recent research has shed light on CBG's intriguing molecular mechanisms, highlighting its potential to modulate multiple physiological processes. This review delves into the current understanding of CBG's molecular interactions and explores its therapeutic power to alleviate various conditions, including cancer, metabolic, pain, and inflammatory disorders, amongst others. We discuss how CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system and other key signaling pathways, such as CB1, CB2, TPR channels, and α2-adrenoceptor, potentially influencing inflammation, pain, neurodegeneration, and other ailments. Additionally, we highlight the ongoing research efforts aimed at elucidating the fu

Anti-Cancer and Anti-Proliferative Potential of Cannabidiol: A Cellular and Molecular Perspective.

Mashabela MD, Kappo AP · International journal of molecular sciences · 2024

Cannabinoids, the bioactive compounds found in Cannabis sativa, have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, with early discoveries dating back to the BC era (BCE). However, the increased recreational use of cannabis has led to a negative perception of its medicinal and food applications, resulting in legal restrictions in many regions worldwide. Recently, cannabinoids, notably Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have gained renewed interest in the medical field due to their anti-cancer properties. These properties include the inhibition of tumour growth and cell invasion, anti-inflammatory effects, and the induction of autophagy and apoptosis. As a result, the use of cannabinoids to treat chemotherapy-associated side effects, like nausea, vomiting, and pain, has increased, and there have been suggestions to implement the large-scale use of cannabinoids in cancer therapy. However, these compounds' cellular and molecular mechanisms of action still need to

Cannabis suppresses antitumor immunity by inhibiting JAK/STAT signaling in T cells through CNR2.

Xiong X, Chen S, Shen J, You H, Yang H, Yan C · Signal transduction and targeted therapy · 2022

The combination of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with chemotherapy significantly improves clinical benefit of cancer treatment. Since chemotherapy is often associated with adverse events, concomitant treatment with drugs managing side effects of chemotherapy is frequently used in the combination therapy. However, whether these ancillary drugs could impede immunotherapy remains unknown. Here, we showed that ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the key ingredient of drugs approved for the treatment of chemotherapy-caused nausea, reduced the therapeutic effect of PD-1 blockade. The endogenous cannabinoid anandamide (AEA) also impeded antitumor immunity, indicating an immunosuppressive role of the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS). Consistently, high levels of AEA in the sera were associated with poor overall survival in cancer patients. We further found that cannabinoids impaired the function of tumor-specific T cells through CNR2. Using a knock-in mouse model expressing a FLAG-tagg

A Phase 2A Study to Investigate the Safety and Preliminary Analgesic Efficacy of Oral Trichomylin® in Male and Female Participants 18 Years of Age and Above With Advanced Cancer and Moderate to Severe Cancer-Related Pain

n=11 · NCT06533657 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

This will be a proof-of-concept, single arm study with a maximum of 20 patients to evaluate preliminary analgesic efficacy and safety of Trichomylin® in patients with advanced cancer (male and female) who suffer from moderate to severe chronic pain and who are taking a stable dose of long-acting opioid therapy for at least 1 week prior to screening.

Nabilone Effect on the Attenuation of Anorexia, Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Patients With Anorexia Associated With Advanced Lung Cancer: Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial

n=78 · NCT02802540 · UNKNOWN · UNKNOWN

Anorexia is common symptom in cancer patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However timely detection with objective tools is necessary to establish the diagnosis of anorexia and to assess the magnitude of change over time. The anorexia pathophysiology is not clearly understood and treatment options are limited. Anecdotal historical benefits of smoking marijuana on nausea, pain and anorexia led to studies with marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids from Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the main active agent in marijuana. The endogenous cannabinoid system with its receptors CB1 and CB2 regulate appetite in four functional levels: (1) limbic system (hedonistic quality), (2) hypothalamus (appetite stimulant), (3) intestinal, and (4) tissue adipose. Nabilone, a synthetic analogue of THC approved in Mexico for nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy is also used in palliative care units for clinical improvement in increased appetite patients in terminal stages, however, there are no clinical trials demonstrating this benefit.

Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Phase III Clinical Trial to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Dronabinol in the Improvement of ChemOthErapy-induced and Tumor-Related Symptoms in Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer During First-line Chemotherapy (DIsCOvER)

n=109 · NCT03984214 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

Aim of this phase III trial is to investigate the efficacy and safety of dronabinol (orally administered tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) as adjuvant therapy to first-line standard chemotherapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer for improvement of chemotherapy- and tumor-related symptoms applicated by individual titration up to the maximum tolerated dose.