Overview of cannabinoid drugs

Phytocannabinoids are the pharmacologically active ingredients of the cannabis plant. They are structurally and functionally similar to the body's own endocannabinoids. Cannabinoids work via receptors of the so-called endocannabinoid system, which plays a central role in maintaining various physiological homeostases. These include the regulation of metabolism, the modulation of the immune system, the control of inflammatory responses and the promotion of neurogenesis.

Depending on the desired therapeutic effect and the area of application, there are various cannabinoid drugs available, which differ primarily in their content of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

• THC is primarily responsible for many of the therapeutic effects. These include an antiemetic, analgesic, antispastic and appetite-stimulating effect. In contrast to CBD, THC is psychoactive.
• CBD is primarily attributed to anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antipsychotic effects. When combined with THC, CBD can help mitigate the potential side effects of THC, such as severe psychoactivity.

Which cannabinoid medicines are available?

According to Section 31 (6) SGB V, cannabis can be prescribed in the form of dried flowers, standardized quality extracts and as a formulation or finished drug with the active ingredients dronabinol or nabilone, with nabilone falling under the Narcotics Act as a synthetic cannabinoid.

When choosing a suitable preparation for patients, individual needs should be paramount. The following aspects must be considered:

• the pharmacological properties of the active substance,
• the pharmacokinetic properties of the dosage form,
• the practical use of the medication and
• economic aspects

cannabis extracts

Cannabis extracts are obtained by extraction from cannabis flowers and then adjusted to a defined concentration of the active ingredients THC and CBD with MCT oil. In addition to the main active ingredients, full-spectrum extracts also contain other secondary plant substances such as terpenes. These can cause the effects of extracts from different cannabis varieties to differ slightly, even with identical THC and CBD concentrations.

Applications of cannabis extracts:

• Oral
• Sublingual
• Encapsulated

The following Adven cannabis extracts are available:

cannabis flowers

Dried cannabis flowers, also known as cannabis flos, are the female inflorescences of the cannabis plant. They contain the main active ingredients THC and CBD in concentrations that vary depending on the cannabis cultivar. In addition to the main active ingredients, the effect is influenced by secondary plant substances such as terpenes, which can complement the therapeutic profile.

Applications of cannabis flowers:

• Inhalative use using a vaporizer