A review of the current trends on the use of Cannabis sativa for
recreational, medicinal applications, and its toxicological health
impacts
Abstract
Aims: Cannabis sativa (Marijuana) finds application in the medical
field, recreational drug use, and as a pain reliever notwithstanding
increased trends in the death toll associated with marijuana use.
Accordingly, this review seeks to explore the emerging trends through
which marijuana is consumed, and the chemicals produced in the course of
its use which may trigger medical and toxicological effects. Methods:
Relevant articles were identified from database search published during
the period 2012 – 2020 in PubMed, Crossref, Google scholar and Web
science. The articles were considered if they addressed marijuana use,
impacts to users and non-users, carcinogenicity, medicinal value and
Covid-19 management by impeding serine protease TMPRSS2 that the corona
virus require to penetrate the human host cells. A number of methods by
which marijuana is used have been identified with each method producing
different results among users. Results: Cannabis sativa has found
medicinal value in the management of cancer and human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV/ AIDS) patients to alleviate pain and improve appetite,
respectively. Even though marijuana is prohibited, there is limited
documentation in literature that extensively reports on its
toxicological mechanisms. On the contrary, scientific studies emphasize
its use in medical applications including its possibility as a cure for
SARS-Cov-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Campaigns to legalize cannabis for use
in clinical medicine are fundamentally recommended despite its possible
toxicological impacts and psychotic related problems. The application of
Cannabis sativa in medicine especially in the management of corona virus
disease 2019 (Covid-19) and perceived harm is important in research.