Description

• Marijuana plants contain >100 phytocannabinoids.
• Phytocannabinoids are naturally occurring molecules with an affinity for the mammalian cannabinoid receptors.
• The main cannabinoids that are used for medical marijuana are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Most of the psychoactive properties come from THC.
• Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our bodies. The ECS plays critical roles in body homeostasis.
• The ECS has two main receptors:
  • CB1—highly expressed in the central nervous system
  • CB 2—expressed in the periphery including the immune system
• Routes of external cannabinoid administration include inhalation (smoking and vaporized), oral ingestion of edible products, and topical (oral mucosa or skin).

Epidemiology

• In the United States, 36 states and 4 territories allow for the medical use of cannabis products, although it remains illegal under federal law.
• 49 countries worldwide have legalized the medical use of cannabis.

Prevalence
Prevalence of medical cannabis in the U.S. primary care population is estimated at 2% and growing, with 15% of the U.S. population reporting regular use of recreational marijuana.