Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026
07:51
Administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice
Published on: August 1, 2025
822
Tetrahydrocannabinol - friend or foe? - Debate
Leslie Mendoza Temple1,2,3, Jerrold B Leikin2,4
1Integrative Medicine Program, Illinois Department of Public Health, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Chicago, IL, USA.
Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|May 8, 2019
Summary
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) offers benefits for conditions like pain relief but faces controversy due to adverse effects and undefined clinical parameters. Conflicting data exists on its overall efficacy and toxicity in medical use.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Integrative Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive compound with therapeutic applications, but its use is debated due to adverse effects.
- Legislative support for medical THC contrasts with concerns regarding its safety and efficacy.
- The controversy surrounding THC use forms the basis of a debate between medical professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a pro/con debate on the medical use of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
- To review existing literature and provide commentary on the efficacy and toxicity of medical THC.
- To highlight the complexities in clinical cannabis research, including dosing and the role of cannabidiol (CBD).
Main Methods:
- An edited debate format between an Integrative Family Medicine physician and a Medical Toxicologist.
- Inclusion of a literature review and expert commentary.
- Discussion of clinical challenges related to THC administration and patient monitoring.
Main Results:
- Medical THC demonstrates benefits, particularly for pain management.
- Significant challenges exist regarding precise dosing, titration, and delivery systems for THC.
- A lack of studies on cannabidiol (CBD) without THC complicates the interpretation of medical cannabis research.
- Cannabis toxicity can be cumulative, posing diagnostic difficulties at the bedside.
Conclusions:
- There is conflicting scientific data regarding the efficacy of medical THC.
- The toxicity profile of medical THC remains a significant concern.
- Further research is needed to clarify the risks and benefits of medical THC.
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