The Endocannabinoid System as a Target for Ischemic Stroke Therapy

Introduction: Cannabinoids are increasingly being explored as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. This article aims to provide a narrative review of available data on the treatment of neurological disorders with cannabis constituents, focusing on ischemic stroke. Methods: Selected articles are summarized to describe design, results, limitations, conclusions, and implications about this theme. Results: The growing understanding of the endocannabinoid system and the cannabinoid receptors distribution in all human body systems and organs and particularly in brain structures importantly involved in myelination processes, suggests potential benefits for stroke symptoms and overall patient improvement. However, the variety of studied compounds, the different administration routes, dosages, and timing complicates data comparison, especially due to limited studies about these compounds, peculiarly in stroke patients. Thereat, this review to showcase disparities in findings and to summarize current advancements in cannabinoid use for potential future treatments. Conclusion: This article offers a review of the current literature in the field and discuss a pragmatic approach to the clinical use of cannabinoids in patients with ischemic stroke.