Cannabinoids: Therapeutic Applications, Mechanisms, and Challenges in Modern Medicine

Cannabinoids are the active compounds of Cannabis sativa, and they are known to be substitutes for meroterpenes. Almost 480 cannabinoids of different types have been discovered, and among them, 110 are known as phytocannabinoids. Several derivatives of cannabinoids are also produced commercially and are used to treat various diseases. Nabilone is a commercially available cannabinoid derivative licensed for use in cancer patients to relieve chemotherapy-induced emesis (CIE). This review aims to provide insight into cannabinoids, their classes, composition, indications, side effects, and related aspects. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9-THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA) are some of the important components of the cannabis plant. CBD has more advantages because it has non-psychotic effects compared to other cannabinoids. It can act as an effective substance for pain management, treating cancer, stress, and neurological disorders, improving immunity and skin health, and helping treat gastrointestinal disorders. Despite their advantages as therapeutic agents, there are adverse effects linked to the use of cannabinoids. Nausea, dizziness, fatigue, sedation, and anxiety are some of the common side effects. Several in vitro and preclinical studies have been discussed in this review, which validate the effective role of cannabinoids. However, there is a need to perform clinical trials involving human subjects to establish standard formulations, doses, and safety profiles to consider such substances as drugs.