TOPIC REVIEW APRIL, 2017

TO DETERMINE THE AWARENESS OF HEALTH CARE

PROFESSIONALS AND MEDICAL STUDENTS ON THE THERAPEUTIC
USES OF CANNABIS AND ITS PRODUCTS- A CROSS SECTIONAL
STUDY/SURVEY.

Chitran Thirupathy, IV BDS, AJ Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore.

ABSTRACT:

In the last two decades, research has dramatically increased the knowledge of cannabinoid
biology and pharmacology. In mammals, endocannabinoids have been shown to modulate
pathways regarding cancer cell growth and metastasis. The use of cannabinoids in the treatment
of cancer chemotherapy side effects was the most studied potential therapeutic application.
Increasing evidence showed a direct antitumor activity against a plethora of tumor cells such as
breast, thyroid, skin and prostrate due to inhibition of tumor growth mediated by apoptosis. Use
of marijuana for chronic pain, neuropathic pain and spasticity due to multiple sclerosis has been
supported by evidence. Although recently reintroduced as a medical treatment in several
countries, the use of medical cannabis in India is still controversial, eliciting public and
professional debate.
This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitude and awareness among health care
professionals and medical students about the therapeutic uses of cannabis and its products.
Factual understanding of the pharmacodynamics of cannabis, will lead to possible future use of
endocannabinoid-based drugs in therapeutics.