The use of cannabinoids has a history spanning thousands of years, and their pharmacological and toxicological properties, particularly those of THC and CBD, are well-documented. However, their potential to induce drug-drug interactions remains underexplored. This review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective by contextualizing the historical and pharmacological significance of cannabinoids while focusing on their capacity to modulate the metabolic activity of cytochrome P450 isoforms relevant to drug metabolism. Additionally, we look at the impact of cannabinoids in neuronal circuits impacting the hypothalamic-pituitary hormonal axis, such as the locus coeruleus and raphe nuclei and their possible consequences on the cytochrome P450 system. Recognising potential interactions between cannabinoids and other drugs could enhance understanding of their pharmacological effects, improve the efficacy and safety profiles of cannabinoid-based therapies, and encourage further exploration into this under-researched area of psychopharmacology, with implications for both preclinical research and clinical practice.

• Keywords
• cannabinoid-based therapies, cannabinoids, cytochrome P450, endocannabinoid system, hypothalamic-pituitary axis, metabolism,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

The use of cannabinoids (substances contained specifically in hemp plants) for therapeutic purposes has received increased attention in recent years. Presently, attention is paid to two main cannabinoids: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). With respect to the psychotropic effects and dependence potential of THC (though it is very mild), its use is associated with certain restrictions, and thus the therapeutic properties of CBD are frequently emphasized because there are no limitations associated with the risk of dependence. Therefore, this review covers the main pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic features of CBD (including characteristics of endocannabinoidome) with respect to its possible beneficial effects on selected diseases in clinical practice. A substantial part of the text deals with the main effects of CBD on aging, including Alzheimer's disease and related underlying mechanisms.

• Keywords
• Alzheimer’s disease, aging, cannabidiol, cannabinoids,
• MeSH
• Alzheimer Disease * drug therapy   MeSH
• Cannabidiol * pharmacology   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Cannabinoids * pharmacology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Dronabinol pharmacology   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Cannabidiol * MeSH
• Cannabinoids * MeSH
• Dronabinol MeSH

Medical cannabis has recently been legalized in many countries, and it is currently prescribed with increasing frequency, particularly for treatment of chronic pain resistant to conventional therapy. The psychoactive substance delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC) contained in cannabis may affect driving abilities. Therefore, the aims of this study (open-label, monocentric, nonrandomized) were to evaluate blood and saliva concentrations of THC after oral administration of medical cannabis and to assess the time needed for THC levels to decline below a value ensuring legal driving. The study involved 20 patients with documented chronic pain using long-term medical cannabis therapy. They were divided into two groups and treated with two different doses of cannabis in the form of gelatin capsules (62.5 mg or 125 mg). In all patients, the amount of THC was assessed in saliva and in blood at pre-defined time intervals before and after administration. THC levels in saliva were detected at zero in all subjects following administration of both doses at all-time intervals after administration. Assessment of THC levels in blood, however, showed positive findings in one subject 9 h after administration of the lower dose and in one patient who had been given a higher dose 7 h after administration. Our finding suggested that for an unaffected ability to drive, at least 9-10 h should elapse from the last cannabis use.

• MeSH
• Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists MeSH
• Administration, Oral MeSH
• Cannabis * MeSH
• Chronic Pain * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Medical Marijuana * MeSH
• Saliva MeSH
• Dronabinol MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Clinical Trial MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists MeSH
• Medical Marijuana * MeSH
• Dronabinol MeSH