Toward a medical understanding of marihuana.

Abstract

This paper is based on a review of the English language medical literature over the past 35 years on Indian Hemp, with direct reference being made to the more significant articles published during that time. The paucity of direct experimental observation is noted and the difficulties in experimental studies are highlighted by descriptions of the wide variations in the potency of Indian Hemp derivatives. Specific references are provided for the wide range of observations made in relation to acute and chronic physical and psychological effects, personal characteristics of the users and possible factors in causation. It is concluded that marihuana is a poorly defined intoxicant which varies in potency, deteriorates with time and whose chemical composition is largely unknown at present. There are wide variations in human response and the state of intoxication itself carries with it varying degrees of unpleasant physical and psychological experiences. The association between hashish and, to a lesser extent, marihuana and short-term and long-term complications is discussed in relation to complex variables, of which the drug is but one factor.