Cannabidiol Ratio Research Articles

How pharmacists can counsel patients on medical marijuana

Twenty U.S. states and the District of Columbia now have medical marijuana laws, and nearly one-half of those states joined the ranks in the last 5 years. But because of marijuana's more common reputation as an illicit drug, patients may not be comfortable discussing its use with their health care providers, and health care providers may not know how best to counsel their patients. As the plant's identity continues to shift from illicit drug to therapeutic botanical, pharmacists need to understand how to advise on its medical use.

Heterogeneity in the composition of marijuana seized in California

Background Marijuana contains multiple cannabinoids. Most attention is given to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which produces euphoria and in some cases anxiety and panic reactions. Research suggests that another cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), may offset some of these effects. Thus, there is growing interest in the health consequences of the THC to CBD ratio for marijuana. Methods Using data from over 5000 marijuana samples in California from 1996 to 2008, we examine changes in the median THC-level, median CBD-level, and median THC:CBD-ratio. Results The median THC-level and median THC:CBD-ratio have dramatically increased for seizures in California, particularly north of the Mexican border. Conclusion Research on the consequences of the THC:CBD ratio should continue, especially as more attention is devoted to thinking about how to regulate marijuana for medical and recreational use. Researchers should also consider the lack of uniformity in the chemical composition of marijuana when evaluating its health effects.