Cannabis Sativa

What is Cannabis Sativa in USA?

Cannabis sativa, a member of the Cannabaceae family, is a widely distributed diploid dicotyledonous herbaceous plant found in various regions, including USA. Throughout history, Cannabis has served as a significant source of food, fiber, and medicine. Different parts of the plant are utilized for diverse purposes, such as using the stems for fiber production, the fruit for medicinal and nutritional purposes, and the roots for treating inflammation and pain in USA.

The plant contains cannabinoids, which are prominent in the female inflorescence’s secretory glandular trichomes. These cannabinoids include the well-known psychoactive compound ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and the non-psychoactive compound cannabidiol (CBD). While Δ9-THC is recognized for its analgesic, antiemetic, and antispastic properties, CBD has shown clinical effectiveness in treating conditions like epilepsy, glaucoma, and depressive disorder. Additionally, CBD exhibits potential as an anti-inflammatory treatment for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

Cannabis Sativa is traditionally categorized into industrial hemp (THC <0.3%) and marijuana (THC ≥0.3%) based on THC concentration, but there is an emerging classification for medicinal Cannabis with THC content <0.3% and high CBD levels in USA. However, regulations and legal status concerning the use of Cannabis and its cannabinoids vary by country. Therefore, it is crucial to seek guidance from medical professionals and comply with local laws when considering the medical applications of Cannabis.

The global legal Cannabis market is anticipated to reach a value of US$102.2 billion by 2030, driven by increasing medical and economic demands. This growth poses challenges for Cannabis cultivation and cannabinoid production, but remarkable progress has been made in cultivating high-yielding cannabinoid plants and reconstructing cannabinoid production in microorganisms through metabolic engineering. Furthermore, advancements in integrating genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics have provided comprehensive insights into cannabinoid biosynthesis and trichome development regulatory networks, expanding research opportunities for this plant.

In summary, this perspective aims to deepen our understanding of Cannabis development and utilization, serving as a foundation for further exploration and innovation in Cannabis research.

Cannabinoids and human health

The cannabis plant in USA, known as Cannabis Sativa, contains a diverse array of natural compounds. Research has identified over 560 compounds in this plant, including cannabinoids, phenolics, terpenes, and alkaloids. Among these, cannabinoids are the predominant compounds, with more than 130 different types identified. These cannabinoids can be categorized into eleven subclasses based on their chemical structures.

Two of the most significant compounds found in Cannabis Sativa are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is known for its hallucinogenic and addictive properties, as it activates both CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, excessive intake of exogenous cannabinoids can lead to reduced receptor sensitivity. On the other hand, CBD, a non-psychoactive component, acts as an antagonist to THC, mitigating its hallucinogenic effects. CBD has been found to have diverse pharmacological effects, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and antiepileptic properties. It is considered safe for human use.

Additional cannabinoids in Cannabis Sativa, such as CBC, CBG, and CBN, have been associated with various therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, analgesic, and antidepressant effects. However, research on some of the lesser-known cannabinoids is limited due to their scarcity and difficulty in extraction. Further exploration and research are needed to fully understand the potential benefits of these compounds.