What is Cannabis sativa?
Cannabis sativa is the botanical name of Cannabis, a plant of the hemp family (Cannabaceae). It has its origin in Asia. The plant has played an important role in the past, both for medicinal purposes and for other applications. Here, for example, the production of ropes, fabrics and paper, but also the use for lightweight construction materials, for example in the automotive industry, should be mentioned. In recent years, interest in Cannabis sativa as a medicine has increased, especially due to its potential therapeutic effects. It is important to note that the use of Cannabis sativa for medicinal purposes is strictly regulated. A process is currently underway for the use of cannabis as a stimulant for adults to do so. Compliance with the German Narcotics Act (BtMG), the German Drug Advertising Act (HWG) and the German Drug Act (AMG) is required for all information and applications related to Cannabis sativa.
Two main constituents of Cannabis sativa are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known for its psychoactive effects, while CBD has no intoxicating properties and is significant for its potential medicinal applications in combination with THC. The two substances are referred to as cannabinoids.
Medical use of Cannabis sativa in Germany
In Germany, the use of cannabis for medical purposes has been permitted since 2017. Under certain conditions, medical cannabis therapy can be beneficial for patients and is prescribed by a doctor to patients suffering from, for example, severe chronic pain, spasticity in multiple sclerosis, nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy or other serious illnesses.
It is important to know and be aware of the potential risks and side effects of cannabis sativa, including dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, anxiety, and increased heart rate. A physician always decides whether medical cannabis therapy might be an option for a particular condition. As in other cases, a patient is of course free to approach his or her doctor about this if necessary. However, the patient does not have a right to a specific therapy desired by the patient. The decision always lies with the treating physician.
The main active principle of this plant are the previously described cannabinoids, also called phytocannabinoids. In terms of their activity in the human body, they are similar to the so-called endocannabinoids, i.e. substances that our body produces itself and uses for numerous important physiological processes and regulatory processes.
Compliance with German legislation
Cannabis sativa in the form of medicinal cannabis is used only in compliance with the requirements of various laws, such as those of the Narcotics Act (BtMG). This is the most significant law here. It regulates the use, application and prescription of narcotics among many other aspects such as storage, dispensing, destruction, etc. Medical cannabis has been a narcotic that can be prescribed for therapeutic purposes by a physician since 2017. This is produced in an internationally binding manner under the supervision of a special facility known as a cannabis agency. Furthermore the regulations of the Heilmittelwerbegesetz (HWG) stipulate that misleading or irrational information about the use of cannabis must be avoided.
According to the Medicines Act (AMG), medical cannabis products, like all other medicines, must meet strict quality and safety standards to ensure the safety and well-being of patients.
Research and future perspectives
Research on Cannabis sativa and its medicinal applications is ongoing. Future studies may help to better understand the mechanism of action of Cannabis sativa and its components such as CBD and THC. This may lead to the opening of new medical applications and to further adjustments in the regulation of cannabis products in order to provide patients with the best possible and, most importantly, additional therapeutic options compared to the methods available today.
Conclusion
Cannabis, botanically referred to as Cannabis sativa; is a plant with a long history of use for medicinal and numerous other purposes, including industrial. It contains essential ingredients such as THC and CBD, which have different effects on the human body. Both substances have the same influence on certain binding sites as the endocannabinoids we produce ourselves. In Germany, the use of Cannabis sativa for medicinal purposes is strictly regulated, and it is important to comply with applicable laws and regulations when using it. Scientific research on Cannabis sativa and its medical applications is constantly evolving and may lead to new insights and therapeutic options in the future.
Referenzen
1. Pisanti, S., Malfitano, A. M., Ciaglia, E., Lamberti, A., Ranieri, R., Cuomo, G., … & Bifulco, M. (2017). Cannabidiol: State of the art and new challenges for therapeutic applications. Pharmacology & therapeutics, 175, 133-150.
2. Whiting, P. F., Wolff, R. F., Deshpande, S., Di Nisio, M., Duffy, S., Hernandez, A. V., … & Schmidlkofer, S. (2015). Cannabinoids for medical use: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA, 313(24), 2456-2473.
3. Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (BfArM). (2017). Cannabis als Medizin. Abgerufen von https://www.bfarm.de/DE/Arzneimittel/Arzneimittelzulassung/_node.html
4. Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz. (2005). Gesetz über die Werbung auf dem Gebiete des Heilwesens (Heilmittelwerbegesetz – HWG). Abgerufen von https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hwg/
5. Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz. (2005). Gesetz über den Verkehr mit Arzneimitteln (Arzneimittelgesetz – AMG). Abgerufen von https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/amg_1976/
6. Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz. (1981). Gesetz über den Verkehr mit Betäubungsmitteln (Betäubungsmittelgesetz – BtMG). Abgerufen von https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/
FAQ
What is Cannabis sativa?
Cannabis sativa is a plant species of the hemp family known for its medicinal, industrial and psychoactive properties. The main active ingredients are the cannabinoidstetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
How is medical cannabis used in Germany?
Medizinisches Cannabis kann bei verschiedenen Erkrankungen eingesetzt werden, wie z.B. chronischen Schmerzen, Epilepsie, Multipler Sklerose, Übelkeit bei Krebspatienten und Glaukom. Es darf jedoch nur auf ärztliche Verschreibung hin und nach sorgfältiger Abwägung der Risiken und Vorteile verwendet werden.
Is medical cannabis legal in Germany?
Yes, since 2017 medical cannabis is allowed in Germany, but only under strict conditions. It may only be prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacy.
What is the German Medicines Act (AMG) and the German Narcotics Act (BtMG)?
The AMG ensures that medicines are safe, effective and of high quality, while the BtMG regulates the handling of narcotics, including medical cannabis. Both laws ensure that cannabis sativa is prescribed and dispensed only under certain conditions to prevent abuse.
What is the German Drug Advertising Act (HWG)?
The HWG regulates advertising for medicinal products, medical devices, procedures, treatments and similar services in Germany. It ensures that no misleading or false claims are made and that advertising does not mislead consumers into self-medication.
Where can I find more information about medical cannabis?
Further information on medical cannabis and its use in Germany can be found on the websites of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and the German Society for Pain Medicine (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Schmerzmedizin e.V.).
