# Cannabis (Cannabis sativa)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cannabis
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-05
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Cannabis sativa L., Hemp, Marijuana, Ganja, Weed, Pot, Mary Jane, Bhang, Dagga, Herb, Green, Bud, Chronic, Reefer, Grass

## Overview

Cannabis sativa contains primary bioactive compounds THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which interact with the endocannabinoid system's CB1 and CB2 receptors to modulate pain, inflammation, and mood. THC produces psychoactive effects via CB1 receptor agonism, while CBD exerts anxiolytic and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through multiple non-psychoactive pathways.

## Health Benefits

• Pain relief: THC and CBD interact with cannabinoid receptors to modulate pain perception (Preliminary evidence).
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Cannabinoids activate CB2 receptors, reducing inflammation (Preliminary evidence).
• Anxiety reduction: CBD has been found to have anxiolytic effects without psychoactivity (Preliminary evidence).
• [Neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) properties: Cannabinoids may protect neurons via MAPK pathway modulation (Preliminary evidence).
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Cannabis flavonoids like quercetin exhibit antioxidant properties (Preliminary evidence).

## Mechanism of Action

THC acts as a partial agonist at CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and CB2 receptors in peripheral immune tissues, inhibiting adenylyl cyclase and reducing cAMP signaling to dampen pain and [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) responses. CBD modulates the endocannabinoid system indirectly by inhibiting fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme responsible for degrading the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide, effectively raising anandamide levels. CBD also antagonizes GPR55 receptors, inhibits TRPV1 ion channels involved in pain transduction, and exerts serotonergic effects via 5-HT1A receptor partial agonism, contributing to its anxiolytic and analgesic properties.

## Clinical Summary

A 2018 Cochrane review of 16 RCTs (n=1,750) found moderate-quality evidence that cannabis-based medicines reduced chronic neuropathic pain by at least 30% compared to placebo, though responder rates were modest. CBD-specific trials, including a landmark Phase 3 RCT in pediatric epilepsy (Devinsky et al., 2017, n=120), demonstrated a 38.9% median reduction in convulsive seizures with 20 mg/kg/day CBD, leading to FDA approval of Epidiolex. Observational and small RCT data support short-term benefit for cancer-related pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea, but evidence for anxiety disorders remains preliminary, largely from acute-dosing studies (300–600 mg CBD) rather than long-term trials. Overall, evidence strength varies significantly by condition, with neuropathic pain and treatment-resistant epilepsy having the strongest clinical support.

## Nutritional Profile

Cannabis sativa contains a complex array of macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds that vary significantly by plant part (seeds vs. flower/leaf). SEEDS (hemp seeds, per 100g): Protein: ~31-33g (complete protein containing all essential amino acids, notably edestin ~65-70% and albumin ~30-35%, high bioavailability); Total fat: ~49g (omega-6 linoleic acid ~28g, omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid ~9g, yielding an omega-6:omega-3 ratio of ~3:1, considered nutritionally favorable; also contains gamma-linolenic acid ~1-4g); Carbohydrates: ~8-10g; Dietary fiber: ~4g. Micronutrients in seeds: Magnesium ~700mg (176% DV), Phosphorus ~1160mg (116% DV), Potassium ~860mg (25% DV), Iron ~8mg (44% DV), Zinc ~7mg (64% DV), Vitamin E (tocopherols) ~90mg, Thiamine (B1) ~1.3mg, Riboflavin (B2) ~0.3mg, Niacin (B3) ~9.2mg. FLOWER/LEAF (medicinal/recreational portions): Macronutrient content is not typically consumed in nutritionally significant quantities via inhalation; oral consumption via edibles varies by preparation. BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS (primary pharmacological relevance): Phytocannabinoids: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ~0.3-30% dry weight depending on cultivar (hemp <0.3%, high-potency strains up to 30%); Cannabidiol (CBD) ~0.1-20% dry weight; Cannabigerol (CBG) ~0.1-1%; Cannabichromene (CBC) ~0.1-0.5%; Cannabinol (CBN) trace amounts in fresh material, increases with degradation; THC-A and CBD-A are precursor acids converted via decarboxylation (heat). Terpenes: Myrcene (~0.1-0.5% dry weight, most abundant), Limonene, Beta-caryophyllene (also a CB2 receptor agonist), Linalool, Pinene, Humulene — collectively contribute to 'entourage effect.' Flavonoids: Cannflavins A and B (unique to Cannabis, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)), quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin. Chlorophyll present in leaf material. Bioavailability notes: Inhalation bioavailability of THC ~10-35% with rapid onset (minutes); oral bioavailability ~4-20% due to first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) converting THC to 11-hydroxy-THC (more potent, slower onset 30-120 min); CBD oral bioavailability ~6-19%, significantly enhanced with high-fat meals (up to 5-fold increase); seed protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) estimated ~0.66-0.80.

## Dosage & Preparation

The research dossier does not specify clinically studied dosage ranges for different forms of Cannabis sativa. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

THC commonly causes dose-dependent side effects including tachycardia, dry mouth, impaired short-term memory, dizziness, and psychomotor impairment; long-term heavy use is associated with cannabis use disorder in approximately 9% of users and potential [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) effects in adolescents. CBD is generally better tolerated but can cause fatigue, diarrhea, and elevated liver enzymes, particularly at high doses (>20 mg/kg/day), and hepatotoxicity risk increases when combined with valproate. Both THC and CBD are potent inhibitors of cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C9, raising plasma levels of drugs such as warfarin, clobazam, and certain immunosuppressants — requiring clinical monitoring. Cannabis is contraindicated in pregnancy due to associations with low birth weight and neurodevelopmental effects, and is inadvisable in individuals with a personal or family history of psychosis, as THC exposure may precipitate psychotic episodes.

## Scientific Research

The research does not provide specific clinical trials or meta-analyses with PMIDs related to the health benefits of Cannabis sativa. Further detailed clinical investigation is necessary.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Cannabis has been used traditionally for various purposes, including medicinal and recreational uses, across different cultures globally. In traditional medicine systems, it has been utilized for its psychoactive and therapeutic properties.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric, ginger, black pepper, ashwagandha, omega-3

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between THC and CBD in cannabis?

THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, producing euphoria by directly activating CB1 receptors in the brain. CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating and works through indirect endocannabinoid modulation, FAAH inhibition, and 5-HT1A agonism, making it the compound of interest for anxiety, epilepsy, and inflammation without the high. Products high in CBD and low in THC (<0.3% THC) are federally legal in the US as hemp-derived supplements.

### How much CBD should I take for anxiety?

Clinical research on CBD for anxiety has primarily used acute doses of 300–600 mg in single-dose studies, which showed significant reductions in simulated public speaking anxiety compared to placebo. However, no FDA-approved CBD dosage exists for anxiety disorders, and most commercially available supplements contain 10–50 mg per serving, which is substantially lower than studied doses. Individuals should consult a healthcare provider before using CBD for anxiety, especially given its interactions with CYP450-metabolized medications.

### Is cannabis safe to use with prescription medications?

Cannabis compounds, particularly CBD and THC, inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C9, which are responsible for metabolizing many common drugs including warfarin, statins, benzodiazepines, and antiepileptics. This inhibition can raise blood levels of these drugs to potentially toxic concentrations — a clinically documented interaction exists between CBD and clobazam, increasing its active metabolite norclobazam by up to 500%. Always disclose cannabis use to your prescriber, as dose adjustments or monitoring may be necessary.

### Can cannabis help with chronic pain?

A 2018 Cochrane review of 16 RCTs found moderate evidence that cannabis-based medicines provided at least 30% pain reduction in chronic neuropathic pain, though the number-needed-to-treat was approximately 24 — meaning most patients did not achieve this threshold. THC mediates analgesia by activating CB1 receptors in pain-processing regions like the periaqueductal gray and spinal dorsal horn, while CBD reduces neuroinflammation via CB2 and TRPV1 pathways. Cannabis-based medicines are approved for pain in several countries, but evidence for musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain remains weaker than for neuropathic pain.

### Does cannabis have any proven medical uses approved by the FDA?

The FDA has approved three cannabis-derived or cannabis-related medications: Epidiolex (purified CBD) for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome seizures, and two synthetic THC drugs — dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet) — for chemotherapy-induced nausea and AIDS-related anorexia. Epidiolex's approval was based on Phase 3 RCT data showing a 38.9% median reduction in seizure frequency at 20 mg/kg/day. Smoked or whole-plant cannabis has not received FDA approval due to challenges with standardization, dosing consistency, and inhalation safety.

### What is the difference between cannabis flower, oil, and isolate forms?

Cannabis flower contains the whole plant material with all cannabinoids and terpenes present, while CBD/THC oils are concentrated extracts that contain multiple compounds or specified ratios. Cannabis isolates are purified single compounds (typically CBD or THC) with other cannabinoids removed. The entourage effect theory suggests whole-plant and full-spectrum products may be more effective than isolates due to synergistic interactions between cannabinoids and terpenes, though more research is needed to confirm this.

### Is cannabis safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Cannabis use during pregnancy is not recommended, as THC crosses the placental barrier and has been associated with potential developmental concerns in animal studies and observational human data. Similarly, cannabinoids pass into breast milk, which may expose infants to compounds whose safety and long-term effects in newborns are not well established. Healthcare providers typically advise avoiding cannabis products during pregnancy and lactation until more robust clinical evidence is available.

### How strong is the clinical evidence supporting cannabis for different health conditions?

Evidence varies significantly by condition: FDA approval exists only for cannabidiol (Epidiolex) for specific seizure disorders, representing the strongest evidence level. For pain, anxiety, and inflammation, evidence remains preliminary based on preclinical studies and limited human trials, with most findings insufficient for regulatory approval. More large-scale, controlled clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy and optimal dosing for most proposed uses of cannabis.

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