Abstract:

The cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa L.) has a long history as a recreational drug, but also as part of traditional medicine in many cultures. Nowadays, it is used by a large number of patients worldwide, to ameliorate the symptoms of diseases varying from cancer and AIDS to multiple sclerosis and migraine. The discovery of cannabinoid-receptors and the endocannabinoid system have opened up a new and exciting field of research. But despite the pharmaceutical potential of cannabis, its classification as a narcotic drug has prevented the successful development of cannabis into modern medicine. Although a huge number of scientific papers has been published on cannabis, there is currently no scientific consensus on the usefulness of medicinal cannabis. In 2004, The Netherlands became the first country to make herbal cannabis available as a prescription drug. The phytochemical research presented in this thesis has been possible because of the availability of these high-grade cannabis plants. This thesis has a specific focus on the cannabinoids and on analytical problems that currently obstruct advanced study of the cannabis plant. Furthermore, it deals with much needed methods for quality control and with administration forms of medicinal cannabis. In general, it may be considered a general guidebook, covering all the basic phytochemical aspects of medicinal cannabis.