Chapter 1: What Is Medical Cannabis? — Basic Knowledge and Scientific Evidence of Therapeutic Effects3have the potential to alleviate symptoms such as pain, muscle spasms, and nausea. In some countries, pharmaceutical products like Sativex have been approved for treating conditions such as multiple sclerosis and treatment-resistant epilepsy. Recent studies have also reported significant improvement in symptoms among patients with depression after 18 weeks of medical cannabis treatment. However, the effects of medical cannabis vary depending on the disease and the type of formulation used, and there are concerns about side effects such as dependency and the worsening of psychiatric symptoms. As a result, global medical research is now focused on determining the “balance of benefits and risks,” and in Japan, scientific discussions based on ingredients and dosage are becoming increasingly necessary. This report will explore this "distant yet familiar medicine" by organizing foundational knowledge and the scientific evidence for its therapeutic effects, while also examining its When I was studying abroad at a university in the United States, I frequently encountered the presence of cannabis in everyday life. Walking around campus, I often noticed its distinctive smell, and it sometimes came up in conversations among students. At first, I assumed it was mostly used for recreational purposes, but I later learned that some people used it for medical reasons, such as relief from chronic pain or sleep disorders. This discovery sparked my interest in the multifaceted nature of cannabis.In Japan, cannabis is strictly regulated and remains a distant topic for many people. However, in medical settings around the world, research into its efficacy and safety is actively progressing. Medical cannabis refers to the therapeut ic use of cannabinoids—compounds found in the cannabis plant, primarily THC (which has psychoactive effects) and CBD (which does not cause intoxication). These cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and The University of Texas at TylerYudai WatanabeMedical Cannabis: Therapeutic Effects and Legal Frameworks in Japan and Abroad
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