Botanical Overview
Latin Name: Cannabis sativa
Family: Cannabaceae
Parts Used: Flower, Leaf, Seed, Stem
Common Names: Hemp, Marijuana, Cannabis
Energetics
The plant is generally considered warming and drying in effect, with bitter, pungent, and sweet tastes. It exhibits ascending and outward directionality and has a relaxing tonicity, influencing primarily the qi in traditional energy systems.
Primary Actions
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Anxiolytic
- Appetite stimulant
- Nervine
Indications
Western
- Chronic pain
- Muscle spasms
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Neuropathic pain
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Multiple sclerosis symptoms
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea
TCM
- Pain
- Stagnation
- Spasms
Syndromes
- Qi stagnation with blood stasis
- Damp-heat conditions
Ayurveda
- Vata disorders
- Chronic pain
- Nervous system imbalance
Syndromes
- Vata imbalance causing spasms and pain
- Ama-related disorders
Unani
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Nervous disorders
Syndromes
- Sair-e-Iltihabi (inflammatory conditions)
- Maraaz-e-Asab (nervous diseases)
Constituents & Mechanisms
Cannabis contains a diverse range of phytochemicals including cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD), terpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, and polyphenols contributing to its pharmacological effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Tincture standardized for cannabinoids 2-10 mg/day
- Decoction of leaves 1-3 g 1-2 times daily
- Inhalation of vaporized flower 5-20 mg THC equivalent
Safety & Contraindications
The herb should be used cautiously, especially in individuals with psychiatric disorders due to potential psychotropic effects. It is contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, psychotic disorders, and severe cardiovascular disease. Possible drug interactions include additive effects with CNS depressants and anticoagulants.
Astrological Correspondences
Planetary and elemental rulers are not conclusively established for Cannabis sativa in authoritative herbal/esoteric literature and thus not assigned.
Selected References
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants: Cannabis sativa L. (2019)
- European Medicines Agency – HMPC: Community Herbal Monograph on Cannabis sativa L., aetheroleum (2014)
- Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines, WebMD Editorial Staff (2020)
- Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review of Cannabis sativa Species, Aizpurua-Olaizola et al. (2016)