An Individuality of Response to Cannabinoids: Challenges in Safety and Efficacy of Cannabis Products
Issued Date
2023-03-01
Resource Type
eISSN
14203049
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85151109518
Pubmed ID
36985763
Journal Title
Molecules
Volume
28
Issue
6
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Molecules Vol.28 No.6 (2023)
Suggested Citation
Kitdumrongthum S., Trachootham D. An Individuality of Response to Cannabinoids: Challenges in Safety and Efficacy of Cannabis Products. Molecules Vol.28 No.6 (2023). doi:10.3390/molecules28062791 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/81629
Title
An Individuality of Response to Cannabinoids: Challenges in Safety and Efficacy of Cannabis Products
Author(s)
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Since legalization, cannabis/marijuana has been gaining considerable attention as a functional ingredient in food. ∆-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids are key bioactive compounds with health benefits. The oral consumption of cannabis transports much less hazardous chemicals than smoking. Nevertheless, the response to cannabis is biphasically dose-dependent (hormesis; a low-dose stimulation and a high-dose inhibition) with wide individuality in responses. Thus, the exact same dose and preparation of cannabis may be beneficial for some but toxic to others. The purpose of this review is to highlight the concept of individual variations in response to cannabinoids, which leads to the challenge of establishing standard safe doses of cannabis products for the general population. The mechanisms of actions, acute and chronic toxicities, and factors affecting responses to cannabis products are updated. Based on the literature review, we found that the response to cannabis products depends on exposure factors (delivery route, duration, frequency, and interactions with food and drugs), individual factors (age, sex), and susceptibility factors (genetic polymorphisms of cannabinoid receptor gene, N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing enzymes, THC-metabolizing enzymes, and epigenetic regulations). Owing to the individuality of responses, the safest way to use cannabis-containing food products is to start low, go slow, and stay low.