EVALUATION OF MEDICINAL OILS FROM Cannabis sativa L. PRODUCED BY A BRAZILIAN ASSOCIATION INTENDED FOR THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH MEDICAL INDICATIONS
hemp oil, CBD, Associations
The number of medical cannabis associations has increased in Brazil. They provide information on the use of the plant for medicinal purposes and legal support for patients and their families. Many also cultivate and produce medicinal oil. Within this context, the participation of educational and research institutions is fundamental, not only to help with therapeutic indications, contraindications and the definition of the dosage regimen, but also with aspects related to the production and quality control of the plant drug and medicinal oil. The search for effective and safe products for patients was the guiding principle behind this project. The aim of this study was to find out, through the use of a semi-structured questionnaire, the possible beneficial and adverse effects related to the use of Cannabis sativa medicinal oil in patients linked to an association that has judicial authorization to grow the plant and produce the oil. The profile of the cannabinoids present in the medicinal oils produced by the association was also assessed qualitatively using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). At the end of the interview period, 86 patients met the inclusion criteria. The data obtained showed that the therapeutic effects stood out, such as helping to reduce anxiety and improve cognitive functions; however, adverse effects were also reported by the patients, including some more common ones, such as drowsiness. The CLAE analysis showed three different oil profiles in terms of cannabinoid content. In general, C. sativa oil can cause a specific and individual reaction in each individual, whether it contributes to optimizing the treatment of pathologies or generates adverse effects. In view of the results obtained, there is a need for more studies on medicinal oil to ensure the safety and efficacy of this treatment and a proper understanding of these preparations.