Elucidating the Therapeutic Effects of Individual Compounds Found in Cannabis Sativa for Pain Management and Reward Liability

Abstract

The Cannabis plant contains over 550 different chemicals, many of which are bioactive and understudied. Despite the complexity of Cannabis pharmacology, most work has investigated the primary phytocannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 THC). With increased public access to Cannabis and its constituents, as well as evidence for its efficacy for therapeutic uses, it is essential to investigate the individual compounds of Cannabis to determine their therapeutic effects as well as adverse side effects. In this dissertation, I outline the impact of different classes of chemicals from Cannabis and their effects on neuropathic pain, potential side effects, and select compounds for assessing impacts in opioid use disorder. These classes of chemicals include terpenes (linalool, geraniol, β-pinene, α-humulene, and β-caryophyllene) and phytocannabinoids (cannabinol, cannabidivarin, cannabigerol, Δ9 tetrahydrocannabivarin, Δ8 tetrahydrocannabinol, and Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) with some investigation into the mechanism of blends of different terpenes from distinct Cannabis chemovars. I hope the work presented contributes to our collective knowledge of Cannabis as a therapeutic agent and can improve Cannabis-based therapies.