Cannabis: forms, uses and evidence

What is cannabis?

Cannabis products come from hemp plants and vary in composition.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids affect receptors involved in pain, memory, appetite and other functions. They may be produced by the body, extracted from plants or manufactured synthetically.

What is the difference between medical and recreational cannabinoids?

Products may be used medically or recreationally; access rules vary by location.

What are the ways cannabinoids can be used?

Inhaled and oral products differ in effects and risks; smoking raises particular respiratory concerns. Products differ in how quickly effects appear and in how long they last.

What is the suggested dosing of cannabis?

No standard SCI-specific dosing regimen exists, and product strengths vary. Different THC and CBD concentrations make responses difficult to predict across preparations.

What are cannabinoids used for after spinal cord injury?

Some plant-based studies suggest neuropathic pain relief, while SCI-specific synthetic-product studies found no benefit. Spasticity findings conflict, and research has not established benefits for broader reported uses.