Research into potential new medical uses of cannabinoids has 
probably been reduced as a result of the hindrances imposed by 
legal restraints on the study of Cannabis. Yet this research is 
promising. For example, A’-THC has been reported to be very 
effective in reducing many of the side effects attendent upon the 
administration of potent antitumour chemotherapy in humans 
(Davies et al. 1974; Sallan et al. 1975). Likewise, the beneficial 
effect of Cannabis smoking in the treatment of glaucoma is 
difficult to dismiss (Hepler and Frank 1971; Hepler et al. 1972; 
Shapiro 1974). The analgesic (Buxbaum 1972; Bicher and Me- 
choulam 1968; Cortex Jr. et al. 1966; Kaymakcalan et al. 1974; 
Kosersky et al 1973; Parker and Dubas 1972), antiinflammatory 
(Kosersky et al. 1973; Sofia et al. 1974), anticonvulsant effects 
(Carlini et al. 1973; Cely et al. 1974; Chesher and Jackson 1974; 
Conscroe and Man 1973; Conscroe et al. 1973; Corcoran et al. 
1973; Karler 1973; Karler et al. 1973, 1974; Man and Conscroe 
1973; McCaughran et al. 1974; Mincs et al. 1973; Sofia et al. 
1971; Tannhauser and Izquierdo 1974; Turkanis et al. 1974; 
Wada et al. 1973), and antitumour activity (Bhargava 1978; 
Braude and Szara 1976a, 1976b; Carchman et al. 1976; Desoize 
and Nahas 1976; Harris et al. 1974, 1976) of certain of the 
cannabinoids in laboratory animals might justify clinical trial in 
man. It has been suggested that Cannabis might be useful as an 
agent in rehabilitating alcoholics (Scher 1971) and in the treat- 
ment of asthma (Arey 1973) as well as for other conditions 
(Beaconsfield et al. 1975). In addition, recently reported effects 
of certain of the cannabinoids in the inhibition of naloxone- 
induced withdrawal in morphine-dependent animals may offer 
promise in the treatment of narcotic addiction (Bhargava 1976a 
and b). 
Pharmaceutical firms and other entities are actively engaged 
in synthesizing analogs of the cannabinoids, (Pars et al. 1976; 
Razdan and Dalzell 1976; Razdan et al. 1976a, 1976b; Winn et 
al. 1976; Kurth et al., 1976), instead of further exploring uses of 
the natural parent compounds. Patent difficulties and stability 
problems of the natural derivatives as well as legal and political 
implications have no doubt played an important role in this 
decision. 
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