Anaesthesia. 2001 Nov; 56(11): 1059-68.

Pharmacological actions and therapeutic uses of cannabis and cannabinoids.

Kumar RN, Chambers WA, Pertwee RG.

Anaesthesia & Pain Management, Department of Anaesthesia, Grampian University Hospitals, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, UK.

This review highlights the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological actions, therapeutic uses and adverse effects of cannabinoids. The effect of cannabinoids on anaesthesia is mentioned briefly. Important advances have taken place in cannabinoid research over the last few years and have led to the discovery of novel ligands. The possible clinical applications of these ligands and the direction of future research are discussed.