Cannabis sativa contains over 120 active constituents, collectively called phytocannabinoids. Cannabis originated in the Himalayas and was first cultivated in China for seed and fiber production. Early records of medicinal cannabis use can be traced to Sumerians records around 1800 B.C., which mention using the plant against a variety of diseases, including convulsions. Research into the mechanisms of action of cannabis has lagged behind usage, in part because of its varying legal status, and has focused primarily on the psychotropic effects of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Recent work, however, has validated at least some of the many anecdotal reports that attribute therapeutic properties to the main non-psychoactive compounds in cannabis, particularly cannabidiol. Research on the effects of other cannabinoids, such as, cannabigerols, cannabichromenes, cannabinol, cannabinodiol and others, as well as terpenes, also picked up and showed clinical potential.

Strains of cannabis high in cannabidiol are now regularly grown and evidence supporting its therapeutic potential, from fundamental to clinical, is plentiful. An overview of recent advances in the production is warranted, including; mechanistic and pre-clinical research, and clinical potential and uses of cannabis and its components.

Despite the lack of robust evidence and high-quality clinical trials investigating the use of cannabis for medical purposes, there has been an exponential increase in medical cannabis use and a growing interest in the field. This Research Topic will capture the current state of pre-clinical and clinical research in medical cannabis.

This Research Topic will include research articles, reviews and perspectives in medical cannabis research across various disciplines. From fundamental and pre-clinical research on cannabinoids and cannabis extracts, to current and potential medical uses, as well as novel precision medicine approaches in medical cannabis. Medical uses will cover braid areas of application, ranging from pain, neuropsychiatric disorders, autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders, metabolic disorders, to cancer and aging.

Topic Editor Dr. Olga Kovalchuk is the co-founder of bio-tech start-ups, Pathway Rx and Swysh. Dr. Olga Kovalchuk has received a MITACS grant from the Canadian Government in relation to Sundial Growers as an industrial partner. Topic Editor Dr. Peter Ruben has received MITACS grants from the Canadian Government in relation to Akseera Pharma Corp. as an industrial partner. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

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