Evidence supporting the use of: Tetrahydrocannabinol
For the health condition: Nausea and Vomiting

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, has substantial scientific evidence supporting its use in the management of nausea and vomiting, particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy. THC acts primarily as an agonist at the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system, which play a key role in modulating nausea and vomiting pathways. THC-based medications, such as dronabinol and nabilone, have received regulatory approval in several countries for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) when standard antiemetic therapies are ineffective.

Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have demonstrated that THC-containing cannabinoids are more effective than placebo and, in some cases, comparable to or better than traditional antiemetics in reducing CINV. For instance, a 2015 Cochrane review concluded that cannabinoids are useful for patients with CINV who do not respond to conventional antiemetic treatments. However, higher rates of adverse effects such as dizziness, dysphoria, and sedation are associated with THC use.

Although THC is less commonly used as a first-line therapy due to side effect concerns, its efficacy is well-documented for refractory cases. There is less robust evidence for its use in other forms of nausea and vomiting, such as those related to pregnancy or postoperative care, and these uses are not widely endorsed. Overall, the scientific validation for THC as a treatment for nausea and vomiting is strong, especially for chemotherapy-induced cases.

More about Tetrahydrocannabinol
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