ABSTRACT
There is nothing new about cannabis as a prescription medicine. The use of cannabis by mankind is probably as old as the need for pain relief but the use of cannabis as a prescription medicine is complicated by its alternate use as a recreational drug, and attempts to regulate that practice. The novelty described in this article arises from a re-examination of some historical uses of cannabis in the light of new technology. Research on possible modes of action of cannabinoids, and novel methods of administration have prompted a re-evaluation of the therapeutic benefit of cannabis and cannabinoids.
