Cannabis

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Synonyms: Indian Hemp, Indian Cannabis

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Biological source:

Botanical name: Cannabis sativa

Part used: dried flowering tops

Family: Cannabinaceae

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Geographical source:

• Native of central and western Asia.
• Found to be growing wild in India, Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Macroscopical features (flowering tops)

• Color: dull green
• Odor: strong characteristic
• Taste: slightly bitter
• Shape: varies
• Size: varies
• Other features: consists of the upper part of stem, bracts, bracteoles and pistillate flowers

Note

• A bract is a modified or specialized leaf, especially one associated with a reproductive structure such as a flower
• A bracteole is a small leaf of leaf-like structure directly subtending a flower or inflorescence whose stalk itself is subtended by a bract.

Microscopical features (bract)

Bracts have the structure like an ordinary leaf.

Both the epidermis possess conical trichomes but more longer and without cystolith in the lower ones.

Lower epidermis bears numerous glandular trichomes with secreting head of eight radiating ells.

Lower epidermis contains anomocytic stomata.

Mesophyll consist of single layer of palisade and many layers of spongy parenchyma.

Cluster s of calcium oxalate are present in all part of mesophyll.

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Chemical constituents

Contain about 15-20% resin,

Major constituent include tetrahydro cannabinol (THC). Other consituents include cannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabidiolic acid etc

Pharmacological action / Uses

Tonic (that gives feeling of vigor or well being), sedative (that promotes calmness), analgesic (that relieves pain), stomachic,(that promote appetite and assist digestion), antianxiety (that are used for treatment of anxiety), anticonvulsant (that antagonizes sudden and involuntary muscle contractions), antitussive(that relieves cough) , and narcotic (that affects mood and behavior) .

Cannabis causes only psychic dependence and act upon the nervous system