On Cannabis indica, Indian hemp

Abstract

Commentary: Patricia Cochrane* This paper by an eminent member of the medical profession describes the botanical characteristics and medicinal properties of Cannabis sativa L. ssp. indica in some detail. During the twentieth century the possession and use of cannabis became illegal and little if any research into its value as a medicine took place. However, recent work (Pertwee, 2002; Zajicek et al. (2003); Rog et al. 2005) has shown that extracts of cannabis can relieve some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. It may therefore be of interest to look again at the medicinal properties ascribed to Cannabis sativa, ssp. indica in the pre-pharmaceutical industry era.