CBD has been suggested as a beneficial drug for treating drug-resistant epilepsy in

pediatric population (Cortesi and Fusar-Poli 2007). Study by Luszczki et al.

demonstrated the synergistic effect of CB1 receptor agonist ACEA (arachidonyl-

2⁰ chloroethylamide) on valproate by increasing its anticonvulsant action (Luszczki

et al. 2006). Despite these hints from various studies, use of cannabinoids has not

gained therapeutic status in the treatment of epilepsy (Kogan and Mechoulam 2007).

12.5.3 Respiratory Disorders

12.5.3.1 Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease, characterized by elevation of IgE

and various cytokines (Interleukins 4, 5, 9, and 13) locally in the airway or systemi-

cally in blood. In this disease there is reversible constriction of the small bronchioles

with excessive mucus production. Inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators rep-

resent the mainstay treatments for asthma (Global Initiative for Asthma 2020;

Colodenco et al. 2018). Most patients with asthma, however, can overcome

limitations in daily activities and impairments in overall quality of life by using

appropriate pharmacological interventions. Still, there is a need for therapies that

target IgE and cytokine production. Asthmatic patients have shown increased

expression of CB1 receptor mRNA and elevated levels of AEA (Martin-Fontecha

et al. 2014; Zoerner et al. 2011). The first evidence of cannabinoids as a therapeutic

agent in airway was reported in the 1970s. The use of THC as a bronchodilator has

been identified in a study by Vachon et al. (1973). THC attenuated allergic inflam-

mation by decreasing the cytokine production, mucus secretion, and IgE levels in

CB1- and CB2-independent manner (Braun et al. 2011; Jan et al. 2003). Addition-

ally, it was investigated that CBD activates both CB1 and CB2 receptors. These

receptors modulate the release of chemical messengers and inflammatory cytokines.

Thus, cannabinoids may be beneficial agents for the treatment of asthma according

to the available literature.

12.5.4 Cancer

12.5.4.1 Antiemetic

Patients undergoing chemotherapy experience acute nausea and vomiting. Emesis is

a devastating side effect of chemotherapeutic drugs. It occurs due to the production

of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptaminergic; 5-HT) through the enterochromaffin cells,

which are found to be distributed across the GI tract. Standard treatment of

chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) includes 5-HT3 receptor

antagonists and neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonists. Cannabinoid system

interacts with 5-HT system to control CINV. Use of cannabinoids cause inhibition

of nausea and emesis related to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. CB1 receptors are

localized in this region of the brain (Cannabinoids 2003). Thus, administration of

CB1 agonist can reduce the release of 5 HT (Hu et al. 2007). The US FDA approved

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