IntroductionCannabis, a plant long recognised for its medicinal properties, has recently garnered attention for its potential role in treating various neurological disorders. The primary active compounds in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis across multiple physiological systems, including those affecting mental faculties. However, the connection between cannabis and neurological disorders is complex. While some studies suggest benefits, such as improved seizure control or symptom relief in certain conditions, others highlight significant risks, including adverse cognitive and psychiatric effects [32]. This dual nature positions cannabis as both an ally and an adversary in neurology, emphasising the need for extensive research. This article critically examines the existing evidence to shed light on the therapeutic and detrimental impacts of cannabis on neurological disorders. A comprehensive table outlining its benefits and risks and a diagram depicting its effects on tissues and organs have also been included.Cannabis has traditionally been recommended for managing muscle spasms, but its broader therapeutic potential for neurological disorders remains underexplored. Conditions such as epilepsy, movement disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) might benefit from cannabinoid treatment; however, clinical trials evaluating these effects have often been small and inconclusive [33]. Despite these limitations, the prevalence of cannabinoid receptors in the brain—especially those linked to Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Huntington’s disease (HD)—suggests potential therapeutic avenues that warrant further investigation. These findings are particularly significant in light of the limitations of conventional treatments for conditions like epilepsy, movement disorders, and AD.The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for neurological diseases is a subject of scientific interest. While only a limited number of clinical trials have been conducted—and fewer still have yielded definitive results—preliminary evidence supports continued investigation into compounds such as cannabidiol (CBD). For instance, studies on Parkinson’s disease highlight its potential to alleviate abnormal movements by modulating presynaptic inhibitory mechanisms and endogenous cannabinoid levels [20]. However, the precise role of endocannabinoid signalling in neurological circuits remains to be fully understood.Research into Huntington’s disease underscores the potential of cannabinoids. Post-mortem studies have identified a significant loss of CB1 receptors in the basal ganglia of patients, which contributes to hyperkinesia. Restoring CB1 receptor activity has been hypothesised as a potential therapeutic strategy [23]. Similarly, in cases of refractory epilepsy, cannabinoids like CBD have shown promise, leading to U.S. FDA approval in 2018 for specific syndromes unresponsive to conventional therapies.Cannabinoids have also shown utility in addressing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Preclinical studies suggest that selective activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors may reduce β-amyloid toxicity, slow tau protein aggregation, and support neural repair [32]. However, while these findings are encouraging, they are limited by a lack of comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Potential drug interactions and adverse effects must also be thoroughly considered before cannabinoids can be widely recommended as therapeutic agents [33].
