Latin, Cannabis (Gen., Cannabis)

Eng., Cannabis. Synonyms, Cannabis Indica (U. S. P., viii), Indian Cannabis, Indian Hemp. Dried flowering tops of the pistillate plant of Cannabis sativa or of the variety indica.

Average Dose

1 grain (0.065 Gm.).

1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

2 Hughes: Practice of Medicine.

Official Preparations.

Extractum Cannabis

Eng., Extract of Cannabis. A soft solid about five times the strength of the crude drug. Average Dose.-1/6 grain (0.01 Gm.).

Fluidextractum Cannabis

Eng., Fluidextract of Cannabis. Average Dose.-1 1/2 minims (0.1 mil).

Tinctura Cannabis

Eng., Tincture of Cannabis. Represents 10 per cent. of the drug in alcohol.

Average Dose

12 minims (0.75 mil).

Cannabis is considered by some as very uncertain in its action and many prescribers will not employ it.

Therapeutic Action

Sedative, anodyne, narcotic.

Uses

For headache, neuralgia and kindred conditions. It is an ingredient in many of the corn remedies.

Administration

Internally.-The tincture is the preparation usually employed.

It may be prescribed alone, as:

M.

Sig

Teaspoon ful in water every four hours.

Some prescribe the tincture alone by drops and increase to effect. About two drops must be allowed for each minim.

Sig

Begin with 10 drops three times a day.

It is sometimes used with other agents. The following will illustrate:

In a hypnotic preparation:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water every four hours when necessary.

Externally

The extract is sometimes used in combination with other agents. The following will illustrate:

In the treatment of clavus:

M.

Sig

Apply to lesions twice daily.

In employing the above many add Ol. Ricini, f3j.