Cannabis sativa; Ethnobotanicals, Classifications, Pharmacology, and Phytochemistry

Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) is a plant of significant global interest due to its diverse range of over 700 bioactive secondary metabolites. The plant's extensive historical and contemporary uses balance its controversial status. This review offers a thorough examination of C. sativa, focusing on its taxonomy, traditional and local uses, pharmacological importance, and phytochemistry. A review of observational studies and literature published between 1995 and 2024 was conducted. Sources were gathered from various databases, such as Google Scholar, NIH, PubMed, and Web of Science, to ensure a broad inclusive analysis. The taxonomy of Cannabis sativa has evolved significantly since Linnaeus’ eighteenth-century classifications, with ongoing debates about its species and strains. Traditionally, C. sativa has been utilized for medicinal purposes, textile production, and as food. The plant's primary cannabinoid compounds, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are synthesized in glandular trichomes and play crucial roles in its medicinal and recreational uses. These compounds engage with cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and other receptors, including GPCRs - involved in pain modulation. Despite legislative challenges and controversies surrounding its psychoactive properties, C. sativa has considerable medicinal potential for improving better lifestyles.