Intraocular Pressure Article

Is Cannabis a Treatment for Glaucoma?

Source: 
https://glaucoma.org.au

Link: 
https://glaucoma.org.au/news-details/treatment/is-cannabis-a-treatment-for-glaucoma

Article Summary:
Cannabis has been explored as an alternative treatment for glaucoma due to its ability to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). The primary active component, THC, can reduce IOP by binding to CB1 receptors in the eye, although this effect is short-lived, typically lasting three to four hours, necessitating frequent dosing. This frequent use is impractical for chronic glaucoma management and can lead to significant psychoactive and cardiopulmonary side effects, as well as tolerance (tachyphylaxis). Additionally, CBD, another cannabinoid present in cannabis, may partially block THC’s pressure-lowering effects. Synthetic analogues of THC, like HU211, and novel delivery methods, such as microemulsions or cyclodextrins for eye drops, are being researched to mitigate these issues. While cannabinoids hold potential as a new class of glaucoma treatments due to their unique mechanism of action, their future likely lies in synthetic analogues applied topically, rather than traditional cannabis consumption.