Hash refers to a dense, solid, or paste-like substance created by pressing or refining the resin found in cannabis flowers. Hash oil—considered the most concentrated form—is produced by extracting this resin into a purified liquid.
THC is just one of more than 500 compounds in the cannabis plant, including over 100 cannabinoids. While THC is the most familiar, cannabidiol (CBD) has also gained widespread attention for its potential therapeutic uses.
Early research suggests CBD may be beneficial for several conditions, although more scientific work is needed to confirm these effects.
Both CBD and THC resemble the natural endocannabinoids your body makes. Because of this, they can interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system and influence neurotransmitter activity in the brain.
So far, clinical studies haven’t identified age-related concerns that would prevent older adults from using CBD effectively.
If you prefer, cannabis can be consumed raw—though it’s not typically recommended—or used directly in infused preparations for cooking and edibles.
Older studies from the 1970s and 1980s showed that cannabis-derived compounds could temporarily reduce eye pressure, though not as effectively or as long-lasting as modern medications.
Researchers are also exploring how to produce cannabinoids using yeast, which could offer a more affordable approach than traditional extraction from the plant.
A growing number of observational studies are looking at how edible cannabis may influence chronic low-back pain, inflammation, and cognitive function.
Current clinical data on CBD for gastrointestinal disorders is limited. This gap prompted Mayo Clinic researchers, including Dr. Camilleri, to examine CBD’s potential benefits in people with gastroparesis through a controlled clinical trial.
Because CBD can interact with other medications, it’s important for your healthcare provider to know what you’re taking before starting treatment.
The FDA currently prohibits selling CBD or THC products as dietary supplements, and foods containing these compounds cannot legally enter interstate commerce. Whether they can be sold within a state depends on that state’s regulations.
At Mayo Clinic campuses in Arizona and Florida, medical cannabis cannot be used or certified for patients, including within the hospital.
In the Mayo Clinic study, 44 participants with nonsurgical gastroparesis (idiopathic and diabetic forms) were enrolled. They received either increasing doses of CBD or a placebo twice a day for four weeks. Symptom severity was measured using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index Daily Diary to track changes over time.