Synthetic Cannabis Preparations in Psychiatry: (1) Synhexyl

Abstract

Fifty years ago in a discussion on the pharmacology of cannabis indica, Dixon (1899) said, “Hemp therefore exerts its effect differently according to the preparation used … In fits of depression, mental fatigue, nervous headache, and exhaustion a few inhalations produce an almost immediate effect, the sense of depression, headache, feeling of fatigue disappear and the subject is able to continue his work feeling refreshed and soothed. I am further convinced that its results are marvellous in giving staying power and altering the feelings of muscular fatigue which follow hard physical labour … It is to be feared, however, that cannabis indica can never become popular until its active principle has been isolated, that is, the isolation of a compound of fixed strength.”