Cannabis.

The resinous exudation from the plant Cannabis indica.—Asia.

Preparation.—A tincture is prepared from the Gunga or Churrus imported from India.

Dose.—The dose will vary from the fraction of a drop to five drops. In the majority of cases gtt. xx. is added to water ℥iv., and given in teaspoonful doses every two to four hours.

Specific Indications.—Burning in the urethra and throughout the urinary tract. Frequent micturition with burning. Excitement of the reproductive function with erections, lascivious dreams and thoughts. Chordee. Gonorrhoea.

Therapeutic Action.—Indian Hemp is said to be narcotic, anodyne, antispasmodic, sedative, and aphrodisiac. It has been used mostly as a sedative in painful spasmodic affections. In neuralgia, sciatica, and chronic rheumatism, it has been found to be quite efficient. In convulsions, coughs, asthma, and pertussis, it is said to mitigate the urgent symptoms. It enjoys some reputation as a curative agent in tetanus and hydrophobia, owing to its sedative action.

We employ Cannabis principally in the treatment of gonorrhoea, where it exerts a most marked influence. In the early stage of the disease it is given with Veratrum or Gelseminum, in a later stage with Macrotys. In some cases it promptly arrests the disease, in others its action is slow, but I prefer it to the old-fashioned copaiba and cubebs.

If one will carefully note the indications as given, they will see that its use may be extended to wrongs of the reproductive functions and to diseases of the bladder and prostate gland. I have found it useful in some diseases of women, where hyperesthesia of the genitals was a prominent feature.

The American Eclectic Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1898, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.