Background: In recent years, the media and scientists have shown increased interest in cannabis-based drugs.
Objectives: Background information about cannabis-based drugs and their mechanism of action as well as discussion of possible applications as supportive therapy or in palliative medicine, respectively, are presented.
Materials and methods: The recent literature was examined and evaluated.
Results: In many medical fields, we do not have sufficient evidence for the efficacy of cannabinoids. In German pharmaceutical legislation, the use of nabiximols for the treatment of intermediate to severe, therapy-resistant spasticity in multiple sclerosis is the only approved indication for cannabis-based drugs. Furthermore, in view of the current evidence cannabinoids, combined with established treatments and as part of an individual therapeutic attempt, can be used for neuropathic pain, cancer-associated pain and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related cachexia.
Conclusions: In most cases, today's assessment of cannabinoids relies on studies that are classified as low evidence. Therefore, further studies which involve more participants and evaluate long-term effects are needed.
Keywords: Anesthetics; Cannabidiol; Cannabinoid receptor; Palliative care; Palliative medicine.