Page 104 - Studia Universitatis Hereditati, vol 13(1) (2025)

On the other hand, in the first decade of the The active substance in cannabis, THC,
eighteenth century, Francisco da Fonseca Hen- binds to CB1 receptors, which are primarily lo-
riquez suggested the use of tobacco ash for whit- cated in brain regions involved in cognition and
ening the teeth of tobacco smokers ‘whose teeth movement, such as the frontal cortex and the cer-
become black and rotten’ (Henriquez 1710, 346). ebellum. THC induces pain relief and appetite
Additionally, for coughs, he advised smoking stimulation but may also impair motor coordi-
on an empty stomach, ‘as it penetrates and bet- nation, judgment, and memory. Although can-
ter introduces its narcotic virtue, which helps to nabis can cause constipation similar to opium,
suspend or moderate catarrhal fluxes’, though its most concerning side effects are cognitive,
he discourages smoking after meals (Henriquez particularly with long-term use. Both substanc-
1710, 416). The virtues of ‘smoking tobacco … es increase dopamine release, which contributes
taken through a pipe’ were also supposed to re- to their addictive qualities. The intense gratifi-
104 lieve asthma (Henriquez 1710, 439). In the treat- cation from this dopamine surge plays a central
ment of pulmonary tuberculosis, the clay pipe role in the development of dependency.
would be used to smoke ‘powders of ambre, sty- Clinically, both opium and cannabis have
studia universitatis hereditati, letnik 13 (2025), številka 1 / volume 13 (2025), number 1
rax benzoin, storax, almécega [Protium hepta- demonstrated medical utility, though their use is
phullum], myrrh, incense, dry coriander, red highly regulated. Opioid medications such as Vi-
sandalwood, or red roses, placing the powders codin and OxyContin are commonly prescribed
on coals, or first making them into tablets with for managing severe pain resulting from injury
tragacanth, and inhaling the smoke through the or major surgery. While effective, they carry a
mouth, or smoking them in a pipe like tobacco’, high risk of addiction and overdose if misused.
adding that ‘robust people can smoke powders of Illicit opioids, including heroin and raw opium,
pau santo [Bursera graveolens], ground-ivy, rose- currently have no approved medical applications.
mary, coltsfoot, tobacco, and orpiment’ (Henri- THC, the primary psychoactive compo-
quez 1710, 457). nent of cannabis, is used in prescription drugs
such as Marinol and Cesamet, primarily to stim-
Cannabis and Opium: Differences ulate appetite in patients with cancer or AIDS.
and Similarities Ongoing research continues to evaluate its po-
According to current scientific and medical tential in treating conditions such as chronic
knowledge (Clarke and Merlin 2013), opium and pain and epilepsy (Matos et al. 2025). Howev-
cannabis have distinct mechanisms of action on er, chronic cannabis use may result in structur-
the human body and have been studied unequal- al brain changes, affecting memory and cogni-
ly in terms of their historical backgrounds (Mills tive function.
2007, 178). Nevertheless, they share several ef- In conclusion, although opium and can-
fects, particularly regarding their addictive po- nabis operate through different physiological
tential. Opium primarily binds to mu-opioid re- mechanisms, they exhibit notable similarities in
ceptors in the brain, especially within the limbic their effects on the brain, their potential for ad-
system, which is involved in memory, motivation, diction, and their clinical relevance. Both sub-
and emotional responses. This binding triggers stances require careful regulation due to their
the release of dopamine, leading to sensations of potent impact on the body and mind. While
euphoria, pain relief, and calmness. However, ex- cannabis is associated with a lower risk of addic-
cessive use can suppress respiratory function, po- tion compared to opium, dependency can still
tentially resulting in life-threatening respiratory occur. Notably, only opium poses a direct risk
failure. Opium also slows digestion, often caus- of death from overdose, highlighting the impor-
ing constipation, and weakens the immune sys- tance of distinguishing between the substances
tem, increasing vulnerability to infections. while recognizing their shared risks.