COMMON HEMP. (Sativus, sown or planted.).
Introduction
We use the tops of the hemp grown in Europe or America to prepare out tincture.
While Cannabis sat. is said to be “the only species known of Cannabis, C. Indica being only a variety” (Century Dict.), Millspaugh tells us that Cannabis Ind., which you recall grows at an altitude of 6,000-10,000 feet, “differs in nowise botanically from that grown at lower levels, but medically the variation is wide.”
Cannabis Ind. contains more of the peculiar gum “Hashish,” producing much greater mental disturbance, Cannabis sat. contains an unusual amount of potassium nitrate, producing more pronounced urinary symptoms.
Cannabis sat., “a native of the temperate portions of Asia, grows readily in this country, in waste places and cultivated grounds, where the cleanings of bird cages have found their way” (Millspaugh).
Hahnemann, who first proved Cannabis sat., says that previous to his proving, it had been “used to advantage in the inflammatory stage of gonorrhoea” and that “the homoeopathic reason for its utility is evident from the peculiar similar morbid states observed in the urinary organs after the administration of hemp to healthy persons, although no physician ever recognized this.”.
Symptoms
It is in specific urethritis that you will find the most frequent calls for this remedy. There are burning (194), biting pains extending backward towards the bladder when urinating, with frequent desire to urinate, but with difficulty in starting the flow, owing to a spasmodic closure of the sphincter of the bladder; a cystitis due to the extension of the gonorrhoeal inflammation, with scalding and bloody urine.
In gonorrhoea excessive swelling of the prepuce is often a valuable indication for the use of this remedy, associated with burning in urethra during and after urinating, worse just after urinating (197). While it may be indicated throughout the course of gonorrhoea, it is f especial value in the early stage and I think that the majority of physicians use it low.
This is what Hahnemann says concerning the best potency in which to use it: “For a long time I employed the undiluted alcoholic tincture of Cannabis, in the dose of the smallest portion of a drop; but the higher and the very highest yet made dilution and potency (X)” (30th) “of it develops the medicinal powers of this plant in a much greater degree” (Mat. Medorrhinum Pura).
I use Cannabis sat. in the tincture.
