Unveiling the Botanical Versatility of Cannabis sativa: A Modern Perspective on Medicinal and Industrial Applications

Cannabis sativa is a highly versatile plant species with a long history of use in medicine, industry, and culture. Once stigmatized due to its psychoactive properties, the plant is now being re-evaluated for its broad applications in health and sustainable development. Its rich phytochemical profile, particularly cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), underpins its therapeutic potential. Research has demonstrated its efficacy in managing epilepsy, chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, anxiety, and other neurological and psychological disorders. At the same time, industrial hemp varieties of Cannabis sativa, characterized by low THC content, have emerged as valuable resources in textiles, construction, nutrition, and renewable energy. Hemp fibers are durable and eco-friendly, hempcrete is an innovative green building material, and hemp seeds provide highly nutritious food products, Cannabis sativa contributes to environmental sustainability through carbon sequestration, soil restoration, and phytoremediation of contaminated sites, significant challenges remain, particularly inconsistent regulatory frameworks, legal restrictions, and the need for robust clinical trials to validate medicinal claims. Looking ahead, biotechnology and genomics offer pathways to develop specialized cultivars optimized for medical and industrial purposes, aligning with global goals of sustainability and climate resilience. This modern perspective highlights Cannabis sativa not only as a source of therapeutic compounds but also as a driver of green innovation and sustainable livelihoods.