Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Surveys of Cannabis sativa (Beldiya Species) Use in the Provinces of Taounate and Al Hoceïma http://www.doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v7i12.23
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Abstract
Cannabis sativa (family Cannabaceae) is a plant of Asian origin, widely recognized for its psychoactive and therapeutic properties, which have been harnessed for recreational and medicinal purposes since ancient times. Currently, a number of scientific studies have investigated the medicinal value of Cannabis, while traditional knowledge regarding its therapeutic and cosmetic applications is steadily declining. This research project aimed to collect data on the traditional uses of Cannabis sativa in the provinces of Taounate and Al Hoceïma, located in Northern Morocco, by conducting an ethnobotanical survey. Eighty-five structured questionnaires were distributed to traditional practitioners, peasants, herbalists, and users of the plant over a period of four months. The questionnaires consisted of open-ended and closed-ended questions, covering topics such as the plant parts used, the modes of administration, the indications, the dosage, the frequency of use, and the adverse effects of Cannabis sativa L. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data and chi-square tests were used to determine the associations between the variables. The study revealed that Cannabis sativa is commonly utilized as a recreational or medicinal plant for several purposes, including the treatment of physical and mental health conditions, cosmetic application, and even as a building material. Furthermore, the findings indicated that various factors, such as demographic data and patterns of cannabis use, are associated with the specific plant parts used and the modes of administration.
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