“Past-year prevalence of marijuana use disorders among US adolescents declined by an estimated 24% over the 2002 to 2013 period.”
Declining Prevalence of Marijuana Use Disorders Among Adolescents in the United States, 2002 to 2013.
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Tag Archives: marijuana
Drug vaping applied to cannabis: Is “Cannavaping” a therapeutic alternative to marijuana?
“Therapeutic cannabis administration is increasingly used in Western countries due to its positive role in several pathologies. Dronabinol or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) pills, ethanolic cannabis tinctures, oromucosal sprays or table vaporizing devices are available but other cannabinoid forms can be used.
Inspired by the illegal practice of dabbing of butane hashish oil (BHO), cannabinoids from cannabis were extracted with butane gas, and the resulting concentrate (BHO) was atomized with specific vaporizing devices. The efficiency of “cannavaping,” defined as the “vaping” of liquid refills for e-cigarettes enriched with cannabinoids, including BHO, was studied as an alternative route of administration for therapeutic cannabinoids.
The results showed that illegal cannavaping would be subjected to marginal development due to the poor solubility of BHO in commercial liquid refills (especially those with high glycerin content). This prevents the manufacture of liquid refills with high BHO concentrations adopted by most recreational users of cannabis to feel the psychoactive effects more rapidly and extensively.
Conversely, “therapeutic cannavaping” could be an efficient route for cannabinoids administration because less concentrated cannabinoids-enriched liquid refills are required. However, the electronic device marketed for therapeutic cannavaping should be carefully designed to minimize potential overheating and contaminant generation.”
Cannabinoid receptor 2 as a potential therapeutic target in rheumatoid arthritis
“Some of cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds contained in marijuana, are immunosuppressive.
One of the receptors, CB receptor 1 (CB1), is expressed predominantly by the cells in the central nervous system, whereas CB receptor 2 (CB2) is expressed primarily by immune cells.
Theoretically, selective CB2 agonists should be devoid of psychoactive effects.
In this study, we investigated therapeutic effects of a selective CB2 agonist on arthritis.
The present study suggests that a selective CB2 agonist could be a new therapy for RA that inhibits production of inflammatory mediators from FLS, and osteoclastogenesis.
This is the first report of therapeutic effect of a selective CB2 agonist on CIA.
Although the effect was mild, optimization of dosage and/or treatment protocol might enhance the effect.
Perhaps, more potent selective CB2agonists might solve this problem.
Cannabinoids are pharmacologically active components of Cannabis sativa.”
Cannabinoid receptor genes.
“Cannabinoids are the constituents of the marijuana plant (cannabis sativa) of which the major active ingredient is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC). Rapid progress has been achieved in marijuana research in the last five years than in the thousands of years that marijuana has been used in human history.
For many decades therefore, research on the molecular and neurobiological bases of the physiological and neurobehavioral effects of marijuana was hampered by the lack of specific research tools and technology. The situation has started to change with the availability of molecular probes and other recombinant molecules that have led to major advances.
Recent advances include the cloning of the cDNA sequences encoding the rat, human and the mouse peripheral and CNS cannabinoid receptors. In addition a putative ligand, anandamide, thought to represent the endogenous cannabis-like substance that binds the cannabinoid receptors, has been isolated from the brain.
This achievement has opened a whole new neurochemical system particularly as the physiological and pharmacological properties of anandamide indicate a possible neuromodulatory or neurotransmitter role.
The recent demonstration of a potent and selective antagonist for CBl receptors may become an important and powerful investigative tool. Future progress on the neurobiology of cannabinoid research may include data on the use of antisense strategies and gene targeting approach to further understand the mechanism(s) of action of cannabinoids which has been slow to emerge.
We conclude that these are exciting times for cannabis research which has given us anandamide–a substance of inner bliss.”
Cannabidiol Counteracts Amphetamine-Induced Neuronal and Behavioral Sensitization of the Mesolimbic Dopamine Pathway through a Novel mTOR/p70S6 Kinase Signaling Pathway.
“Schizophrenia-related psychosis is associated with disturbances in mesolimbic dopamine (DA) transmission, characterized by hyperdopaminergic activity in the mesolimbic pathway. Currently, the only clinically effective treatment for schizophrenia involves the use of antipsychotic medications that block DA receptor transmission. However, these medications produce serious side effects leading to poor compliance and treatment outcomes.
Emerging evidence points to the involvement of a specific phytochemical component of marijuana called cannabidiol (CBD), which possesses promising therapeutic properties for the treatment of schizophrenia-related psychoses.
Our findings demonstrate a novel mechanism for the putative antipsychotic-like properties of CBD in the mesolimbic circuitry. We identify the molecular signaling pathways through which CBD may functionally reduce schizophrenia-like neuropsychopathology.
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT:
The cannabis-derived phytochemical, cannabidiol (CBD), has been shown to have pharmacotherapeutic efficacy for the treatment of schizophrenia.
However, the mechanisms by which CBD may produce antipsychotic effects are entirely unknown. Using preclinical behavioral procedures combined with molecular analyses and in vivo neuronal electrophysiology, our findings identify a functional role for the nucleus accumbens as a critical brain region whereby CBD can produce effects similar to antipsychotic medications by triggering molecular signaling pathways associated with the effects of classic antipsychotic medications.
Specifically, we report that CBD can attenuate both behavioral and dopaminergic neuronal correlates of mesolimbic dopaminergic sensitization, via a direct interaction with mTOR/p70S6 kinase signaling within the mesolimbic pathway.”
Marihuana as Medicine
“BETWEEN 1840 and 1900, European and American medical journals published more than 100 articles on the therapeutic use of the drug known then as Cannabis indica (or Indian hemp) and now as marihuana.
It was recommended as an appetite stimulant, muscle relaxant, analgesic, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant. As late as 1913 Sir William Osler recommended it as the most satisfactory remedy for migraine.
Today the 5000-year medical history of cannabis has been almost forgotten.
Its use declined in the early 20th century because the potency of preparations was variable, responses to oral ingestion were erratic, and alternatives became available—injectable opiates and, later, synthetic drugs such as aspirin and barbiturates.
In the United States, the final blow was struck by the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. Designed to prevent nonmedical use, this law made cannabis so difficult to obtain for medical purposes that it was removed from the pharmacopeia.”
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=388943#Abstract
The use of cannabis as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder: anecdotal evidence and the need for clinical research.
“The authors present case histories indicating that a number of patients find cannabis (marihuana) useful in the treatment of their bipolar disorder.
Some used it to treat mania, depression, or both. They stated that it was more effective than conventional drugs, or helped relieve the side effects of those drugs.
One woman found that cannabis curbed her manic rages; she and her husband have worked to make it legally available as a medicine. Others described the use of cannabis as a supplement to lithium (allowing reduced consumption) or for relief of lithium’s side effects.
Another case illustrates the fact that medical cannabis users are in danger of arrest, especially when children are encouraged to inform on parents by some drug prevention programs.
An analogy is drawn between the status of cannabis today and that of lithium in the early 1950s, when its effect on mania had been discovered but there were no controlled studies.
In the case of cannabis, the law has made such studies almost impossible, and the only available evidence is anecdotal. The potential for cannabis as a treatment for bipolar disorder unfortunately can not be fully explored in the present social circumstances.”
Cannabis May Cure Celiac Disease
“Celiac disease can be devastating to those who suffer from it, but evidence suggests that there is a natural plant treatment that can mitigate or even cure the ailment: cannabis.
People who have celiac suffer from autoimmune attacks on their small intestine after eating gluten, which can lead to pain and an inability to absorb nutrients, as well as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and cancer over the long term.
Gluten is ubiquitous in the Western diet and people who take pains to avoid eating it are still likely to consume some by accident on occasion, and even in small amounts gluten can lead to extremely painful and embarrassing episodes.
Fortunately, marijuana may be able to help.
A study published in the PLOS One journal in 2013 suggests that cannabis could play a key role in taming the ravages of celiac. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Teramo in Italy, took intestinal biopsies from celiac patients and looked at the cannabinoid receptors in the gut, which play a role in controlling inflammation and dysfunction. The results showed significantly more receptors in people with an active disease than those who had been treating it with at least 12 months of a gluten-free diet, leading the scientists to suggest that the data “points to the therapeutic potential of targeting [cannabinoid receptors] in patients with celiac disease.”
Anecdotal reports corroborate the study’s findings. Some patients believe that marijuana has actually helped them cure celiac outright.”
http://reset.me/story/cannabis-may-cure-celiac-disease/
“Altered Expression of Type-1 and Type-2 Cannabinoid Receptors in Celiac Disease” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3631143/
Synthetic Cannabinoids versus Natural Marijuana: A Comparison of Expectations
“A new study evaluated the expected outcomes of both synthetic and natural marijuana.
An article entitled “Comparison of Outcome Expectancies for Synthetic Cannabinoids and Botanical Marijuana,” from The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, studied the expected outcomes of both synthetic and natural marijuana.
186 adults who had previously used both synthetic and natural marijuana, as well as 181 who had previously used only botanical marijuana, were surveyed about their expected outcomes of using either type of cannabinoid.
The results showed that the expected negative effects were significantly higher for synthetic marijuana than for natural marijuana across both categories of use history.
Despite the more commonly expected negative effects of synthetic cannabinoids, the most cited reasons for using these compounds were wider availability, avoiding a positive drug test, curiosity, perceived legality, and cost.
Authors concluded, “Given growing public acceptance of recreational and medical marijuana, coupled with negative perceptions and increasing regulation of synthetic cannabinoid compounds, botanical marijuana is likely to remain more available and more popular than synthetic cannabinoids.”
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160427081800.htm
“Comparison of outcome expectancies for synthetic cannabinoids and botanical marijuana.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26910181
Story Source:
Comparison of outcome expectancies for synthetic cannabinoids and botanical marijuana.
“Although initially developed for medical purposes, synthetic cannabinoids have also been consumed for recreational purposes.
To evaluate whether agreement with positive and negative outcome expectancies differed for synthetic cannabinoids versus botanical marijuana, and assess reported reasons for using synthetic cannabinoids.
A significant interaction revealed that participants who had used both synthetic cannabinoids and botanical marijuana indicated lower agreement with positive expectancies for synthetic cannabinoids, and higher agreement with positive expectancies for botanical marijuana, than did those participants who used only botanical marijuana.
There was no interaction between type of drug and use history on agreement with negative expectancies, and participants agreed more strongly with negative outcome expectancies for synthetic cannabinoids than for botanical marijuana whether they had used one or both types of these drugs.
The most frequently provided reasons for using synthetic cannabinoids included availability, perceived legality, cost, curiosity, and social interaction.