Tag Archives: marijuana

Study: Marijuana’s Active Ingredient May Shrink Cancerous Tumors – FoxNews

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“The active ingredient in marijuana appears to reduce tumor growth…

The researchers showed giving THC to mice with cancer decreased tumor growth and killed cells off in a process called autophagy.

“Our findings support that safe, therapeutically efficacious doses of THC may be reached in cancer patients,” Guillermo Velasco of Complutense University in Madrid and colleagues reported in the Journal of Clinical Investigation…

Other research has shown benefits, such as staving off Alzheimer’s, and many doctors view THC as a valuable way to treat weight loss associated with AIDS, and nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy in cancer patients.

Velasco and his team’s study included an analysis of two tumors from two people with a highly aggressive brain cancer which showed signs of autophagy after receiving THC.

The researchers said the findings could pave the way for cannabinoid-based drugs to treat cancer…”

More: http://www.foxnews.com/story/2009/04/02/study-marijuana-active-ingredient-may-shrink-cancerous-tumors/

“Cannabinoid action induces autophagy-mediated cell death through stimulation of ER stress in human glioma cells… These findings describe a mechanism by which THC can promote the autophagic death of human and mouse cancer cells and provide evidence that cannabinoid administration may be an effective therapeutic strategy for targeting human cancers.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2673842/

Chemicals in marijuana ‘protect nervous system’ against MS

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Cannabis

“Chemical compounds found in marijuana can help treat multiple sclerosis-like diseases in mice by preventing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, according to a study reported in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology.

“Inflammation is part of the body’s natural immune response, but in cases like MS, it gets out of hand,” says Dr. Ewa Kozela of Tel Aviv University, Israel.

“Our study looks at how compounds isolated from marijuana can be used to regulate inflammation to protect the nervous system and its functions.”

Dr. Kozela and colleagues set out to see if the known anti-inflammatory properties of two substances found in marijuana – the cannabinoids known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) – could also be applied to the treatment of inflammation associated with MS.

With either THC or CBD, the researchers treated immune cells that specifically target and harm the brain and spinal cord. In response to both chemicals, the immune cells, isolated from paralyzed mice, produced fewer inflammatory molecules, particularly interleukin 17 (IL-17).

Interleukin 17 “is strongly associated with MS and very harmful to nerve cells and their insulating covers,” the researchers say. They conclude:

“The presence of CBD or THC restrains the immune cells from triggering the production of inflammatory molecules, and limits the molecules’ ability to reach and damage the brain and spinal cord.” 

More: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267161.php 

 

“Cannabinoids Decrease the Th17 Inflammatory Autoimmune Phenotype” http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11481-013-9493-1

Chemicals in Marijuana Could Help Treat MS

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TAU researchers have found that chemicals in marijuana could help treat multiple sclerosis. (Source: AFTAU)

“TAU researchers have found that chemicals in marijuana could help treat multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the nervous system. The result can be a wide range of debilitating motor, physical, and mental problems. No one knows why people get the disease or how to treat it. 

In a new study published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, Drs. Ewa Kozela, Ana Juknat, Neta Rimmerman and Zvi Vogel of Tel Aviv University’s Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Center for the Biology of Addictive Diseases and Sackler Faculty of Medicine demonstrate that some chemical compounds found in marijuana can help treat MS-like diseases in mice by preventing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord…”
 
 

“Cannabinoids Decrease the Th17 Inflammatory Autoimmune Phenotype” http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11481-013-9493-1 

Sending Multiple Sclerosis Up in Smoke

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The illustration is of the cannabis sativa plant.

 “TAU researchers find chemicals in marijuana could help treat MS.

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the nervous system. The result can be a wide range of debilitating motor, physical, and mental problems. No one knows why people get the disease or how to treat it.

In a new study published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, Drs. Ewa Kozela, Ana Juknat, Neta Rimmerman and Zvi Vogel of Tel Aviv University’s Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Center for the Biology of Addictive Diseases and Sackler Faculty of Medicine demonstrate that some chemical compounds found in marijuana can help treat MS-like diseases in mice by preventing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.

“Inflammation is part of the body’s natural immune response, but in cases like MS it gets out of hand,” says Kozela. “Our study looks at how compounds isolated from marijuana can be used to regulate inflammation to protect the nervous system and its functions.” Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science co-authored the study…”

More: http://neurosciencenews.com/neurology-thc-cbd-multiple-sclerosis-482/

 “Sending Multiple Sclerosis Up in Smoke” http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131007132253.htm

“Cannabinoids Decrease the Th17 Inflammatory Autoimmune Phenotype” http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11481-013-9493-1

Researchers find chemicals in marijuana could help treat MS

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Researchers find chemicals in marijuana could help treat MS

“In a new study published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, Drs. Ewa Kozela, Ana Juknat, Neta Rimmerman and Zvi Vogel of Tel Aviv University’s Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Center for the Biology of Addictive Diseases and Sackler Faculty of Medicine demonstrate that some chemical compounds found in marijuana can help treat MS-like diseases in mice by preventing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.

“Inflammation is part of the body’s natural immune response, but in cases like MS it gets out of hand,” says Kozela. “Our study looks at how compounds isolated from marijuana can be used to regulate inflammation to protect the nervous system and its functions.” Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science co-authored the study.”

More: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-10-chemicals-marijuana-ms.html

“Cannabinoids Decrease the Th17 Inflammatory Autoimmune Phenotype” http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11481-013-9493-1

Tel Aviv University researchers find chemicals in marijuana could help treat MS

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“Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the nervous system. The result can be a wide range of debilitating motor, physical, and mental problems. No one knows why people get the disease or how to treat it.

In a new study published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, Drs. Ewa Kozela, Ana Juknat, Neta Rimmerman and Zvi Vogel of Tel Aviv University’s Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Center for the Biology of Addictive Diseases and Sackler Faculty of Medicine demonstrate that some chemical compounds found in marijuana can help treat MS-like diseases in mice by preventing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord…”

More: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20131008/Tel-Aviv-University-researchers-find-chemicals-in-marijuana-could-help-treat-MS.aspx

“Cannabinoids Decrease the Th17 Inflammatory Autoimmune Phenotype” http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11481-013-9493-1

Parkinson’s Symptoms Reduced by Smoking Cannabis – Parkinson Research Foundation

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Cannabis_Clones_in_Box

 “Ruth Djaldetti, M.D., of Tel Aviv University in Israel, presented the findings of her research at a recent International Congress on Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders.  She reported improvement in tremor, pain, rigidity and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).  Twenty subjects, all in their mid-sixties, and were rated using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) both before and after smoking.  Their overall “before” scores were over 30 and within 30 minutes of smoking, their scores dropped to 24..  Their tremor scores averaged 7.5 on the UPDRS before and dropped to a score of 3.5 after smoking cannabis.  Bradykinesia scores dropped from 13.2 to 8.6 and rigidity went from 7.4 to 6.4.  Dr. Djaldetti also saw a marked relief in the pain her subjects were experiencing and this relief of pain led to better sleep and feeling more rested.

This bears out the results of other studies.  A study done in Great Britain that was published in 2011 found the principal ingredient in cannabis provided neuroprotection for people with Parkinson’s disease.  Its neuroprotective properties included reduction of inflammation and control of spasms, making it an ideal drug for treating Parkinson’s.  However, its confusing legal status make it very difficult for people to obtain or consider using and for doctors to even recommend to patients.

Another interesting study done in 2010 found that cannabinoid receptors are located in many parts of the brain and that cannabinoids are produced naturally in the brain.  People with Parkinson’s have even higher levels of endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced within the brain).  The main ingredient in cannabis, Tetrahydrcannibol (THC) actually increases dopamine production temporarily.  Cannabidiol (CBD) another component of cannabis, also provides neuroprotective properties and has been shown to reduce dystonias .  CDB could be a very vital improvement for treating Parkinson’s, and a recent study has shown it useful in treating certain cancers as well.

While there have been many, many people reporting the anecdotal benefits of smoking cannabis, clinical trials are lagging behind.  Laboratory and animal studies have shown many benefits, but perplexing issues around the legality of cannabis are slowing the efforts and impeding progress.”

http://parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/blog/2013/07/11/parkinsons-symptoms-reduced-by-smoking-cannabis/

“Marijuana Is a Vegetable” and Belongs in the Farmers’ Market: Pot VC

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““Marijuana is a vegetable, just like every other vegetable being sold on the Sunday markets in Boulder,” Hartfield tells The Daily Ticker. “We think the people of Boulder would want it there.”

Colorado became the second state to legalize recreational marijuana last November and if one Colorado resident has his way, the plant will soon be sold at the Boulder County Farmers’ Markets, one of the largest farmers’ markets in the state. Justin Hartfield, a marijuana venture capitalist and CEO of WeedMaps, has petitioned Boulder’s mayor, local officials and organizers of the farmers’ market to include a marijuana stand next to the heirloom tomato and corn booths. Hartfield and his business partners are in the process of drafting a zoning ordinance for the city to consider…”

More:http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/marijuana-vegetable-belongs-farmers-market-pot-vc-160053015.html

No Association Between Frequency of Marijuana Use and Health or Healthcare Utilization

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“Researchers from Boston Medical Center (BMC) and Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have found frequency of marijuana use was not significantly associated with health services utilization or health status. These findings currently appear online in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

As marijuana’s legal status changes across the US, its impact on health has become of great interest. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug, yet its impact on health and healthcare utilization has not been studied extensively.

The researchers studied 589 adults who screened positive for drug use at a primary care visit. Those patients were asked about their drug use, their emergency room use and hospitalizations, and their overall health status. In addition, information about other medical diagnoses was obtained from their medical records. They found the vast majority of the study sample (84 percent) used marijuana, 25 percent used cocaine, 23 percent opioids and eight percent used other drugs; 58 percent reported using marijuana but no other drugs. They also found no differences between daily marijuana users and those using no marijuana in their use of the emergency room, in hospitalizations, medical diagnoses or their health status.

According to the researchers it is common for users of illicit drugs to use both marijuana and another drug; therefore, knowing the incremental effects of marijuana on health in that circumstance is important.

“Even though we could not compare marijuana users to those who used no drugs at all, our findings suggest that marijuana use has little measurable effect on self-reported health or healthcare utilization in adults using drugs identified in a primary care clinic,” said lead author Daniel Fuster, MD, a postdoctoral scholar from the Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit at BMC and BUSM.”

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130923143638.htm

“No Detectable Association Between Frequency of Marijuana Use and Health or Healthcare Utilization Among Primary Care Patients Who Screen Positive for Drug Use.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24048656

 “Cannabis Consumption Has No Negative Effect on Health, According to New Study” https://thejointblog.com/cannabis-consumption-negative-effect-health-according-new-study/

No Detectable Association Between Frequency of Marijuana Use and Health or Healthcare Utilization Among Primary Care Patients Who Screen Positive for Drug Use.

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“To assess the cross-sectional association between frequency of marijuana use and healthcare utilization (emergency department and hospitalization) and health (comorbidity, health status), we studied patients in an urban primary care clinic who reported any recent (past 3-month) drug use (marijuana, opioids, cocaine, others) on screening…

Frequency of marijuana use was not significantly associated with emergency department use…

CONCLUSIONS:

Among adults in primary care who screen positive for any recent illicit or non-medical prescription drug use, we were unable to detect an association between frequency of marijuana use and health, emergency department use, or hospital utilization.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24048656