Blockade of Nicotine and Cannabinoid Reinforcement and Relapse by a Cannabinoid CB1-Receptor Neutral Antagonist AM4113 and Inverse Agonist Rimonabant in Squirrel Monkeys.

Posted on February 19, 2016 by David

“Nicotine, the main psychoactive component of tobacco, and (-)-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, play major roles in tobacco and marijuana dependence as reinforcers of drug-seeking and drug-taking behavior.

Drugs that act as inverse agonists of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the brain can attenuate the rewarding and abuse-related effects of nicotine and THC…

Recently-developed CB1-receptor neutral antagonists may provide an alternative therapeutic approach to nicotine and cannabinoid dependence.

These findings point to CB1-receptor neutral antagonists as a new class of medications for treatment of both tobacco dependence and cannabis dependence.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26888056

The Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in Glaucoma.

Posted on February 18, 2016 by David

“Glaucoma is an irreversible blinding eye disease which produces progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is currently the only modifiable risk factor, and lowering IOP results in reduced risk of progression of the disorder.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has attracted considerable attention as a potential target for the treatment of glaucoma, largely due to the observed IOP lowering effects seen after administration of exogenous cannabinoids.

However, recent evidence has suggested that modulation of the ECS may also be neuroprotective.

This paper will review the use of cannabinoids in glaucoma, presenting pertinent information regarding the pathophysiology of glaucoma and how alterations in cannabinoid signalling may contribute to glaucoma pathology.

Additionally, the mechanisms and potential for the use of cannabinoids and other novel agents that target the endocannabinoid system in the treatment of glaucoma will be discussed.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26881140

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/glaucoma-2/

Endogenous and Synthetic Cannabinoids as Therapeutics in Retinal Disease.

Posted on February 18, 2016 by David

“The functional significance of cannabinoids in ocular physiology and disease has been reported some decades ago.

In the early 1970s, subjects who smoked Cannabis sativa developed lower intraocular pressure (IOP). This led to the isolation of phytocannabinoids from this plant and the study of their therapeutic effects in glaucoma.

The main treatment of this disease to date involves the administration of drugs mediating either the decrease of aqueous humour synthesis or the increase of its outflow and thus reduces IOP. However, the reduction of IOP is not sufficient to prevent visual field loss.

Retinal diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, have been defined as neurodegenerative diseases and characterized by ischemia-induced excitotoxicity and loss of retinal neurons. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies must be applied in order to target retinal cell death, reduction of visual acuity, and blindness.

The aim of the present review is to address the neuroprotective and therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in retinal disease.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26881135

The Endocannabinoid System in the Retina: From Physiology to Practical and Therapeutic Applications.

Posted on February 18, 2016 by David

“Cannabis is one of the most prevalent drugs used in industrialized countries.

The main effects of Cannabis are mediated by two major exogenouscannabinoids: ∆9-tetrahydroxycannabinol and cannabidiol. They act on specific endocannabinoid receptors, especially types 1 and 2.

Mammals are endowed with a functional cannabinoid system including cannabinoid receptors, ligands, and enzymes.

This endocannabinoid signaling pathway is involved in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions with a main role in the biology of the central nervous system.

As the retina is a part of the central nervous system due to its embryonic origin, we aim at providing the relevance of studying the endocannabinoid system in the retina. Here, we review the distribution of the cannabinoid receptors, ligands, and enzymes in the retina and focus on the role of the cannabinoid system in retinal neurobiology.

This review describes the presence of the cannabinoid system in critical stages of retinal processing and its broad involvement in retinal neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, and neuroprotection.

Accordingly, we support the use of synthetic cannabinoids as new neuroprotective drugs to prevent and treat retinal diseases.

Finally, we argue for the relevance of functional retinal measures in cannabis users to evaluate the impact of cannabis use on human retinal processing.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26881099

Cannabis sativa: The Plant of the Thousand and One Molecules.

Posted on February 13, 2016 by David

“Cannabis sativa L. is an important herbaceous species originating from Central Asia, which has been used in folk medicine and as a source of textile fiber since the dawn of times.

This fast-growing plant has recently seen a resurgence of interest because of its multi-purpose applications: it is indeed a treasure trove of phytochemicals and a rich source of both cellulosic and woody fibers.

Equally highly interested in this plant are the pharmaceutical and construction sectors, since its metabolites show potent bioactivities on human health and its outer and inner stem tissues can be used to make bioplastics and concrete-like material, respectively.

In this review, the rich spectrum of hemp phytochemicals is discussed by putting a special emphasis on molecules of industrial interest, including cannabinoids, terpenes and phenolic compounds, and their biosynthetic routes.

Cannabinoids represent the most studied group of compounds, mainly due to their wide range of pharmaceutical effects in humans, including psychotropic activities.

The therapeutic and commercial interests of some terpenes and phenolic compounds, and in particular stilbenoids and lignans, are also highlighted in view of the most recent literature data.

Biotechnological avenues to enhance the production and bioactivity of hemp secondary metabolites are proposed by discussing the power of plant genetic engineering and tissue culture. In particular two systems are reviewed, i.e., cell suspension and hairy root cultures.

Additionally, an entire section is devoted to hemp trichomes, in the light of their importance as phytochemical factories.

Ultimately, prospects on the benefits linked to the use of the -omics technologies, such as metabolomics and transcriptomics to speed up the identification and the large-scale production of lead agents from bioengineered Cannabis cell culture, are presented.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26870049

“Known since the ancient times for its medicinal and textile uses, hemp is currently witnessing a revival, because of its rich repertoire of phytochemicals, its fibers and its agricultural features, namely quite good resistance to drought and pests, well-developed root system preventing soil erosion, lower water requirement with respect to other crops, e.g., cotton.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740396/

Peripubertal treatment with cannabidiol prevents the emergence of psychosis in an animal model of schizophrenia

Posted on February 10, 2016 by David

“Currently, the pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia is still associated with significant side effects and high rates of treatment resistance, causing a great deal of suffering to patients and their caregivers. Developing safe interventions able to prevent the emergence of full-blown psychosis would therefore represent a major advance.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotomimetic compound of Cannabis sativa that presents antipsychotic properties in animal models and humans.

However, despite the growing evidence of CBD’s neuroprotective effects and therapeutic application in schizophrenia, so far no study has addressed its potential as a preventive intervention.”

http://www.schres-journal.com/article/S0920-9964(16)30060-3/abstract

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/schizophrenia/

Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in Psychosis.

Posted on February 8, 2016 by David

“Over recent years, the interest in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as a new target for the treatment of schizophrenia has evolved.

The ECS represents one of the most relevant neurotransmitter systems in the brain and mainly fulfills a homeostatic role in terms of neurotransmission but also with respect to inflammatory processes.

Two main approaches to the modulation of endocannabinoid functioning have been chosen so far. First, the selective blockade or inverse agonism of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor has been tested for the improvement of acute psychotic symptoms, as well as for the improvement of cognitive functions in schizophrenia.

Second, the modulation of endocannabinoid levels by use of the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol and selective fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors has been proposed, and the antipsychotic properties of cannabidiol are currently being investigated in humans.

Unfortunately, for most of these trials that have focused on psychopathological and cognitive effects of cannabidiol, no published data are available. However, there is first evidence that cannabidiol may ameliorate psychotic symptoms with a superior side-effect profile compared with established antipsychotics.

In conclusion, several clinical trials targeting the ECS in acute schizophrenia have either been completed or are underway. Although publicly available results are currently limited, preliminary data indicate that selected compounds modulating the ECS may be effective in acute schizophrenia.

Nevertheless, so far, sample sizes of patients investigated are not sufficient to come to a final judgment, and no maintenance studies are available to ensure long-term efficacy and safety.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26852073

http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/category/schizophrenia/

Medical cannabis: considerations for the anesthesiologist and pain physician.

Posted on February 8, 2016 by David

“New regulations are in place at the federal and provincial levels in Canada regarding the way medical cannabis is to be controlled. We present them together with guidance for the safe use of medical cannabis and recent clinical trials on cannabis and pain.

Health Canada has approved a new regulation on medical marijuana/cannabis, the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations: The production of medical cannabis by individuals is illegal. Health Canada, however, has licensed authorized producers across the country, limiting the production to specific licenses of certain cannabis products. There are currently 26 authorized licensed producers from seven Canadian provinces offering more than 200 strains of marijuana.

We provide guidance for the safe use of medical cannabis.

The recent literature indicates that currently available cannabinoids are modestly effective analgesics that provide a safe, reasonable therapeutic option for managing chronic non-cancer-related pain.

The science of medical cannabis and the need for education of healthcare professionals and patients require continued effort. Although cannabinoids work to decrease pain, there is still a need to confirm these beneficial effects clinically and to exploit them with acceptable benefit-to-risk ratios.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26850063

Cannabidiol, neuroprotection and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Posted on February 5, 2016 by David

“Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotomimetic phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis sativa.

It has possible therapeutic effects over a broad range of neuropsychiatric disorders.

CBD attenuates brain damage associated with neurodegenerative and/or ischemic conditions.

It also has positive effects on attenuating psychotic-, anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors.

Moreover, CBD affects synaptic plasticity and facilitates neurogenesis.

The mechanisms of these effects are still not entirely clear but seem to involve multiple pharmacological targets.

In the present review, we summarized the main biochemical and molecular mechanisms that have been associated with the therapeutic effects of CBD, focusing on their relevance to brain function, neuroprotection and neuropsychiatric disorders.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26845349

Medical marijuana programs – Why might they matter for public health and why should we better understand their impacts?

Posted on February 5, 2016 by David

“Although cannabis is an illegal drug, ‘medical marijuana programs’ (MMPs) have proliferated (e.g., in Canada and several US states), allowing for legal cannabis use for therapeutic purposes.

While both health risks and potential therapeutic for cannabis use have been documented, potential public health impacts of MMPs – also vis-à-vis other psychoactive substance use – remain under-explored.

We briefly reviewed the emerging evidence on MMP participants’ health status, and specifically other psychoactive substance use behaviors and outcomes.

MMP participants report improvements in overall health status, and specifically reductions in levels of risky alcohol, prescription drug and – to some extent – tobacco or other illicit drug use…”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26844050