Tag Archives: treatment

CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists promote analgesia through synergy in a murine model of tumor pain

Posted on by

“Pain associated with cancer and tumor growth is often difficult to manage.”

“Cannabis sativa has a long history of use for management of pain.”

“In light of the adverse side effects of opioids, cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonists may provide an effective alternative for the treatment of cancer pain. The present study examined the potency and efficacy of synthetic CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists in a murine model of tumor pain.”

“Co-administering both CB receptor agonists attenuated mechanical hyperalgesia through a synergistic mechanism.”

 

“Together these data support the use of combined CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists in the development of strategies for the treatment of tumor related pain.”

“These data extend our previous findings that the peripheral cannabinoid receptors are a promising target for the management of cancer pain and mixed cannabinoid receptor agonists may have a therapeutic advantage over selective agonists.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3155626/

An Open-Label Extension Study to Investigate the Long-Term Safety and Tolerability of THC/CBD Oromucosal Spray and Oromucosal THC Spray in Patients With Terminal Cancer-Related Pain Refractory to Strong Opioid Analgesics.

Posted on by

  “Chronic pain in patients with advanced cancer poses a serious clinical challenge. The Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) oromucosal spray (U.S. Adopted Name, nabiximols; Sativex(®)) is a novel cannabinoid formulation currently undergoing investigation as an adjuvant therapy for this treatment group.

OBJECTIVES:

This follow-up study investigated the long-term safety and tolerability of THC/CBD spray and THC spray in relieving pain in patients with advanced cancer.

CONCLUSION:

This study showed that the long-term use of THC/CBD spray was generally well tolerated, with no evidence of a loss of effect for the relief of cancer-related pain with long-term use. Furthermore, patients who kept using the study medication did not seek to increase their dose of this or other pain-relieving medication over time, suggesting that the adjuvant use of cannabinoids in cancer-related pain could provide useful benefit.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23141881

Treatment of Tourette syndrome with cannabinoids.

Posted on by

Abstract

“Cannabinoids have been used for hundred of years for medical purposes. To day, the cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the cannabis extract nabiximols are approved for the treatment of nausea, anorexia and spasticity, respectively. In Tourette syndrome (TS) several anecdotal reports provided evidence that marijuana might be effective not only in the suppression of tics, but also in the treatment of associated behavioural problems. At the present time there are only two controlled trials available investigating the effect of THC in the treatment of TS. Using both self and examiner rating scales, in both studies a significant tic reduction could be observed after treatment with THC compared to placebo, without causing significant adverse effects. Available data about the effect of THC on obsessive-compulsive symptoms are inconsistent. According to a recent Cochrane review on the efficacy of cannabinoids in TS, definite conclusions cannot be drawn, because longer trials including a large number of patients are missing. Notwithstanding this appraisal, by many experts THC is recommended for the treatment of TS in adult patients, when first line treatments failed to improve the tics. In treatment resistant adult patients, therefore, treatment with THC should be taken into consideration.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23187140

Enhanced endocannabinoid signaling elevates neuronal excitability in Fragile X syndrome

Posted on by

 “Fragile X syndrome (FXS) results from deficiency of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FXS is the most common heritable form of mental retardation, and is associated with the occurrence of seizures. Factors responsible for initiating FXS-related hyperexcitability are poorly understood. Many protein-synthesis dependent functions of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (Gp1 mGluRs) are exaggerated in FXS. Gp1 mGluR activation can mobilize endocannabinoids (eCBs) in the hippocampus and thereby increase excitability, but whether FMRP affects eCBs is unknown. We studied Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice lacking FMRP to test the hypothesis that eCB function is altered in FXS. Whole-cell, evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs), and field potentials were recorded in the CA1 region of acute hippocampal slices. Three eCB-mediated responses were examined: depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI), mGluR-initiated eCB short-term depression of eIPSCs (eCB-iSTD), and eCB-dependent inhibitory long-term depression (eCB-iLTD). Low concentrations of a Gp1 mGluR agonist produced larger eCB-mediated responses in Fmr1 KO mice than in WT mice, without affecting DSI. Western blots revealed that levels of mGluR1, mGluR5, or cannabinoid receptor (CB1R), were unchanged in Fmr1 KO animals, suggesting that the coupling between mGluR activation and eCB mobilization was enhanced by FMRP deletion. The increased susceptibility of Fmr1 KOslices to eCB-iLTD was physiologically relevant, since long-term potentiation of epsp-spike (E-S) coupling induced by the mGluR agonist was markedly larger in Fmr1 KO mice than in WT animals. Alterations in eCB signaling could contribute to the cognitive dysfunction associated with FXS…

The endocannabinoid system could represent another target for intervention in the treatment of FXS.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2906112/

Abnormal mGlu 5 Receptor/Endocannabinoid Coupling in Mice Lacking FMRP and BC1 RNA

Posted on by

“Transcriptional silencing of the gene encoding the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) causes fragile X syndrome (FXS)…

Our data indicate for the first time that mGlu5R-driven endocannabinoid signaling in the striatum is under the control of both FMRP and BC1 RNA. The abnormal mGlu5R/2-AG coupling found in FMRP-KO mice emphasizes the involvement of mGlu5Rs in the synaptic defects of FXSand identifies the modulation of the endocannabinoid system as a novel target for the treatment of this severe neuropsychiatric disorder.

In conclusion, this is the first study addressing endocannabinoid system in a model of FXS. Our results show that dysfunctional mGlu5R signaling leads to abnormal 2-AG metabolism and physiological activity, and indicate that inhibition of 2-AG synthesis or activity at CB1Rs might be a useful treatment option in FXS patients. In this respect, recent investigations suggest that this modulation could be achieved not only by direct pharmacological blockade of CB1Rs, but also indirectly, for example through the inhibition of anandamide degradation or the stimulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels. These two components of the endocannabinoid system, in fact, have been shown to selectively interact with mGlu5R/2-AG coupling in striatal neurons, and might interfere with the synaptic alterations seen after FMRP ablation with less side effects than those of widespread pharmacological inhibition of CB1Rs, which control not only GABA but also glutamate synapses.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3055456/

Using medical marijuana to treat autism

Posted on by

“NBC – Plenty of parents give their kids chocolate. But this is not your typical chocolate bar.

Meiko Hester-Perez is giving her severely autistic 12-year-old son, Joey, chocolate laced with medical marijuana.” 

Joey Hester-Perez

“Hester-Perez didn’t make the decision lightly. But this is what Joey looked like two-and-a-half years ago: he weighed just 42 pounds. It’s a stark contrast to his current weight of 112 pounds.

“My son was absolutely withering away. You could see the bones in his chest,” Hester-Perez said.

Out of desperation, she Googled cannabis and autism, and soon realized she wasn’t the only one that made the connection. Other parents and autism experts found success with medical marijuana as a treatment for autistic children. That was all she needed to take the next step to get a medical marijuana card for Joey. The first time she gave him a pot brownie, she said she saw immediate results.

“Everything is improved. Right now he’s given one brownie every two to three days. Whereas the other medications he was taking every single day, twice a day,” she said.

Hester-Perez said medical marijuana not only gave him a big appetite, which we saw ourselves as he munched almost non-stop on a bag of chips during our interview, it also helped his behavior, she said.

“He was calm, sociable, happy, more productive,” Hester-Perez said.

NBC called dozens of pediatricians, psychiatrists and autism experts looking for someone who would be critical of Hester-Perez’s decision, but no one wanted to talk on camera. We finally found Dr. Seth Ammeran, a Stanford professor who’s also on the American Academy of Pediatrics substance abuse committee. And while he doesn’t question parents’ motives in using medical marijuana to treat autism, he is concerned.

“Parents have the best interest of their kids at heart, and they want to do what’s best for their kids,” said Seth Ammeran. “But as a medical professional who really needs to look at the science behind recommendations, I can’t in good conscience recommend it.”

After all, she has experience. The mother in this story is trying money and awareness for autism and marijuana research through a non-profit called the Unconventional Foundation for Autism.”

http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/267091/28/Mom-treating-sons-autism-with-pot-brownies

Can Medical Marijuana Help Severely Autistic Children? – NBCNews

Posted on by

“While medical marijuana is used to treat dozens of ailments, one mother swears by it to help her severely autistic son.

In fact, she’s convinced pot has saved his life.

Meiko Hester-Perez gives her severely autistic 12-year old son Joey the marijuana in chocolate.

“When your son is knocking on deaths door there’s nothing you won’t do,” according to Meiko Hester-Perez. “It happened to be cannabis for our family.”

Hester-Perez didn’t make the decision lightly, two and a half years ago Joey only weighed 42 pounds. A stark contrast to his current weight of 112 pounds.

“My son was absolutely withering away. You could see the bones in his chest,” according to Hester-Perez.

Out of desperation, she Googled cannabis and autism, and realized she wasn’t the only one who made the connection.

Other parents and autism experts found success with medical marijuana as a treatment for autistic children.

The first time Hester-Perez gave Joey a pot brownie she saw almost immediate results.

“Everything has improved. Right now, he’s given one brownie every two to three days, whereas the other medications he was taking every single day, twice a day,” according to Hester-Perez.

But there are those who aren’t sold on the idea.

Doctor Seth Ammeran says using medical marijuana to treat autism is cause for concern because there has been no research on the topic.

“Parents have the best interest of their kids at heart, and they want to do what’s best for their kids, but as a medical professional who really needs to look at the science behind recommendations, I can’t in good conscious recommend it,” says Dr. Seth Ammeran, of the American Academy of Pediatrics Substance Abuse Committee.

But Hester-Perez says the research is there, it’s just not being done in the traditional sense.

“Whether we like it or not, the studies are being done,” says Hester-Perez, “and they’re being done within our homes.””

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/health/Can-Medical-Marijuana-be-used-to-Help-Severely-Autistic-Children-125125964.html

Mother Gives Son Marijuana to Treat His Autism – ABCNews

Posted on by

“Given the many challenges involved in raising an autistic child, parents are willing to try a variety of potential remedies, many of which are controversial and unproven.

But one potential treatment that has gained attention recently is one that was controversial well before its first mention in connection with autism.

“At first I did some research, and I found a doctor who actually had a protocol for medical marijuana in children diagnosed with autism,” Mieko Hester-Perez of Fountain Valley, Calif., told “Good Morning America.”

Hester-Perez made her decision to try giving her 10-year-old son, Joey Perez, medical marijuana after his weight had become dangerously low due to his unwillingness to eat. She said that at the time she began the approach, he weighed only 46 pounds.

“You could see the bones in his chest. He was going to die,” she said.

“The marijuana balanced my son,” said Hester-Perez, noting that she has never used marijuana herself. “My son had self-injurious behaviors. He was extremely aggressive, he would run out of our house… he was a danger to himself and others.”

But just hours after she gave him one of the pot-infused brownies, she said she could see a change — both in his appetite and demeanor.”

Mother Gives Son Marijuana To Treat His Autism
ABC News
 

“”Within hours, he requested foods we had never seen him eat before,” said Hester-Perez.

She added that her son used to take a cocktail of medications, three times every day, for his condition. He now takes only three, and he has a marijuana brownie once every two or three days. He still cannot communicate verbally.

“I saved my son’s life, and marijuana saved my son’s life… When a mother hears that her son is knocking on death’s door, you will do anything to save his life,” said Hester-Perez.”

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/AutismNews/mother-son-marijuana-treat-autism/story?id=9153881

Cannabis and Autism: Patient Study

Posted on by

“This morning a mother by the name of Anne brought her 21 year old autistic son to my Irvine office to be evaluated for treatment with cannabis.   He suffers from sever autism; very agitated, violent, and is unable to speak at all.  He requires 24/7 supervised care which his parents assume.   Anne described never having any total relief from the stress of taking care of him.

Anne told me she had tried everything to limit her son’s agitation.   She routinely has to give him ativan (benzodiazepine) and he takes risperidone daily which is an anti-psychotic.

In my office he was extremely agitated, was continuously banging the desk, jumping up and down and a few times even tried to hit his mother.  I could see the desperation on her face as she said “we have tried everything and need your help.”

I went on to explain that although the lack of clinical trials with cannabis and autism that many parents have successfully used it to help their children.   Personally I think the benefits clearly outweigh the risks in treating his sever agitation.   Cannabis is an excellent sedative and tends to even out patients moods.  It seems to modify the extreme highs and lows of both depression and anxiety.

Our goal is for the patient to start with some tinctures or edibles as he is not able to vaporize.   If we can get him sleeping and calm throughout the day not only will be able to function better but Anne and her husband can get some rest and relief.  We often forget about the toll that autism can take on parents and siblings.

I am confident that this is the right direction for Anne and her son.

Stay tuned for updates on patient K and her mother Anne.

If you would like more information about cannabis and autism please feel free to contact my office at 877-721-0047 or visit my website at www.mcsocal.com

I look forward to speaking with you.

respectfully,

Dr. Sean Breen

Medical Director, Medical Cannabis of Southern California”

http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/cannabis-and-autism-patient-study

Cannabis Science And The Unconventional Foundation For Autism (UF4A) Partner To Advance Successful Cannabis-Based Autism Treatments

Posted on by

  “Cannabis Science, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CBIS), a pioneering US biotech company developing pharmaceutical cannabis products, is pleased to announce the partnership with The Unconventional Foundation for Autism (UF4A) to build on the Foundation’s success with its proprietary cannabinoid formulations for Autism treatment. The partnership will focus on advancing the medical cannabis treatments for Autism in conjunction with the successful cannabis treatments of Joey and 10 other families that are now being documented by The University of California Irvine Medical Center (UCI) for the Foundation.

These successful Autism treatments and pioneering efforts of Joey’s Mom, Mieko Hester Perez, can be fully reviewed here.

Mieko and the successful treatment of her son has garnered wide-spread media interest including television appearances and interviews with KABC 7 – Los Angeles & San Francisco, 20/20 ABC, Good Morning America, Fox Morning News, Fox News Rhode Island, CBS Early Show, KCAL 9 & CBS 2 Los Angeles, The Doctor’s TV Show, KABC 790 w/ Peter Tilden, Montel Williams, The Tom Joyner Show, The Kim Frasier Show w/ Dr. Lester Grinspoon, The Bill Press Show, NORML’s Podcast w/ Russ Belville, Thomasina Tafur radio show. Featured interviews: Autism Spectrum Magazine, Treating yourself Magazine, Huffington Post, Autism Spot, Celebstoner, disability scoop, Autism Support Network, Kush Magazine August 2010 Issue Cover, High Times Medical Marijuana Magazine Winter 2011 Issue, Treating yourself Magazine (Joey’s sibling interviewed Issue #23, Weed World UK Issue #89, Now Magazine UK Publications, Medical Cannabis Journal Issue, LA JEMM – Ethical Use of Medical Marijuana in the Treatment of Children with Autism, Orange County Register, California, The Revolution – Argentina publication. 2010 Recognized by the National Organization to Reform Marijauna Laws Woman’s Alliance as one of the woman making history in the medical marijuana movement.

Mieko Hester Perez, Founder and Executive Director of The Unconventional Foundation for Autism (UF4A) stated, “We believe that this new partnership with Cannabis Science will give us additional push and resources required to advance our Autism research. To date, we have already partnered with the University of California Irvine Medical Center to oversee our cannabis-based Autism research. Included in this group of advisors is the Dean of Medicine at UCI, and child psychiatrist Dr. Rebecca Hedrick M.D. Dr. Melamede of Cannabis Science will be an outstanding addition to the Board of the Foundation. His extensive knowledge of cannabinoid science should prove invaluable in our mission.”

As part of the new partnership, Dr. Robert Melamede, CEO of Cannabis Science, will be joining the board of UF4A as a scientific advisor. Dr. Melamede will work with UF4A to further assist in documenting the case studies and oversee the deployment of the Company’s proprietary cannabinoid treatments on Autism patients alongside UF4A and medical professionals. He will also work with UF4A’s legal advisors to progress the legalization of medical marijuana initiatives.

Dr. Robert Melamede Ph.D., Cannabis Science Inc., President & CEO, stated, “Cannabis Science’s partnership with UF4A is another instrumental step in reaching our long-term goal of FDA approval of the Company’s products. The successful results from the Autism patients treated as documented by UF4A are very encouraging and we’re excited to tap into UF4A’s proven track record; providing our scientific expertise to help develop more refined treatment plans with Cannabis Science’s formulations and extracts to achieve scientifically accepted patient outcomes. I’m also extremely excited to be working with the medical professionals at the University of California Irvine. This is a win-win for both our organizations in breaking new ground for medical cannabis treatments. Our partnership will enable both our Company and UF4A to expound upon studies and anecdotal evidence obtained by UF4A in order to catalogue verified case studies and solid science behind the treatment plans. This evidentiary step will help the UF4A and Cannabis Science partnership to move towards formal FDA testing to officially approve UF4A’s successful treatments of Autism using medical cannabinoid extracts and formulations under the direction of physicians. ”

UF4A Case Studies

Mieko Hester-Perez and her son “Joey” have inspired many additional parents with autistic children to step forward. Studies are underway with these children with oversight from Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Rebecca M. Hedrick, M.D.

Dr. Hedrick is a child and adolescent emergency attending physician and covers the consult liaison service at UCI Medical. She runs a child and adolescent outpatient psychotherapy and medication management program. She also works with the Regional Center of Orange County in the treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities.”

 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/219569.php