What’s the harm? Alcohol and marijuana use and perceived risks of unprotected sex among adolescents and young adults.

Posted on September 12, 2017 by David Worrell

Addictive Behaviors

“The link between substance use and risky sexual behavior, particularly unprotected sex, among adolescents and young adults has been well established in the literature; however, less is known regarding how different patterns and types of substance use differentially relate to unprotected sex and perceived risks of unprotected sex.

The current study examined perceived risks and unprotected sex among adolescents and young adults, and examined whether marijuana use, alcohol use, and dual marijuana and alcohol use were differentially linked to unprotected sex and perceived risks of unprotected sex.

In a hierarchical logistic regression, only alcohol use was related to having unprotected sex at last intercourse (b=0.25, p<0.001). The second multinomial logistic regression showed that the interaction of alcohol and marijuana use was significantly related to lower levels of perceived risk of unprotected sex (moderate risk: b=0.06, p=0.04, OR=1.07; no/slight risk: b=0.07, p=0.03).

While dual marijuana and alcohol use was related to lower perceived risk of unprotected sex, only alcohol use only was associated with a higher likelihood of unprotected sex.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28886577

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460317303325?via%3Dihub

Restless Genital Syndrome (ReGS) should be distinguished from Spontaneous Orgasms: A case report of Cannabis induced spontaneous orgasm.

Posted on September 12, 2017 by David Worrell

“A case is described of a 40 year old woman with persistent spontaneous orgasms after use of Cannabis and five hour hard pounding sexual activity. She presented with severe anxiety in particular to suffer from Restless Genital Syndrome (ReGS). However, she did not fulfill to any of the five criteria of ReGS. It was concluded that her spontaneous orgasms were the result of the use of Cannabis combined with long duration of previous sexual activity. This is not only important for physicians but alsof for highly exposed subjects like those active in the sex industry.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28891738

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0092623X.2017.1377130?journalCode=usmt20

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11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol glucuronide exhibits acyl-migration isomers.

Posted on September 12, 2017 by David Worrell

“11-nor-Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid glucuronide (THCCOOH-glucuronide) is an 1-β-O-acyl glucuronide which degrades not only to 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ⁹-THC (THCCOOH) but, additionally, to an isomer with a currently unknown structure. The present study was carried out to examine whether acyl glucuronide isomers are formed by acyl migration and if they are involved in formation of this isomer. THCCOOH-glucuronide was incubated in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4, 37°C, 7days) and a variety of glucuronide cleavage procedures were performed. Samples of the incubation mixture and of different biological specimens from cannabis users were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A total of six chromatographically separated isomeric acyl glucuronides were detected during incubation of THCCOOH-glucuronide reference substance. In biological specimens of cannabis users, two additional isomers were found. However, the main glucuronide present in human specimens was different from that of a commercially available reference substance. Both, the commercial and the authentic glucuronide were cleaved by β-glucuronidases, the other formed isomers by alkaline hydrolysis only. Mass spectrometric investigations (i.e. product ion, precursor ion and neutral loss scans) confirmed identity. The THCCOOH isomer was detected in all authentic samples, but not in those after buffer incubation. By analyzing THCCOOH-glucuronide in authentic samples, it has to be taken into account that the authentic glucuronide is different from that of the commercial reference standard. THCCOOH-glucuronide undergoes acyl migration and some isomers occur to minor extents in biological specimens. Acyl migration does not lead to the formation of the THCCOOH isomer.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28892757 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0731708517317090?via%3Dihub]]>

Challenges towards Revitalizing Hemp: A Multifaceted Crop.

Posted on September 12, 2017 by David Worrell

“Hemp has been an important crop throughout human history for food, fiber, and medicine. Despite significant progress made by the international research community, the basic biology of hemp plants remains insufficiently understood. Clear objectives are needed to guide future research. As a semi-domesticated plant, hemp has many desirable traits that require improvement, including eliminating seed shattering, enhancing the quantity and quality of stem fiber, and increasing the accumulation of phytocannabinoids. Methods to manipulate the sex of hemp plants will also be important for optimizing yields of seed, fiber, and cannabinoids. Currently, research into trait improvement is hindered by the lack of molecular techniques adapted to hemp. Here we review how addressing these limitations will help advance our knowledge of plant biology and enable us to fully domesticate and maximize the agronomic potential of this promising crop.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28886910 http://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/fulltext/S1360-1385(17)30177-2?_returnURL=http%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS1360138517301772%3Fshowall%3Dtrue]]>

Physicians-in-training are not prepared to prescribe medical marijuana.

Posted on September 12, 2017 by David Worrell

“While medical marijuana use is legal in more than half of U.S. states, evidence is limited about the preparation of physicians-in-training to prescribe medical marijuana. We asked whether current medical school and graduate medical educational training prepare physicians to prescribe medical marijuana.

Our study highlights a fundamental mismatch between the state-level legalization of medical marijuana and the lack of preparation of physicians-in-training to prescribe it. With even more states on the cusp of legalizing medical marijuana, physician training should adapt to encompass this new reality of medical practice.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28892720 http://www.drugandalcoholdependence.com/article/S0376-8716(17)30441-6/fulltext ]]>

Piperine-pro-nanolipospheres as a novel oral delivery system of cannabinoids: Pharmacokinetic evaluation in healthy volunteers in comparison to buccal spray administration.

Posted on September 12, 2017 by David Worrell

“Nowadays, therapeutic indications for cannabinoids, specifically Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are widening. However, the oral consumption of the molecules is very limited due to their highly lipophilic nature that leads to poor solubility at the aqueous environment. Additionally, THC and CBD are prone to extensive first pass mechanisms. These absorption obstacles render the molecules with low and variable oral bioavailability. To overcome these limitations we designed and developed the advanced pro-nanolipospheres (PNL) formulation. The PNL delivery system is comprised of a medium chain triglyceride, surfactants, a co-solvent and the unique addition of a natural absorption enhancer: piperine. Piperine was selected due to its distinctive inhibitory properties affecting both Phase I and Phase II metabolism. This constellation self emulsifies into nano particles that entrap the cannabinoids and the piperine in their core and thus improve their solubility while piperine and the other PNL excipients inhibit their intestinal metabolism. Another clear advantage of the formulation is its composition of materials approved for human consumption. The safe nature of the excipients enabled their direct evaluation in humans. In order to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of the THC-CBD-piperine-PNL formulation, a two-way crossover, single administration clinical study was conducted. The trial comprised of 9 healthy volunteers under fasted conditions. Each subject received a THC-CBD (1:1, 10mg) piperine (20mg)-PNL filled capsule and an equivalent dose of the oromucosal spray Sativex® with a washout period in between treatments. Single oral administration of the piperine-PNL formulation resulted in a 3-fold increase in Cmax and a 1.5-fold increase in AUC for THC when compared to Sativex®. For CBD, a 4-fold increase in Cmax and a 2.2-fold increase in AUC was observed. These findings demonstrate the potential this formulation has in serving as a standardized oral cannabinoid formulation. Moreover, the concept of improving oral bioavailability described here, can pave the way for other potential lipophilic active compounds requiring enhancement of their oral bioavailability.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28890215 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016836591730843X]]>

Clinical and Pre-Clinical Evidence for Functional Interactions of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol.

Posted on September 7, 2017 by David Worrell

“The plant Cannabis sativa, commonly called cannabis or marijuana, has been used for its psychotropic and mind-altering side effects for millennia. There has been growing attention in recent years on its potential therapeutic efficacy as municipalities and legislative bodies in the United States, Canada, and other countries grapple with enacting policy to facilitate the use of cannabis or its constituents for medical purposes. There are over 550 chemical compounds and over 100 phytocannabinoids isolated from cannabis, including Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). THC is thought to produce the main psychoactive effects of cannabis, while CBD does not appear to have similar effects. Studies conflict as to whether CBD attenuates or exacerbates the behavioral and cognitive effects of THC. This includes effects of CBD on THC induced anxiety, psychosis and cognitive deficits. In this article, we review the available evidence on the pharmacology and behavioral interactions of THC and CBD from pre-clinical and human studies particularly with reference to anxiety and psychosis like symptoms. Both THC and CBD, as well as other cannabinoid molecules, are currently being evaluated for medicinal purposes, separately and in combination. Future cannabis-related policy decisions should include consideration of scientific findings including the individual and interactive effects of CBD and THC.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28875990 https://www.nature.com/npp/journal/vaop/naam/abs/npp2017209a.html]]>

Interplay Between n-3 and n-6 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and the Endocannabinoid System in Brain Protection and Repair.

Posted on September 7, 2017 by David Worrell

“The brain is enriched in arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) of the n-6 and n-3 series, respectively. Both are essential for optimal brain development and function. Dietary enrichment with DHA and other long-chain n-3 PUFA, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), has shown beneficial effects on learning and memory, neuroinflammatory processes, and synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis. ARA, DHA and EPA are precursors to a diverse repertoire of bioactive lipid mediators, including endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system comprises cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands, the endocannabinoids, and their biosynthetic and degradation enzymes. Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are the most widely studied endocannabinoids and are both derived from phospholipid-bound ARA. The endocannabinoid system also has well-established roles in neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis, suggesting an overlap in the neuroprotective effects observed with these different classes of lipids. Indeed, growing evidence suggests a complex interplay between n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA and the endocannabinoid system. For example, long-term DHA and EPA supplementation reduces AEA and 2-AG levels, with reciprocal increases in levels of the analogous endocannabinoid-like DHA and EPA-derived molecules. This review summarises current evidence of this interplay and discusses the therapeutic potential for brain protection and repair.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28875399 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11745-017-4292-8 “The seed of Cannabis sativa L. has been an important source of nutrition for thousands of years in Old World cultures. Technically a nut, hempseed typically contains over 30% oil and about 25% protein, with considerable amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Hempseed oil is over 80% in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and is an exceptionally rich source of the two essential fatty acids (EFAs) linoleic acid (18:2 omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (18:3 omega-3). The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (n6/n3) in hempseed oil is normally between 2:1 and 3:1, which is considered to be optimal for human health. Hempseed has been used to treat various disorders for thousands of years in traditional oriental medicine.” http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10681-004-4811-6

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Topical cannabinoids in dermatology.

Posted on September 6, 2017 by David Worrell

“Topical cannabinoids are increasingly utilized by dermatology patients for a range of disorders; however, the acceptance of these over-the-counter products has far outpaced scientific investigation into their safety and efficacy. Here, we review the studies of topical cannabinoids in skin conditions and assess their current place in dermatology practice.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28873100

“The endocannabinoid system of the skin in health and disease: novel perspectives and therapeutic opportunities” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2757311/

“Cannabinoid system in the skin – a possible target for future therapies in dermatology.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19664006

“Anti-inflammatory cannabinoids for skin diseases” https://www.endoca.com/blog/discovery/anti-inflammatory-cannabinoids-skin-diseases/

“Topical cannabinoids may help to treat skin diseases” http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316968.php

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THC Total Health Care

A comprehensive encyclopedia of THC related medical research articles

Category Archives: Uncategorized

What’s the harm? Alcohol and marijuana use and perceived risks of unprotected sex among adolescents and young adults.

Restless Genital Syndrome (ReGS) should be distinguished from Spontaneous Orgasms: A case report of Cannabis induced spontaneous orgasm.

11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol glucuronide exhibits acyl-migration isomers.

Challenges towards Revitalizing Hemp: A Multifaceted Crop.

Physicians-in-training are not prepared to prescribe medical marijuana.

Piperine-pro-nanolipospheres as a novel oral delivery system of cannabinoids: Pharmacokinetic evaluation in healthy volunteers in comparison to buccal spray administration.

Clinical and Pre-Clinical Evidence for Functional Interactions of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol.

Interplay Between n-3 and n-6 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and the Endocannabinoid System in Brain Protection and Repair.

Topical cannabinoids in dermatology.

“The endocannabinoid system of the skin in health and disease: novel perspectives and therapeutic opportunities” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2757311/

“Cannabinoid system in the skin – a possible target for future therapies in dermatology.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19664006

“Anti-inflammatory cannabinoids for skin diseases” https://www.endoca.com/blog/discovery/anti-inflammatory-cannabinoids-skin-diseases/

“Topical cannabinoids may help to treat skin diseases” http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316968.php

Cannabis use among two national samples of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tobacco smokers.