Archive for July, 2009
Sunday, July 26th, 2009
Two reviews (one & two) published this month highlight the emerging role of the Endocannabinoid system (ECS) as one of the most important mediators of our stress response, and further research into ECS could bring us new antidepressants and anxiolytic drugs—a few drugs are already a success in animal models!
There are two approaches to exploiting the ECS against depression and anxiety. One is developing a cannabis based medicine (pill, spray, etc) that targets the Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptor (CB1R).
The other approach utilizes our bodies own enzymes that degrade the THC-like compounds, synthesized from arachadonic acid, namely Anandamide (AEA) and 2-Arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG). This treatment requires compounds that inhibit the breakdown of AEA and 2-AG, thus raising the levels of AEA and 2-AG for the duration of the drug treatment. Normally, AEA and 2-AG are rapidly made, used, and degraded by our body.
Furthermore, AEA is the only known neurotransmitter that is synthesized on demand and it signals retroactivley or “backwards”—again it’s the first and only. Yet, if you check any recent biochemical pathway charts in medical textbooks, AEA is usually missing from the chart– nearly 20 years after it’s discovery! And AEA has NEVER been used in a clinical trial even though acetominophen, once metabolized inhibits AEA degradation! Since, one of the most widely used OTC drugs in the world works partially through the ECS, why are there no clincal trials with non-toxic AEA?
Most likely the biggest break through in depression and cannabinoid research occurred at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, when researchers gave a drug, code named “HU-210″ to rats. HU-210 is 100 to 1000x more potent than THC, depending on the experimental assay. After a few weeks of treatment, analysis of the rat brains revealed that HU-210 caused neurogenesis. Meaning the rats grew new brain cells from stem cells, and those brain cells matured into neurons. This occurred specifically in the hippocampus. The Authors speculated that this compound could be a cure for depression and this could also be considered a stem cell based therapy.
As the patents on billion-drugs (like questionably effective drugs such as SSRI’s) are near expiration, cannabinoids stand as a clear beacon of therapeutic promise. Other governments (UK, Israel, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany…) have realized this, eased cannabis research restrictions, and allowed legitimate companies to emerge which focus solely on developing and distributing cannabinoid medicines. If our governemnt waits too much longer and restrictions on cannabis research are not eased, U.S. researchers will miss out on this centuries medical breakthroughs. And that would truly be depressing…
Posted in Cannabination, Contributing Author: Jahan Marcu | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, July 21st, 2009
The Journal of Neuroendocrinology published a review last year, which suggests that oral THC may significantly reduce plaque development in diseases associated with obesity, such as atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis, a condition of plaque deposits in the lining of the arteries that results from a diet high in cholesterol, is one of the major causes of death in overweight/obesity-related disease. The plaque is created as a by-product of specific cells, called macrophages, when they consume fatty particles. As the plaque gathers, the walls of arteries become stiff and eventually collapse.
The study suggests that THC interacts directly with macrophages and suppresses their plaque-creating abilities through the Cannabinoid Type II receptor (CB2R). Immune cells in our body, such as macrophages, have many more cannabinoid receptors expressed on their surface – this makes them an exceptionally strong target for cannabis-based medicines.
The authors note that oral administration of low doses of THC resulted in significant inhibition of plaque development, an effect that could be reversed by blocking the CB2R.
What does this mean for humans? It is difficult to say without further research. But the results are hopeful. Given the politics surrounding cannabis, it might be a long while before the FDA approves a study in humans on cannabis and atherosclerosis. On the other hand, research such as this shows not only that we have only begun to investigate the healing potential of this remarkable natural compound, but the importance of advocating for a more open environment for future research.
Posted in Cannabination | 1 Comment »
Saturday, July 18th, 2009
On the first day of the ICRS meeting, Dr. Nagarkatti presented research which demonstrates that THC can reduce organ donor rejection by reducing “Graft vs. Host Diseases.”
Even in HLA matched organ donors, at least 50% experience a severe immune response to the donated tissue. When this happens, inflammation occurs and patients begin wasting away. THC prevents weight loss and suppresses the immune response against the tissue.
Many people have been removed from organ recipient lists for using cannabis, even for instances where it was approved by a physician. How morbidly ironic that our medical care system will deny a medical marijuana user an organ they need to live, when THC may improve your chances of a maintaining your organ transplant. As cannabinoids gain acceptance into the clinic, THC (or synthetic versions thereof) could become mandatory for organ recipients.
Why are marijuana users kicked off of organ recipeint lists? well no one is really sure–probably something regarding the DEA and politics but definitely not science.
The full text is available for purchase through scientific literature websites.
Posted in Cannabination | 2 Comments »
Sunday, July 12th, 2009
A recent scientific publication from a lab in the UK has established a link between migraines and mutations in the Cannabinoid Type 1 receptor (CB1R aka The”Pot receptor”). Researchers extracted DNA from individuals who were surveyed and reported suffering from migraines. The researchers found the 1st direct evidence that an isoform or mutant form of CB1R can make you susceptible to migraines.
Previous studies have shown that the natural THC our body makes, anandamide, has migraine preventative actions (on the trigeminal nerve).
CB1R antagonists (things that block the receptor) reverse this protective effect. Thus, there is significant data suggesting that the CB1R is involved with migraines.
Interestingly, the International Headache Society has yet to classify or identify any migraine-related genes despite intense research into the subject.
Posted in Cannabination | No Comments »
Friday, July 10th, 2009
GW Pharmaceuticals announced plans to expand their research agenda by investigating the therapeutic potential of new cannabis-ethanol sprays into the realm of metabolic diseases such as Obesity and Type II Diabetes.
For this project, GW is teaming up with Mike Cawthorne, the group director of the research team that “discovered the multi-billion dollar insulin sensitizer drug, Rosigilatzone.”
The new cannabis spray will be extracted from plants which contain high amounts of CBD and THCV. CBD has shown potential to treat fatty liver diseases and hpercholesterolaemia and also blocks the psychoactive effects of Delta9-THC. THCV, a natural antagonist or Cannabinoid receptor blocker, has notable effects on increasing energy expenditure. THCV, unlike Delta9-THC, is usually present only in small concentrations on the plant. However, GW may have developed a so called THCV-rich cannabis plant.
Developing a treatment for a complex illness, such as metabolic syndrome, can be explored using two cannabinoids in combination and can potentially “be addressed with a single medicine.”
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Wednesday, July 8th, 2009
From the Under-reported File: New Study Suggests Cannabis Use Prevents Opiate Dependence Among Vulnerable Group
Several studies have already shown that maternal deprivation results in a vulnerability to opiate dependence, in both humans and lab animals. Now, the journal of Neuropharmacology has published a study suggesting that cannabis use may prevent opiate dependence among maternally deprived test subjects.
The researchers chronically fed two groups of rats THC (Dronabinol). One group was “maternally deprived” during early development, i.e., separated from their mother. But the maternally deprived rats given THC matured into adult rats that were unusually resistant to opiate dependence.
If the study does not challenge the notion that cannabis is a gateway drug, it suggests something far more radical: that cannabis may serve a prophylactic function against opiate dependence in adult life. The findings also point to the potential value of self-medication in individuals subjected to an adverse post-natal environment.
When will DARE incorporate that into their message?
Posted in Cannabination | No Comments »
Friday, July 3rd, 2009
The San Jose Mercury News reported that Marijuana smoke will be added to the ever-growing list of cancer-causing materials covered by prop. 65 in CA.
Putting marijuana smoke in this category seems misplaced at best when diet colas, which contain everything from saccharine to questionably FDA-approved Nutrasweet and other chemically engineered sweeteners are not included. (Sorry if Nutrasweet or Diet Coke is on the list, but I couldn’t find it.)
It is particularly ironic that marijuana smoke will be the only smoke on the list, given the level of industrial air pollutants that are not included on the list.
The purpose of prop 65 is to protect our citizens and drinking water, yet toxic molds are not included on prop 65! Further, “businesses are not required to provide OEHHA with any information regarding their Proposition 65 warnings.” The OEHHA (Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment) mission is to enhance public health and the environment through scientific evaluation of risks posed by hazardous substances.
It’s too bad the very studies used by OEHHA to make this decision were deeply flawed regarding the methods, leading to artificially high readings of hazardous compounds. Some of the leading cannabis researchers in the world published a three part study on cannabis smoke a few months ago. This study compared the techniques used to analyze cannabis smoke and they found huge flaws with current methods which produced exaggerated levels of side products. In some cases, the authors suggest that previous researchers left out essential information regarding their methods–making it impossible to repeat previous experiments or confirm the results! Despite credible reports which demonstrate that practically all previous research comparing cannabis and tobacco smoke is flawed and inaccurate, OEHHA went ahead and used bad science to support their politics.
A political decision like this, will undoubtedly cause confusion for years to come. After all the two main ingredients on the plant, THC and CBD, have notable anti-cancer properties. In fact, research which demonstrates that combining THC and CBD has synergistic or greater than additive anti-cancer properties, will be presented at the upcoming International Cannabinoid Research Society meeting (July 7th-11th in Chicago).
The leading researcher in this area is Dr. Tashkin, who has been employed by the U.S. government and for the last 30 years has been examining if a link does exist between marijuana smoking and cancer. He did not find a link between cannabis smoke and cancer, unless the smokers also used tobacco.
Prop 65 may cause future inconveniences for any cannabis patients who needs to be able to smoke in a public or private facilities, i.e. trying to ease their glaucoma before their eyes explode from the ocular pressure.
However, there remains two benefits to this decision:
1) Legitimacy
2) Deterrence to non-medical users
1) This is a step towards regulating cannabis. A simple regulatory mechanism such as requiring a warning label, may provide some legal protections for those who follow it. Therefore by listing the potential harms, as on every bottle of a pharmaceutical drug, it provides a bit of legitimacy because the consumer is protected or informed, and because it reinforces the reality that cannabis is a medical treatment.
2) Often I hear criticisms regarding access to medical cannabis, specifically with regard to who has access to it and who gets it. Additionally, some are concerned that people who fake illnesses to get pharmaceutical drugs will also con doctors who recommend medical cannabis. A cancer warning would deter any casual/recreational user from taking advantage of a system intended to serve the state’s seriously afflicted and chronically ill population.
What about the Science?
It has never been conclusively shown that smoking cannabis will cause, prevent, or treat cancer. What science has shown is that:
A) the active ingredients in cannabis, when isolated or in combination have anti-cancer properties.
B) Cannabis smoke contains some of the same cancer causing material as tobacco smoke.
C) People who smoke cannabis have less of a chance of getting lung cancer then non-smokers or cigarette smokers
So, there is no concrete proof that smoking cannabis will cause or fight cancer but the individual compounds in the smoke have anti-cancer and pro-cancer properties. Meaning the side products of cannabis smoke can cause cancer but the most abundant ingredients (cannabinoids) fight cancer. How they work together remains unclear, so it seems unfair to label cannabis smoke as a carcinogen because that’s only half the story.
I know neither politics nor science is about being “fair.” However, science is the pursuit of truth/facts. So in the interest of truth, let’s incorporate what is actually known about cannabis smoke into the Prop 65 warning:
“Cannabis Smoke contains compounds known to the State of California that may cause or treat cancer.”
Posted in Cannabination, Contributing Author: Jahan Marcu, Jahan Marcu | No Comments »
