"Cannabinoids & Glioblastoma Therapy"

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant brain tumor and one of the deadliest types of solid cancer overall. More than 95% of GBM patients die within 5 years after diagnosis. Accumulating evidence indicates that cannabinoids have potent anti-tumor functions.

Glioblastoma...

Half of newly-diagnosed gliomas are glioblastomas (GBMs), with an incidence in adults of 0.59 3.69 cases per 100,000 person life-years. Primary GBM occur more commonly in male patients whereas the reverse is the case for secondary GBM. The mean age of primary and secondary G BM patients is 62 and 45 years, respectively (Adamson et al., 2009).

Cannabinoids...

The term cannabinoids originally described bioactive constituents of the plant Cannabis sativa. The cannabis ingredients were used traditionally for their medicinal purpose but also for their recreational properties. Most of the cannabinoids bind to G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, and act as agonists or inverse agonists.

"The Effectivenes of Medicinal Cannabis in Adults with Non-Cancer Diagnoses"

This research conducted through a retrospective medical record review aimed to describe the characteristics and effectiveness of medicinal cannabis use in adults with non-cancer diagnoses in Australia. 

People with chronic conditions may benefit from using medicinal cannabis for treating chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and other conditions. 

The study reviewed 157 medical records, with the majority of patients were predominantly female (63.7%), aged 63.0 years, and from the Greater Sydney region (86.6%). Most patients were born in Australia (66.9%) , with 17.8% stating previous cannabis use and having neurological (58.0%) or musculoskeletal (24.8%) conditions.

The findings showed that 53.5% of patients perceived medicinal cannabis to be beneficial. Significant changes over time were observed in various symptom assessments, including pain, bowel problems, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, mood, quality of life (QoL), breathing problems, and appetite.

"The use of Medical Cannabis for Treating Cancer Related Symptoms in Oncology Patients"

Many comorbidities are associated with oncology diseases. In cancer, the associated symptoms include pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, decreased in quality of life, increased disability and negative effects on sexuality.

These symptoms are some of the most fundamental causes of suffering and disability for oncology patients while undergoing therapies, and some may even lead to worse prognosis.

Traditionally, cancer-related pain is mainly treated by opioid analgesics but a promising substitute for opioid-based medication is Medical Cannabis (MC) and Cannabinoid treatment for cancer-related pain is generally recognized as safe!

Despite the fact that there is a knowledge gap in the study of Cannabis, especially for treating cancer-related pain, a 2020 study showed that most cancer patients requested MC treatment from their oncologist.

The Adverse Effects (AEs) from cannabinoids for cancer treatment are generally well tolerated by the patients and categorized as mild to moderate and the most frequent AEs are memory impairment, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and xerostomia (dry mouth).

The Study...

This long-term study was conducted between January 2019 and September 2021 in Israel and pulished in Frontiers in Pain Research on 20 May 2022.

The institutional Ethics Committee of Haemek Medical Center and Galil Medical Center also approved the study.

Researchers conducted a multi-center, prospective, 6-month longitudinal study that followed up on the effectiveness and safety parameters of MC treatment for cancer-associated symptoms.

"Grant funds to researchers who are studying cannabis treatment for cancer"

The purpose of this Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) is to promote research in understanding the mechanisms by which cannabis and cannabinoids affect cancer biology, cancer interception, cancer treatment and resistance, and management of cancer symptoms.

The "National Institutes of Health" (NIH) is prepping to grant funds to researchers who are studying cannabis treatment for cancer and will soon be available to researchers who are working to treat cannabis. 

Within the US, many states have permitted the use of cannabis products, but state policies vary widely regarding the types of products allowed and for what purpose they may be used. Concurrently, the delivery methods of cannabis have diversified and now include edibles, oils, tinctures, topicals and inhaled forms. 

Cancer patients use cannabis and cannabinoids to manage symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment including anorexia, nausea, and pain. Recent survey evidence suggests that a quarter of cancer patients have used cannabis for symptom management. Despite the increase in cannabis and cannabinoid use, research about their health effects, including potential harms and benefits, remain limited.

"Cannabidiol as effective as antipsychotic meds with fewer side effects".

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. 

It can cause psychotic episodes, and treatment is usually lifelong and involves antipsychotic medications with toxic side effects.

In 2012, researchers published a study in Translational Psychiatry showing that a CBD isolate can treat schizophrenia as effectively as antipsychotic pharmaceuticals — and with far fewer side effects.

In this study, researchers led by Markus Leweke, MD, of the University of Cologne in Germany recruited 39 people with schizophrenia who were hospitalized for a psychotic episode.

"SAFE & LEGAL ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS AND CANNABIDIOL (CBD)"

While not everyone with epilepsy should or would consider medical cannabis or cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment option, some people living with uncontrolled seizures have reported beneficial effects and reduced seizure activity when using medical cannabis, especially strains rich in CBD. Further research is needed on the effects of medical cannabis on epilepsy, but when recommended by a treating physician, medical cannabis may be the best alternative for some individuals living with drug-resistant epilepsy and uncontrolled seizures.

Access to medical cannabis will support increased research efforts and allow individuals who have failed to gain seizure control an option for treatment.

"Neuroprotective Effects Of Cannabis" by Sensi Seed

Following on from our recent article on the relationship between cannabis use and stroke, we now investigate the role of cannabinoids in mitigating brain damage caused by traumatic brain injury and ischemic stroke. There is mounting evidence to suggest that their various properties have great therapeutic potential.

-Antioxidative & anti-inflammatory properties

In recent years the evidence for the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of various cannabinoids has become well-established, and our understanding of the role they play in modulating neurotransmission too has grown. Thus, serious consideration is now being given to their potential as neuroprotective agents. Cannabinoids have been shown to prevent neuronal death in acute neuronal injury, including Ischemic Stroke (IS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), as well as provide symptomatic relief in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Huntington’s disease, and other chronic neurodegenerative diseases.

"Cannabis and Breast Cancer"

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every October, people all over the world show their support for everyone affected by breast cancer.Worldwide, breast cancer is the leading type of cancer in women, accounting for 25% of all cases. It is more common in developed countries and is more than 100 times, more common in women than in men.

Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid coming from the nipple, a newly inverted nipple, or a red or scaly patch of skin. In those with distant spread of the disease, there may be bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, or yellow skin.

Patient surveys have provided important insights about how people use medical cannabis. About 42% of people diagnosed with breast cancer who completed a survey for breastcancer.org said that they used medical cannabis products to manage breast cancer symptoms or treatment side effects. People who used medical cannabis ranged in age, cancer stage, and treatment phase, and most of them they found it to be “very” or “extremely” helpful.(75%)

"Cannabis and Cancer"

Cancer is the holy grail of medical research and it’s the most-coveted breakthrough of our time. (and the most profitable disease). 

If we could discover a way to prevent malignant cells from effect in the human body, not only would we save millions of lives, but we would end years of suffering and, we could finally feel superior from this illness.

But, is Cannabis a way that we can achive this?

Studies, so far, show that cannabis can kill all types of cancer cells, reduce angiogenesis and prevent from metastasis

One Treatment Doesn’t Fit All...

Cancer isn’t just one thing. It’s an umbrella term for a collection of related illnesses. What unites these is the method of mayhem: cancer divides and spreads like ants at a picnic. And because it’s not just one kind of ant, we’ve developed slightly different ways to deal with each species.

Standard cancer treatment must be adapted to the type and location of tumor. When cancer infects the brain, we can’t necessarily handle it the way we would handle cancer in the stomach. Even if the same treatments would effective at stopping the cancer, the collateral damage to brain cells is just too risky.

Although human trials and solid scientific research are still a ways off, early studies indicated that cannabis might be the one truly universal way to kill cancer cells and while chemotherapy and radiation have certainly helped humanity’s battle against cancer, research into the endocannabinoid system keeps new information about how cannabis can to prevent tumors to form, spread and turn deadly.

"CANNABIS & SPIRITUALITY"

The stoner stereotype is a familiar one that transcends cultures...

But as legalization allows cannabis to be discussed maturely, that trope seems like a dying remnant of the decades-long smear campaign against a plant that can truly impact our lives, culture, and economy in a positive way. 

With the relaxation of Cannabis stigma, people can explore a path of spirituality, studying the plant’s use as a tool for inner exploration and enlightenment.

Much like any other psychedelic substance, cannabis can be abused and consumed without respect to its potency, power, or healing potential. Certainly, there’s no harm in using it as a tool to relax and decompress from life’s daily stresses, but some might argue there’s a point of diminishing return when consuming copious amounts without setting the right intention.

And for religions that consider the plant sacred, this is typically their view on the use of cannabis — using it heedlessly is considered a sin or frowned upon, while using it for enlightenment or spirituality is accepted, and in some cases, encouraged.

"Prescription of a THC/CBD-Based Medication to Patients with Dementia: A Pilot Study in Geneva"

Dementia is characterized by a deterioration in memory, thinking, behavior, and autonomy in daily life activities. 

According to the World Health Organization, there were around 50 million persons worldwide suffering from dementia and this number is increasing with the global aging of the population in most countries. 

Currently, the options for treating BPSD (Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia) include pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies. Psychotropic medications are often used to reduce the frequency and severity of BPSD, but in the majority of patients, they provide only modest symptom control and important side effects.

The interest of cannabinoids in Alzheimer disease and other forms of dementia has increased first as neuroprotective drugs in animal studies. Indeed, some studies suggest a potential beneficial effect of CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists on reducing harmful β-amyloid peptide action and tau phosphorylation seen in Alzhei­mer disease as well as increasing intrinsic brain repair mechanisms.

"Cannabis & Chemotherapy Side Effects"

When it comes to chemotherapy, medical cannabis is primarily used to treat the common side effects including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and pain. 

Here’s what you need to know about how medical cannabis can support you or a loved one during chemo. 

The 2 majors cannabinoids THC & CBD have shown to effectively reduce the nausea and vomiting that often occurs during and after chemotherapy treatments.

For example, THC seems to cause the "high" reported by marijuana users, and also can help relieve pain and nausea, reduce inflammation, and can act as an antioxidant.

Cannabidiol (CBD) can help treat seizures, can reduce anxiety and paranoia, and can counteract the "high" caused by THC.

In this point, you will allow me to emphasize that the researches about cannabis & chemotherapy so far suggests that it is the synergy of all cannabinoids together that has the greatest results for patients but lets see what the experts say about it...

"Cannabis & Chronic Wounds"

A chronic wound is a wound that does not heal in an orderly set of stages and in a predictable amount of time. 

Wounds that do not heal within 3 months are often considered as 'Chronic Wound'.

Chronic wounds seem to be detained in one or more of the phases of wound healing.For example, chronic wounds often remain in the inflammatory stage for too long. To overcome that stage and jump-start the healing process a number of factors need to be addressed such as bacterial burden, necrotic tissue, and moisture balance of the whole wound.

Chronic wounds may never heal or may take years to do so. These wounds cause patients severe emotional and physical stress and create a significant financial burden on patients and the whole healthcare system.

Most therapists may use topical antibiotics, which kill bacteria and can also help by keeping the wound environment moist, which is important for speeding the healing of chronic wounds. Some researchers have experimented with the use of tea tree oil, an antibacterial agent which also has anti-inflammatory effects.

The ideal methods of pain relief for wound patients are modalities that are topical, lack systemic side effects, noninvasive (not requiring the introduction of instruments into the body), self-administered, and display rapid onset of analgesia.

Extracts derived from the cannabis plant have been applied to wounds and other dermatological problem for thousands of years...

"Cannabis & Alzheimer's Desease"

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disorder of unknown origin that is characterized by a progressive loss of memory and learned behavior. For both patients and their loved ones, Alzheimer’s Disease ranks among the most challenging conditions one can experience.

This chronic neurodegenerative disorder leads to progressive symptoms including dementia, memory loss, emotional issues, and speech problems, among others. Few treatments exist and available therapies only address some symptoms, but not the progression of the disease itself.

The search for new therapeutic options has led to significant interest in cannabis-based treatments and researchers are currently working to advance our understanding of the possible roles medical cannabis could play in the future of Alzheimer’s treatment.

Preclinical data shows the potential of cannabinoids to moderate the progression of AD while clinical data demonstrates that these compounds can provide symptom relief, but lets take a look in what 10 studies says about it...

"Cannabis and Fibromyalgia"

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.

Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way our brain process the painful and nonpainful signals.

They believe that the repeated nerve stimulation causes the brain and spinal cord of people with fibromyalgia to change.This change involves an abnormal increase in levels of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain.

In addition, the brain's pain receptors seem to develop a sort of memory of the pain and become sensitized, meaning they can overreact to painful and nonpainful signals.

Fibromyalgia often co-exists with other conditions, such as:

-Irritable bowel syndrome

-Chronic fatigue syndrome

-Migraine and other types of headaches

-Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome

-Temporomandibular joint disorders

-Anxiety

-Depression

-Postural tachycardia syndrome

Many people with fibromyalgia are turning to the Medical Cannabis or in a CBD oil to treat chronic pain, anxiety and sleep deprivation or insomnia. Cannabis has properties that are known to help certain symptoms of fibromyalgia but lets see what the studies have to say about it...

"CBD & Liver Disorders"

Probably you'll have heard about an article in Forbes,  with title "CBD can cause liver damage"... 

Actually the article claims that CBD “could be damaging our livers in the same way as alcohol and other drugs." ... the evidense was taken by a study from researchers at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock.

Of course, they never mention that the drug that the researchers used was the EPIDIOLEX, wich is a prescription medicine that is used to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome in patients 2 years of age and older. 

Also the doses was extremely higher than the normal (20mg/kg)...

"Animals were gavaged with either 0, 246, 738, or 2460 mg/kg of CBD or with daily doses of 0, 61.5, 184.5, or 615 mg/kg for 10 days. A dose of 246 mg/kg was chosen as an initial dose as this is a MED analogous to those used in recent clinical trials (MED of 20 mg/kg CBD). 

Subsequently, researchers used doses of 738 and 2460 mg/kg CBD as 3× and 10× doses, respectively. Finally they demonstrated that CBD, when delivered orally to mice in the form of a concentrated CBD-enriched Cannabis extract, has the potential to cause liver injury...

So, on the basis of such an inaccurate article, we thought about doing our own research on CBD and the potential benefits it may have to the liver-related diseases...

"New Studies Reveals That Cannabis Helps PTSD Patients"

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that can develop after a person is exposed to a traumatic event.

This debilitating condition causes chronic problems like nightmares, panic attacks, hypervigilance, detachment from others, overwhelming emotions, and self-destructive behavior.

Unfortunatelly these overwhelming symptoms can even lead to suicide.

The current method of treating PTSD is to medicate the symptoms, not to actually treat the patient. In fact, many of the medications prescribed do the opposite and suppress the brain’s natural healing functions.

Because of this, many PTSD patients are stuck in a cycle: take pills, feel sedated, stop taking pills, then feel alive until the massive hammer of symptoms comes back. This is why we see so many veterans taking their own lives – not to mention the number of first responders who are suffering and who rarely get discussed.

Many PTSD patients have been saying for years that cannabis helps with their PTSD.

 

Previous research has shown that cannabis has the potential to reduce anxiety, or even prevent heightened anxiety in threatening situations. But up to this point, no studies had investigated this response in adults dealing with trauma - such as those with PTSD. 

Two new studies point to the way that cannabinoids may help treat PTSD. One shows how cannabis can reduce activity in the amygdala (part of the brain associated with fear responses to threats) andd the other suggests that the plant’s cannabinoids could play a role in extinguishing traumatic memories. Both effects could be therapeutic for those suffering from PTSD - according to those studies.

"The Antimicrobial Activities of Phytocannabinoids"

Novel antimicrobial drugs are urgently needed to counteract the increasing occurrence of bacterial resistance. 

Extracts of Cannabis sativa have been used for the treatment of several diseases since ancient times. 

It has been demonstrated that several cannabinoids show potent antimicrobial activity against primarily Gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). As first in vivo efficacy has been demonstrated recently, it is time to discuss whether cannabinoids are promising antimicrobial drug candidates or overhyped intoxicants with benefits.

The worldwide spread of bacterial resistance against market antibiotics has been identified as one of the major threats to public health by scientists and healthcare authorities. Thus, new antibacterial strategies and antibacterial compounds are urgently needed to counteract the increasing occurrence of antibiotic-resistant and, especially, multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, to keep the live-saving advantages toward bacterial pathogens. 

In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized the crucial need for antimicrobial drug development against a group of 13 different genii, families, and specific species of pathogenic bacteria.The real problem is that the vast majority of these prioritized bacterial pathogens are drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

However, antimicrobial resistances are also increasing in Gram-positive bacteria and, among the high priority pathogens, the Gram-positive pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of both healthcare and community-associated infections worldwide, and a major cause for morbidity as well as mortality.

"Cannabis and Migrains"

A migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent headaches that are moderate to severe.

Typically, the headaches affect one half of the head, are pulsating in nature, and last from a few hours to 3 days.

Associated symptoms may include nausea,vomiting & sensitivity to light,sound or smell.

A surprising fact is that cannabis and tinctures have been used to treat headaches and migraines for hundreds and possibly even thousands of years.

Some of the prevailing theories about how cannabis can help with migraines and headaches have to do with its potent and proven properties as an analgesic (pain reliever), and antiemetic (preventing nausea and vomiting), and due to its powerful anti-inflammatory effects.

The good news is that studies centering around the effects on headaches and migraines have shown a lot of promise and it may be just the solution you’ve been searching for.

"Medical Cannabis Treatment in Autism: Analysis of Safety and Efficacy"

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) worldwide. 

Recently anecdotal evidence of possible therapeutic effects of cannabis products has emerged. 

The aim of this study is to characterize the epidemiology of ASD patients receiving medical cannabis treatment and to describe its safety and efficacy. 

Researchers analyse the data prospectively collected as part of the treatment program of 188 ASD patients treated with medical cannabis between 2015 and 2017. The treatment in majority of the patients was based on cannabis oil containing 30% CBD and 1.5% THC.

The Study...

During the study period, 188 ASD patients initiated the treatment. Diagnosis of ASD was established in accordance with the accepted practice in Israel. 6 board certified paediatric psychiatrists and neurologists were responsible for treatment of 125 patients (80.6%), the remaining 30 children were referred by 22 other physicians.