"Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Integrative, alternative, and complementary therapies"

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant grown in many parts of the world. It makes a resin (thick substance) that contains compounds called cannabinoids.

Cannabis and cannabinoids have been studied for relief of pain, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, and loss of appetite caused by cancer or the side effects of cancer therapies.

Cancer patients considering complementary and alternative therapies should discuss this decision with their doctor, nurse, or pharmacist as they would any type of treatment. Some complementary and alternative therapies may affect their standard treatment or may be harmful when used with conventional treatment.

The National Cancer Institute and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) are sponsoring a number of clinical trials (research studies) at medical centers to test CAM therapies for use in cancer.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids, also known as phytocannabinoids, are chemicals in Cannabis that cause drug-like effects in the body, including the central nervous system and the immune system. The main psychoactive cannabinoid in Cannabis is delta-9-THC.

Another active cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD), which may relieve pain and lower inflammation without causing the high of delta-9-THC.Cannabinoids may help treat the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment.

"Can Cannabis Help With Anorexia?"

Cannabinoids gaining great interest, with great focus for the treatment of eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and cachexia.

And it's not secret that anorexia has proven to be notoriously difficult to treat with traditional medications...



Cannabinoids such as CBD have been shown to be compounds with multi-modal action mechanisms, with clear therapeutic potential in different medical areas and some important clues comes from 5 studies about the role of the endocannabinoid system in anorexia.

There are several clinical studies in recent years show that cannabis is an effective treatment to help people with anorexia, to gain weight again.

But while gaining weight is often the main target of success in these studies, digging into the results shows an even more important pattern: How cannabis may help relieve some of the stress and anxiety associated with psychological and emotional trauma, making it a potentially unique treatment in the field of mainstream medicine.

"Could cannabis terpene formulation treat COVID-19"?

After the Canadian University of Lethbridge, which announced a few days ago, the promising first results of its research on the possible contribution of the plant and cannabinoid derivatives in the treatment of the new virus, the Israeli company CannaSoul also announced that it is proceeding with relevant studies.

So lets see what those two studies report about Cannabis & Covid-19.

-In the first study, according to the calgary.ctvnews, researchers presented a series of data according to which components of the cannabis plant effectively contribute to inhibiting the invasion of Covid19 in the human body.

The researchers point out that further clinical studies will be needed to finalize the results of their research, but they do not hide their optimism. According to their findings, based on preliminary data and pending further investigation, high-cannabidiol-CBD cannabis anti-inflammatory extracts can regulate the action of receptors in organs such as the mouth and lungs.

"Cannabinoids Co-Creators of Life... From Conception to Breastfeeding"

Probably you have hear that cannabinoids & the endocannabinoid system play an important role in our daily lives regulating and maintaining homoeostasis in our bodies.

But did you know that actually their role is so crucial that they effect all the major stages of our lives from conception, embryo implantation, birth to the early days of our lives?

Male fertility...

Both CB1 and CB2 receptors are found on sperm cells. The level of endocannabinoid AEA is crucial for control of the percentage of swimming and live sperm (viability and motility), the modulation of the energy expenditure and control of the number of testosterone producing cells (Leydig cells).

These effects are mediated through the CB1 receptor. CB2 receptor activation is responsible for the start of the production of sperm and the regulation of its swimming speed.

"Study Shows Marijuana Can Help Chronic Pain Patients Stop Taking Opioids"

Chronic pain patients, use prescribed opioids at doses exceeding the current Guideline. Tapering the dose can be difficult, as patients fear a return to a state of overwhelming pain. Several factors can increase the success: patient’s readiness for change, psychological support, pharmacological support and  monitoring.

In a study, led by Toronto-based chronic pain specialist Dr. Kevin Rod, published in American Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience researchers found that marijuana can help patients with pain. In fact, when states legalize access to marijuana, the rates of opioid-related deaths and opioid prescriptions for pain decline.

For his pilot study, Dr Kevin Rod recruited 600 chronic pain patients who received care at his practice, Toronto Poly Clinic. Their daily opioid doses averaged 120mg morphine equivalent among the sample, 95 patients were taking between 180mg to 240mg a day to manage their pain.

"Is Cannabis More Effective Than Aspirin? The Role of Flavonoids..."

In a previous article we have found evidence that CBD is more efective than Aspirin, however, a recent study has shed new light into medical properties of cannabis most pertinently, the power of flavonoids.

There have been many studies which have looked into the analgesic properties of cannabis. 

It has even been suggested that the plant could help reduce a person’s reliance on opioids as a painkiller.

For a long time, the assumption has been that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are responsible for the plant’s potential painkilling properties. 

When cannflavins A and B were first identified over three decades ago, it was already known that they provided anti-inflammatory effects up to 30 times greater than what is provided by Aspirin on a gram-by-gram basis.

What Are Flavonoids?

It is genuinely interesting that the flavonoids in marijuana could be responsible for much of its anti-inflammatory properties, yet we know relatively little about this diverse group of plant chemicals. In reality, you will find these phytonutrients in almost all fruits and vegetables. Along with carotenoids, flavonoids are responsible for the colors in the fruit and vegetables we eat.

"The Use of Cannabis for Headache & Migraine"

Headache disorders are common, debilitating, and, in many cases, inadequately managed by existing treatments. Each year, 47% of the population experience headache, including migraine and some preclinical trials of cannabis for neuropathic pain have shown promising results, specifically for headache disorders. 


A sexual dimorphism exists for headache disorders, with women 2–3 times more likely to experience migraine and 1.25 times more likely to experience tension-type headache than men.

Historical reports, though not ideal forms of evidence, are important resources for understanding the potential use of cannabis in the treatment of headache disorders. Clinical publications between 1839 and 1937 provide valuable insights into the most effective practices, challenges, and benefits during an era when cannabis was commonly used to treat headache.

Currently, there is not enough evidence from well-designed clinical trials to support the use of cannabis for headache, but there are sufficient anecdotal and preliminary results...

Can Medical Marijuana’s Chemicals May Protect Cells???

As more countries legalize Cannabis treatment, scientists are learning how the plant's chemicals may help conditions ranging from brain injuries to cancer.

They might protect the brain from the effects of trauma, ease the spasms of multiple sclerosis and reduce epileptic seizures. 




Further preliminary work indicates that the chemicals may slow the growth of tumors and reduce brain damage in Alzheimer's disease.

-After inducing human breast cancer tumors in mice, researchers in the U.K. found they could shrink the tumors by administering THC. The chemical may disrupt cancer cell growth as it binds to CB2 receptors, which are much more abundant on cancer cells than on healthy ones. 

-Taken together, CBD & THC are promising agents for inhibiting breast cancer progression.By influencing the tumor microenvironment and the immune system,they are able to reduce inflammation, inhibit tumor cell growth, induce apoptosis, and cause autophagy

-At the University of South Carolina, a team discovered that THC could reduce the inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases by suppressing the activity of certain genes involved in the immune response.

-And at the University of South Florida, researchers working with cells in a lab showed that extremely low concentrations of THC could reduce production of beta amyloid, the protein that forms the plaque abundant in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. 

(This article was originally published with the title "Marijuana's Medical Future" in Scientific American 312, 2, 32-34 (February 2015)

doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0215-32)

Sources: https://www.scientificamerican.com
             https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Medical Cannabis Effects on Opioid and Benzodiazepine Requirements for Pain Control.

There is currently little evidence regarding the use of medical cannabis for the treatment of intractable pain. 

Literature published on the subject to date has yielded mixed results concerning the efficacy of medical cannabis and has been limited by study design and regulatory issues. 

The objective of this study that was published on 25 March 2019 in PubMed was to determine if the use of medical cannabis affects the amount of opioids and benzodiazepines used by patients on a daily basis. 

Methods:

This single-center, retrospective cohort study evaluated opioid and benzodiazepine doses over a 6-month time period for patients certified to use medical cannabis for intractable pain. All available daily milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs) and daily diazepam equivalents (DEs) were calculated at baseline and at 3 and 6 months.

"Israeli Researchers Find Cannabis Therapy Reduces Fibromyalgia Pain"

Cannabis could be a treatment option for fibromyalgia,  one of the most common chronic pain conditions in the world, according to a new Israeli study. 

Characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aching, fatigue, poor sleep quality, and cognitive difficulties, fibromyalgia has no specific causes and no known cure, but  a prospective observational study, “Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis in Fibromyalgia,” has given fibromyalgia patients some hope. The researchers found significant improvement in pain intensity and fibromyalgia‐related symptoms among patients after six months of medical cannabis therapy.

“It's commonly accepted that chronic pain can be treated with cannabis, but there has been less evidence to support the role it plays in specifically treating fibromyalgia,” said Lihi Bar-Lev Schleider, one of the lead authors on the study and head research scientist at the Tikun Olam research department in Tel Aviv, Israel, where it was conducted.

“Our data indicates that medical cannabis could be a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of fibromyalgia, especially for those who failed on standard pharmacological therapies. We show that medical cannabis is effective and safe when titrated slowly and gradually,” concluded the study, published in June 2019 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. 

"I Tried Medical Cannabis During Chemo, and Here’s What Happened"

Health and wellness touch everyone’s life differently. This is one person’s story.

At the age of 23, my world was completely flipped upside down. Just 36 days before I was planning to walk down the aisle, I was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer.

Before receiving my diagnosis, I was a fitness social media influencer, with a YouTube channeland Instagram account that chronicled my fitness regimen and my journey to my first National Physique Committee competition. How could a very healthy and active 23-year-old woman’s world flip upside down in a matter of seconds like this?

"Cannabis & Bipolar Disorder"

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. The types of BD and all of them involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. 

These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, “down,” or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.

How Cannabis Can Be an Effective Treatment for Bipolar Disorder...? 

Studies supporting the use of medical cannabis for Bipolar Disorder and that can help you manage your symptoms with the right treatment plan, but let's see what the studies say...

"The Use of Cannabis in Ancient Greece"

In Greek language, the word euphoria means “having health,” a state of well-being.

In ancient Greece the euphoric qualities of cannabis, far from being an unwholesome side effect, are deeply implicated with the word 'Euphoria' and with the therapeutic value of the plant.

Cannabis has a long history dating as far back as the ancient era. In Greece, references to cannabis have been traced back since 450 BC after the introduction of the weeds by the Scythians. Since its introduction, the ancient Greeks had given the weed various names including dear cannabis, rope twister and little star.

The cultivation of cannabis in ancient Greece was popular in the Peloponnese region. The first reference of this was accounted by historian Pausanias in 200 BC. The crops were described to have grown around Elis, an area in the western Peloponnese. However, wild cannabis plants were also seen growing around hedges, paths and borders during the ancient times.

"A Pioneering Clinical Trial Investigate if Medical Cannabis Can Treat the Tics in Tourette Syndrome"?

A pioneering clinical trial investigating medicinal cannabis as a potential treatment for people living with Tourette syndrome will be conducted by Wesley Medical Research, with the cannabis supply facilitated by Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics at the University of Sydney.

The trial is the first of its kind in Australia and will take place at Wesley Medical Research in Brisbane led by Chief Investigator and neuropsychiatrist Dr Philip Mosley. 

Participants will complete two periods of treatment with either a medicinal cannabis drug or a placebo, with both investigators and participants unaware of treatment status until the end of the trial.

Participants in the clinical trial at Wesley Medical Research will complete two six-week "crossover" periods of treatment with active drug or placebo, with both participants and investigators unaware of treatment status until the trial is complete.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of more than 120 identified  cannabinoid compounds found in the plant  Cannabis. 

CBG is the decarboxylated form of cannabigerolic acid, the parent molecule from which other cannabinoids are synthesized. 

Cannabigerol is a minor constituent of cannabis. During plant growth, most of the cannabigerol is converted into other cannabinoids, primarily tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), leaving about 1% cannabigerol in the plant.

What Are the Effects of CBG?

CBG carries some important therapeutic benefits that make it well worth discussing.Cannabigerol has been observed to have one of the widest ranging impacts of any of the naturally occurring cannabinoids. 

Research has been shown, that this non-psychoactive cannabinoid, activate α2-adrenoceptors, bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, and block CB1 and 5-HT1A receptors. 

Another research shows that CBG blocks transient receptor potential (TRP) M8 (TRPM8), activates TRPA1, TRPV1, and TRPV2 channels and inhibits the reuptake of endocannabinoids.

This wide range of effects on various systems in the body results in a long list of potential medicinal benefits which we outline below. One notable synergy is CBG's interaction with the endocannabinoid system. By acting as a mild CB1 receptor antagonist, it acts to help reduce the less desirable effects of ingesting psychoactive amounts of THC.

Medical Benefits of CBG

Bone growth and healing - A 2007 study pointed to CBG and other cannabinoids as being effective in the healing of bone fractures by promoting new bone growth.

Cancer-fighting - In a 2014 study focused on colorectal cancer (CRC) noted that this cannabinoid "inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors as well as chemically induced colon carcinogenesis" and "should be considered translationally in CRC prevention and cure."

Pain relief - CBG among other cannabinoids have been shown as effective in reducing pain from a wide range of sources including being caused by multiple sclerosis and cancer. The study also shows that these cannabis-based medicines could be combined with other pharmaceuticals in the treatment of pain.

Anti-inflammatory + Anti-Oxidant - A wide range of studies point to this and other phytocannabinoids as being effective in reducing inflammation.

Reduces intraocular pressure - Among the range of available cannabinoids, cannabigerol has shown to be particularly effective in treating glaucoma.

Antibacterial and antifungal - The major cannabinoids all exhibit antibacterial and antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Specifically, CBG has been shown to be highly effective against MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

Depression and anxiety - A 2016 report cites CBG as 'a neglected phytocannabinoid' going on to suggest that this and other phytocannabinoids could provide effective non-psychoactive alternatives for treating anxiety and depression.

Neuroprotective - A 2015 animal-based study cited cannabigerol as being "extremely active as neuroprotectant". The conclusion of the research points to phytocannabinoids being used alone or in tandem with other therapies in the treatment of diseases like Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's, disease.

Overactive bladder treatment - Both CBG and THCV were observed in a 2015 study to have the strongest ability to reduce bladder contractions when compared across all phytocannabinoids.

Appetite stimulant - Observed in animal models, this cannabinoid was studied in 2016 an effective appetite stimulant. This points to a non-psychoactive application for the treatment of eating conditions and managing weight.

Psoriasis treatment - Endocannabinoid receptors present in the skin allow for the use of topical cannabinoid applications as a possible treatment for psoriasis and other skin conditions.

THE FUTURE OF CBG

As the research of this interesting phytocannabinoid continues to blossom and breeders continue to create strains with larger quantities of the molecule, CBG will, without a doubt, be awarded its rightful place among the pantheon of healing cannabinoids.

As cannabis medicine evolves over time, it will be interesting the see CBG play a role as an individual cannabinoid, as well as in synergy with other components of the cannabis plants that are showing vast potentials such as cannabinoids and terpenoids.

Cannabis for fibromyalgia can be more effective than anything on the market

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by intense muscle pain and sensitive areas in the body. 

Those affected may experience depression, headaches, insomnia, digestive problems and fatigue along with many other symptoms, such as relentless muscle pain and sensitivity.

For those who suffer, it can be difficult to perform daily tasks and activities, and some may even have difficulty getting out of bed. No one knows what causes this disorder and there is no official cure, but there are some types of medications prescribed to treat the symptoms. These medications are strong with serious side effects and, according to recent studies, most people find they are not effective in treating pain.

Meet the First Baby Ever Treated with Cannabis Oil at The Hospital

"For The First Time Ever, Cannabis Oil Will Be Used In A Hospital, 
 To Save A 2-Month-Old Baby Girl..."

In December, Nicole and Ernie Nunez brought their beautiful baby girl, Amylea, into the world. However, when they brought her home, things quickly took a turn for the worst.

U.K Government announces that medicinal cannabis is legal

       Patients can be prescribed medicinal cannabis by specialist doctors 

       from 1 November 2018.

For the first time in the UK, expert doctors have been given the option to legally issue prescriptions for cannabis-based medicines when they agree that their patients could benefit from this treatment.

Thousands Of Peer-Reviewed Studies Specific To Medical Cannabis Have Been Published Over Past Decade

ISRAEL: The total number of peer-reviewed scientific papers dedicated to cannabis, and the therapeutic use of cannabis in particular, has increased exponentially in recent years, according to data published the journal Population Health Management.