cannabidiol
Denver officials scrutinizing out-of-state CBD products sold in local pot shops
Denver is clamping down on CBD products that originate outside of Colorado.
NFL takes notice as union develops pain management committee involving marijuana
Assessing the potential of cannabidiol and marijuana as an alternative pain reliever will be one aspect of the committee’s focus, but certainly not the only.
Israeli Research Identifies Cannabinoids As Beneficial in Battle Against Neuroblastoma
Potentially joining hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and chemotherapy as a means of controlling neuroblastoma, Israeli scientists have recently discovered marijuana’s two main cannabinoids help to mitigate the rapid multiplication of the neuroblastoma (nbl) cell. According to the study, while both THC and CBD were found to “have antitumorigenic activity in vitro and impeded the growth […]
Pediatric Epilepsy: Young Life Interrupted
Imagine being flush with the glow of new parenthood when suddenly your perfect 3-month old lapses into a convulsive seizure that lasts half an hour. For parents of children with pediatric epilepsy, the joy of having a child can quickly turn dark with fear and uncertainty about quality of life, and life itself. But once […]
CANNABIS COCKTAILS
Modern Martini RX Cannabis Cocktails Prove to Be Innovative and Unique Drink in the Cannabis Market. Individuals who have the desire to indulge in extraordinary beverage drinking experience, cannabis beverages and cocktails are unique and innovative drinks worth trying for. Nothing can beat the taste, the uniqueness and the drinking experience when individuals choose Modern […]
British Discovery May Explain Why Boy With Epilepsy Benefits From Marijuana
Earlier this week we at marijuana.net were pleased to report findings on the newest marijuana initiative polls. The polls have been mostly favorable and show the public is ready to drastically change America’s approach to marijuana law. However, for those tired of numbers, the election, and Mitt Romney’s view on moochers and 47% of the country, we have some exciting news on a medical cannabis breakthrough.
Patient testimonials have shown for some time that marijuana can be an effective remedy for epileptic seizures. A recent L.A. Times article describes the findings researchers at Britain’s University of Reading. They found that a cannabinoid named cannabidivarin (CBDV) “strongly suppressed seizures” without causing the commonly associated side effects such as uncontrollable shaking during a test on lab rats. Dr. Ben Whalley, who was the lead researcher of the study was pleased to find a potential new path to combating epilepsy. He recently said “There is a pressing need for better treatments for epilepsy. It’s a chronic condition with no cure and currently, in around one third of cases, the currently available treatments do not work, cause serious side-effects and increase fatalities.”
The research findings, published this week in British Journal of Pharmacology may shed light on why California father, Jason David, has found that marijuana is the only effective treatment in trying to provide relief for his ailing son Jayden. Think Progress has posted an article describing Jason’s moving words regarding his son’s situation. In short, Jason stated that his son has uncontrollable seizures that so far were only treated with ineffective prescription drugs. Jason asked his physician if medical marijuana would be worth trying, and his doctor informed him that anything would be worth a try as doing nothing would likely result in Jayden’s death. The seizures were taking a toll on Jayden’s body and it became clear that something had to be done immediately, even if controversial. Jason turned to marijuana, but instead of smoking Jayden actually is given a solution comprised of mostly cannabidiol (CBD). Jayden’s condition was improved almost immediately. Jason described what happened when they started the treatment by saying “That was the first day, thank god, Jayden ever went seizure-free in his life. The prescription drugs, I feel like they made my son a zombie. Every time I take off another pill, the better he gets.”
Both the findings at the University of Reading and the situation. As authorities still try to assert that marijuana ‘has no acceptable medical uses” research is obliterating this outdated argument. More research and regulation may even be able to provide Jayden with tailored medicine to combat his epilepsy with even greater results. While Jason David is pleased to see his son doing better, he is now confronted with the possibility that his son’s medication may be compromised by federal authorities targeting the world’s largest marijuana dispensary, Harborside Health Center. Poll numbers and politics have a habit of melting in the true faces that policy impacts. Perhaps the feds should try to explain their platform on medical marijuana to young Jayden.
Marijuana May be Able to Help Weight Loss and Diabetes
New study findings are constantly providing us with surprising news regarding the potential of medical marijuana. The question we have to start asking is why are we still shocked to hear about these developments. No other treatment available has demonstrated such a wide variety of applications. Marijuana is producing results in areas that have baffled doctors and scientists. Recently we learned that cannabis appears to posses the potential to help combat the spreading of the AIDS virus. Additionally, new information is showing much promise for marijuana helping victims of PTSD and schizophrenia, two conditions where research has not been able to yield quality treatments. This of course, is beautifully combined with the older and more well known applications of medical marijuana such as pain and nausea.
New research actually shows that marijuana may be helpful in an area that could seem silly if only analyzed from the surface. While smoked cannabis is known for appetite stimulation (or the munchies as its more commonly referred as) GW Pharmaceuticals has found that two specific cannabinoids may be useful in appetite suppression and weight loss. Cannabidiol (more commonly referred to as CBD) and THCV (a homologue of THC) could help burn calories and reduce hunger. In tests, GW Pharmaceuticals found that animals introduced to the two cannabinoids displayed a boost in metabolic rates and fat burning. Professor Mike Cawthorne, who has been conducting the trials and director of metabolic research at the University of Buckingham said “Overall, it seems these molecules increase energy expenditure in the cells of the body by increasing the metabolism.”
This research builds on previous findings that the two cannabinoids were also effective in treating animals with type 2 diabetes. The two studies provide hope for a new avenue of treatment for heart disease, stroke and other conditions that can result from weight gain and a breakdown of the metabolism. Dr. Steph Wright, director of Research and Development at GW Pharmaceuticals agreed and recently said “We are interested in how these drugs effect the fat distribution and utilization in the body as a treatment for metabolic diseases.”
The pursuit of a magic weight loss pill has seemed as daunting as discovering the fountain of youth or spotting a unicorn. However this quest is usually undertaken for cosmetic reasons and not always to improve health. In either case, America’s obesity epidemic has reached dangerous levels with new and younger generations already dependent upon processed and unhealthy foods. New research is confirming that cannabis is not taking lives, but may hold the potential for saving lives.
History of the Cups
[/caption]
It is finally time for the Denver Medical Cannabis cup. If you are in Denver this weekend, please come and visit us as we will be one of the sponsors of the event! We are sure patients will gather for another safe event as they have in the past. But first, a quick look on how we got here…
The first Cannabis cup was organized by Steven Hager, of High Times Magazine. In 1987 Amsterdam was the most famous of cities for legalized consumption of marijuana. So it was held there, in a great smoke-off to find the finest marijuana that a person could smoke. In 25 years the contest has matured; there are multiple categories, seeking the best strains, hybrids, consumables, seeds and so forth. It has also developed into a massive trade show, where builders of bongs can showcase their latest pipes, vaporizers, and novelty papers. Vendors also bring in t-shirts and other apparel and all other kinds of accessories. As the Cup has grown, it has incorporated other elements that have accompanied marijuana use. It has embraced spirituality and the counterculture ideas of the late 60’s and 70’s. Also, as politics have shifted across the world, so have the ideas espoused by the Cup’s sponsors and attendees.
Today, the United States is host to four of High Times’s Medical Marijuana Cups. In Detroit, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The First one was the San Francisco Cup in 2010. Last year saw the inaugural events for Denver and Los Angeles also. These are not just pothead toke-fests as conservative demagogues would paint them; they’re not dens of sin, iniquity and crime, or doorways to destruction. These are modern affairs, full of people with honorable agendas seeking to help people who are suffering from various ailments. For many of these patients, cannabis holds the best treatments they can hope to receive. New categories include judging for high CBD (cannabidiol) strains, which the medical community now agrees hold the key to treating many neuromuscular disorders. One of the largest growing segments of the Cup community is for political activism. Most major events now have devoted sections to increasing political awareness. On a national stage most politicians won’t touch the topic of marijuana; there are few candidates, like Ron Paul and Gary Johnson, who are willing to discuss it. But on state and local levels, many politicians are eagerly discussing with their constituents. Also, there are many active groups like NORML, LEAP and ASA who attend these gatherings and try to increase awareness and activism. For years the pro-marijuana lobby was small and quietly ignored. Now attitudes are turning from universal recreational use (like alcohol and tobacco) to a focus more on compassionate care and medical use, at least in enough cases now to be taken more seriously. Also, by highlighting the many failures of the 40 year-old “War on Drugs” people have realized that change, on a federal level, is necessary for the health of the Union and its people. All of this has helped the Cups to grow from crowds of hundreds to tens of thousands of supporters.
The Seattle HempFest is another event that has grown from very humble roots. The first one was held in Seattle in 1991, with only 500 people in attendance; last year’s event estimated close to 300,000 attendees! At each of these events people have gathered peacefully for several days. Recently, Cannabis use, in public, has been tolerated with no ill effects. Alcohol sales are banned at Hemp Fest, too. And in that wake, there have been no riots, no fights, no dangerous crimes committed. This is a far cry from the mighty fears that Henry J Anslinger stirred up when he pushed to have marijuana made illegal in the 1930’s. In 1991, there were no laws anywhere for compassionate use. Then, in 1998 Washington State passed their medical marijuana legislation. In 2003, Seattle made marijuana its lowest police priority and in 2008 the city stated it “would no longer prosecute simple possession cases.” This year, the state legislation approved patient cannabis gardens and an ordinance for cannabis collectives. With perseverance and patience, even the smallest of groups can hope to accomplish great deeds.
The Sandman and the Greenman
“Mr. Sandman bring me a dream…” Sometimes it’s not that easy. According to the NIH 10-15% of adults complain of chronic insomnia, with as many as 40% suffering in the short term throughout the year. This is no laughing matter. Sleep is a very important bodily function. It allows the body to relax and recuperate from the stresses that make up daily life. It is necessary also to keep the mind healthy. Insomnia can lead to many neurological disorders including hallucinations, memory failure, psychotic episodes and many more. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Stay awake long enough and that will happen sooner rather than later.
For those who suffer from sleep disorders, there are many treatments available. Some problems can be solved with a change of diet or behavior. Other people benefit from meditation and relaxation techniques. For many others, the only solace lies in a doctor’s prescription. Many narcotics, such as Valium, are derived from opiates. They are effective, but do have their drawbacks. Most sleeping medications, like Lunesta, Ambien, Rozerem, and Halcion can be habit forming and need to be carefully regulated. And a common problem with any drug, taken over extended periods is tolerance. As the body grows used to it, more and more of the drug is necessary to achieve the desired effect. On a long enough time scale, or at high enough doses, all of these drugs can be lethal or can cause dire withdrawal symptoms.
There is a natural alternative to these pharmaceuticals, and that alternative is Marijuana. Actually, there are many other naturally-found sleep aids available, such as Melatonin, but today let us discuss the wonder plant cannabis. Many patients prefer cannabis because it not only has sedative properties and causes drowsiness, but because it helps stimulate a sense of personal well-being. Many people’s insomnia is partially due to anxiety, and this reduces that feeling while also bringing on sleep. But how does it work? Luckily, this is a time where science is bringing all its tools together and our understanding of the plant is growing in leaps and bounds. The chemicals in marijuana, amongst them cannabinoids and terpenes, are numerous but many studies are underway to gain further knowledge of them. Terpenes are lipophilic (from latin “fat” + “love” so they work well with fats, just like cannabinoids) compounds found in almost every plant. They are the essential oils that are responsible for the odors we smell, such as pine, citrus and marijuana’s unique fragrance.
THC, the most famous of marijuana’s active compounds, has been shown to cause anxiety in some patients, but when it works in synergy with the many other compounds has sedative effects. When combined with the terpene Myrcene, THC can be sedating and acts as a muscle relaxant; Also, studies show it to “potentiate sleep time,” helping people to stay asleep. Some users refer to this as “couch-lock,” the feeling that they are melting into the couch, which is generally enjoyed by the cannabis crowd, and decried by its many detractors. Two other terpenes enjoy the “entourage effect” (synergy) of THC; they are Nerolidol and Linalool (also found in lavender). These are not the only interactions scientists have found. Limonene (found highly in lemons) works with CBD (cannabidiol) as an anti-anxiety compound to counter THC’s anxiety causing effects. And Nerolidol (also found in oranges) combine with THC and CBN (cannabinol) to augment the sedative qualities. CBD also works to counter the accelerated heartbeat that many users feel when smoking, an effect of the THC.
These are just a few of the 300+ chemicals and compounds found in marijuana. They work in conjunction to create the many effects that people feel when they medicate with cannabis. This is why many patients did not warm up to Marinol (Big Pharma’s pill) when it was released in the 1980’s. THC is not the only thing going on in that plant which helps so many people. One patient’s testimony, “I used to take Ambien for sleep, but I’d wind up sleepwalking. And in the morning, I’d be so groggy I could barely function. When I vape a little before bed, I feel peaceful and sleep well. Sometimes I am a bit foggy when I wake, but as soon as I get moving, the fog lifts and the day awaits. Before that, I slept poorly for years. I wish I could get a prescription for it where I lived.” With proper, regular sleep many of the little aches and pains that bother people from day to day vanish. When the Greenman meets the Sandman, people sleep at night and prosper in the day.
Sit Back and Relax… Without the harmful side effects!
Studies in Relaxation
There are many reasons why people turn to Medical Marijuana. As a psychoactive drug, one of its greatest benefits is how it relaxes people. It induces feelings of calmness, serenity and it relieves anxiety for many. There are lots of substances out there that can also create this effect for patients, so why would one turn to one that is still illegal in most states? Big Pharma has been pushing all kinds of chemicals on us for years and yet some people still feel uneasy about taking them because of the potential or unknown side effects. Have you ever read the possible side effects on a bottle of Prozac or Xanax? Read it and try not to have a panic attack. So what we see is that people turn to that marvelous medicinal plant that has been with mankind since the dawn of civilization.
How does Cannabis effect the brain and help the patient relax? There are many active ingredients in medical marijuana which scientists are still discovering, as well as their potential applications. Two of the most popular ones are THC and CBD. THC (Tetrahydracannabinol) by now most everyone has heard of. There is also CBD (Cannabidiol), which in recent studies has also shown to have a strong effect on users. THC is responsible for the “high” or psychoactive feeling that alters your senses. Colors seem brighter and sharper, food tastes better (especially sweets), sounds seem clearer and things seem to feel better to the touch. THC helps you notice the details in your environment and is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. CBD has shown “to prompt brain activity linked to appropriate responses to significant stimuli in the environment,” which also helps to prevent feelings of paranoia that can be associated with smoking marijuana. The medical community is spending more time looking into this chemical because it appears to be the active ingredient for pain relief that so many cancer patients are seeking.
At the end of a long day you come home from work and you need to unwind. For some, a cold beer is all you need. But not everyone has that luxury. There are many people out there that alcohol simply does not agree with. It can aggravate digestive disorders, or interfere with other medications; it’s toxic when combined with acetaminophen. Also, one drink often leads to another and then in the morning you have a hangover. And hangovers are not conducive to productive days at work. Furthermore, alcohol has been shown to interfere with REM sleep leading to the next day being unproductive. Other medications can also leave people feeling groggy the following morning. Marijuana is great for relaxing patients as well as treating their uncomfortable symptoms.
There are few things as wholly unpleasant as a trip to the clinic for chemotherapy. Patients return home feeling exhausted due to the physically draining process. When you’re fighting cancer you need to keep up your strength, but many chemo patients just waste away due to side effects such as nausea and loss of appetite keeping them from nourishing their bodies with the nutrients they need to combat their illness. Many cancer victims can testify to Marijuana’s helpful effects; it can pick up your spirits and help keep an active appetite. Medical grade marijuana helps maintain a calm stomach that let’s food stay down so that it can be digested so patients can maintain their strength.
Clearly Marijuana has many obvious medical benefits in regards to physical pain, but the true nature of the plant to help alleviate emotional stresses is still yet to be seen. With the alternative being physically addictive pills with uncomfortable and potentially fatal side effects, the idea of using medical marijuana in replacement of typical dangerous prescription medications to relax and treat forms of anxiety seems more appealing as the facts pile up.