The headline screamed at me and my head fell down in horror and sadness.
This is what happens when ideology controls our drug policy. No one deserves to be treated like this. Nobody!
A request to medicate outside, but still on the hospital campus should have been the solution for UCSF Medical Center - throwing a dying cancer patient out of their hospital is nothing short of pure, Human Evil!
I responded:
"The Drug War is not, I repeat, it is not a "War on Drugs" - it is a War Against People Who Use Drugs. Especially relating to Cannabis, what better way to appease prescription drug makers than to continue its Prohibition? For thousands of years Cannabis has been used by Humans for medicine, but (Alas! Sighs Big Pharma...) it is a Plant and our gifts from Mother Nature cannot be patented.
Further to Anslinger's targeting of minorities after repeal of the 14th Amendment (all those booze chasing Feds in the FBN needed to create another boogeyman to keep their jobs) Nixon tapped into the fact that those damn Hippies, musicians, artists, War Resisters, etc - liked to use Cannabis, what a perfect way to criminalize 'em all!
Nowadays, Law Enforcement ("Asset Forfeiture, anyone?)" and Private Prisons LOVE Prohibition. It keeps their arrest rates high and their prison cells filled, no wonder they lobbied so fiercely against Prop 19!!!
In North America where patients like Angel Raich are thrown out of hospitals for using natural medicine, we have absolutely no right to proclaim we are "Free". If we were truly free we would not be persecuted for using a plant, the mere notion that government criminalizes us for putting a substance in our very own personal body is insanity! I weep for us.....
Be well, sweet Angel, I am so, so sorry you must endure this violation of Human Rights..."
When will this end? When will we stop criminalizing people for what they choose to use for medicine and recreation? I am beyond upset. This is unacceptable. This kind of treatment of our fellow human beings is atrocious and just makes me more determined to fight our drug laws.
"Despite medical marijuana being legal in Michigan, WalMart has fired a cancer patient and former employee of the year who tested positive for the drug, which was recommended by his doctor." Read the whole story on Toke of the Town.
I understand that your position oversees Wal-Mart’s Global Ethics division, but I would like to point out that first and foremost this incident is occurring in the State of Michigan and there are laws in Michigan that you are bound to uphold. Wal-Mart should pay close attention to the language that is included within the recent Medical Marijuana law that has been implemented:
Sec. 4. (a) A qualifying patient who has been issued and possesses a registry identification card shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau, for the medical use of marihuana in accordance with this act, provided that the qualifying patient possesses an amount of marihuana that does not exceed 2.5 ounces of usable marihuana, and, if the qualifying patient has not specified that a primary caregiver will be allowed under state law to cultivate marihuana for the qualifying patient, 12 marihuana plants kept in an enclosed, locked facility. Any incidental amount of seeds, stalks, and unusable roots shall also be allowed under state law and shall not be included in this amount.
Please consider the impact as to what has occurred in this situation, and remember that the State Laws of Michigan are clear that Medical Marijuana patients…. “shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau, for the medical use of marihuana in accordance with this act…”
The firing of this employee is in direct opposition to the laws in Michigan and should be reversed immediately. Had this situation occurred in a State without this specific reference in the law then Wal-Mart would be justified in their actions. I hope that you can effectively review all of the circumstances surrounding this incident and come to the correct decision. I, like many others, will not be shopping in your stores until a change is made.
Darth Nole ____________________
I’ll post their response if I get one.
DarthNole: { 03.18.10 at 11:09 am }
An excerpt from the Wal-Mart Statement of Ethics:
“If any part of this Statement of Ethics goes against local policies or laws, then the local policy or law must always be followed. It’s our responsibility to know all of the local laws and policies that might affect our area of business.”
I would gather that they should then follow the Michigan State Medical Marijuana Laws!!!
Will you take part in the WalMart Boycott?
Note to readers, I've gone and somehow really done a number on the H T M L when all I was trying to do was add a link before the poll. :-p We can chalk my first foray into adding a Poll to one of my blog posts as "successful until I thought I could figure out code."
Thank you to all who voted, the results by Midnight Sunday night (when I finally gave up after trying to fix it for an hour) were 14 YES's and 1 NO.
Well, of course there is always truth number 1 - the US blocks major studies wherever it can....
Read for yourself, and ask yourself how you feel about a possible cancer fighter being denied to us. Even if you have never lost someone to cancer, chances are you will, don't you want every option available to battle this insidious disease? Pot Shrinks Tumors; Government Knew in '74
"In 1974 researchers learned that THC, the active chemical in marijuana, shrank or destroyed brain tumors in test mice. But the DEA quickly shut down the study and destroyed its results, which were never replicated -- until now."
".....The ominous part is that this isn't the first time scientists have discovered that THC shrinks tumors. In 1974 researchers at the Medical College of Virginia, who had been funded by the National Institute of Health to find evidence that marijuana damages the immune system, found instead that THC slowed the growth of three kinds of cancer in mice -- lung and breast cancer, and a virus-induced leukemia."
The DEA quickly shut down the Virginia study and all further cannabis/tumor research..." Marijuana cures cancer – US government has known since 1974 "The term medical marijuana took on dramatic new meaning in February 2000 when researchers in Madrid announced they had destroyed incurable brain cancer tumors in rats by injecting them with THC, the active ingredient in cannabis."
"The Madrid study marks only the second time that THC has been administered to tumor-bearing animals; the first was a Virginia investigation 26 years ago. In both studies, the THC shrank or destroyed tumors in a majority of the test subjects."
Unlocking a Cure for Cancer - With Pot Who could imagine that cannabis might one day offer hope as a cure for cancer? The United States government, that’s who.
For the past 30 years, U.S. officials have willfully ignored clinical research indicating that marijuana can inhibit the growth of certain type of malignant tumors. However, the recent publication of a trio of clinical studies and a pair of scientific reviews have effectively blown the lid off "Cancergate," and revealed that pot’s medical value may be far greater than ever presumed.
THE EMERGING EVIDENCE
Last year, five scientific journals published prominent articles trumpeting cannabinoids (compounds in marijuana) as potential anti-cancer agents.
These include:
Clinical trial data published in January 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Society of Clinical Investigation that found cannabinoids significantly inhibit skin tumor growth in mice. Investigators of the study concluded, "The present data indicate that local cannabinoids administration may constitute an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer."
Clinical trial data published in the March 2003 issue of The FASEB Journal that found that the "local administration of a non-psychoactive cannabinoid inhibits angiogenesis (tissue growth) of malignant gliomas (brain tumors)."
A clinical review in the October 2003 issue of the prestigious journal Nature Reviews Cancer that concluded that cannabinoids’ "favorable drug safety profile" and proven ability to inhibit tumor growth make them desirable agents in the treatment of cancer. According to the review’s author, tumors inhibited by cannabinoids include: lung carcinoma, glioma, thyroid epithelioma, lymphoma/leukemia, skin carcinoma, uterus carcinoma, breast carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, and neuroblastoma (a malignant tumor originating in the autonomic nervous system or the adrenal medulla and occurring chiefly in infants and young children).
Clinical trial data published in the November 2003 issue of the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics that found the administration of the cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) inhibits the growth of human glioma cells both in vitro (e.g., a petri dish) and in animals in a dose-dependent manner. Investigators concluded, "Non-psychoactive CBD produce[s] a significant antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo, thus suggesting a possible application of CBD as an antineoplastic agent (something which prevents the growth of malignant cells.)"
And finally, a clinical review in the December 2003 issue of the journal Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets that summarized "the demonstrated antitumor actions of cannabinoids," and elaborated on "possible avenues for the future development of cannabinoids as antitumor agents."
AND SUBSEQUENT MEDIA BLACKOUT
Despite these stunning findings, media coverage of them in North America has been virtually non-existent. As noted by Richard Cowan, editor of the website MarijuanaNews.com, "The New York Times, The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times all ignored this story, even though its newsworthiness is indisputable: a benign substance occurring in nature destroys deadly brain tumors."
Why the media blackout? For starters, all of these studies were conducted overseas. And secondly, not one of them has been acknowledged by the U.S. government.
U.S. KNEW IN ’74... AND AGAIN IN ’96!
This wasn’t always the case. In fact, the first ever experiment documenting pot’s anti-tumor effects took place in 1974 at the Medical College of Virginia at the behest of the U.S. government. The results of that study, immortalized in an August 18, 1974 Washington Post newspaper feature, were that "THC slowed the growth of lung cancers, breast cancers and a virus-induced leukemia in laboratory mice, and prolonged their lives by as much as 36 percent."
Despite these favorable preliminary findings, U.S. government officials banished the study, and refused to fund any follow up research until conducting a similar – though secret – study in the mid-1990s. That study, conducted by the U.S. National Toxicology Program to the tune of $2 million concluded that mice and rats administered high doses of THC over long periods had greater protection against malignant tumors than untreated controls. However, rather than publicize their findings, government researchers shelved the results – which only became public one year later after a draft copy of its findings were leaked in 1997 to the journal AIDS Treatment News, which in turn forwarded the story to the national media.
Nevertheless, in the nearly eight years since the completion of the National Toxicology trial, the U.S. government has yet to fund a single additional study examining pot’s potential as an anti-cancer agent.
SCIENCE IGNORED NO MORE
Fortunately, researchers at Madrid, Spain’s Complutense University, School of Biology have generously picked up where U.S. researchers so abruptly left off. In 1998, the research team – led by investigator Manuel Guzman – discovered that THC can selectively induce program cell death in brain tumor cells without negatively impacting the surrounding healthy cells. Then in 2000, Guzman’s team reported in the journal Nature Medicine that injections of synthetic THC eradicated malignant gliomas (brain tumors) in one-third of treated rats, and prolonged life in another third by six weeks. A commentary to the study noted that the results were the first to convincingly demonstrate that cannabis-based treatments may successfully combat cancer. Read the whole article by Paul Armentano on Lew Rockwell. ~
Cannabis is the only medicine that needs special permission from the DEA to study in the US (Law Enforcement making medical decisions?). Read about the fight Dr. Lyle Craker has had to go through with the DEA.
I have a stake in this fight, my Mother is battling Cancer, it started in her lung and has now travelled to her brain. I am furious and heart broken that her life, as well as the lives of millions of others are deemed worthless by our governments, all so they can continue the lies started in the 20' and 30's that "Marijuana (Anslinger's term - not mine, the proper medical term for the plant is Cannabis sativa L) is bad".
Yesterday I mentioned Medical Cannabis to someone, who immediately stated that she didn't agree with it because "it puts holes in your head". It saddened me that the prohibition propaganda machine is indeed working, but I will continue to write and rally and petition for the legalization of Cannabis, because someone I LOVE more than life itself deserves to have her life SAVED. She deserves to have every medicine, even if it is not a Big Pharma synthetic in her arsenal, and if a natural plant can help her then whatever ignorant words and laws politicians say and enact is non-existent in my consciousness.
"The Holy Grail of Cancer Research"
Addendum: Read more, educate yourself about cannabis research and also how to spot propaganda when you see and hear it.
To learn more about Cannabis fighting Cancer check out:
Cannabis Use with Cancer - : "... The real excitement comes with the growing evidence that cannabis may actually treat cancer by acting as a perfect chemotherapy medication which kills the cancer cells but not the healthy ones. Back in 1974, researchers at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond inadvertently found the THC slowed the growth of cancer cells in mice with cancer of the lung, breast and a virus-induced leukemia. Their funding ended since the original goal was to determine its harmful effects to the immune system. In 2000 Guzman and his research team in Madrid, Spain demonstrated that injected THC could shrink or destroy brain cell tumors (Glioma) in rats. The 1974 studies were never published and in recent years there has been little coverage in the U.S. about Guzman's work."...
"Not familiar with clinical research about marijuana's potential anti-cancer properties? You're not alone."
Cannabis extract makes brain tumors shrink, halts growth of blood vessels "Researchers in Spain have discovered that a cannabis extract makes brain tumors shrink by halting the growth of blood vessels that supply the tumors with life. Cannabis has chemicals called cannabinoids, these are the chemicals that could effectively starve tumors to death, say the researchers. "
This is phenomenal news! Even if you are not a doctor or scientist, we can understand the basics. Ahead are some highlights from the International Association for Cannabis as Medicine Conference held in Cologne, Germany. Please give the whole document a read, it's well worth it. Be sure to share it with friends, family, and your physicians too. Everyone should know about the medical benefits of cannabis! Note: After each summary, I've written my own personal layman interpretation in italics, and Bolding is mine.
METABOLIC ABNORMALITIES, ABNORMAL STRESS RESPONSE AND CHRONIC
INFLAMMATION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA – POTENTIAL TARGETS FOR CANNABINOID MEDICINES?
In recent years much concern has arisen over the possibility that cannabis smoking in adolescence may be a risk factor for schizophrenia in adult life, although this remains a controversial issue. In contrast, considerable interest in the potential role of the non-psychoactive naturally occurring cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) as an anti-psychotic medicine has also developed. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of both THC and CBD are well established. A systematic literature review has suggested the intriguing possibility that habitual cannabis use may protect cognitive function in schizophrenia patients, and CBD has been shown to improve a marker of this in healthy subjects.
There are preliminary data to suggest that cannabinoids may have beneficial effects on abnormal stress reaction, metabolic dysfunction and dyslipidaemia. Since the mechanism of action for the anti-psychotic effects of CBD and other cannabinoids almost certainly differs from all existing agents, synergistic combinations withboth typical and atypical antipsychotics are a possibility. Taken overall, these observations lead to the hypothesis that an appropriately formulated medicine containing a combination of selected cannabinoids may have the potential to target all the major components of the schizophrenia syndrome and thereby significantly reduce the need for polypharmacy.
In Layman's terms, Cannabis can help the symptoms of schizophrenia and cuts down the number of prescription drugs a person has to take.
ANTIDEPRESSANT EFFECTS OF CANNABINOIDS
"Based on these findings, the endogenous cannabinoid system may offer a novel target for the treatment of depressive disorders."
Cannabis can help treat depression.
CANNABIS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PAIN: ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY STUDY (COMPASS)
Discussion Cannabis use for chronic pain over one year is not associated with major changes in lung, endocrine, cognitive function or serious adverse events. The increase in non-serious adverse events is consistent with those for pharmaceutical cannabinoids.
Cannabis is effective to treat pain with little dangerous side effects.
CANNABINOID:OPIOID PHARMACOKINETIC INTERACTION IN CHRONIC PAIN
Background: Cannabinoids and opioids share several pharmacologic properties, including antinociception, hypothermia, sedation, hypotension and inhibition of intestinal mobility and locomotor activity. Data suggest the existence of independent but related analgesic pathways forcannabinoids and opioids such that the two may be synergistic. Cannabinoids may also ameliorate opioid side effects, particularly nausea and vomiting.
Most patients reported further relief of their chronic pain with the addition of vaporized cannabis; these results will also be fully analyzed and presented.
Conclusions: The complete pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic results will be analyzed and presented. Cannabinoids may augment the analgesic effects of opioids, allowing longer treatment at lower doses with fewer side effects.
Grant Support: NIDA R21 DA020831-01 NIDA N01-DA-3-8829 NCRR UL1 RR024131
Cannabis can help people lower their intake of prescription painkillers that have physical side-effects.
I note the grant support because a portion comes from NIDA - I wonder if they will publish these results on their website?
CANNABIS EXTRACT IN THE TREATMENT OF MUSCLE STIFFNESS AND OTHER SYMPTOMS IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS – RESULTS OF THE MUSEC STUDY
Conclusion The study met its primary objective to show superiority of cannabis extract over placebo in the treatment of muscle stiffness in MS. Secondary efficacy parameters corroborated these results. The profile of AEs in patients treated with cannabis extract was consistent with the known side effects of cannabinoids. No new safety concerns were raised.
Cannabis is a safe and effective treatment for those who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis.
RECENT ADVANCES ON CANNABINOIDS IN GLIOMA
Thus, we have analysed the gene expression profile of a large series of glioma cell lines, and have found a subset of genes with a marked differential expression in THC-sensitive vs. THC-resistant cells. Furthermore, we have identified growth factors such as amphiregulin as likely candidates to mediate the resistance of glioma cells to cannabinoid-induced apoptosis, thereby supporting the emerging notion that targeted inhibition of growth factor-evoked pro-survival signals can improve the efficacy of anticancer therapies. Altogether, these findings may set the basis for future clinical trials aimed at evaluating the potential activity of cannabinoids as anticancer agents.
Novel therapeutics. The recent demise of SR141716 as an anti-obesity drug probably indicates that CB1 antagonists that penetrate the blood brain barrier will not open a new therapeutic area, due to their side effects. However we can expect to see such compounds with specific peripheral action, possibly as new drugs in liver, gastrointestinal and lung diseases. CB1 agonists are already used in several types of pathological conditions and we can expect their use in post trauma and pain. CB2 agonists should lead to new drugs in pain, inflammation and neurological diseases. A long list of additional approaches can be visualized – from gastrointestinal to bone diseases. And we should not forget cannabidiol, which seems to act on too many disease states (anxiety, inflammation, cardiac conditions, schizophrenia etc) and yet has no major side effects.
Cannabis can be used to treat a myriad of diseases, ailments, and obesity safely.
GENETIC BASIS OF MARIJUANA USE
A major breakthrough in marijuana-cannabinoid research has been the discovery of a previously unknown but elaborate endogenous endocannabinoid system (ECS) composed of endocannabinoids and the enzymes for their biosynthesis and degradation with genes encoding two distinct cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2) receptors (CBRs) that are activated by endocannabinoids, cannabinoids and marijuana use. Physical and genetic localization of the cannabinoid receptor CNR1 and CNR2 genes have been mapped to human chromosome 6 and 1 respectively. A number of variations in CBR genes have been associated with human disorders including osteoporosis, ADHD, PTSD, drug dependency, obesity and depression. The ubiquitous abundance and differential distribution of the ECS in the human body and brain along with the coupling to many signal transduction pathways may explain the effects in most biological system and the myriad behavioral effects associated with smoking marijuana. The remarkable progress in understanding the biological actions of marijuana and cannabinoids have provided a much richer than previously appreciated cannabinoid genomics and raised a number of critical issues on the molecular mechanisms of cannabinoid induced behavioral and biochemical alterations.
Our data also indicate a number of polymorphisms and sub-type cannabinoid receptor specificity indicating that marijuana use may not only be coded in our genes but may be exploited in disorders associated with disturbances of endocannabinoid system.
Yes, that just said that using marijuana may be a conditioned part of who we genetically, physically are and we can use it to benefit medical treatment. I wonder, could it be that the reason there is so much disease and health problems in our world is due to our bodies being deprived of Cannabis for over 70+ years now?
THE NEUROPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF CANNABINOIDS IN BASAL GANGLIA DISORDERS
Cannabinoids have been proposed as promising medicines for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD) and other basal ganglia disorders, given the abundancy of elements of the cannabinoid signaling system in these structures and the relevance of their effects in the healthy basal ganglia but also in conditions of malfunctioning and/or degeneration.
CB2 receptor agonists may also exert a protective effect by limiting the toxicity of reactive microglia for neurons typical of most neurodegenerative disorders.
Lastly, antioxidant cannabinoids may also serve to attenuate oxidative damage, another important cytotoxic event involved in the pathogenesis of most neurodegenerative disorders.
Cannabis has the potential to fight Parkinson's, Huntington's (which my uncle died of after years of painfully wasting away and losing all physical control of his body and speech, it was heartbreaking) and may also serve to protect us from these diseases.
CANNABIS, MUSIC AND ALTERED TEMPORALITY
Cannabis induced reframing of acoustic events may be of benefit for people with hearing impairment.
Cannabis can help people hear!
WHAT ARE THE MAIN PROBLEMS FACED BY PATIENTS WHO TAKE CANNABIS-BASED MEDICINES?
Ethan Russo1, 2 120402 81st Avenue SW, Vashon Island, WA 98070 USA 2GW Pharmaceuticals, Porton Down Science Park, Salisbury SP4 0JQ UK
Introduction: Risks of cannabis usage have been debated for centuries, but despite such claims, it has been used therapeutically by humans for all of recorded time. Common concerns include pulmonary damage, increased cancer risk, dependency, cognitive changes, and mental health sequelae.
Methods: The author’s files and current literature were reviewed.
Results: Chronic use studies in recreational users in Jamaica, Greece, and Costa Rica in the 1970s-1980s documented minor pulmonary changes without significant neuropsychological or other sequelae. The Chronic Use Study of 4 subjects employing high daily intake of cannabis therapeutically over a long interval in the USA Compassionate Use Investigational New Drug Program similarly demonstrated slight pulmonary function changes, with minimal executive function effects, but no endocrine, immunological, neurophysiological or anatomical changes. Surveys of therapeutic cannabis usage and adverse event recording from clinical trials of cannabis and cannabis-based medicine document pulmonary complaints (from smoking) and primarily CNS events such as nausea, dizziness, somnolence, or intoxication-type symptoms, often of a transient nature. Problems claimed in relation to recreational cannabis usage, such as induction of cancer, depression, psychosis, suicidal ideation, addiction, etc., have not been reported to any significant degree in a therapeutic context to this point in time. Sativex was tested as having a drug abuse liability equal to, or less than that of Marinol.
Conclusion: The pre-eminent risk of smoked cannabis in a therapeutic context is pulmonary, including chronic cough and bronchitis. These problems can likely be minimized or eliminated by alternative delivery systems such as vaporization, oral, or oro-mucosal administration. There is no current compelling evidence to support that cannabis increases risks of carcinogenesis, and it may induce a protective effect for some cancers (lung, head and neck). Long-term cognitive effects of cannabis in therapeutic applications seem to be within acceptable limits as compared to other medications employed to treat serious diseases and symptoms. Similarly, the drug abuse liability of cannabis-medicines seems relatively benign, especially when extra-pulmonary administration is utilized. Cannabis usage remains subject to criminal sanction in many jurisdictions, but apart from this, medical risks associated with such usage appear quite low. Suitable caution is advised in pediatric and adolescent populations.
Basically, this means that Humans have used Cannabis for thousands and thousands of years and the worst side effect may be chronic cough and bronchitis, it doesn't cause the physical damage that has been reported and may in fact protect us from certain cancers and diseases. The prohibition of Cannabis is unnecessary when compared to any physical detriment it may cause. To avoid any harms from smoking it, we can Vaporize it, eat or even drink it. And just like we do for prescription medications, alcohol and cigarettes we can regulate its sale to adults to hinder minors from obtaining it.
After reading about all of the medical conditions that cannabis can help from these top researchers from around the world I can only hope the mainstream media picks up on these scientific breakthroughs and lets the public know. Alternately, I wonder if Gil will even acknowledge the obvious facts from this conference - that cannabis is indeed showing great promise as a safe and effective medicine!
Anheuser-Busch and seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong have announced a three year spokesman deal.
"Denver-based Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER), which works to educate the public about the relative safety of marijuana compared to alcohol, says it is irresponsible of Armstrong to promote a substance that has been directly linked to several forms of cancer. The organization is also calling the USA Cycling team member's deal hypocritical, particularly in light of USA Swimming's treatment of team member Michael Phelps." Read the whole press release here.
The following is by my friend Steve Elliot. Check out his blog Reality Catcher and his other brilliant articles on the San Francisco Weekly.You can also follow Steve on Twitter: @alapoet
Chronic City: Revealed -- California Cops Are Trained 'Marijuana Is Not A Medicine'
A recent court case in San Diego has revealed some California police officers are basing their sworn court testimony in medical marijuana cases on badly outdated, legally inaccurate information.
This goes a long way towards explaining why it is that so many law enforcement officers in the state still seem to harbor such personal animosity toward medical marijuana and those who use it, even after it's been legal in the state for 13 years. Above and beyond the seemingly eternal cop/pot dichotomy, the cops' own "medical marijuana training materials" tell them that -- contrary to the law -- there's no such thing as medical marijuana, and that all marijuana is illegal!
This misinformation has real-life consequences. Californians who legally use and provide medical marijuana are faced with hostile police and judges who have only heard or choose to believe information which is plainly wrong regarding medicinal pot's legal status here, and inaccurate regarding its effectiveness as medicine, as supported by thousands of doctors and hundreds of studies.
Courtesy eugenedavidovich.com
Eugene Davidovich: Victim of the pot culture wars?
Eugene Davidovich, a San Diego medical marijuana provider who was arrested last February as part of Operation Green Rx (aka Operation Endless Summer), told me that the chief investigative officer in his case testified on the stand that he bases his expert testimony, as far as "medical marijuana training," on a handout from something called the Narcotic Educational Foundation of America, "Drug Abuse Education Provider of the California Narcotic Officers' Association."
In this toxic little screed, with the title Use of Marijuana As A "Medicine"(the quotes are theirs), we learn right off the bat -- in the first sentence! -- that "Marijuana, a plant from the cannabis family, is illegal and highly psychoactive." No mention of the fact that medical use of marijuana is legal, mind you -- and this in materials used to educate law enforcement officers.
I'll bet you thought that the issue of medical marijuana was settled when Proposition 215 was voted in back in 1996. Not so fast! You're just a civilian. The cops know better; and guess what? It sure looks as if the cops get to pick which laws they like, and which ones they want to ignore. "MARIJUANA IS NOT A MEDICINE," the "educational" pamphlet screams at its gun-toting, badge-wearing readers.
Screen capture: Reality Catcher
Misinformation has consequences: Inaccurate handout used in officers' court testimony
More than a decade after California voters spoke loudly and clearly on the topic, these folks just aren't giving up the pot culture wars. You'd think the "medical marijuana training" of law enforcement officers might include the rather pertinent fact of its legality might merit at least a mention. Reading the sordid little hate-filled pamphlet, you keep expecting to eventually encounter some level-headed caveat for these eager officers, some kind of sensitivity training, some sort of warning that since marijuana is, in fact, legal in this state for medical use, that officers must be careful to protect the rights of patients. But it never comes.
"Many well-intentioned leaders and members of the public have been misled by the well-financed and organized pro-drug legalization lobby, into believing there is merit to their argument that smoking marijuana is a safe and effective medicine," the pamphlet informs officers. "There is no justification for using marijuana as a medicine."
Once the officers have been, er, "trained" as to the illegitimacy of medical marijuana, they are dutifully informed that it is just ever so immoral and icky as well. "We have seen first hand the debilitating and often tragic results, both psychologically and physically, of those who choose intoxication as a part of their lifestyle," the pamphlet laments in one particularly purple passage.
The pamphlet then attempts to cloak its (legally incorrect for California) estimation of marijuana's uselessness as medicine and its enormous moral judgments around the weed in some sort of scientific respectability by citing outdated studies, all of which have been since refuted by more modern findings.
"It is actually scary what goes on in court," Davidovich told me. "I really hope that somehow a stop can be put to this. This is one of the reasons I am so public about these hateful people. There are a lot of patients who are needlessly suffering here in San Diego." ~Steve Elliot, SF Weekly
To read more about the fight to use Medical Marijuana, including the latest news regarding last weeks statement by the drug czar and the subsequent letter writing campaign that followed, please visit The Marijuana Policy Project.
. The DEA claims that Cannabis has "no currently accepted medical use in treatment" and the agency inhumanely limits medical cannabis research. When President Obama was elected he stated he would be making decisions based on Science - so why is Gil Kerlikowske, the "Drug Czar" - still trotting out the "no medicinal value" myth?
Alternately, Dr. Jeffrey Dach has compiled a treasure trove of information and research. (with the corresponding links for proof for all to see) What do you think? Do you agree with the DEA's assessment? Or do you believe that Cannabis has been suppressed as a legitimate medicine and that government is shunning one of the greatest discoveries in human history? Cannabis, Miracle Drug of the 21st Century
by Jeffrey Dach MD
Although cannabis was a medicinal plant for thousands of years, its medical use was suppressed and banned throughout most of the 20th century. Banned in England, Canada and the US in the 1930's, medical cannabis represents the first casualty in a war against natural medicine waged by the pharmaceutical industry. While banned in the US, there have been major scientific breakthroughs in Israel, Spain, Italy and Brazil over the last two decades. These breakthroughs have made cannabis "the wonder drug of the 21st century".
The Father of Medical Cannabis Research
The greatest cannabis researcher is unquestionably Raphael Mechoulam from Isreal. He discovered THC in 1964, the psycho-active component of cannabis. Mechoulam also discovered the first endogenous endo-cannabinoid in 1992, Anandamide, a sanskrit word translated as "bliss".
Left Image: Raphael Mechoulam Right image: his book
A Treasure Trove Waiting for Discovery
When asked why he devoted his entire lifetime studying the biochemistry of cannabis, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam said the following: "The three major illicit drugs derived from plants were then (at the beginning of my career), and still are, opium, coca and cannabis. Morphine had been isolated from opium early in the 19th century and structure elucidated in the 1920s by Robert Robinson. Cocaine was isolated from coca leaves in the middle of the 19th century and structure described by Richard Willstatter in the last decade of the 19th century. I believe that the cannabinoids represented a medicinal treasure trove which waits to be discovered."
Just Like the Opiate Receptor Story
In a story very similar to the discovery of opiate receptors in the brain, cannabinoid receptors have been discovered along with their endogenous cannabinoids, representing the largest neurotransmitter system in the brain and immune system. This neurotransmitter system went undetected for decades because it involves an unheard of concept, retrograde transmission, or reversed flow of information from the post synapse to the pre-synapse.
The Cannabinoid Receptor Story
In the 1970s, Morphine was isolated from the poppy and found to bind to opiate receptors in the brain. Scientists eventually discovered that people make their own opioids, called enkephalins and endorphins. Morphine simply hijacks the receptors for the brain's opioids. It seemed likely that something similar was happening with THC and the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and the immune system. The health implications of the endo-cannabinoid system are staggering. Cannabinoids act as a bioregulatory mechanism for most life processes.
Medical Uses of Cannabinoids:
Relieves Chronic Pain Reduces need for narcotics in chronic pain or Narcotics Addiction Anti-Cancer (Breast, Colon, Pancreas, Brain-Glioma) Relieves Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Phobias Relieves Nausea and Vomiting associated with Chemotherapy Improves Appetite in Wasting Syndromes Relieves Migraine Headache Relieves Glaucoma Relieves Bladder incontinence Used as Anti-convulsant Used as Anti-depressant Used as Atypical anti-psychotic Used for Bi-Polar Syndrome Used for Multiple Sclerosis, ALS
Timeline for Cannabinoids and Receptor System
2,000 BC to 1,800 AD Medicinal Cannabis used in Ancient China, Egypt, India, ancient Greeks.
800 AD to 1,800 AD Medical Cannabis was used extensively in the medieval Islamic World.
1800-1900 Medical Cannabis commonly used entire world as primary pain reliever until the invention of aspirin.
An advertisement for cannabis americana New York 1917.
1925, England bans cannabis with Dangerous Drugs Act, and non-medicinal cannabis made illegal in Britain.
1927 Canada bans all forms of cannabis.
1937 Even though there are 28 cannabis pharmaceuticals on the American market, Cannabis banned in US with federal law, the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act.
1964 THC, tetra hydro cannabinol, the psycho-active component of cannabis, isolated by Raphael Mechoulam at Weizmann Institute in Israel.
1970 Marijuana fully outlawed in US by Controlled Substances Act of 1970.
1975 Munson shows anti cancer effects of cannabis in Lewis Lung Tumors.
1980-2000 Cannabis research banned in US (de facto).
1985 FDA approves Marinol drug, a pure THC drug.
1992 First endo-cannabinoid isolated by Hanuš and Devane in Raphael Mechoulam's lab at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. This new substance is named Anandamide.
1990 endo-cannabinoid CB1 receptors cloned and found in brain.
1993 endo-cannabinoid CB2 receptors cloned and found in the immune system.
1998 Di Marzo's in Naples Italy group found that cannabinoids (anandamide) inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation.
1999, Marinol (THC) was rescheduled from Schedule II to III of the Controlled Substances Act,
2000 Guzman's group in Spain found that cannabinoids inhibit the growth of C6 glioma cells.
2005 Sativex approved in Canada. Sativex is a whole cannabis plant extract, mouth spray approved for multiple sclerosis patients to alleviate neuropathic pain and muscle spasticity.
2006 Cannabindiol found useful as anti-psychotic drug SĂ£o Paulo, Brasil.
2007 Sean D. McAllister - Cannabidiol inhibits aggressive breast cancer cells.
2008 Acomplia, Rimonabant (also known as SR141716) first CB1 receptor blocker suspended from the UK market because of adverse effects of suicidality, depression. This agent blocks the endo-cannabidiol receptors.
2009 Two components of cannabis plant identified. THC which is psychoactive, and the non-psychoactive Cannabidiol "CBD" represents up to 40% of extracts of the medical cannabis plant. Cannabidiol relieves convulsion, inflammation, anxiety, nausea, and inhibits cancer cell growth. Cannabidiol as effective as atypical antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia.
2009 - 10 million people arrested for marijuana since 1967. In the US, 13 states have approved medical use of cannabis.
Safety of Marijuana: There has never been a documented human fatality from marijuana. The respiratory depression from opiates does not happen with cannabinoids.
Below image: Cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive main medicinal ingredient in Cannabis Cannabidiol made by hemp plants. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Anandamide which is made by the human body.
The active ingredient in cannabis is Cannabidiol, a Schedule I drug in the USA, despite having no psychoactive effects and no known abuse potential. Cannabidiol kills cancer cells, relieves pain, serves as an anti-depressant, and has numerous other medical uses.
On this video (see below) filmed in 2006, Dr. Robert Melamede, Professor of Biology at the University of Colorado, explains how the body's Endo-Cannabinoid system kills cancer cells and inhibits tumor growth.
Here is the interview:
A Cancer Cure in the Back Yard Garden, Watch this amazing story below:
This is the first 10 min. segment, part 1 of 7 parts. View all 7 Files Here
What happens when people realize they can grow plants in their own back yard yielding cancer medicine that works? This is story of Rick Simpson, a man from Nova Scotia Canada who did exactly that. He grew hemp in his garden, extracted the hemp oil and rediscovered a medicine that cures cancer. Watch the entire 50 minute movie here.
Reform the Laws, Legalize Medicinal Use of Cannabis
In the US, 14 states that have passed laws legalizing medicinal cannabis. Join the movement to legalize the medicinal use of cannabis. Call or write your congressman today.
Review articles in medical literature http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ja01062a046 Isolation, Structure, and Partial Synthesis of an Active Constituent of Hashish. Y. Gaoni, R. Mechoulam J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1964, 86 (8), pp 1646–1647.April 1964 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/616322 Cancer Biochem Biophys. 1977;2(2):51-4. In vivo effects of cannabinoids on macromolecular biosynthesis in Lewis lung carcinomas. Friedman MA.
Cannabinoids represent a novel class of drugs active in increasing the life span mice carrying Lewis lung tumors and decreasing primary tumor size. In the present studies, the effects of delta9-THC, delta8-THC, and cannabidiol on tumor macromolecular biosynthesis were studied. These drugs inhibit thymidine-3H incorporation into DNA acutely, but did not inhibit leucine uptake into tumor protein. At 24 h after treatment, cannabinoids did not inhibit thymidine-3H incorporation into DNA, leucine-3H uptake into protein or cytidine-3H into RNA. http://americanmarijuana.org/Guzman-Cancer.pdf http://www.nature.com/nrc/journal/v3/n10/abs/nrc1188.html Nature Reviews Cancer 3, 745-755 (October 2003)
CANNABINOIDS: POTENTIAL ANTICANCER AGENTS by Manuel GuzmĂ¡n Cannabinoids — the active components of Cannabis sativa and their derivatives — exert palliative effects in cancer patients by preventing nausea, vomiting and pain and by stimulating appetite. In addition, these compounds have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumour cells in culture and animal models by modulating key cell-signalling pathways. Cannabinoids are usually well tolerated, and do not produce the generalized toxic effects of conventional drugs.
Cannabinoids, the active components of Cannabis sativa and their derivatives, act in the organism by mimicking endogenous substances, the endocannabinoids, that activate specific cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoids exert palliative effects in patients with cancer and inhibit tumour growth in laboratory animals.
The best-established palliative effect of cannabinoids in cancer patients is the inhibition of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Today, capsules of 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (dronabinol (Marinol)) and its synthetic analogue nabilone (Cesamet) are approved for this purpose.
Cannabinoids inhibit tumour growth in laboratory animals. They do so by modulating key cell-signalling pathways, thereby inducing direct growth arrest and death of tumour cells, as well as by inhibiting tumour angiogenesis and metastasis.
Cannabinoids are selective antitumour compounds, as they can kill tumour cells without affecting their non-transformed counterparts. It is probable that cannabinoid receptors regulate cell-survival and cell-death pathways differently in tumour and non-tumour cells.
Cannabinoids for Cancer Treatment: Progress and Promise. Sami Sarfaraz et al University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
Cannabinoids are a class of pharmacologic compounds that offer potential applications as antitumor drugs, based on the ability of some members of this class to limit inflammation, cell proliferation, and cell survival. In particular, emerging evidence suggests that agonists of cannabinoid receptors expressed by tumor cells may offer a novel strategy to treat cancer. Here, we review recent work that raises interest in the development and exploration of potent, nontoxic, and nonhabit forming cannabinoids for cancer therapy. Cannabinoid Receptors:
"there is overwhelming evidence to suggest that cannabinoids can be explored as chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer. In view of the fair safety profile of most cannabinoids together with their antiproliferative action on tumor cells, clinical trials are required to determine whether cannabinoids could be used for the inhibition of tumor growth in a clinical setting. If this could be established, then one can hope that nontoxic, nonhabit forming cannabinoids could be developed as novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer."
There is now abundant evidence that cannabinoids can inhibit tumor growth, in a variety of tumor types, both in vitro and in vivo (Guzman, 2003). The primary cannabinoids in cannabis, THC and cannabidiol, have also proven to be potent antioxidants (Hampson et al, 1998), which may reduce some types of cancers. Surprisingly, promising experimental results were first reported by Munson et al (1975) over a quarter or a century ago. Their results showed THC dose-dependent increase in survival time and inhibition of tumor growth in mice with Lewis lung adenocarcinoma, but were little pursued until recently, following the discovery of the cannabinoid receptors.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16250836 Mini Rev Med Chem. 2005 Oct;5(10):941-52. Cannabinoids and cancer. Kogan NM. Hebrew University, Pharmacy School, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products, Israel.
Marijuana has been used in medicine for millennia, but it was not until 1964 that delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC), its major psychoactive component, was isolated in pure form and its structure was elucidated. Shortly thereafter it was synthesized and became readily available.
However, it took another decade until the first report on its antineoplastic activity appeared. In 1975, Munson discovered that cannabinoids suppress Lewis lung carcinoma cell growth. The mechanism of this action was shown to be inhibition of DNA synthesis. Antiproliferative action on some other cancer cells was also found. In spite of the promising results from these early studies, further investigations in this area were not reported until a few years ago, when almost simultaneously two groups initiated research on the antiproliferative effects of cannabinoids on cancer cells: Di Marzo's group found that cannabinoids inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation, and Guzman's group found that cannabinoids inhibit the growth of C6 glioma cell. Other groups also started work in this field, and today, a wide array of cancer cell lines that are affected is known, and some mechanisms involved have been elucidated. http://mct.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/full/6/11/2921 http://safeaccess.ca/research/cbd_breast_cancer.pdf Molecular Cancer Therapeutics 6, 2921, November 1, 2007. Research Articles: Therapeutics, Targets, and Development
Cannabidiol as a novel inhibitor of Id-1 gene expression in aggressive breast cancer cells. Sean D. McAllister, Rigel T. Christian, Maxx P. Horowitz, Amaia Garcia and Pierre-Yves Desprez California Pacific Medical Center, Research Institute, San Francisco, California
A compound found in cannabis may stop breast cancer spreading throughout the body, US scientists believe. The California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute team are hopeful that cannabidiol or CBD could be a non-toxic alternative to chemotherapy. Unlike cannabis, CBD does not have any psychoactive properties so its use would not violate laws, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics reports. CBD works by blocking the activity of a gene called Id-1 which is believed to be responsible for the aggressive spread of cancer cells away from the original tumour site - a process called metastasis.
The ‘endocannabinoid system’, comprising the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, their endogenous ligands, endocannabinoids and the enzymes that regulate their biosynthesis and degradation, has drawn a great deal of scientist attention during the last two decades. In particular, they are able to inhibit cell growth, invasion and metastasis of thyroid, breast and prostate tumours. The chief events of endocannabinoids in cancer cell proliferation are reported highlighting the correspondent signalling involved in tumour processes: regulation of adenylyl cyclase, cyclic AMP-protein kinase-A pathway and MEK-extracellular signal-regulated kinase signalling cascade.
"There is compelling evidence that endo/cannabinoids may regulate the growth and spread of normal and neoplastic tissues."
Inhibition of Cancer Cell Invasion by Cannabinoids via Increased Expression of Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinases-1. Robert Ramer, Burkhard Hinz Affiliation of authors: Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19047095 Clin Cancer Res. 2008 Dec 1;14(23):7691-700. Cannabinoid receptor activation induces apoptosis through tumor necrosis factor alpha-mediated ceramide de novo synthesis in colon cancer cells. Cianchi F et al. University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
PURPOSE: Cannabinoids have been recently proposed as a new family of potential antitumor agents. The present study was undertaken to investigate the expression of the two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, in colorectal cancer and to provide new insight into the molecular pathways underlying the apoptotic activity induced by their activation. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that either CB1 or CB2 receptor activation induces apoptosis through ceramide de novo synthesis in colon cancer cells.
The ‘endocannabinoid system’ is involved in a broad range of functions and in a growing number of pathological conditions. There is increasing evidence that endocannabinoids are able to inhibit cancer cell growth in culture as well as in animal models.
However, endocannabinoids are now emerging as suppressors of angiogenesis and tumor spreading since they have been reported to inhibit angiogenesis, cell migration and metastasis in different types of cancer, pointing to a potential role of the endocannabinoid system as a target for a therapeutic approach of such malignant diseases. The potential use of cannabinoids to retard tumor growth and spreading is even more appealing considering that they show a good safety profile, regarding toxicity, and are already used in cancer patients as palliatives to stimulate appetite and to prevent devastating effects such as nausea, vomiting and pain.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=9653194 Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1998 July 7; 95(14): 8375–8380. PMCID: PMC20983 The endogenous cannabinoid anandamide inhibits human breast cancer cell proliferation. Luciano De Petrocellis and Vincenzo Di Marzo et al. Naples, Italy; The anti-proliferative effect of anandamide was not due to toxicity or to apoptosis of cells but was accompanied by a reduction of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. In conclusion, we have shown that anandamide is a potent and selective inhibitor of the proliferation of HBC cells and that activation of a cannabinoid receptor, whose occurrence had never been described previously in these cells, is at least in part responsible for this effect.
http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/full/318/3/1375 Antitumor Activity of Plant Cannabinoids with Emphasis on the Effect of Cannabidiol on Human Breast Carcinoma. JPET 318:1375-1387, 2006 Vincenzo Di Marzo et al. Napoli, Italy
Cannabidiol is nonpsychotropic. Indeed, C. sativa contains at least 400 chemical components, of which 66 have been identified to belong to the class of the cannabinoids To date, cannabinoids have been successfully used in the treatment of nausea and vomiting (for review, see Robson, 2005), two common side effects that accompany chemotherapy in cancer patients. Nevertheless, the use of cannabinoids in oncology might be somehow underestimated since increasing evidence exist that plant, synthetic, and endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) are able to exert a growth-inhibitory action on various cancer cell types.
Results obtained in a panel of tumor cell lines clearly indicate that cannabidiol is the most potent inhibitor of cancer cell growth. Both cannabidiol and the cannabidiol-rich extract inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors obtained by s.c. injection into athymic mice of human MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma or rat v-K-ras-transformed thyroid epithelial cells and reduced lung metastases deriving from intrapaw injection of MDA-MB-231 cells.
Judging from several experiments on its possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of action, we propose that cannabidiol lacks a unique mode of action in the cell lines investigated. At least for MDA-MB-231 cells, however, our experiments indicate that cannabidiol effect is due to its capability of inducing apoptosis via: direct or indirect activation of cannabinoid CB2. Our data support the further testing of cannabidiol and cannabidiol-rich extracts for the potential treatment of cancer.
In conclusion, our data indicate that cannabidiol, and possibly Cannabis extracts enriched in this natural cannabinoid, represent a promising nonpsychoactive antineoplastic strategy. In particular, for a highly malignant human breast carcinoma cell line, we have shown here that cannabidiol and a cannabidiol-rich extract counteract cell growth both in vivo and in vitro as well as tumor metastasis in vivo. Cannabidiol exerts its effects on these cells through a combination of mechanisms that include either direct or indirect activation of CB2 and TRPV1 receptors and induction of oxidative stress, all contributing to induce apoptosis.
Mice treated with either pure cannabidiol or the cannabidiol-rich extract exhibited significantly smaller tumors in comparison with control mice. A strong and statistically significant antitumor effect was observed
The Rick Simpson Story
http://www.thenhf.com/articles/articles_659/articles_659.htm Hemp Oil and Cancer By Mark Sircus Ac., OMD February 23, 2008 For the astonishing and true story of hemp, as told by Rick Simpson, the man who cured cancer with hemp oil. Please visit www.phoenixtears.ca Still skeptical? Rick Simpson introduces you to the people he has cured of cancer, via his youtube channel . If you never watch another youtube video in your life, you need to watch Rick Simpsons videos.
Cannabidiol structureCannabidiol, also known as "CBD", is a major constituent of medical cannabis. CBD represents up to 40% of extracts of the medical cannabis plant.[27] Cannabidiol relieves convulsion, inflammation, anxiety, nausea, and inhibits cancer cell growth.[28] Recent studies have shown cannabidiol to be as effective as atypical antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia.[29] In November 2007 it was reported that CBD reduces growth of aggressive human breast cancer cells in vitro and reduces their invasiveness. It thus represents the first non-toxic exogenous agent that can lead to down-regulation of tumor aggressiveness.[30][31] It is also a neuroprotective antioxidant.[32]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_(drug)#cite_note-60 Humans have been consuming cannabis since prehistory,[5] although in the 20th century there was a rise in its use for recreational, religious or spiritual, and medicinal purposes. It is estimated that about four percent of the world's adult population (162 million) use cannabis annually and 0.6 percent (22.5 million) daily.[6] The possession, use, or sale of psychoactive cannabis products became illegal in most parts of the world in the early 20th century. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis the medical use of cannabis is legal only in a limited number of territories, including Canada, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, Israel, Finland, and 14 U.S. states. Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for approximately 4,000 years in Ancient China, Egypt. India, ancient Greeks. Medical Cannabis was used extensively in the medieval Islamic World 8th century to 18th century.
An advertisement for cannabis americana distributed by a pharmacist in New York in 1917.
Cannabis as a medicine became common throughout much of the world by the 19th century. It was used as the primary pain reliever until the invention of aspirin.
Cannabidiol, also known as "CBD", is a major constituent of medical cannabis. CBD represents up to 40% of extracts of the medical cannabis plant.[27] Cannabidiol relieves convulsion, inflammation, anxiety, nausea, and inhibits cancer cell growth.[28]
Recent studies have shown cannabidiol to be as effective as atypical antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia.[29] In November 2007 it was reported that CBD reduces growth of aggressive human breast cancer cells in vitro and reduces their invasiveness. It thus represents the first non-toxic exogenous agent that can lead to down-regulation of tumor aggressiveness.[30][31] It is also a neuroprotective antioxidant.[32]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anandamide Anandamide, also known as N-arachidonoylethanolamine or AEA, is an endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter found in animal and human organs, especially in the brain. It was isolated and its structure was first described by Czech analytical chemist LumĂr OndÅ™ej HanuÅ¡ and American molecular pharmacologist William Anthony Devane in the Laboratory of Raphael Mechoulam, at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel in 1992. The name is taken from the Sanskrit word ananda, which means "bliss, delight", and amide.[1][2] It is degraded by the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme which converts anandamide into ethanolamine and arachidonic acid. As such, inhibitors of FAAH lead to elevated anandamide levels and are being pursued for therapeutic use.
Tylenol pain relief comes from inhibition of FAAH which increases endogenois cannabinoids. Paracetamol, or acetaminophen (in the U.S.A.) functions as a FAAH inhibitor. Subsequently, anandamide levels in the body and brain are elevated. This action may be partially or fully responsible for the analgesic effects of acetaminophen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinoid_receptor Synthetic Δ9-THC is prescribed today under the generic name Dronabinol, to treat vomiting and for enhancement of appetite, mainly in AIDS patients. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Medical_Marijuana_Association The American Medical Marijuana Association (AMMA) is an organization formed to promote and protect the legal access to medical marijuana.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinoids There are currently two known types of cannabinoid receptors, termed CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain, responsible for the euphoric and anticonvulsive effects of cannabis. CB2 receptors are almost exclusively found in the immune system, responsible for the anti-inflammatory and possibly other therapeutic effects of cannabis.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (using an older chemical nomenclature), or dronabinol, is the main psychoactive substance in Cannabis plant. It was isolated by Raphael Mechoulam, Yechiel Gaoni, and Habib Edery from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel in 1964. Dronabinol is THC, sold as Marinol (Solvay Pharmaceuticals).
The discovery of anandamide, 2-arachidonyl glyceride (2-AG), and other related compounds known as endocannabinoids resembles the discovery of the endogenous opiates (endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphin), after the realization that morphine and other opiates bind to specific receptors in the brain.
In addition, it has been shown that cannabinoids, through an unknown mechanism, activate endogenous opioid pathways involving the μ1 opioid receptor, precipitating a dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. The effects of the drug can be suppressed by the CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist rimonabant (SR141716A) as well as opioid receptor antagonists (opioid blockers) naloxone and naloxonazine.[8]
The mechanism of endocannabinoid synaptic transmission is believed to occur as follows:this form of neurotransmission is termed retrograde transmission, as the signal is carried in the opposite direction of orthodox propagation
THC has mild to moderate analgesic effects, and medical cannabis can be used to treat pain. Other effects include relaxation; euphoria; altered senses; anxiety; disorientation; fatigue; and appetite stimulation.
Safety of Marijauana: There has never been a documented human fatality from marijuana.
Marinol has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the treatment of anorexia in AIDS patients, as well as for refractory nausea and vomiting of patients undergoing chemotherapy,
In April 2005, Canadian authorities approved the marketing of Sativex, a mouth spray for multiple sclerosis patients, who can use it to alleviate neuropathic pain and spasticity. Sativex contains tetrahydrocannabinol together with cannabidiol. It is marketed in Canada by GW Pharmaceuticals, being the first cannabis-based prescription drug in the world. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrahydrocannabinol anandamide, 2-arachidonyl glyceride (2-AG), and other related compounds known as endocannabinoids.
Federal DEA RAIDS on Medicinal Marijuana Dispensaries
Two years before, the medical-marijuana movement had received a significant public-relations boost in the form of an elderly San Francisco General Hospital volunteer, Mary Jane Rathbun, who'd realized that marijuana eased the suffering of AIDS patients and allowed them to eat. Brownie Mary, as she became known, was arrested and charged with drug distribution for baking pot brownies and giving them to AIDS patients. Rathbun refused to take any plea bargain, demanding a jury trial and creating a media disaster for the district attorney. The charges were dropped, and Brownie Mary was free to help Peron open the Cannabis Buyers Club and advocate for Prop 215.
http://www.informapharmascience.com/ doi/abs/10.1517/13543780802691951 Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs February 2009, Vol. 18, No. 2, Pages 125-133 Cannabinoids against pain. Efficacy and strategies to reduce psychoactivity: a clinical perspective Matthias Karst† MD PhD & Sonja Wippermann
General Articles
http://www.medboardwatch.com/wb/pages/therapeutic-effects.php Russo and Grotenhermen report: Review of Therapeutic Effects of cannabis. Relieves Nausea and vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss associated with chemotherapy or HIV/AIDS. Relieves spasticity, neurogenic pain, asthma, glaucoma. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11106791 Chem Phys Lipids. 2000 Nov;108(1-2):191-209. Links Endocannabinoids and fatty acid amides in cancer, inflammation and related disorders.De Petrocellis L, Melck D, Bisogno T, Di Marzo V. Istituto di Cibernetica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Toiano 6, 80072 Arco Felice, Napoli, Italy.
The long history of the medicinal use of Cannabis sativa and, more recently, of its chemical constituents, the cannabinoids, suggests that also the endogenous ligands of cannabinoid receptors, the endocannabinoids, and, particularly, their derivatives may be used as therapeutic agents.
In this article, we discuss the anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activity of: (1) the endocannabinoids anandamide (arachidonoylethanolamide) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol; (2) the bioactive fatty acid amides palmitoylethanolamide and oleamide; and (3) some synthetic derivatives of these compounds, such as the N-acyl-vanillyl-amines. Furthermore, the possible role of cannabimimetic fatty acid derivatives in the pathological consequences of cancer and inflammation, such as cachexia, wasting syndrome, chronic pain and local vasodilation, will be examined.
"Cannabinoids induce apoptosis of pancreatic tumor cells via endoplasmic reticulum stress- related genes"
"Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol inhibits cell cycle progression in human breast cancer cells through Cdc2 regulation" are available in the July 1, 2006 issue of Cancer Research, available online at: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/
History of Marijuana, Legalization Movments, Politics, Racism,
http://www.suntimes.com/news/huntley/ 1456881,CST-EDT-hunt03.article Legalizing marijuana makes sense, cents March 3, 2009 BY STEVE HUNTLEY Chicago Sun TImes. California Assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco, says licensing and taxing legal marijuana production and sales would earn California $1.3 billion a year. His bill would legalize marijuana possession and use for adults 21 or older, license commercial farming of it and tax it at $50 an ounce.
A like number of states have humane laws allowing marijuana smoking by people with chronic or terminal diseases to combat pain and nausea. New Jersey could become the 14th since its state senate has approved a medicinal bill.
the Obama administration says it will not continue the Bush administration's policy of having U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration officers raid medical marijuana dispensaries. That reflects the simple fact a huge part of America thinks a medical ban is cruel and prohibition in general is silly.
A 2005 study endorsed by the late Milton Friedman and 530 other economists found legal regulation would save the nation $7.7 billion in enforcement costs and bring in up to $6.2 billion in taxes
http://www.suntimes.com/news/blogentries/index.html?bbPostId=Cz9ojeT0Jcr1WBD0O7q71iA1vB5TB1K4GpJeRCzE3VN5b4Uruq &bbParentWidgetId=B8k88rWwXopuz5STgLeVwBLu Marijuana, fully outlawed in 1970 by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, has been the largest producer of drug related crimes in the past 40 years. Recently, states such as California, Nevada, and Maryland have legalized medical marijuana if a patient can prevent substantial need. Here is the list of thirteen states that allow the sale, distribution and use of marijuana for limited medical purposes: Alaska California Colorado Hawaii Maine Michigan Montana Nevada New Mexico Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Washington
A high dose of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the main Cannabis sativa (cannabis) component, induces anxiety and psychotic-like symptoms in healthy volunteers. These effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol are significantly reduced by cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis constituent which is devoid of the typical effects of the plant.
This observation led us to suspect that CBD could have anxiolytic and/or antipsychotic actions. Studies in animal models and in healthy volunteers clearly suggest an anxiolytic-like effect of CBD. The antipsychotic-like properties of CBD have been investigated in animal models using behavioral and neurochemical techniques which suggested that CBD has a pharmacological profile similar to that of atypical antipsychotic drugs. The results of two studies on healthy volunteers using perception of binocular depth inversion and ketamine-induced psychotic symptoms supported the proposal of the antipsychotic-like properties of CBD. In addition, open case reports of schizophrenic patients treated with CBD and a preliminary report of a controlled clinical trial comparing CBD with an atypical antipsychotic drug have confirmed that this cannabinoid can be a safe and well-tolerated alternative treatment for schizophrenia.
CBD- Cannabidiol
http://finola.com/CBDreview2008.pdf Cannabidiol: from an inactive cannabinoid to a drug with wide spectrum of action Antonio Waldo Zuardi, Brazil
Dr. David Bearman, Cannabis Physicians http://videos.med.wisc.edu/videoInfo.php?videoid=1107 Cannabis and Cannabinoids in the 21st Century: Medical Marijuana David Bearman, MD, a Santa Barbara, California physician and surgeon with Wisconsin roots, speaks on "Cannabis and Cannabinoids in 21st Century Medicine: Medical Marijuana in the Clinic". Dr Bearman is one of the leading physicians in the U.S. in the field of medical marijuana.
Major Uses of Cannabis: pain,sleep insomnia,nausea,arthritis-fibromyalgia , resless leg, compelx pain.ADD/ADHD,Migraine headace-William OSler textbook Seizures,Glaucoma,diabetic peripheral neuropathy,Crohn's Disease- decrease reliance on steroids, more solid stools, less abdominal pain. Depression, Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome
mental health issues, anxiety, depression, OCD, Tourettes, Bi-Polar Disorder, Panic Attacks, Migraine headaches....marijuana cookie prevented migraines , Patient with back surgery. Went scuba diving. Became a quad for 9 months and then a para. Pain from T10 on down. Cannabis relieved pain.
PTSD Iraq War Vets- Decrease in opiate use.
Safety Marinol Approved by FDA, upgraded to schedule three drug. Sativex sold in cancada since 2005 which is a Tincture of cannabis...approved for phase three clinical trial. 483 chemicals in cannabis.
Cannabinoid system is the Largest neuritransmitter system of the brain. moderates sensory input. There is an excesive amount of dopamine transporter. Endocannabinoid system causes dopamine to come back to the neuron and depolarizes and makes it more difficult. Controls anger impulses.
Cannabis sativa L. produces more than 60 terpeno-phenols that have not been detected in any other plant. One of these constituents, D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (Gaoni & Mechoulam, 1964) has been the object of thousands of publications, as it is by far the major psychoactive principle in marijuana and hashish. Cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive component, has also been widely investigated due to its anti-inflammatory, antischizophrenic and antiepileptic properties (Pertwee, 2005). Surprisingly, the other plant cannabinoids have been mostly neglected. Cannabinoid acids, which are precursors of the neutral cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, were shown to be antibiotic and were actually used for some time in veterinary medicine in Czechoslovakia about 50 years ago.
Overview of Endocannabinoids, Cannabinoids http://www.jleukbio.org/cgi/content/full/82/6/1390 Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 2007;82:1390-1392.) Endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and inflammatory stress: an interview with Dr. PĂ¡l Pacher Helene F. Rosenberg1 Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
Endocannabinoids are endogenous lipid mediators generated by virtually all cell types both in the brain and peripheral tissues, which exert broad range of biological effects (cardiovascular, psychoactive, antiinflammatory) similar to those of cannabis [1 ].
There are two major G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2 [2 , 3 ], Arachidonoyl ethanolamide or anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are the two most widely studied endocannabinoids which were isolated and characterized by the group of Raphael Mechoulam [5 , 6 ], who had earlier discovered the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol [7 ].
Since these major groundbreaking discoveries, which were nicely described in a recent interview with Raphael Mechoulam in Addiction [9 ], it turned out that dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system may be implicated in virtually all diseases, and its pharmacological modulation holds tremendous promise in the treatment of various inflammatory, metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders, as well as pain and cancer [10 ].
Cannabis (marijuana) is among the most widely used of all psychoactive drugs. Despite the fact that its possession and use is illegal in most countries, cannabis is used regularly by as many as 25 million people in North America and Europe
It is now known that cannabinoids act through receptors: CB1 receptors (cloned in 1990), and CB2 receptors (cloned in 1993) 9. Both of these receptor types are coupled through G proteins CB1 receptors are found in particularly high concentrations within the central nervous system (CNS).CB1 receptor agonists are also analgesic, and in line with this property, there is evidence for the presence of CB1 receptors in several areas of the CNS that mediate the perception of pain.
CB2 receptors are expressed primarily by immune tissues, for example leukocytes, spleen and tonsils 9.
The discovery of cannabinoid receptors was followed in 1992 by the demonstration of the existence of endogenous cannabinoid receptor agonists. The most important of these are arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), and there is evidence that both of these compounds can serve as neuromodulators or neurotransmitters.
Until the early twentieth century, cannabis was legal and found common use as an everyday medicine. In 1925, the Dangerous Drugs Act became law, and non-medicinal cannabis was made illegal in Britain. Canada followed suit and banned all forms of cannabis in 1927. Finally, in 1937, with 28 cannabis pharmaceuticals on the American market, the US government effectively criminalized cannabis by passing the Marihuana Tax Stamp Act .
Nabilone, synthetic derivative of D9-THC , Eli Lilly & Co., and marketed under the name Cesamet.
The Emerging Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Endocrine Regulation and Energy Balance . Uberto Pagotto, Giovanni Marsicano, Daniela Cota, Beat Lutz and Renato Pasquali
In general, the endocannabinoid system is involved in many different physiological functions, many of which relate to stress-recovery systems and to the maintenance of homeostatic balance (10). Among other functions, the endocannabinoid system is involved in neuroprotection (11, 12, 13), modulation of nociception (14), regulation of motor activity (15), and the control of certain phases of memory processing (16, 17, 18). In addition, the endocannabinoid system is involved in modulating the immune and inflammatory responses (19, 20, 21). It also influences the cardiovascular and respiratory systems by controlling heart rate, blood pressure, and bronchial functions (22). Finally, yet importantly, endocannabinoids are known to exert important antiproliferative actions in tumor cells (23).
Cannabinoids Induce Apoptosis of Pancreatic Tumor Cells via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress–Related Genes. Arkaitz Carracedo1, Meritxell Gironella2, Mar Lorente1, Stephane Garcia2, Manuel GuzmĂ¡n1, Guillermo Velasco1 and Juan L. Iovanna2
Pancreatic adenocarcinomas are among the most malignant forms of cancer. The present study was undertaken to investigate the action of cannabinoids in pancreatic cancer. We show that cannabinoid receptors are expressed in human pancreatic tumor cell lines at much higher levels than in normal pancreatic tissue.
Studies conducted with Pancreatic Cancer cell lines showed that cannabinoid administration (a) induced apoptosis, (b) increased ceramide levels, and (c) up-regulated mRNA levels of the stress protein p8. These effects were prevented by blockade of the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. Cannabinoids also reduced the growth of tumor cells in two animal models of pancreatic cancer. In addition, cannabinoid treatment inhibited the spreading of pancreatic tumor cells. Moreover, cannabinoid administration selectively increased apoptosis and TRB3 expression in pancreatic tumor cells but not in normal tissue.
In conclusion, results presented here show that cannabinoids lead to apoptosis of pancreatic tumor cells via a CB2 receptor. These findings may contribute to set the basis for a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. http://www.fuoriluogo.it/medicalcannabis/documenti/bifulco2002.pdf Targeting the endocannabinoid system in cancer therapy: A call for further research MAURIZIO BIFULCO1 & VINCENZO DI MARZO NATURE MEDICINE • VOLUME 8 • NUMBER 6 • JUNE 2002
CB1 Antagonist - Blocker
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rimonabant Rimonabant (also known as SR141716, Acomplia, Bethin, Monaslim, Remonabent, Riobant, Slimona, Rimoslim, and Zimulti)[1] is an anorectic anti-obesity drug. It is an inverse agonist for the cannabinoid receptor CB1. Its main avenue of effect is reduction in appetite.
Rimonabant was the first selective CB1 receptor blocker to be approved for use anywhere in the world. In the UK, was available beginning in July 2006. As of 2008, the drug was available in 56 countries. On October 23, 2008, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), Acomplia suspended from the UK market. Sanofi-Aventis suspended the drug.
Side-effects- Reports of severe depression are frequent. This is deemed to result from the drug's being active in the central nervous system, an area of human physiology so complex that the effects of a drug are extremely difficult to predict or anticipate.[8]
Because the drug has the opposite effects of cannabinoid receptor agonists such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, one of the substances found in marijuana), which is neuroprotective against excitotoxicity,[9] it can be theorized that Rimonabant promotes the development of neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system such as Multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease in persons that are susceptible.[10] The reported development of previously clinically-silent multiple sclerosis in one patient taking Rimonabant suggests that any patients with an underlying neurological condition should not take Rimonabant, given the neuroprotective role of the endocannabinoid system in many experimental paradigms of neurological disease.
On June 15, 2007, BBC News reported [11] that a committee advising the U.S. FDA had voted not to recommend the drug's approval because of concerns over suicidality, depression, and other related side-effects associated with use of the drug. http://bodybuilding.elitefitness.com/rimonabant-best-prescription-diet-pill buy on line Rimonabant http://www.aapsj.org/articles/aapsj0802/aapsj080234/aapsj080234.pdf Cannabinoid Receptors and Endocannabinoids: Evidence for New Players Submitted: December 29 , 2005 ; Accepted: February 28 , 2006; Published: April 28, 2006 Ken Mackie 1 and Nephi Stella 2 1 Departments of Anesthesiology and Physiology
It is now well established that the psychoactive effects of Cannabis sativa are primarily mediated through neuronal CB1 receptors, while its therapeutic immune properties are primarily mediated through CB2 receptors. Two endocannabinoids, arachidonoylethanolamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, have been identifi ed, their action on CB1 and CB2 thoroughly characterized, and their production and inactivation elucidated. However, many significant exceptions to these rules exist.
Here we review the evidence suggesting that cannabinoids can modulate synaptic transmission, the cardiovascular system, and the immune system through receptors distinct from CB1 and CB2, and that an additional “ independent ” endocannabinoid signaling system that involves palmitoylethanolamide may exist.
Arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA), also known as anandamide, was identifi ed in 1992 by Devane and colleagues and shown to bind with high affinity to CB1 receptors. 49
Last Updated Friday, 15 June 2007 Giuffrida announced that a cannabinoid drug wards off Parkinson's-like effects in mice. The disorder, which afflicts more than 1 million Americans, destroys neurons in a key part of the brain, causing patients to lose control over movement. Giuffrida, with colleagues David Price and James Roberts, injected mice with a chemical called MPTP, which mimics Parkinson's damage. When some of the animals subsequently received a drug that blocks cannabinoid receptors, their nerve cells suffered far less damage than did the ells of the other mice. This was the first demonstration that a cannabinoid drug can have this effect. Although he is not sure how the anti-cannabinoid compound works, Giuffrida suspects it protects neurons by reducing inflammation, a key component in Parkinson's
URB597 is a relatively selective inhibitor of the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH).[1][2] FAAH is the primary degradatory enzyme for the endocannabinoid anandamide and, as such, inhibition of FAAH leads to an accumulation of anandamide in the CNS and periphery where it activates cannabinoid receptors. In pre-clinical laboratory tests researchers found URB597 increased the production of endocannabinoids resulting in measurable antidepressant and analgesic effects.[3]
URB597 is also known as KDS-4103. KDS-4103 is being developed by Kadmus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for clinical trials in humans. Kadmus claims, on their website (linked below) that this class of compounds may have antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and pain-killing effects. http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/full/322/1/236 Journal of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics Fast Forward JPET 322:236-242, 2007
The Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibitor URB597 (Cyclohexylcarbamic Acid 3'-Carbamoylbiphenyl-3-yl Ester) Reduces Neuropathic Pain after Oral Administration in Mice. Roberto Russo et al Naples, Italy
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an intracellular serine hydrolase that catalyzes the cleavage of bioactive fatty acid ethanolamides, such as the endogenous cannabinoid agonist anandamide. The main finding of the present study is that repeated oral administration of URB597 produces significant antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic effects in the mouse CCI model of neuropathic pain.
Neuroscience- Antidepressant-like activity and modulation of brain monoaminergic transmission by blockade of anandamide hydrolysis
G. Gobbi,*† F. R. Bambico,*‡ R. Mangieri,‡§ M. Bortolato,‡§ P. Campolongo,¶ M. Solinas, T. Cassano,** M. G. Morgese,** G. Debonnel,* A. Duranti,†† A. Tontini,†† G. Tarzia,†† M. Mor,‡‡ V. Trezza,¶ S. R. Goldberg,§§ V. Cuomo,¶ and D. Piomelli§¶¶
An alternative way of enhancing cannabinoid function might be to use drugs that interfere with the deactivation of the endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) (15). We have recently described a class of such drugs, which act by blocking the intracellular hydrolysis of anandamide by fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) (16, 17).
Notably, however, URB597 elicits profound anxiolytic-like effects in rats, which are prevented by the CB1 antagonist rimonabant
The addictive properties of Δ9-THC are a major obstacle to the development of cannabinoid-based therapeutics. Thus, it is particularly important that URB597 does not mimic the hedonic and interoceptives states evoked by direct-acting cannabinoid agonists.
Anti-Depressant effect http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/12/051213172852.htm New Antidepressant Drug Increases 'Brain's Own Cannabis' The new research published in this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), suggests the new drug, called URB597, could represent a safer alternative to cannabis for the treatment of pain and depression
http://www.rxwiki.com/index.php?title=Cannabinoids Currently, there are three general types of cannabinoids: herbal cannabinoids occur uniquely in the cannabis plant; endogenous cannabinoids are produced in the bodies of humans and other animals; and synthetic cannabinoids are similar compounds produced in a laboratory.
The current understanding recognizes the role that endocannabinoids play in almost every major life function in the human body. Cannabinoids act as a bioregulatory mechanism for most life processes, which reveals why medical cannabis has been cited as treatments for many diseases and ailments in anecdotal reports and scientific literature. Some of these ailments include: pain, arthritic conditions, migraine headaches, anxiety, epileptic seizures, insomnia, loss of appetite, GERD (chronic heartburn), nausea, glaucoma, AIDS wasting syndrome, depression, bipolar disorder (particularly depression-manic-normal), multiple sclerosis, menstrual cramps, Parkinson's, trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux), high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, and bladder incontinence.
The Lesson of Opium. The same question had arisen in the 1970s about morphine, a compound isolated from the poppy and found to bind to so-called opiate receptors in the brain. Scientists finally discovered that people make their own opioids--the enkephalins and endorphins. Morphine simply hijacks the receptors for the brain's opioids.
It seemed likely that something similar was happening with THC and the cannabinoid receptor. In 1992, 28 years after he identified THC, Mechoulam discovered a small fatty acid produced in the brain that binds to CB1 and that mimics all the activities of marijuana. He named it anandamide, after the Sanskrit word ananda, "bliss." Subsequently, Daniele Piomelli and Nephi Stella of the University of California at Irvine discovered that another lipid, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), is even more abundant in certain brain regions than anandamide is. Together the two compounds are considered the major endogenous cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids.
The results indicate that endocannabinoids are important in extinguishing the bad feelings and pain triggered by reminders of past experiences. The discoveries raise the possibility that abnormally low numbers of cannabinoid receptors or the faulty release of endogenous cannabinoids are involved in post-traumatic stress syndrome, phobias and certain forms of chronic pain. This suggestion fits with the fact that some people smoke marijuana to decrease their anxiety.
Cannabinoids Inhibit the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Pathway in Gliomas Manuel GuzmĂ¡n et al., Spain
Cannabinoids inhibit tumor angiogenesis in mice, but the mechanism of their antiangiogenic action is still unknown. Because the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway plays a critical role in tumor angiogenesis, here we studied whether cannabinoids affect it. As a first approach, cDNA array analysis showed that cannabinoid administration to mice bearing s.c. gliomas lowered the expression of various VEGF pathway-related genes. The use of other methods (ELISA, Western blotting, and confocal microscopy) provided additional evidence that cannabinoids depressed the VEGF pathway by decreasing the production of VEGF and the activation of VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-2, the most prominent VEGF receptor, in cultured glioma cells and in mouse gliomas. Cannabinoid-induced inhibition of VEGF production and VEGFR-2 activation was abrogated both in vitro and in vivo by pharmacological blockade of ceramide biosynthesis. These changes in the VEGF pathway were paralleled by changes in tumor size. Moreover, intratumoral administration of the cannabinoid 9-tetrahydrocannabinol to two patients with glioblastoma multiforme (grade IV astrocytoma) decreased VEGF levels and VEGFR-2 activation in the tumors. Because blockade of the VEGF pathway constitutes one of the most promising antitumoral approaches currently available, the present findings provide a novel pharmacological target for cannabinoid-based therapies.
Cannabinoid Receptor Activation Induces Apoptosis through Tumor Necrosis Factor –Mediated Ceramide De novo Synthesis in Colon Cancer Cells. Fabio Cianchi et al, Italy
Results: We show that the CB1 receptor was mainly expressed in human normal colonic epithelium whereas tumor tissue was strongly positive for the CB2 receptor. The activation of the CB1 and, more efficiently, of the CB2 receptors induced apoptosis and increased ceramide levels in the DLD-1 and HT29 cells. Apoptosis was prevented by the pharmacologic inhibition of ceramide de novo synthesis. The CB2 agonist CB13 also reduced the growth of DLD-1 cells in a mouse model of colon cancer. The knockdown of TNF- mRNA abrogated the ceramide increase and, therefore, the apoptotic effect induced by cannabinoid receptor activation.
Conclusions: The present study shows that either CB1 or CB2 receptor activation induces apoptosis through ceramide de novo synthesis in colon cancer cells. Our data unveiled, for the first time, that TNF- acts as a link between cannabinoid receptor activation and ceramide production. http://www.aapsj.org/view.asp?art=aapsj070364 Pertwee RG. The Therapeutic Potential of Drugs That Target Cannabinoid Receptors or Modulate the Tissue Levels or Actions of Endocannabinoids. AAPS Journal. 2005; 7(3): E625-E654. DOI: 10.1208/aapsj070364
These endogenous cannabinoids or endocannabinoids are all eicosanoids, 2 notable examples being N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol. Endocannabinoids together with cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors constitute the endocannabinoid system.
http://www.marijuanalibrary.org/HT_Marinol_0794.html High Times, July 1994, pp. 18-21 Marinol: The Little Synthetic That Couldn't. After dogs on Nabilone started having convulsions and dropping dead, the first attempts at producing synthetic THC were scrapped. Enter Marinol, a drug never intended for human use and one with many dangerous side effects. By Elsa Scott http://www.iowatelecom.net/~sharkhaus/marinol_long.html Marinol vs. Marijuana: Politics, Science, and Popular Culture Kambiz. Akhavan Having extensively analyzed the Marinol versus marijuana debate from a popular culture perspective, and within a historical and theoretical context, it is now apparent just how differently America treats two essentially similar substances.
Marinol enjoys cultural and medical legitimacy from society, as well as tax breaks and open market privileges from the government. Marijuana users still risk incarceration and social marginalization, while simultaneously suffering from debilitating illnesses. Despite the wealth of scientific information and the bevy of organizational support illustrating marijuana's numerous medical benefits, the federal government chooses to validate the inferior Marinol medication, and to continue its war on drugs and drug users. Considering America's history of vilifying marijuana, and given the American penchant to promote pharmaceuticals over all other medicines, the current drug policy should not shock us, but it should disappoint us.
In 1999, Marinol was rescheduled from Schedule II to III of the Controlled Substances Act, reflecting a finding that THC had a potential for abuse less than that of cocaine, and heroin. This rescheduling comprised part of the argument for a 2002 petition for removal of cannabis from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, in which petitioner Jon Gettman noted, "Cannabis is a natural source of dronabinol (THC), the ingredient of Marinol, a Schedule III drug. There are no grounds to schedule cannabis in a more restrictive schedule than Marinol"[57].
http://www.icb.cnr.it/erg/ The Endocannabinoid Research Group (ERG) is a multi-disciplinary research group established in 1995 and based in the laboratories of several Institutes of the Italian National Research Council (CNR) and of Universities in the Naples and Salerno area. The subjects of the scientific (both basic and applied) research carried out by this group are the Endocannabinoids, and the Bioactive Amides of Long Chain Fatty Acids.
http://www.cannabinoidsociety.org/ The International Cannabinoid Research Society. The 19th Annual Symposium of the International Cannabinoid Research Society Pheasant Run Resort St. Charles, Illinois USA Arrival: July 7, 2009 Symposium: July 8 - 11 Departure: July 12
http://www.smart-publications.com/articles/MOM-mechoulam.php The New Science of Cannabinoid-Based Medicine: An Interview with Dr. Raphael Mechoulam By David Jay Brown http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphael_Mechoulam Raphael Mechoulam, while junior member at the Weizmann Institute of Science, isolated and synthesised THC Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the first described endocannabinoid anandamide was isolated by two of his postdoctoral researchers, LumĂr HanuÅ¡ and William Devane. Another endogenous cannabinoid, 2-AG, was soon discovered by Shimon Ben-Shabat, one of his PhD students.
http://www.endocannabinoid.net/Mechoulam.aspx The three major illicit drugs derived from plants were then, and still are, opium, coca and cannabis. Morphine had been isolated from opium early in the 19th century and its very complicated structure was elucidated in the 1920s by Sir Robert Robinson. Cocaine was isolated from coca leaves in the middle of the 19th century and the famous chemist Richard Willstatter had been able to describe its unusual structure in the last decade of the 19th century. I believe that the cannabinoids represent a medicinal treasure trove which waits to be discovered.
http://www.hempfood.com/IHA/iha01113.html Interview Professor Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the discoverer of THC http://www.chipsbooks.com/cannabin.htm Cannabinoids as Therapeutics by Raphael Mechoulam Cannabinoids as Therapeutics covers the use of Cannabis in India, and is an expression of thanks to the herbal practitioners who have carried on the drug's medical traditions through the centuries. Cannabinoids as Therapeutics describes the progression from the time when Cannabis was used by ancient medical practitioners as a herbal remedy to the present day, when we are approaching an understanding of the endocannabinoid system and the role that cannabinoids may pay in medicine.
To quote Mechoulam, “We are learning a lot almost every week. I am almost certain that various cannabinoids will become important drugs. Almost all major pharmaceutical companies have groups working on cannabinoids.” Regardless of the chemicals’ rocky past, it seems researchers are at a point of no return. In the past 200 years cannabinoids have ricocheted in the public mind between being a miracle cure and an obsession of the dissolute. Now we’ve gained basic knowledge of what cannabinoids are, how they work, and how to synthesize them. We are at the same time knowledgeable and naive, cracking the chemical code while the applications remain elusive—and sometimes forbidden. The next decade should be especially exciting for anyone in this field.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgjLLHJdv3Q Cannabinoid cancer treatment http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/kings/cannabis.html Cannabis Indica (U. S. P.)—Indian Cannabis. Indian hemp. ILLUSTRATION: Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 231. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHWuD8a3INs&NR=1 April 4, 2008 - Before speaking to the 5th Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics in Pacific Grove, CA, Deputy Director of NORML Paul Armentano talks about new science on Cannabis (marijuana) and the Endo-Cannabinoid system being done in Europe, while American cancer patients, many with tragic cases of Glioma brain tumors, seek any news of an alternative therapy.
Paul references the work of Dr. Manuel Guzman, Madrid, who has seen THC kill brain cancer cells while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed, demonstating the neuroprotectant properties of Cannabinoids. Then Paul is joined by Dr. David Bearman, of Galeta, CA, who tells of the fear that patients feel when encountering an cancer like Glioma. Paul has collected the latest research on medical Cannabis, available in a PDF or booklet at: http://norml.org/
Lester Grinspoon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lester_Grinspoon Lester Grinspoon is Associate Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the author of several drug-related books, including Marijuana Reconsidered, Psychedelic Drugs Reconsidered, and Marijuana: The Forbidden Medicine. The first two were published during the 1970s, when it appeared cannabis was well on its way to nationwide decriminalization in the United States. The latter was published in 1993. It describes a variety of ailments for which cannabis ingestion may be indicated.
http://www.abc.net.au/quantum/poison/marijuan/lester.htm Interview with Lester Grinspoon 1997 My conclusion was that the most harmful thing about marijuana was the fact that more than 400,000 people a year were being arrested. Firstly, the US Government is too embarrassed to acknowledge that it's been wrong about marijuana, and that the 10 million people arrested since 1967 were arrested for nothing. Marijuana is remarkably non toxic. In all the years that marijuana has been used, there's not been one single documented death from it. I don't know that you can say the same thing about any other drug. http://articles.latimes.com/2006/may/05/opinion/oe-grinspoon5 Puffing is The Best Medicine By Lester Grinspoon M.D. Los Angeles Times - May 5, 2006.
Los Angeles -- The Food And Drug Administration is contradicting itself.] It recently reiterated its position that cannabis has no medical utility, but it also approved advanced clinical trials for a marijuana-derived drug called Sativex, a liquid preparation of two of the most therapeutically useful compounds of cannabis. This is the same agency that in 1985 approved Marinol, another oral cannabis-derived medicine.
I have yet to see a patient who preferred Marinol to smoked marijuana. Similarly, the commercial success of Sativex will largely depend on how vigorously the marijuana laws are enforced. It is not unreasonable to believe that drug companies have an interest in sustaining the prohibition against the herb.
http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/68/7/515 Cannabis in painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathy A randomized placebo-controlled trial D. I. Abrams, MD et al http://www.cmcr.ucsd.edu/geninfo/abrams_hiv_abs_2.pdf SMOKED CANNABIS THERAPY FOR HIV-RELATED PAINFUL PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY: RESULTS OF A RANDOMIZED, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL. Donald I. Abrams, Cheryl A. Jay, Hector Vizoso, Starley B. Shade, Haatem Reda, Scott Press, Mary Ellen Kelly, Michael Rowbotham, and Karin Petersen The University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94110, USA
CONCLUSION: Smoked marijuana is effective in reducing chronic ongoing neuropathic pain as well as acute pain in the experimental pain model. The magnitude of the response of the neuropathic pain is similar to what is seen with gabapentin, a widely used therapeutic intervention for HIV neuropathy. http://www.safeaccessnow.org/downloads/medical_cannabis_research.pdf MEDICAL CANNABIS RESEARCH: WHAT DOES THE EVIDENCE SAY?
But Paul Armentano, a spokesman for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or Norml, said the approvals ''have ended a two-decade-long federal de facto prohibition on medical research on marijuana.'' http://bja.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/101/1/59 British Journal of Anaesthesia 2008 101(1):59-68; Therapeutic potential of cannabis in pain medicine. R. D. Hosking and J. P. Zajicek* Neurology Research Group, Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth, UK
Advances in cannabis research have paralleled developments in opioid pharmacology whereby a psychoactive plant extract has elucidated novel endogenous signalling systems with therapeutic significance. Cannabinoids (CBs) are chemical compounds derived from cannabis. The major psychotropic CB delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (9-THC) was isolated in 1964 and the first CB receptor (CB1R) was cloned in 1990. CB signalling occurs via G-protein-coupled receptors distributed throughout the body. Endocannabinoids are derivatives of arachidonic acid that function in diverse physiological systems. Neuronal CB1Rs modulate synaptic transmission and mediate psychoactivity. Immune-cell CB2 receptors (CB2R) may down-regulate neuroinflammation and influence cyclooxygenase-dependent pathways.
All in all, a typical day. We saw 24 patients over the course of nine and a half hours (approximately 24 minutes per patient). Eighteen were male, 6 were female. Thirteen were new patients and there were 11 renewals. The average age was 41.7 years and the most common diagnosis was chronic pain (14 of 24). As usual there were a wide variety of other diagnoses including Lymphoma, Tourette’s, PTSD, Myesthenia Gravis, Parkinson’s Disease, Heroin addiction, Fibromyalgia and panic disorder.
Video http://www.altmd.com/Videos/Cancer-Cure--Cannabis-Cannabinoids On this video filmed in 2006, Dr. Robert Melamede, Professor of Biology at the University of Colorado, explains how the body's Endo-Cannabinoid system (and plant based Cannabinoids as supplement) kills cancer cells and inhibits tumor growth. Very interesting approach.
Warning and Disclaimer: Marijuana is an illegal drug in many US states and other countries. It is illegal to grow or possess the marijuana plant, also known as the hemp plant. Even when used as a prescribed medicine, marijuana use may result in arrest, fines or imprisonment. Only use marijuana as a drug if it has been legally prescribed by a licensed physician in a state or country that has legalized the use of medical marijuana.
The reader is advised to discuss the comments on these pages with his/her personal physicians and to only act upon the advice of his/her personal physician.Also note that concerning an answer which appears as an electronically posted question, I am NOT creating a physician -- patient relationship. Although identities will remain confidential as much as possible, as I can not control the media, I can not take responsibility for any breaches of confidentiality that may occur.
This article may be reproduced on the internet without permission, provided there is a link to this page and proper credit is given.
FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of issues of significance. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.
For even more info about Medical Cannabis, visit Granny Storm Crow, she's got the best list on the 'Net.
Mama, Wife, Writer, Political Junkie, Legalizer, Freedom Fighter, Student of Life, Atheist, Lover of Music & Written Word.
#420Friendly #Spoonie
****************************
"I, as a responsible adult human being, will never concede the power to anyone to regulate my choice of what I put into my body, or where I go with my mind. From the skin inwards is my jurisdiction, is it not? I choose what may or may not cross that border. Here I am the Customs Agent. I am the Coast Guard. I am the sole legal and spiritual government of this territory, and only the laws I choose to enact within myself are applicable." ~ Alexander Shulgin PhD, Chemist and author
Posts
