THC Could Relieve Some Sclerosis Symptoms

Posted on July 10, 2012 by tanner

Scierosis A new study, that was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, says marijuana may relieve some symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego gave 30 participants either marijuana or placebo cigarettes to smoke over a matter of days.

Those given marijuana had less pain and reduced muscle stiffness.

A few participants who withdrew early from the study reported feeling uncomfortably high, dizzy or fatigue. But researchers say there were no serious negative effects.

Sixty-three percent of study participants were women, and over half required the use of devices to assist in walking, with 20 percent using a wheelchair. The average participant age was 50.

“We found that smoked cannabis was superior to placebo in reducing symptoms and pain in patients with treatment-resistant spasticity, or excessive muscle contractions,” Reports said.

Patients reported 50 percent less pain while using marijuana, and tests that “graded the intensity of muscle tone by measuring such things as resistance in range of motion and rigidity” showed marked improvements in the cannabis users.

UCSD researchers are calling for a larger, longer term study to confirm their findings and determine whether a lower cannabis dosage can achieve the desired physical benefits without the impact on cognitive function.

Connecticut Jumps on Board with their Medical Marijuana Bill

Posted on June 20, 2012 by tanner

David Fein, U.S. Attorney, says if the state of Connecticut decides to legalize the medical use of marijuana, the federal government won’t go after the seriously ill patients who use the illegal drug but it will enforce federal drugs against those who manufacture and distribute the drug. On that note, Legislation to allow marijuana to be grown and used in Connecticut for medical purposes cleared its third hurdle on Tuesday, when the it was approved it 19-6.

The bill proposes a system for licensing medical marijuana producers, dispensing the drug, and registering qualified patients. The next stop for the bill is the House of Representatives.

THC-Like Brain Cell Blocked Could Help Lose Weight

Posted on March 6, 2012 by tanner

According to a new study, blocking a marijuana-like chemical in the brain could help accelerate weight loss. The study was done on mice, by researchers at the University of California at Irvine. They engineered mice to have lower brain levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG, a compound similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) believed to help regulate the metabolism.

“Endocannabinoids are our own marijuana-like chemicals. We make them, our brains make them,” said study author Daniele Piomelli, a professor of pharmacology at UC Irvine. “Their role in the brain is to control body metabolism outside the brain.”

The modified mice ate more and moved less than their unmodified counterparts without gaining weight, even when they were fed a high-fat diet.

“These mice had what really looked like a much faster metabolism than normal mice. They burned fat calories more efficiently,” said Piomelli. Specifically their brown fat, a type of fat that keeps mammals warm, became hyperactive, converting to heat much quicker than in normal mice.

The study was published today in the journal Cell Metabolism.

Piomelli said he hoped to develop drugs that could selectively diminish levels of 2-AG in the brain and, in doing so, “boost our capacity to burn fat calories.” But don’t ditch the gym membership yet, he warned. Developing the drug could take years.

“It’s not easy but certainly feasible,” Piomelli said. “First, we need to really study the mice to make sure there are no unwanted side effects. We don’t want to waste time developing drugs that can cause more harm than good.”

That would be great if marijuana could help us lose weight, but in the mean time, people should just keep eating better and exercising daily. If anything, maybe it will at least counter all the bad food we eat from the munchies?

What Causes Memory Loss in THC

Posted on March 2, 2012 by tanner

We have all heard it, marijuana causes memory loss, but do we know why? Researchers of the University of Bordeaux, France, and Xia Zhang of the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research have discovered how marijuana disrupts short-term memory. The drug impairs users’ working memory, the ability to retain and use information over short periods of time. The research shows that this common side effect occurs because of a previously unknown signalling mechanism between neurons and non-neuronal cells called astrocytes. Their research is published today in “Cell”.

The star-shaped astrocytes have long been considered nothing more than support cells that protect neurons. “Our study provides compelling evidence that astrocytes control neurons and memory,” says Zhang. “The supporting actor has become the leading actor.”

The psychoactive ingredient of marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Using microelectrodes implanted into the brains of anaesthetized rats, the researchers found that the compound weakens the connections, or synapses, between neurons in the hippocampus, a structure that is crucial for memory formation.

They repeated these experiments in two types of mice that had been genetically modified to alter their production of CB₁ receptors, the molecules that interact with THC in the brain. One mouse strain lacked CB₁ receptors in hippocampal neurons that synthesize the neurotransmitter glutamate; the other lacked them in those that synthesize the neurotransmitter GABA. The only other negative downfall to smoking weed is the munchies! For me anyways.

Marijuana May Reduce Suicides?

Posted on February 7, 2012 by tanner

A new study titled “High on Life” Medical Marijuana Laws and Suicide has shown that using marijuana may reduce the thoughts of suicide. The study comes from the same people that found that legalizing medical marijuana was associated with fewer deaths on the highways.

The study showed that they estimated the effect of legalizing medical marijuana on suicide rates. The study was taken from using state level data for the period of 1990 through 2007. The results suggest that the passage of a medical marijuana law is associated with an almost 5 percent suicide reduction total. An astounding 11 percent suicide reduction for 20 through 29 year old men and a 9 percent suicide reduction for 30 through 39 year old men. The study said that estimates of the relationship between legalization and female suicides are less precise and are sensitive to functional form.Using state-level data for the period 1990 through 2007, we estimate the effect of legalizing medical marijuana on suicide rates. Our results suggest that the passage of a medical marijuana law is associated with an almost 5 percent reduction in the total suicide rate, an 11 percent reduction in the suicide rate of 20- through 29-year-old males, and a 9 percent reduction in the suicide rate of 30- through 39-year-old males. Estimates of the relationship between legalization and female suicides are less precise and are sensitive to functional form.

Whether you agree or dis-agree with this study, marijuana has proven to re-leave numerous medical conditions and stress. Comparing legalizing marijuana to already legal alcohol, I can’t see even an glimpse of evidence on how alcohol is safer. Alcohol could very much be one of the most dangerous drugs out there, I’ve never heard of alcohol reducing suicides, have you?

Medical Marijuana in Israel has been a Favorable Outcome

Posted on January 30, 2012 by tanner

A recent study at Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, also in conjunction with the Israel Cancer Association, shows that more than two-thirds of cancer patients who were prescribed medical marijuana to combat pain are reportedly satisfied with the treatment. The study involved 264 cancer patients treated with medical marijuana for an entire year.

According to the study, around 61 percent of the respondents reported a significant improvement in their quality of life as a result of the medical marijuana, while 56 percent noted an improvement in their ability to manage pain. In general, 67 percent were in favor of the treatment, while 65 percent said they would recommend it to other patients.

Also according to the study, the most common types of cancer for which medical marijuana is prescribed are lung cancer (21 percent ), breast cancer (12 percent ) and pancreatic cancer (10 percent ).

State-by-State Contact Infomation to Obtain Medical Marijuana Card

Posted on January 26, 2012 by tanner

At the end of 2011 there we 16 states + D.C. that are marijuana friendly. These states include – Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, D.C., Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Below are each states contact information and online links to registries and information on how to obtain a medical marijuana card.

ALASKA

Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics
Marijuana Registry
P.O. Box 110699
Juneau, AK 99811-0699
Phone: 907-465-5423

Alaska Online Registry Site

Arizona

Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS)
Medical Marijuana Program
150 North 18th Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Phone: 602-542-1023

Arizona Medical Marijuana Site

California

California Department of Public Health
Office of County Health Services
Attention: Medical Marijuana Program Unit
MS 5203
P.O. Box 997377
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
Phone: 916-552-8600
Fax: 916-440-5591

California’s Online Medical Marijuana Site

Colorado

Medical Marijuana Registry
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
HSVR-ADM2-A1
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
Phone: 303-692-2184

Colorado’s Online Medical Marijuana Registry

District of Columbia (DC)

Marijuana Policy Project
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20002
202-462-5747

DC Online Medical Marijuana Site

Delaware

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services

302) 744-4700; FAX: (302) 739-6659
417 Federal Street
Jesse Cooper Building
Dover, DE 19901

Delaware Department of Health online

Hawaii

Narcotics Enforcement Division
3375 Koapaka Street, Suite D-100
Honolulu, HI 96819
Phone: 808-837-8470
Fax: 808-837-8474

Hawaii Online Medical Marijuana Site

Maine

Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services
John Thiele, Program Manager
11 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
207-287-9300

Maine Online Medical Marijuana Site

Michigan

Michigan Medical Marihuana Program (MMMP)
Bureau of Health Professions, Department of Community Health
611 W. Ottawa St.
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: 517-373-0395

Michigan Online Medical Marijuana Site

Montana

Medical Marijuana Program
Montana Department of Health and Human Services
Licensure Bureau
2401 Colonial Drive, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 202953
Helena, MT 59620-2953
Phone: 406-444-2676

Montana Medical Marijuana Site

Nevada

Nevada State Health Division
1000 E William Street
Suite 209
Carson City, Nevada 89701
Phone: 775-687-7594
Fax: 775-687-7595

Nevada Medical Marijuana Site

New Jersey

Department of Health and Senior Services
P. O. Box 360, Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

Phone: 609-826-3962

New Jersey Medical Marijuana Site

New Mexico

New Mexico Department of Health
1190 St. Francis Drive
P.O. Box 26110
Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110
Phone: 505-827-2321

New Mexico Medical Marijuana Site

Oregon

Oregon Department of Human Services
Medical Marijuana Program
PO Box 14450
Portland, OR 97293-0450
Phone: 971-673-1234
Fax: 971-673-1278

Oregon Medical Marijuana Site

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Department of Health
Office of Health Professions Regulation, Room 104
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908-5097
Phone: 401-222-2828

Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Site

Vermont

Marijuana Registry
Department of Public Safety
103 South Main Street
Waterbury, Vermont 05671
Phone: 802-241-5115

Vermont Medical Marijuana Site

Washington

Department of Health
PO Box 47866
Olympia, WA 98504-7866
Phone: 360-236-4700
Fax: 360-236-4768

Washington Medical Marijuana Site

Marinol – FDA Aprroved THC Pill

Posted on January 25, 2012 by tanner

Marinol, also know as Dronabinol and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the principal psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant. Dronabinol, the active ingredient in Marinol Capsules, is synthetic delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC). Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is also a naturally occurring component of Cannabis sativa L. (Marijuana). Marinol (dronabinol) Capsules is supplied as round, soft gelatin capsules containing either 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg dronabinol. This pill is a light yellow resinous oil that is sticky at room temperature and hardens upon refrigeration. Dronabinol is insoluble in water and is formulated in sesame oil.

Dronabinol is used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy in people who have already taken other medications to treat this type of nausea and vomiting without good results. Dronabinol is also used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in people who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Dronabinol is in a class of medications called cannabinoids. It works by affecting the area of the brain that controls nausea, vomiting, and appetite.

Since Marinol does contain THC, this makes it one of the only FDA approved marijuana type medicine you can actually get a prescription for, unlike medical marijuana where the fight continues on legalizing for medical use and is still considered a recommendation, not a prescription.

Marijuana-Based Mouth Spray Seeking FDA Approval

Posted on January 23, 2012 by tanner

Marijuana has been used for numerous medical reason, but now a British pharmaceutical company, known as GW Pharma, has developed a mouth spray from key ingredients of raw marijuana to treat severe cancer pain. The British company is in advanced clinical trials with the world’s first pharmaceutical developed from raw marijuana and it hopes to see FDA approval by the end of 2013.

GW Pharmaceuticals has asked the Food and Drug Administration to approve Sativex. Sativex contains marijuana’s two best known components, delta 9-THC and cannabidiol, which have already has been approved in Canada, New Zealand and eight European countries for a different usage, relieving muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis.

The company lists the main effects of cannabinoids as anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antipsycotic, anti-oxidant, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and the main effects of THC as analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anti-tremor, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulant, anti-emetic. The most common side effects of Sativex are dizziness and fatigue.

Last April, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a notice of allowance for a patent, which protects the use of Sativex as a treatment for cancer pain, providing an exclusivity period until April 2025. FDA approval would represent an important milestone in the nation’s often uneasy relationship with marijuana, which 16 states and the District of Columbia already allow residents to use legally with doctors’ recommendations.

The Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration shot down a petition to reclassify marijuana as a drug with important medicinal properties in July 2011, citing that it has “no accepted medical use.” Marijuana therefore remains within the strictest categorization of restricted substances, alongside heroin and LSD. (ANI)

Scientist, Alexandros Makriyannis, director of the Center for Drug Discovery at Northeastern University and founder of a small Boston company that hopes to market synthetic pain products that are chemically unrelated to marijuana, but work similarly on the body or inhibit the cannabinoid receptors. He also has been working on a compound that functions like the failed Acomplia but without the depressive effects.

“I think within five to 10 years, we should get something,” Makriyannis said.

Marijuana May Not Be as Harmful to The Lungs As Some Think

Posted on January 11, 2012 by tanner

Smoking marijuana is just like smoking cigarettes and it can hurt your lungs the same way right? Wrong, apparently from a 20 year study, it suggests evidence that marijuana doesn’t do the kind of damage tobacco does. The study, published in the Jan. 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, found occasional pot smokers – who used a median of roughly two to three joints per month – had normal lung function compared to tobacco smokers in the study. This result s from one of the largest and longest studies on the health effects of marijuana.

The data suggest that using marijuana that often might cause a decline in lung function, but there weren’t enough heavy users among the 5,000 young adults in the study to draw firm conclusions. Still, the authors recommended “caution and moderation when marijuana use is considered.” Marijuana is an illegal drug under federal law although some states allow its use for medical purposes.

The study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham was released Tuesday by the Journal of the American Medical Association. The findings echo results in some smaller studies that showed while marijuana contains some of the same toxic chemicals as tobacco, it does not carry the same risks for lung disease.

Study co-author Dr. Stefan Kertesz, an associate professor of preventive medicine at the University of Alabama at Birgmingham, said when it comes to the question of whether marijuana can have other negative impacts on health, the answer isn’t so simple.”Marijuana is like any complex substance that affects many different parts of human biology and human functioning,” Kertesz told CBS News in an email. “For some people it’s going to be the impact on social life or legal issues or intellectual functioning that might be harmful,” he said, adding that some people really do develop severe addictions to marijuana.A recent study in the Archives of General Psychiatry found THC – the active ingredient in marijuana – can trigger psychosis in people by clouding the brain’s ability to distinguish between important and unimportant signals that constantly flood the brain, LiveSciencereported. Marijuana smoking has also been tied to anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and depression.Not all doctors were even convinced that marijuana had zero impact on a person’s lung health. For the study, researchers gave two kinds of pulmonary function tests that gauge a person’s ability to inhale and exhale. The study did not look at lung cancer, or other disease rates among pot-smokers.

The study randomly enrolled 5,115 men and women aged 18 through 30 in four cities: Birmingham, Chicago, Oakland, Calif., and Minneapolis. Roughly equal numbers of blacks and whites took part, but no other minorities. Participants were periodically asked about recent marijuana or cigarette use and had several lung function tests during the study.

Overall, about 37 percent reported at least occasional marijuana use, and most users also reported having smoked cigarettes; 17 percent of participants said they’d smoked cigarettes but not marijuana. Those results are similar to national estimates.

On average, cigarette users smoked about 9 cigarettes daily, while average marijuana use was only a joint or two a few times a month – typical for U.S. marijuana users, Kertesz said.

Dr. Donald P. Tashkin, a marijuana researcher at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, told WebMDthe study should not be taken as the final word on marijuana’s safety for pot smokers.

“The smoke in marijuana contains thousands of ingredients, many of which are toxic and noxious and have the potential, at least, to cause airway injury,” Tashkin said. “In an ideal world, it would be preferable to take it in another form.”