Cannabinoids Tag

08 Jul

Posted at 10:35h in Cannabis, Pain Research

Cannabis/CBD Notice: Cannabis products are not FDA monitored or approved. Discuss your use of medicinal cannabis or CBD products with your healthcare provider before use. Dosing is variable and products may interfere with other medications, stimulants and alcohol. Do not use cannabis or CBD products if you are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products when driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Keep out of reach of children. Children and pets should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products.

Chronic pain continues to be a complex challenge in modern medicine, driving significant research into non-opioid alternatives. Among the most closely monitored developments is the clinical application of cannabidiol (CBD). In Australia, the intersection of evolving clinical efficacy data and highly regulated patient access frameworks presents a fascinating case study in modern pain management.

For broader context on why medicinal cannabis is attracting clinical attention globally, see this overview of five reasons it is used for pain management, as well as this deeper look at how cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system.

[caption id="attachment_74821" align="aligncenter" width="500"]evolving-Cannabidiol-australia-pexels Photo by Kindel Media[/caption]

21 Jun

Posted at 21:40h in Cannabis

Cannabis Notice: Cannabis laws and regulations vary by country, state, and territory. Cannabis use is intended for adults only and is illegal in many jurisdictions. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Cannabis products discussed here are not endorsed by MedicalResearch.com or Eminent Domains Inc. The effects of cannabis vary by individual, and some people may experience adverse reactions. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using cannabis, particularly if you have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking prescription medications. Do not use cannabis and drive or operate heavy machinery. Keep cannabis products out of reach of children and pets.

Understanding-Cannabis-Types-and-Their-Differences

Cannabis is a plant that has gained a lot of attention in recent years. You might have heard friends or adults talk about it, but do you really understand what it is? Cannabis comes in many different types, each with its own unique effects and uses. Learning about these cannabis types can help you understand why people use them and how they can affect our bodies and minds.

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a flowering plant that has been used for thousands of years. It contains special compounds called cannabinoids, which can affect the human body in various ways. Two of the most well-known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the compound that produces the feeling of being "high," while CBD is known for its calming effects without producing intoxication.

If you're interested in learning more about cannabis and possibly trying it out, you can visit https://gooddayfarmdispensary.com/dispensaries/ for information about local dispensaries and the various options they offer. Knowledge is key to making informed choices for your personal experience.

12 Jun

Posted at 21:16h in Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Cannabis

Editor's Note: Cannabis laws and regulations vary by country, state, and territory. This interview is for educational purposes only. Cannabis products discussed here are not endorsed by MedicalResearch.com. Patients should consult their oncologist or healthcare provider before using any cannabis or cannabinoid product, particularly during cancer treatment. Cannabis products should not be used while driving, by children, if pregnant, nursing or planning to become pregnant or mixed with other substances that can affect cognition. Cannabis products may also be contraindicated in other medical conditions or situations.

cannabis-and-cancer-posterMedicalResearch.com Interview with: Raphael E. Cuomo, PhD Associate Professor University of California, San Diego Developer and Host, Cannabis and Cancer (Apple TV Documentary)  
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this documentary? What are the primary components of cannabis plants? Response: I created Cannabis and Cancer because cannabis is now widely discussed by patients, clinicians, policymakers, and the general public, but there is still a lot of confusion about what the science actually says. Much of the public conversation treats cannabis as either broadly harmful or broadly beneficial. The reality is more complex. The documentary is meant to separate questions that are often conflated: whether cannabis exposure may influence the risk of developing cancer, whether cannabis use may affect cancer treatment or symptoms, and whether it may influence survival after a cancer diagnosis. These are very different scientific questions, and each one requires a different type of evidence. Cannabis plants contain many biologically active compounds. The most widely discussed are cannabinoids, especially THC and CBD. THC is the main intoxicating compound and is responsible for many of the psychoactive effects. CBD is not intoxicating in the same way, but it still has biological effects. Cannabis also contains other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and plant compounds that may influence how different products affect the body.

28 Jul

Posted at 17:35h in Cannabis
Editor's note: Discuss your use of THC, Cannabis or CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of CBD is variable, especially since it is not FDA regulated. Cannabis/CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products. [caption id="attachment_70032" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Cannabinoids and Endocannabinoids Freepik image[/caption] The human body is a complex network of systems working harmoniously to maintain balance and health. One of the lesser-known but critically important systems is the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This intricate system plays a vital role in regulating a variety of physiological processes, including mood, pain sensation, appetite, and immune response. Central to the ECS are cannabinoids: both those produced naturally within the body and those introduced from external sources like cannabis. Understanding how cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system is key to unlocking their therapeutic potential and appreciating their impact on human health.

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system is a biological network found in all vertebrates, including humans. It consists primarily of three components:
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Cannabinoid receptors
  • Enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids
Discovered in the early 1990s, the ECS has since been recognized as a crucial regulator of homeostasis—the body’s internal balance. Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring lipid-based neurotransmitters, the most well-known being anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These molecules bind to cannabinoid receptors, which are located throughout the body, including the brain, immune cells, organs, and connective tissues. The two primary receptors are CB1 and CB2, each with distinct functions and locations. CB1 receptors are predominantly found in the central nervous system, influencing memory, pain, and motor control, while CB2 receptors are mostly present in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells, modulating inflammation and immune responses.

12 Sep

Posted at 09:17h in Cannabis
Editor's note: Please remember the products described below are not FDA tested or approved. The use of edibles can cause unpredictable and potentially serious side effects, including addiction. No cannabinoids in any form should be used while pregnant, nursing or planning to become pregnant. Be sure to avoid driving or any activity which requires mental alertness. It is also important to recognized that these products are not legal in all jurisdictions.  As more people explore the benefits of cannabis, THC edibles have become an increasingly popular way to experience its effects. For beginners, however, edibles can be a little intimidating due to their differences from smoking or vaping cannabis. This guide aims to break down what you need to know about THC edibles, from how they work in the body to tips on choosing safe and reputable products.

How THC Edibles Differ from Smoking or Vaping

When you consume THC through smoking or vaping, it enters your bloodstream quickly via your lungs, leading to effects within minutes. This rapid onset allows users to better control their dose and understand their tolerance more quickly. However, smoking or vaping comes with potential risks to the respiratory system, especially with long-term use. THC edibles, on the other hand, take a different route through the body. When you eat an edible, the THC is absorbed through your digestive system and processed by the liver, which converts it into 11-Hydroxy-THC. This metabolite is known to produce stronger and longer-lasting effects compared to the THC that enters the bloodstream through smoking. However, it also takes longer for these effects to kick in—usually between 30 minutes to two hours. For this reason, beginners should exercise patience and avoid taking additional doses too soon, as it’s easy to overconsume without realizing it.

07 May

Posted at 23:07h in Author Interviews, Brain Injury, Cannabis
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61599" align="alignleft" width="150"]Pamela Maher, PhDResearch Professor Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory SALK Institute for Biologic Studies La Jolla California Dr. Maher[/caption] Pamela Maher, PhD Research Professor Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory SALK Institute for Biologic Studies La Jolla California   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Several years ago, we tested several different cannabinoids for protection against the oxytosis/ferroptosis regulated cell death pathway and found CBN (cannabinol) to be one of the most effective. While THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidol) were also quite protective, we wanted to pursue non-psychoactive cannabinoids. Since we are interested in maintaining brain function in the context of aging and disease, we thought that a psychoactive compound could be problematic. In addition, there was already a lot of work on CBD, so we thought we could learn more and contribute more to the field by studying CBN.

18 Aug

Posted at 12:35h in Author Interviews, Cannabis, Cognitive Issues, Memory
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Italia V. Rolle, PhD and Dr. Tim McAfee, MD Office on Smoking and Health National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion CDC Ana Maria Sebastião, PhD Professor of Pharmacology and Neurosciences Director Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Francisco Mouro, PhD Unit of Neurosciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine University of Lisbon, Portugal MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?  Response: There is pressing need to comprehend how cannabinoid exposure impacts brain functioning. While cannabinoid-related research has increased exponentially in the last decade, the mechanisms through which cannabinoids affect brain functioning are still elusive. Specifically, we need to know how prolonged cannabinoid exposure affects important cognitive processes, such as memory, and also find the roots of those effects. This is particularly relevant considering that several countries have already approved cannabis-based medicines. In this sense, our work sheds new light into the mechanisms underlaying the memory-deficits provoked by a continuous exposure to a cannabinoid drug. More precisely, using brain imaging techniques, we found that long-term exposure to a synthetic cannabinoid drug impairs the ability of key brain regions involved in learning and memory to communicate with each other. Our data points to the necessity of considering cannabinoid actions in a broader perspective, including brain circuitry and communication. 

12 Aug

Posted at 20:30h in Author Interviews, Cannabis, Heart Disease
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Bradley C. Clark, MD Pediatric Cardiology Fellow – 3rd Year Division of Cardiology Children's National Health System Washington, DC 20010 Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Dr. Clark: After consulting on multiple pediatric emergency room patients with K2 (synthetic cannabinoid) ingestion and electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities, my co-authors and I decided that it was worth taking a more detailed look at the potential cardiac effects of synthetic cannabinoids. We did a retrospective chart review and discovered a total of 8 patients in a 3 year period (2011 – 2014) at our institution with reported synthetic cannabinoid ingestion and concern for myocardial injury.  There were 3 individuals with evidence of ECG abnormalities in a segmental pattern with increased cardiac enzyme levels (troponins).  The other 5 individuals had ECG abnormalities either without troponin elevations or were not specifically tested.  Each individual that had an echocardiogram performed had normal intracardiac anatomy with normal biventricular systolic function. Given the elevated troponin levels and ECG abnormalities, there was a suspicion for myocardial ischemia in this small subset of patients without meeting specific criteria for myocardial infarction.  Interestingly, these individuals had completely normal echocardiograms and had no other potential cause of myocardial ischemia discovered by history.  Additionally, these were all teenage pediatric patients with documented K2 exposure without evidence of exposure to illegal substances. K2 and other synthetic cannabinoids are known to cause analgesia and euphoria and can lead to a lack of symptomatology.  Therefore, individuals with synthetic cannabinoid ingestion may not complain of the prototypical cardiac symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations) and may not have the workup to diagnose potential myocardial ischemia.