In a placebo-controlled study of a cannabis oral spray in patients with ADHD, there was no significant improvement in cognitive performance, but there was a significant improvement in hyperactivity and impulsivity.
In a study of 72 psychiatric patients given CBD in capsule form, researchers found that cannabidiol successfully decreased anxiety and improved sleep over the course of three months.
Animal models show that cannabis has anti-compulsive effects, and OCD patients say that cannabis improves their symptoms. Now scientists are asking for more research.
Study finds that, for patients already taking antidepressants, activating and/or prohibiting the CB1 receptor in the brain might make those antidepressants more effective.
Cannabinoid receptors, located throughout the body, are involved in a variety of physiological processes (including appetite, mood, etc.). A 2019 study shows that blocking CB1Rs (cannabinoid receptors that conserve energy) is an effective way to manage metabolic disorders, such as obesity and Type-2 Diabetes.
Pharmaceutical Cannabis Derivatives Help Discover their Receptors and Functions for Autoimmune Illnesses
A recent study conducted by Michigan State University exposed the potential for cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) to target the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Elevated levels of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pCD, a type of cell in the immune system) contribute to chronic inflammation in autoimmune diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis. Researchers found that synthetic CB2 agonists reported comparable benefits to THC, but minimized the cerebral effects as the psychotropic activity is mediated by cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1). This evidence demonstrates the potential benefits of CB2-targeted treatment for inflammatory conditions. Unfortunately, there are serious concerns about the misuse of some synthetic cannabinoids, so there is still a missing bridge, in products and public education, between these research products and potential therapeutic pharmaceuticals, down the road.
Preferences for Medical Marijuana over Prescription Medications Among Persons Living with Chronic Conditions: Alternative, Complementary, and Tapering Uses
In a survey of 30 patients using medical cannabis for a range of illnesses, including Rheumatoid Arthritis, cancer, Hepatitis C, PTSD, and more, patients reported an array of benefits from their cannabis use. Patients successfully used cannabis as an alternative to prescription medication, as a complementary agent with traditional prescription medicines, and to gradually help halt the use of some prescription medications. Benefits described by participants included the effects of cannabis lasting longer than that of opioids, lower risk of addiction, fewer side-effects. Patients also saw their sleep, anxiety, appetite, and adverse reactions improve with the use of medical cannabis. Larger, more controlled studies may suggest cannabis more affirmatively as an alternative or complementary therapy with prescription medications.