CBD

Adolescent Cannabis Use Can Impact Sleep Habits

Exploring Interventions for Sleep Disorders in Adolescent Cannabis Users

The effects of cannabis on sleep are varied and dependent on dosage and the component of cannabis in question. For instance, low doses of cannabidiol (CBD) have an energizing effect, while higher doses can prompt drowsiness. Cannabis use among adolescents results in similar although occasionally more pronounced effects on sleep than among adults. Previous studies have reported a relationship between cannabis use and an individual’s “sleep duration, self-reported sleep problems, and insomnia.” Furthermore, many newcomers to cannabis approach the plant as an aid to sleep, and regular cannabis use may result. This may lead to an increase in tolerance and, upon attempts to quit, a disruption in sleep and REM may rebound. At a time when sleep is crucial to development, considering the wide field of unknowns and potential impact, adolescents should proceed cautiously, and with restraint, when consuming cannabis.

http://bit.ly/2KfJYky

Benjamin Caplan, MDAdolescent Cannabis Use Can Impact Sleep Habits
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Video: Medical Marijuana: What Physicians Need to Know

A video adaptation of “Medical Marijuana: What Physicians Need to Know”

This paper is also stored here:   (http://bit.ly/2KxqoAe)      inside the CED Foundation Archive

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Benjamin Caplan, MDVideo: Medical Marijuana: What Physicians Need to Know
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Sativex Reduces MS-Related Spasticity

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabidiol Oromucosal Spray (Sativex): A Review in Multiple Sclerosis-Related Spasticity

A debilitating symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) is spasticity, the stiffness and involuntary spasms of muscles, often occurring in the legs. In a randomized study involving MS patients who have not experienced relief with any current anti-spasticity medication, Sativex, a THC/CBD oro-mucosal spray was administered. Patients receiving THC/CBD experienced significantly more spasticity relief than the placebo group. Sativex may hold substantial treatment potential for MS patients, as side effects are minimized, the spray allows for an adjustable dosage, and there is low potential for abuse.

While this pharmaceutical is proving to be effective, in related data, we also see a distinct advantage of non-pharmaceutical options, including cost, availability, and efficacy, although drastically higher variability and limited consistency in product.

http://bit.ly/2WwVoqA

Benjamin Caplan, MDSativex Reduces MS-Related Spasticity
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Medical Cannabis: Vaping Over Other Delivery Options

Medical cannabis users prefer vaping for fast, portable, discrete treatment

Previous research shows that medical cannabis users prefer vaporization, or vaping, as a means for drug administration. In a Brown University study, 25 consumers of medical cannabis were surveyed to further investigate this phenomenon. Participants largely preferred vaping over other forms of delivery. Patients cite increased cost efficiency, discrete use, more ease in transporting medication when traveling, and more immediate symptom relief as reasons for this preference. Based on these data, vaping may be a valuable drug delivery option for cannabis users seeking a discrete, portable, effective treatment vehicle. bit.ly/2W378N3

Benjamin Caplan, MDMedical Cannabis: Vaping Over Other Delivery Options
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Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series

Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series

Preliminary findings from a study conducted on PTSD patients open a new door for cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential supplementary treatment option. CBD indirectly activates receptors linked to behavioral responses to aversive memories, a major component of the suffering involved in PTSD. The majority of participants in this review reported a decrease in the prevalence and severity of PTSD symptoms, both in the short-, and long-term. It should be taken into consideration that this study was performed with a small sample size that lacked a placebo or control group; however, this tells a familiar story to what we see in clinic. Further research will likely support cannabinoids as a legitimate treatment option for PTSD. Under the guidance of a knowledgeable Cannabis Medicine provider, PTSD patients may also consider supplementing their current treatment plan with CBD

Read more or download PDF on the CED Foundation Archive: http://bit.ly/2Kf9INN

Benjamin Caplan, MDCannabidiol in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series
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Study finds that a single dose of CBD doesn’t help sleep

Over the years, CBD has shown that it may play a therapeutic role in sleep regulation, adjusting sleep cycles, inducing sedative effects, increasing total sleep time and less frequent awakenings, reducing dream recall, and it has even been shown to REM sleep. Some of these studies have been levied against comparison with placebo medications, and some studies have been done looking very closely at individuals’ physiology as they sleep. Some studies even document a return of sleep disturbances once the CBD is removed from treatment. Doses have been explored ranging from 40, 80, or 160 mg per day, up to 600mg. CBD has been tried both alone and in combination with other cannabinoids.

Here, a study of 26 participants, were tried with CBD once, and then placebo once, after 2 weeks, and they found no significant impact of the CBD on sleep. The authors note that the small window (of personnel studied and of episodes of dosing CBD) is a concerning limitation. Another interpretation of these results is that CBD is not acting as an acute sedative. Its function may be situational (for certain states of mind, CBD may work in a quieting way) or it may be impacting the body at a much more basic level (for example, if it is reducing levels of stress or depression hormones, the effect of improving sleep may have a more gradual impact.

A related point – it is important for us to take note of studies that don’t necessarily have fireworks associated. Not every study will show amazing effects or overwhelming results. This helps us consider what is good or what is missing from the papers we read – and helps create a more realistic research culture. Every study helps teach, even if it’s not showing breathtaking results.

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Find this and more in the CED Foundation Archive

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Benjamin Caplan, MDStudy finds that a single dose of CBD doesn’t help sleep
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Cannabinoids, Terpenoids, and ALSO flavonoids

I wonder if we should be spending as much time on flavonoids as we do on terpenes (including cannabinoids)?

There is little doubt that they play a powerful effect. Just as the minor cannabinoids tend to be overlooked by much of the general & scientific cultures… flavonoids are also largely passed-over.

This study, for example, indicates that some of the components of dark chocolate reduce the body’s production of the stress hormone, cortisol (not surprising to most who have every consumed chocolate, but… did you know that those components are also found all over nature, including inside cannabis?!)

I’ll start adding flavonoids to the list of info to start sharing!

http://bit.ly/2W6C0w8

Benjamin Caplan, MDCannabinoids, Terpenoids, and ALSO flavonoids
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A systematic review of the effect of cannabidiol on cognitive function: Relevance to schizophrenia

CBD Shows Promise for Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and Brain Injury Patients

A meta-analysis of previous studies investigating cannabidiol’s (CBD) potential to improve cognitive function among schizophrenia and brain injury patients offers hope to doctors and patients. In experiments on both human patients and rat models of schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s Disease, hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, hepatic encephalopathy, sepsis, pneumococcal meningitis, and cerebral malaria, the administration of CBD reduced neuroinflammation and resulting deficits in spatial learning and memory, recognition memory, and associative learning. Read more or download PDF on the CED Foundation Archive: http://bit.ly/2W1PpW8

In this same review, further investigating the effect of the non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) on cognitive function suggests CBD counteracts the cognitive deficiencies induced by the psychoactive component of cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Studies performed on humans and rat models demonstrated that CBD can improve episodic and recognition memory, verbal and visual learning and memory, and working memory, all skills which are usually impaired by THC content. For patients looking to reduce the aforementioned undesirable effects of cannabis, strains or products with high CBD and low THC content may be a viable solution.

Benjamin Caplan, MDA systematic review of the effect of cannabidiol on cognitive function: Relevance to schizophrenia
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Why Some People Freak Out on Cannabis, and Others Don’t

Cannabis can be promote increased anxiety in some people. While the details are not fully understood yet, the synergistic functioning of multiple cannabis components, known as the entourage effect, is a reliable way to lessen the paranoia and anxiety that may stem from the consumption of THC. Cannabinoids and terpenes such as CBD, pinene, linalool and more have been shown to help. http://bit.ly/3102p2w

Benjamin Caplan, MDWhy Some People Freak Out on Cannabis, and Others Don’t
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