All posts tagged: cannabinoids

Video: Cannabis and Multiple Sclerosis

A 2019 literature review summarizes the findings on cannabis use for patients with multiple sclerosis. Cannabis has been shown to aid a number of symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, including chronic pain, spasticity, and problems with sleep. To learn more, check out our video adaptation below:

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Benjamin Caplan, MDVideo: Cannabis and Multiple Sclerosis
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Should donors who have used marijuana be considered candidates for living kidney donation?

Although tobacco use has been linked to worse outcomes for kidney donors and recipients, cannabis seems to have no effect on post-operation outcomes.

 In a retrospective study of 294 kidney transplants, doctors found no short-term or long-term differences in kidney function for donors or recipients. 

In other words, cannabis users may safely donate kidneys.

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Benjamin Caplan, MDShould donors who have used marijuana be considered candidates for living kidney donation?
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Complex Genetics Underlie Cannabinoid Production

Cannabinoid Inheritance Relies on Complex Genetic Architecture

Researchers have recently attempted to discover the genetic basis of cannabinoid production within cannabis plants, finding a complex genetic architecture. This study highlights the lack of knowledge surrounding cannabis cultivation, suggesting current producers record the phenotypic and genetic crosses they breed so that the community can further research the cannabinoids produced. Specifying which genetic profiles match up to the ratio of cannabinoids produced will benefit mass production and medical research.

The introduction of this article focuses heavily on the ratio of ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol to cannabidiol, yet there are therapeutic benefits associated with all of the other cannabinoids as well as flavonoids and terpenes produced by the plant. Multiple chemical components of cannabis strains have yet to be fully explored and preliminary findings warrant the same amount of attention in order to develop various therapies.

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Benjamin Caplan, MDComplex Genetics Underlie Cannabinoid Production
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Cannabis constituent synergy in a mouse neuropathic pain model

In a mice-model study, researchers found that low dose THC:CBD might successfully treat neuropathic pain. 

Neuropathic pain is pain caused by damage to the somatosensory nervous system. Neuropathic pain may be associated with abnormal sensations or pain from normally non-painful stimuli, for example, Phantom Limb Syndrome.

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Benjamin Caplan, MDCannabis constituent synergy in a mouse neuropathic pain model
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THC Has Potential for Treating Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease

In a crossover trial of 39 patients with Alzheimer’s disease, treatment with nabilone (a synthetic THC analog) was associated with significant improvement in agitation and, remarkably, cognition. Further studies should examine the effects of both THC and CBD in patients with Alzheimer’s disease because anxiety is common in dementia and may exacerbate agitation. 

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Benjamin Caplan, MDTHC Has Potential for Treating Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease
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Analyses of Cannabinoid Signaling in the Immune System Highlights Key Questions, Challenges, and Future Directions

Targeting Cannabinoid Signaling in the Immune System: “High”-ly Exciting Questions, Possibilities, and Challenges

A meta-analysis concerning the role of cannabinoid signaling in immune system regulations revealed current therapeutic benefits, challenges for future research, and exciting new directions. Among the current research, cannabinoids have already been found to suppress inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases, especially in multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Type-1 Diabetes, and Crohn’s Disease. Future cannabis-based therapies aim to improve immune responses to organ donation, bone marrow transplants, and skin grafts. The analysis includes challenges facing future cannabis research such as potential side effects and legal status.  

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Benjamin Caplan, MDAnalyses of Cannabinoid Signaling in the Immune System Highlights Key Questions, Challenges, and Future Directions
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Variations in Genes Influences Cannabis’ Acute Effects on Behavior

CNR1 and FAAH variation and affective states induced by marijuana smoking

A recent study has revealed that variations within cannabinoid receptor 1 (CBR1) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) influences cannabis’ acute effects on affect. Variations of CBR1 and FAAH are known to be associated with cannabis dependence. The current study now adds that the variations in genes also affect an individual’s behavior when ingesting cannabis. The results of this study provide useful information for understanding an individual’s motivation for marijuana use, as well as risks and associated behaviors.

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Benjamin Caplan, MDVariations in Genes Influences Cannabis’ Acute Effects on Behavior
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Prospective analysis of safety and efficacy of medical cannabis in a large, unselected population of patients with cancer

In a study of 2,970 cancer patients, researchers determined that cannabis as a palliative treatment seems to be well tolerated, effective and a safe option to help patients cope with cancer-related symptoms.

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Benjamin Caplan, MDProspective analysis of safety and efficacy of medical cannabis in a large, unselected population of patients with cancer
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Recently Identified Mechanism of Chronic Stress-Induced Pain

Chronic Stress Is Associated with Pain Precipitation and Elevation in DeltaFosb Expression

Researchers have identified Delta-FosB, an osteosarcoma viral oncogene, as a useful molecular marker of sustained pain. The expression of Delta-FosB is significantly elevated by stress-induced pain, exposing its role in the adaptability of nerves. This study supports theories that Delta-FosB plays an important role in drug addiction, depression, and stress adaptation. The interaction between stress, depression, and pain is something that is not yet well-understood. But, as we learn more about cannabis-based medicine, many of the age-old questions about pain have become much clearer.

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Benjamin Caplan, MDRecently Identified Mechanism of Chronic Stress-Induced Pain
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Pregnant women are using more cannabis over time

Statistics show that in the past 15 years, the number of pregnant women using marijuana, especially in their first trimester, has risen greatly. These numbers may be slightly skewed, but they show the importance of more research being done on the effect of cannabis on pregnant women. https://cnn.it/2WWQV1e

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Benjamin Caplan, MDPregnant women are using more cannabis over time
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