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Medical Marijuana Confers Benefits Comparable to Prescription Medication, Without the Side Effects

June 10, 2019 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

View this review (yellow link) or download:

Preferences for Medical Marijuana over Prescription Medications Among Persons Living with Chronic Conditions- Alternative, Complementary, and Tapering UsesDownload


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


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Benjamin Caplan, MDMedical Marijuana Confers Benefits Comparable to Prescription Medication, Without the Side Effects
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Some, But Not Enough Data on Cannabis for Chronic Pain

June 10, 2019 , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Overlaps in pharmacology for the treatment of chronic pain and mental health disorders

Select small trials have demonstrated cannabis to be more effective than other analgesics to treat chronic pain associated with certain conditions. However, the existing research lacks large-scale, controlled experiments relating medical cannabis use to pain management. Additionally, negative effects are documented with respect to cannabis use among adolescents and those suffering from compromised mental health. There is a need for further research on the topic.

View this review (yellow link) or download:

Overlaps in pharmacology for the treatment of chronic pain and mental health disordersDownload

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

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Benjamin Caplan, MDSome, But Not Enough Data on Cannabis for Chronic Pain
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Adolescent Cannabis Use Can Impact Sleep Habits

June 7, 2019 , , , , ,

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.

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

June 6, 2019 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Medical_Marijuana_What_Physicians_Need_to_KnowDownload

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

June 5, 2019 , , , , ,

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

June 4, 2019 , , ,

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

June 3, 2019 , ,

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

June 3, 2019 , , ,

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.

Read this paper here:

No Acute Effects of Cannabidiol on the Sleep-Wake Cycle of Healthy Subjects- A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover StudyDownload

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Benjamin Caplan, MDStudy finds that a single dose of CBD doesn’t help sleep
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