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David Knowles

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Jul 27, 2010, 1:07:13 PM7/27/10
to Medical Marijuana US Virgin Islands
mokeless Delivery Method Reduces Respiratory Complaints
Research on using "vaporizers" for the smokeless delivery of cannabis
found that individuals with respiratory problems related to smoking
showed "meaningful improvements in respiratory function." Vaporizers
heat plant material to release cannabinoids in a mist, eliminating
smoke and other respiratory irritants.
Int J Drug Policy. 2010 May 5.
Cannabinoids Help Grow New Brain Cells
Previous studies have established the neurogenerative properties of
cannabinoids in adult brain cells, but new research indicates the
effect comes from a non-psychoactive cannabinoid attaching to CB1
receptors. A team of scientists from Germany, Switzerland and Mexico
found that cannabidiol (CBD), the second most prevalent cannabinoid in
cannabis, increases the formation of new nerve cells in the brains of
adult mice without impairing learning, while THC, the primary
psychoactive component, has no effect on neurogenesis.
Wolf SA, et al. Cell Commun Signal 2010;8(1):12.)
Cannabinoids Fight Brain Cancer
Scientists at the University of Washington report that cannabinoids
may have a role in controlling the development of aggressive brain
cancers. They found that cannabinoid and cannabinoid-like receptors in
brain cells "regulate these cells' differentiation, functions and
viability." This suggests cannabinoids and other drugs that target
cannabinoid receptors can "manage neuroinflammation and eradicate
malignant astrocytomas." Individuals with grade 4 astrocytoma have a
median survival time of from 17 to 37 weeks, depending on how
aggressively they are treated.
Glia. 2010 Jul;58(9):1017-30.
Cannabinoids Can Aid Mental Health
Brazilian researchers report that their review of studies on the role
of cannabinoids in mental health found that cannabidiol (CBD) has
"antipsychotic, anxiolytic [anti-anxiety], and antidepressant
properties, in addition to being effective in other conditions." THC
and its analogues were also shown to have anti-anxiety effects and to
have potential in treating schizophrenia.
Rev Bras Psiquiatr. 2010 May;32 Suppl 1:S56-66.

A separate review in the same journal examines the endocannabinoid
system and its pharmacology, concluding that cannabinoids and
cannabinoid receptors "modulate a variety of brain functions,
including anxiety, fear and mood." Preclinical studies show that
activating CB1 receptors has antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
The researchers conclude that drugs that target the endocannabinoid
system offer treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.
Rev Bras Psiquiatr. 2010 May;32 Suppl 1:S7-14.

Researchers at the University of Mississippi tested the anti-
depressant effects of a variety of cannabinoids on mice, finding that
Delta-9 THC, CBC, and CBD have "significant antidepressant-like
effects" but that CBG, CBN and Delta-8 THC do not.
Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2010 Jun;95(4):434-42.
Cannabinoids May Help Transplants
The well-established immune-modulating effects of cannabis may have a
therapeutic application in transplant surgery. Researchers at the
University of South Carolina have concluded that cannabinoids may help
prevent transplant rejection. The scientists suggest that the
cannabinoid receptors known as CB2, which are prevalent in the gut and
immune cells, "may offer a new avenue to selectively target immune
cells involved in allograft rejection."
Nagarkatti M, et al. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2010 Jun 28.
Cannabinoid Shows Anti-Inflammation Properties
The ability of cannabis and cannabinoids to control inflammation has
been demonstrated in many studies, but a new report from the
University of Aberdeen has shown that the plant cannabinoid THCV
(delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin) attaches to CB2 receptors and is
effective in reducing inflammation and pain in mice.
Bolognini D, et al. Br J Pharmacol 2010;160(3):677-87.
Cannabis Helps GI Disorders
Much research has shown how and why cannabis is effective in treating
gastro-intestinal disorders. New university research out of England
demonstrates that both primary plant cannabinoids, THC and CBD, are
each beneficial in a rat model of colitis, reducing inflammation and
functional disturbances. THC was most helpful but was more effective
when combined with CBD.
Jamontt JM, et al. Br J Pharmacol 2010;160(3):712-23.

Italian scientists have published an overview of the role of
endocannabinoids in the gut in health and disease. Noting that
"cannabis has been used to treat gastrointestinal conditions that
range from enteric infections and inflammatory conditions to disorders
of motility, emesis and abdominal pain," the researchers consider "the
pharmacological actions of cannabinoids in relation to GI disorders."
Pharmacol Ther. 2010 Apr;126(1):21-38. Epub 2010 Feb 1.
Cannabis Helps MS Incontinence
MS patients frequently report cannabis helps with bladder control and
researchers in Michigan have just published a review of studies on
cannabinoid receptors in the bladder. They suggest that in addition to
non-psychoactive cannabinoids, psychotropic effects can be mitigated
by delivering cannabinoids directly into the bladder.
Indian J Urol. 2010 Jan;26(1):26-35.
Cannabis Spray OKed for UK Pharmacies
After years of successful clinical trials, an oral spray made from
cannabis has been approved for distribution to patients with Multiple
Sclerosis in the UK. The controlled-dose sublingual spray,
manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals and called Sativex, has been shown
to be effective for treating both neuropathic pain and the spasticity
associated with MS. Clinical trials on treating cancer pain have also
shown good results, but the drug has not yet won approval for that use
in the UK. It has been available in Canada by prescription since 2005
and was approved for clinical pain trials in the US three years ago.
More than a third of MS sufferers report using cannabis to control
their symptoms.
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