Since the 1960s, the major milestones our country has achieved are incredible.
We elected an African-American president, women's issues have made tremendous
progress, and gays and lesbians can marry.
As the tsunami of hard empirical positive medical cannabis research builds, it
meets the inevitable changing younger demographics of our country, and with
the need for new cannabis- based jobs and new tax revenue.
I would like to highlight several 2011 research papers that discuss the most
current findings regarding medical cannabis treatment and disease prevention.
• Cancer and colon cancer prevention,
• Inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, Crohn's
disease
• Vomiting from chemotherapy
• Osteoporosis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Heart disease /Heart attack
The concept of the endocannabinoid system was outlined a mere 14 years ago,
and looks how far we have come!
Whatever
anandamide
does in the body, phytocannabinoids mimic. My prediction is that
phytocannabinoids will ultimately be found to be an vital to human health.
Phytocannabinoids mimic the same actions of Anandamide in the brain and
body, which maintain homeostasis, maintaining wellness and disease
prevention!
 |
| Graphic:
TRENDS
In Pharmacological Sciences |
| Pharmacological
actions of non-psychotropic cannabinoids (with the indication of the
proposed mechanisms of action). Abbreviations: D 9 -THC, D 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol;
D 8 -THC, D 8 -tetrahydrocannabinol; CBN, cannabinol; CBD, cannabidiol;
D 9 -THCV, D 9 -tetrahydrocannabivarin; CBC, cannabichromene; CBG,
cannabigerol; D 9 -THCA, D 9 -tetrahydrocannabinolic acid; CBDA,
cannabidiolic acid; TRPV1, transient receptor potential vanilloid type
1; PPARg, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor g; ROS, reactive
oxygen species; 5-HT1A, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor subtype 1A; FAAH,
fatty acid amide hydrolase. (+), direct or indirect activation;
", increase; #, decrease. |
It's All About
THC
THC is unique, in that it is only found in one plant on earth.
The female cannabis plant is a THC-resin factory. THC, which makes up
the plant's resin, has the important job of collecting pollen from the male
plant for fertilization. No THC-laced resin, no seed production.
Additionally, this resin tastes very bad to herbivores, which leave it
alone, and it also offers superior UV protection to the plant at high
altitudes.
A cannabis sativa flower coated with trichomes, which contain more THC than
any other part of the plant
The cannabis plant has only two functions: to make THC and seeds.
All other THC-like substances in the plant are THC intermediate metabolites
being assembled by the plant on their way to becoming THC.
Once the plant is cut down and dies, the THC degrades into cannabindiol.
Cannabinol (CBN) is the primary product of THC degradation, and there is
usually little of it in a fresh plant. CBN content increases as THC degrades
in storage, and with exposure to light and air, and it is only mildly
psychoactive.
Why would just this one plant, and the phytocannabinoids it produces control
not one, but two dedicated molecular receptors for phytocannabinoids, with
more predicted to still be discovered?
Did evolution intend for them to be naturally consumed for proper body
function? As any other plant-derived antioxidant?
How THC talks
to the brain and immune system
All healing, cancer fighting and aging in your body is controlled by
the immune system.
Phytocannabinoids
appear to control the activity level of the immune system up or down, so
that it doesn't attack its host or respond too weakly to cellular
dysfunction. Whenever you hear the term "anti-inflammatory
activity," think "cannabis immune system control."
CB1 cannabigenic receptors are the majority of receptor type in the synaptic
clef. THC-activated CB1 brain receptors directly link up and control the
microglial cells in the brain; the microglia is the specialized white blood
cells that make up the brain's dedicated immune system.
Cannabidiol
is degraded THC. It activates CB2 receptors mostly in the body. In both
cases, THC controls both immune systems (brain and body), in one form or
another. It seems that CB1 brain receptors link up to CB2 body receptors,
which in turn control many autoimmune diseases.
Mind = neurotransmitter = immune system communication system, or in this
case
"
Cannabinergic
Psychoneuroimmunology" -- cannabinoid-induced immune system healing.
Cannabis consciousness repairs your immune system: never underestimate the
power of a bong hit!
#1: "The Endocannabinoid System and Cancer: Therapeutic
Implication"
Findings: Delta 9 THC as a treatment for breast, prostate, brain and
bone cancer
"This review updates the relationship between the endocannabinoid
system and anti-tumor actions (inhibition of cell proliferation and
migration, induction of apoptosis, reduction of tumor growth) of the
cannabinoids in different types of cancer."
"The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for cancer, as identified in
clinical trials, is also discussed. Identification of safe and effective
treatments to manage and improve cancer therapy is critical to improve
quality of life and reduce unnecessary suffering in cancer patients."
"In this regard, cannabis-like, compounds offer therapeutic potential
for the treatment of breast, prostate and bone cancer in patients. Further
basic research on anti-cancer properties of cannabinoids as well as clinical
trials of cannabinoid therapeutic efficacy in breast, prostate and bone
cancer is therefore warranted."
"The available literature suggests that the endocannabinoid system may
be targeted to suppress the evolution and progression of breast, prostate
and bone cancer as well as the accompanying pain syndromes. Although this
review focuses on these three types of cancer, activation of the
endocannabinoid signaling system produces anti-cancer effects in other types
of cancer including skin, brain gliomas and lung."
"Interestingly, cannabis trials in population based studies failed to
show any evidence for increased risk of respiratory symptoms/chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease or lung cancer (Tashkin, 2005) associated with
smoking cannabis."
"Moreover, synthetic cannabinoids (Delta 9 THC) and the endocannabinoid
system play a role in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis,
reducing tumor growth and metastases and inducing apoptosis ( self
destruction for cancer cells) in all three types of cancers reviewed here.
"These observations raise the possibility that a dysregulation of the
endocannabinoid system may promote cancer, by fostering physiological
conditions that allow cancer cells to proliferate, migrate and grow."
IMPORTANT: This is a very intriguing observation. What is being implied here
is that some people may be suffering from an anandamide deficiency! Just as
a diabetic is insulin deficiencient and must supplement their body with
insulin, in this case THC is the vital medicine needed to replace low levels
of anandamide.
These observations also raise the exciting possibility that enhancing
cannabinoid tone (code for THC locking into the CB1 receptor) through
cannabinoid based pharmacotherapies may attenuate these harmful processes to
produce anti-cancer effects in humans.
Bottom line: Smoking marijuana prevents cancer body-wide.
#2: "Update on the Endocannabinoid System as an Anticancer
Target"
Findings: antitumor effects, cancer prevention
"Recent studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) could
offer an attractive antitumor target. Numerous findings suggest the
involvement of this system (constituted mainly by cannabinoid receptors,
endogenous compounds and the enzymes for their synthesis and degradation) in
cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo."
"This review covers literature from the past decade which highlights
the potential of targeting the ECS for cancer treatment. In particular, the
levels of endocannabinoids and the expression of their receptors in several
types of cancer are discussed, along with the signaling pathways involved in
the endocannabinoid antitumor effects."
"Furthermore, targeting the ECS with agents that activate cannabinoid
receptors (This means THC) or inhibitors of endogenous degrading systems
such as fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors may have relevant therapeutic
impact on tumor growth. Additional studies into the downstream consequences
of endocannabinoid treatment are required and may illuminate other potential
therapeutic targets."
#3: "Cannabinoids and the gut: new developments and emerging
concepts"
Findings: THC and inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS), colitis, colon cancer, vomiting/chemotherapy
"Disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract have been treated with
herbal and plant-based remedies for centuries. Prominent amongst these
therapeutics are preparations derived from the marijuana plant Cannabis.
Cannabis has been used to treat a variety of GI conditions that range from
enteric infections and inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD) to disorders of motility, emesis and abdominal pain."
"Cannabis has been used to treat gastrointestinal (GI) conditions that
range from enteric infections and inflammatory conditions to disorders of
motility, emesis and abdominal pain."
"The mechanistic basis of these treatments emerged after the discovery
of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol as the major constituent of Cannabis.
Further progress was made when the receptors for
Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol were identified as part of an endocannabinoid
system, that consists of specific cannabinoid receptors."
 |
| Sites of action of cannabinoids in the enteric
nervous system. CB2 receptors indicated with the marijuana leaf. |
"Anatomical, physiological and pharmacological studies have
shown that the endocannabinoid system is widely distributed throughout the
gut, with regional variation and organ-specific actions." (CB2
receptors are embedded within the lining of the intestines in large
numbers.)
"They are involved in the regulation of food intake, nausea and emesis,
gastric secretion and gastro protection, GI motility, ion transport,
visceral sensation, intestinal inflammation and cell proliferation in the
gut."
"As we have shown, the endocannabinoid system is widely distributed
throughout the gut, with regional variation and specific regional or
organ-specific actions."
"CB2 receptors are involved in the regulation of food intake, nausea
and emesis, gastric secretion and gastro protection, GI motility, ion
transport, visceral sensation, intestinal inflammation and cell
proliferation (cancer)"
 |
| How THC/cannabidiol activates the CB1/2 receptors to
shut down colon cancer by signaling cancer cells to self-destruct |
"Preclinical models have shown that modifying the
endocannabinoid system can have beneficial effects.... Pharmacological
agents that act on these targets have been shown in preclinical models to
have therapeutic potential." [THC is the Pharmacological agent
mentioned.]
Colorectal Cancer Prevention Model
Cannabiols via CB1 and possibly CB2 receptor activation, have been shown to
exert apoptotic actions in several colorectal cancer cell lines.
See the illustration at left for how THC/cannabidiol activates the CB1/2
receptors to shut down colon cancer by signaling cancer cells to
self-destruct.
#4: "Gut feelings about the endocannabinoid system"
 |
| Graphic: CMR
Journal |
| Schematic illustration of the functional roles of
the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the gastrointestinal tract. The
ECS regulates four major functional elements in the gut: motility,
secretion, inflammation, and sensation in health and disease. Major
components of the ECS that have been defined in each of these
functional roles are shown: CB1 and CB2 receptors, anandamide (AEA),
fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and the endocannabinoid membrane
transporter (EMT). For motility, the CB2 receptors only appear to be
active under pathophysiological conditions and are shown italicized. |
Findings: Stemming from the centuries-old and well known effects of
Cannabis on intestinal motility and secretion, research on the role of the
endocannabinoid system in gut function and dysfunction has received ever
increasing attention since the discovery of the cannabinoid receptors and
their endogenous ligands, the endocannabinoids.
In this article, some of the most recent developments in this field are
discussed, with particular emphasis on new data, most of which are published
in Neurogastroenterology & Motility, on the potential tonic
endocannabinoid control of intestinal motility, the function of cannabinoid
type-1 (CB1) receptors in gastric function, visceral pain, inflammation and
sepsis, the emerging role of cannabinoid type-2 (CB2) receptors in the gut,
and the pharmacology of endocannabinoid-related molecules and plant
cannabinoids not necessarily acting via cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors.
These novel data highlight the multi-faceted aspects of endocannabinoid
function in the GI tract, support the feasibility of the future therapeutic
exploitation of this signaling system for the treatment of GI disorders, and
leave space for some intriguing new hypotheses on the role of
endocannabinoids in the gut.
#5: "Cannabinoids and the skeleton: from marijuana to reversal of
bone loss"
Findings: CB2 receptors maintain bone remodeling balance, thus
protecting the skeleton against age-related bone loss.
The active component of marijuana, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, activates
the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, thus mimicking the action of
endogenous cannabinoids.
CB1 is predominantly neuronal and mediates the cannabinoid psychotropic
effects. CB2 is predominantly expressed in peripheral tissues, mainly in
pathological conditions. So far the main endocannabinoids, anandamide and
2-arachidonoylglycerol, have been found in bone at 'brain' levels.
The CB1 receptor is present mainly in skeletal sympathetic nerve terminals,
thus regulating the adrenergic tonic restrain of bone formation. CB2 is
expressed in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, stimulates bone formation, and
inhibits bone resorption.
Because low bone mass is the only spontaneous phenotype so far reported in
CB2 mutant mice, it appears that the main physiologic involvement of CB2 is
associated with maintaining bone remodeling at balance, thus protecting the
skeleton against age-related bone loss.
Indeed, in humans, polymorphisms in CNR2, the gene encoding CB2, are
strongly associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Preclinical studies
have shown that a synthetic CB2-specific agonist rescues ovariectomy-induced
bone loss.
Taken together, the reports on cannabinoid receptors in mice and humans pave
the way for the development of 1) diagnostic measures to identify
osteoporosis-susceptible polymorphisms in CNR2, and 2) cannabinoid drugs to
combat osteoporosis.
Findings: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents the leading
cause of death in young individuals.
FINDING: THC activation of the CB1 receptor is the same as the action of
anaidemide on CB1 This article discusses how anandamide increases in the
brain after injury, so THC may have the potential to become a front line
emergency medicine in the future.
"There is a large body of evidence showing that eCB are markedly
increased in response to pathogenic traumatic head injury events."
"This fact, as well as numerous studies on experimental models of brain
toxicity, neuroinflammation and trauma supports the notion that the eCB are
part of the brain's compensatory or repair mechanisms."
These are mediated via CB receptors signalling pathways that are linked to
neuronal survival and repair. The levels of 2-AG, the most highly abundant
eCB, are significantly elevated after TBI and when administered to TBI mice,
2-AG decreases brain edema, inflammation and infarct volume and improves
clinical recovery.( So would THC.)
This review is focused on the role the eCB system plays as a self-neuroprotective
mechanism and its potential as a basis for the development of novel
therapeutic modality for the treatment of CNS pathologies with special
emphasis on TBI.
#7: "Acute administration of cannabidiol in vivo suppresses
ischaemia-induced cardiac arrhythmias and reduces infarct size when given at
reperfusion"
 |
| Graphic: Cannabis
N.I. |
| Not only is CBD cardioprotective -- it is also an
anti-epileptic, sedative, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, antioxidant,
neuroprotectant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-emetic, and
anti-tumorant. |
Findings: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid, with
anti-apoptotic, (the process of programmed cell death) anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant effects and has recently been shown to exert a tissue sparing
effect during chronic myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R).
However, it is not known whether CBD is cardioprotective in the acute phase
of I/R injury and the present studies tested this hypothesis.
EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Male Sprague-Dawley rats received either vehicle or
CBD (10 or 50 microg kg(-1) i.v.) 10 min before 30 min coronary artery
occlusion or CBD (50 microg kg(-1) i.v.) 10 min before reperfusion (2 h).
The appearance of ventricular arrhythmias during the ischaemic and immediate
post-reperfusion periods were recorded and the hearts excised for infarct
size determination and assessment of mast cell degranulation. Arterial blood
was withdrawn at the end of the reperfusion period to assess platelet
aggregation in response to collagen.
KEY RESULTS: "CBD reduced both the total number of ischaemia-induced
arrhythmias and infarct size when administered prior to ischaemia, an effect
that was dose-dependent. Infarct size was also reduced when CBD was given
prior to reperfusion. CBD (50 microg kg(-1) i.v.) given prior to ischaemia,
but not at reperfusion, attenuated collagen-induced platelet aggregation
compared with control, but had no effect on ischaemia-induced mast cell
degranulation."
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: "This study demonstrates that CBD is
cardioprotective in the acute phase of I/R by both reducing ventricular
arrhythmias and attenuating infarct size. The anti-arrhythmic effect, but
not the tissue sparing effect, may be mediated through an inhibitory effect
on platelet activation."
Remember to exercise your ganja rights! Every day is a Ganja day!
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