What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? And How Cannabis Can Help
Ulcerative colitis comes on slowly and results from inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. Crohn’s disease results from inflammation of various areas of the GI tract and leads to intense pain and diarrhea, which may subsequently lead to malnutrition.
Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) are found in the nervous system, including the enteric nervous system (which assists in controlling gut function), and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been found essential to maintaining proper gut motility, sensation, and inflammation.
While few high-quality studies have been conducted on the impact of medical cannabis on patients with IBD, evidence is mounting that it may be a safe and effective treatment option for some patients.
Finding optimal treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease is imperative, as these conditions can be intensely painful, and often cause abdominal discomfort, appetite loss, nausea/vomiting, and other related symptoms. They are therefore likely to cause a decreased quality of life for patients.
Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease requires prevention of flare-ups, healing of the gastrointestinal tract where damage has occurred, and treatment of symptoms. Patients are reporting relief as a result of cannabis treatment.
Crohn’s Disease, Collagenous Colitis, & Lymphocytic Colitis
A 2011 study found that 51% of ulcerative colitis patients and 48% of Crohn’s disease patients are lifetime cannabis users, with 33% of the UC lifetime users and 50% of the Crohn’s disease users having utilized medical marijuana for the treatment of symptoms.
Stimulation of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central nervous system may also help to treat symptoms of IBD by reducing pain and nausea.
Results of an uncontrolled survey study published in Digestion found that three months of medical cannabis treatment for patients resulted in reports of weight gain and BMI – this is positive for patients with IBD, whose bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can result in malnutrition and weight loss. They also reported improved general health perception, social functioning, ability to work, physical pain, and depression, and a reduced disease activity index (signaling improvement in the condition).
Medical Marijuana And Inflammatory Bowel Disease
In a 2011 retrospective observational study of patients with Crohn’s disease, Naftali et al. found that after beginning medical cannabis use, 21 of the 30 participants had symptoms which had significantly improved and other medications were needed less after. Additionally, 15 of the 30 patients who had needed a total of 19 surgeries between them in a span of approximately 9 years before trying medical cannabis, needed only 2 total surgeries between them in a span of approximately 3 years with medical marijuana.
The purpose of the study was to see whether or not patients using medical cannabis were able to improve symptoms of their disease (i.e. put the condition into remission).Subsequently, Naftali and another research team conducted a controlled, prospectivestudy with patients suffering from Crohn’s disease.
21 patients with Crohn’s disease were divided into two groups: an active treatment (i.e. medical cannabis) and control (placebo) group. Although more patients in the active treatment group than in the placebo group achieved complete remission, the result was not statistically significant, meaning that it’s possible that the difference may have occurred by chance.
However, there were significant results showing that patients in the active treatment group were more likely than patients in the placebo group to decrease their CDAI (Crohn’s Disease Activity Index) score, signaling improvement in their condition. Patients in the medical cannabis group claimed to have improved sleep and appetite without significant harmful side effects. Additionally, 3 of the 11 patients in the active treatment group were able to reduce or eliminate use of their steroid medications.
Cannabis And Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Mechanism Of Action
How exactly does medical cannabis have this effect on the symptoms of IBD? The full story is not yet known, but a recent article in Pharmacologyexplains the basic mechanisms.
As mentioned, cannabinoid receptors are found in the nervous system, including the central, peripheral, and enteric components. Both CB1 and CB2 receptors are found in the cells lining the inner space of the colon (epithelium), with CB1 receptor activation tasked with preventing overstimulation of the intestinal movement and secretion which can be caused by excessive inflammation. It can therefore reduce the likelihood of diarrhea.
When CB2 receptors are activated, the amount of programmed cell death (apoptosis) increases for T-cells and the number of T-cells decreases. Additionally, fewer white blood cells, including T-cells, neutrophils, and macrophages, are called to the site of damage or potential damage. Therefore, damaging inflammation is reduced.
When the epithelial lining of the GI tract becomes leaky (commonly known as “leaky gut“), it allows substances from the interior GI space, including bacteria, to travel into the surrounding tissues and find their way to other areas of the body, where they don’t belong. This can lead to overload of liver detoxification mechanisms and immune system issues, which can compromise normal and healthy body functions.
Additionally, inflammation caused by “leaky gut” stimulates further inflammation of and damage to the epithelial lining of the GI tract, creating a dysfunctional cycle. Therefore, increased leakiness of the epithelial lining can cause an increase in IBD symptoms, as well as damage to other body systems.
There is evidence that THC may be helpful in reducing permeability of the epithelial lining, thus helping to reduce damage and decrease inflammation.
While Naftali et al. used placebo cannabis with only the THC removed, cannabinoids other than THC, some of which work on non-cannabinoid receptors, also may prove beneficial in treatment of IBD symptoms. This may be a reason why the researchers were unable to achieve statistically significant remission between the active and placebo groups.
Cannabis May Help Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
It is clear that the endocannabinoid system functions in maintaining gastrointestinal health and comfort. Understanding how the various cannabinoids work to stimulate receptors may prove effective in treating the symptoms of irritable bowel disease (IBD) both short-term and long-term.
Much more research is needed in this area in order to fully understand these processes. However, given the safety profile of medical cannabis and the basic knowledge we have on the endocannabinoid system’s effect on gastrointestinal function, patients who are not experiencing relief from standard treatments should speak with their healthcare providers about the possibility of adding medical cannabis to their treatment regimen.
http://www.medicaljane.com/2014/06/28/medical-marijuana-and-inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd/
Arielle GerardJune 28, 2014
Study Shows Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) May Help Relieve Depression Symptoms
THC Decreases Brain Activity In The Face Of Negative Stimuli
A team of researchers from The Netherlands published this study in the journal European Neuropsychology this month; it focused on the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on humans while processing emotional content.
In order to assess the processing, the researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology to gauge the eleven volunteer subjects’ brain activity. Subjects were shown a number of faces expressing different emotions and asked whether the person was happy or fearful. This task was used to gauge whether THC would effect how the subjects perceived the emotions of others. What they found was interesting to say the least.
In comparison to the placebo group, those who were given THC were less accurate at identifying negative emotions and showed no loss in accuracy with respect to the faces with positive emotions. The fMRI shed some light on why this was the case; THC decreased brain activity in response to the negative stimuli, but not for positive stimuli.
The ‘Negative Bias’ and Treating Depression
According to the study, “These results indicate that THC administration reduces the negative bias in emotional processing.” I would love to agree with them, but unfortunately I can’t until much more research is conducted. Eleven test subjects is far from the number required to constitute a legitimate study. Notwithstanding, I think the Dutch researchers could be on to something and I would love to see the study conducted with a larger study size.
The “negative bias” refers to the phenomenon where one gives more weight to negative experiences than positive experiences. For instance, it’s very common for people to be afraid of all dogs after being attacked by one. This fear remains embedded in their subconscious despite the hundreds of positive experiences they’ve had with dogs. This tells us that negative emotions may be stronger and have more of an impact on someones long-term psyche than positive emotions.
When the negative bias is applied to one’s everyday interactions, it has been tied to depression. Depressed patients often have this negative bias and it causes them to perceive more neutral stimuli in a negative way than others. If THC is shown to have an effect on the negative bias, it could prove useful in the treatment of depression.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 14.8 million adult Americans experience clinical depression in any given year — or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population over 18.
http://www.medicaljane.com/2013/08/28/study-tetrahydrocannabinol-thc-may-help-relieve-depression/
Drake DormAugust 28, 2013
According to the study, “These results indicate that THC administration reduces the negative bias in emotional processing.” I would love to agree with them, but unfortunately I can’t until much more research is conducted. Eleven test subjects is far from the number required to constitute a legitimate study. Notwithstanding, I think the Dutch researchers could be on to something and I would love to see the study conducted with a larger study size.
The “negative bias” refers to the phenomenon where one gives more weight to negative experiences than positive experiences. For instance, it’s very common for people to be afraid of all dogs after being attacked by one. This fear remains embedded in their subconscious despite the hundreds of positive experiences they’ve had with dogs. This tells us that negative emotions may be stronger and have more of an impact on someones long-term psyche than positive emotions.
When the negative bias is applied to one’s everyday interactions, it has been tied to depression. Depressed patients often have this negative bias and it causes them to perceive more neutral stimuli in a negative way than others. If THC is shown to have an effect on the negative bias, it could prove useful in the treatment of depression.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 14.8 million adult Americans experience clinical depression in any given year — or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population over 18.
http://www.medicaljane.com/2013/08/28/study-tetrahydrocannabinol-thc-may-help-relieve-depression/
Drake DormAugust 28, 2013
Rick Simpson’s Hemp Oil Medicine: Natural Treatment For Cancer Using Concentrated Cannabis Oil
Today, we are not going to discuss anything to do with the corruption preventing cannabis from being legalized. We are not going to speak about dispensary owners being thrown in jail for providing medicine to sick patients. No bad news today. Instead, today we want to share the story of an incredible human being named Rick Simpson, who has dedicated his life to helping suffering patients (with all types of diseases and disabilities) with the use of natural hemp oil.
Rick Simpson’s Hemp Oil Effective In Treating Cancer
Rick Simpson is a medical marijuana activist who has been providing people with information about the healing powers of Hemp Oil medications for nearly a decade now. Rick cured himself of a metastatic skin cancer back in 2003, and has since then devoted his life to spreading the truth of hemp oil. He has met an absurd amount of opposition and lack of support from Canadian authorities, as well as pharmaceutical companies, government agencies for health, and UN offices. Despite that fact, Rick Simpson has successfully treated over 5,000 patients (free of charge), and believes that all forms of disease and conditions are treatable. He states that it is common to have all types of cancer and diseases cured with the use of high quality hemp oil as a treatment.
Rick has treated patients will all types of conditions including, but not limited to, cancer, AIDS, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, leukemia, Crohn’s disease, depression, osteoporosis, psoriasis, insomnia, glaucoma, asthma, burns, migraines, regulation of body weight, chronic pain, and mutated cells (polyps, warts, tumors).
“Run From The Cure” Official Video Documentary
This documentary “Run From The Cure” was made by Christian Laurette in 2008 and shares Rick Simpson’s story. The movie features interviews with people who were cured by Rick’s oil, but were refused from testifying on Rick’s behalf in the Supreme Court of Canada in his 2007 trial. This video documentary does a great job explaining the medicinal benefits of hash oil.
However, as with any ‘drug’, too much hemp oil may cause some side effects; the most notable three are hungry, happy, and sleepy. This is an extremely safe medication compared to the hundreds of drugs that are approved with little to no study, and provided to patients that experience horrible side effects including death. Nobody has ever died from cannabis in any form.Rick Simpson believes that the oral ingestion of hemp oil seeks out, and destroys cancer cells in the body. When used as a topical, hemp oil can control or even cure various skin conditions such as melanomas.
Rick Simpson’s Hash Oil Recipe
- FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY -
IMPORTANT: These instructions are directly summarized from Rick Simpson’s website. Be VERY careful when boiling solvent off, the flames are extremely flammable. AVOID smoking, sparks, stove-tops, and red hot heating elements. Set up a fan to blow fumes away from the pot, and set up in a well-ventilated area for whole process.
Place the completely dry material in a plastic bucket.
Dampen the material with the solvent you are using. Many solvents can be used. You can use pure naphtha, ether, butane, 99% isopropyl alcohol, or even water. Two gallons of solvent is required to extract the THC from one pound, and 500 ml is enough for an ounce.
Crush the plant material using a stick of clean, untreated wood or any other similar device. Although the material will be damp, it will still be relatively easy to crush up because it is so dry.
Continue to crush the material with the stick, while adding solvent until the plant material is completely covered and soaked. Remain stirring the mixture for about three minutes. As you do this, the THC is dissolved off the material into the solvent.
Pour the solvent oil mixture off the plant material into another bucket. At this point you have stripped the material of about 80% of its THC.
Second wash: again add solvent to the mixture and work for another three minutes to extract the remaining THC.
Pour this solvent oil mix into the bucket containing the first mix that was previously poured out.
Discard the twice washed plant material.
Pour the solvent oil mixture through a coffee filter into a clean container.
Boil the solvent off: a rice cooker will boil the solvent off nicely, and will hold over a half gallon of solvent mixture. CAUTION: avoid stove-tops, red hot elements, sparks, cigarettes, and open flames as the fumes are extremely flammable.
Add solvent to rice cooker until it is about ¾ full and turn on HIGH heat. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area and set up a fan to carry the solvent fumes away. Continue to add mixture to cooker as solvent evaporates until you have added it all to the cooker.
As the level in the rice cooker decreases for the last time, add a few drops of water (about 10 drops of water for a pound of dry material). This will help to release the solvent residue, and protect the oil from too much heat.
When there is about one inch of solvent-water mixture in the rice cooker, put on your oven mitts and pick the unit up and swirl the contents until the solvent has finished boiling off.
When the solvent has been boiled off, turn the cooker to LOW heat. At no point should the oil ever reach over 290˚ F or 140˚ C.
Keep your oven mitts on and remove the pot containing the oil from the rice cooker. Gently pour the oil into a stainless steel container
Place the stainless steel container in a dehydrator, or put it on a gentle heating device such as a coffee warmer. It may take a few hours but the water and volatile terpenes will be evaporated from the oil. When there is no longer any surface activity on the oil, it is ready for use.
Suck the oil up in a plastic syringe, or in any other container you see fit. A syringe will make the oil easy to dispense. When the oil cools completely it will have the consistency of thick grease.
At The Dawn Of A New Age In Medicine
Rick Simpson states that hemp oil rejuvenates vital organs, and that it is not uncommon for people to report the oil making them feel 20 to 30 years younger a short while after beginning treatment. In a message from Rickon his website, he proclaims, “Once the public becomes aware of the fact that properly made hemp medicine can cure or control practically any medical condition, who is going to stand up against the use of hemp?”
“We are at the dawn of a new age in medicine and a new day for mankind. Not only can hemp save the world, it can eliminate a great deal of human suffering and can even put an end to starvation. What are we waiting for?” – Rick Simpson
http://www.medicaljane.com/2013/01/26/rick-simpsons-hemp-oil-medicine-natural-cure-for-cancer-using-concentrated-cannabis-oil/
Zach ReichardJanuary 26, 2013
Cannabinol (CBN): The Cannabinoid That Makes You Sleepy
What Is Cannabinol (CBN)?
When we look at the construction of cannabis, we find that it has over 80 cannabinoids. Until recently, tetrahydrocannbinol (THC) was the only cannabinoid anyone seemed to care about. Thankfully recent research, particularly about cannabidiol (CBD), has brought about an intense interest in all the cannabinoids.
As is the case in many of the known cannabinoids, cannabinol (CBN) stems fromcannabigerolic acid (CBGA) in cannabis. The plant naturally produces enzymes (aka synthases) that convert the CBGA to one of 3 major cannabinoids:cannabichromene carboxylic acid (CBCA), cannabidiol carboxylic acid (CBDA), and tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (THCA).
When the plant develops THCA, it usually will be converted to THC as a result of heat or UV light. That being said, THCA can be converted to CBNA over time as well. Prolonged exposure to air causes the THCA to lose hydrogen molecules and oxidize; now we have CBNA. Just like the rest of the acidic cannabinoids, CBNA will convert to cannabinol (CBN) when exposed to heat or UV light.
What Are The Benefits Of Cannabinol (CBN)?
Cannabis is widely used as a sleep-aid for those who suffer from insomnia and cannabinol is the reason why. By all accounts, CBN is the cannabinoid responsible for the sedative effects of cannabis. Because of this, I tend to reserve high-CBN strains for night use.
Another use for cannabinol as an anti-bacterial. According to a Italian study from 2008, cannabinol “showed potent activity against MRSA” when applied as a topical. Topical uses also have shown promise in treating burns and psoriasis.
The research on cannabinol (CBN) is still lacking, but some early studies have suggested it could stimulate bone growth. If that’s the case, it would be helpful in treating osteoporosis. It could also help those with broken bones to recover more quickly.
When searching for the perfect strain, it’s important to know what you’re getting. This is why lab-testing should never be overlooked. Testing facilities like Steep Hill Lab in California give patients a complete cannabinoid profile of their medicine. It’s always a good idea to check a strains profile before making a decision.
Because cannabinol is a production of degradation, it’s not usually found in high concentrations (in a collective). High levels of CBN are usually related to poor storage methods. If cannabis is stored in an airtight container of some sort, it’s unlikely that a lot of THC would convert to CBN.
Luckily, not all is lost if you’re searching your collective for a sleep-aid. The simple solution would be to allow you’re medicine to age a bit. When exposed to the air, the THC will begin to degrade and convert to CBN, a great way to fight insomnia. FROM THE MJ DIRECTORYVisit the directory
Steep Hill Halent Labs has two locations in the state of California: Sacramento and Oakland. They conduct cannabis analyses, as well as research for quality control and product development. Prior to 2013, they were two …
Steep Hill Halent Laboratories
Oakland, California
When the plant develops THCA, it usually will be converted to THC as a result of heat or UV light. That being said, THCA can be converted to CBNA over time as well. Prolonged exposure to air causes the THCA to lose hydrogen molecules and oxidize; now we have CBNA. Just like the rest of the acidic cannabinoids, CBNA will convert to cannabinol (CBN) when exposed to heat or UV light.
What Are The Benefits Of Cannabinol (CBN)?
Cannabis is widely used as a sleep-aid for those who suffer from insomnia and cannabinol is the reason why. By all accounts, CBN is the cannabinoid responsible for the sedative effects of cannabis. Because of this, I tend to reserve high-CBN strains for night use.
Another use for cannabinol as an anti-bacterial. According to a Italian study from 2008, cannabinol “showed potent activity against MRSA” when applied as a topical. Topical uses also have shown promise in treating burns and psoriasis.
The research on cannabinol (CBN) is still lacking, but some early studies have suggested it could stimulate bone growth. If that’s the case, it would be helpful in treating osteoporosis. It could also help those with broken bones to recover more quickly.
Cannabinol Can Reflect The Age Of Your Cannabis
When searching for the perfect strain, it’s important to know what you’re getting. This is why lab-testing should never be overlooked. Testing facilities like Steep Hill Lab in California give patients a complete cannabinoid profile of their medicine. It’s always a good idea to check a strains profile before making a decision. Because cannabinol is a production of degradation, it’s not usually found in high concentrations (in a collective). High levels of CBN are usually related to poor storage methods. If cannabis is stored in an airtight container of some sort, it’s unlikely that a lot of THC would convert to CBN.
Luckily, not all is lost if you’re searching your collective for a sleep-aid. The simple solution would be to allow you’re medicine to age a bit. When exposed to the air, the THC will begin to degrade and convert to CBN, a great way to fight insomnia. FROM THE MJ DIRECTORYVisit the directory
Steep Hill Halent Labs has two locations in the state of California: Sacramento and Oakland. They conduct cannabis analyses, as well as research for quality control and product development. Prior to 2013, they were two …
Steep Hill Halent Laboratories
Oakland, California
Cannabinoid Therapies for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol Abuse, Dependence, Tolerance, and Withdrawal
Alcohol dependence (i.e. alcoholism) may result from alcohol abuse(i.e. use of alcohol in a way that negatively impacts one’s actions/life), and is characterized by a feeling that one needs to consume alcohol in order to function normally, with a decreased ability to stop drinking even if the desire to do so exists. Those with alcohol dependence develop tolerance to alcohol, meaning that they need to consume more and more over time in order to feel the same effect they experienced the first time they drank. If alcohol consumption then stops, especially abruptly, individuals with alcohol dependence will experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Mild alcohol withdrawal is characterized by signs and symptoms including anxiety, development of tremors/shakiness, depression, irritability, fatigue, palpitations, etc., while severe alcohol withdrawal is characterized by more serious events, such as the onset of seizures and delirium tremens (with symptoms including a confused state, fever, tremors/shakiness, seizures, changes in mental functioning, irritability, hallucinations), which can lead to death in 1-5% of cases.
Even if a person who is alcohol-dependent wants to stop drinking, the negative impact of withdrawal will often prevent them from doing so (i.e. they may continue to drink to avoid the associated undesirable feelings).
Of the 38 million adults in the United states who drink too much, approximately 17 million of them have alcohol abuse disorders. Alcohol abuse is the 3rd leading cause of preventable death and results in costs totaling over $200 billion each year. Due to the huge impact alcohol abuse has on people, their families, and society, and to the fact that alcohol withdrawal is a major impediment to stopping alcohol abuse/overuse, its management is paramount to helping people overcome alcohol dependence.
Study Results
Using PET scans (which help us to visualize the functioning of organs and tissues) to measure activity/availability of CB1 receptors (a cannabinoid receptor found most commonly in the brain and spinal cord), authors of a study published in The Journal of Neuroscience in February 2014 found that cannabinoid signaling varies in the brains of alcohol non-users, non-dependent alcohol users, and dependent alcohol users.
Researchers found that in the brains of social, non-dependent drinkers (i.e. “non-alcoholic” drinkers, n=20), activity/availability of CB1 receptors was significantly increased after administration of ethanol (i.e. alcohol) into the bloodstream.
On the other hand, activity/availability of CB1 receptors was significantlydecreased in dependent users (i.e. “alcoholics”, n=26) after long-term, heavy use of alcohol, even after 1 month of abstinence (no alcohol use). After long-term, heavy use, activity/availability was especially decreased in the areas of the cerebellum (part of the brain involved in coordinating movements, producing fine movements, maintaining posture and balance, etc.) and the parieto-occipital cortex (area of the brain which may be involved in planning processes). After abstinence, additional areas of decreased activity/availability of CB1 receptors were the ventral striatum(a part of the brain activated when a reward/pleasurable feeling is perceived) and the mesiotemporal lobe (an area whose damage is sometimes associated with epileptic seizures).
Conclusion
CB1 receptor stimulation is involved with subjectively feeling reward/pleasure. However, if the receptors are overstimulated, as by long-term, heavy use of alcohol, their activity/availability will decrease. During a period of abstinence from alcohol, this decreased stimulation may lead to an increased craving for alcohol, in order to re-establish the positive feelings associated with its use. Additionally, during the early phases of abstinence, neurons become hyperexcitable (i.e. overactivated), which can lead to their damage and death.
Therefore, for alcohol-dependent individuals attempting to reduce or eliminate their alcohol use, treatments aimed at increasing signaling of cannabinoid receptors in the brain [e.g. (1) cannabinoid therapies (such as targeted, isolated/synthetic CB1 receptor “stimulators”, or potentially whole-plant use if deemed appropriate by and closely monitored by a healthcare provider) or (2) therapies that upregulate CB1 receptors], may be useful for the following reasons:
- Since cannabinoids may act as neuroprotective agents (with the potential to reduce hyperexcitability and prevent brain cell damage), cannabinoid therapies may directly prevent harm to the brain caused by withdrawal.
- Cannabinoid therapy use, in combination with alcohol abstinence, may be helpful in the treatment of alcohol dependence and withdrawal by assisting in the prevention of alcohol cravings.
However, much more research is needed to determine whether or not use of (1) cannabinoid therapies (which, to importantly note, include endogenous/synthetic/isolated cannabinoid therapies, and not merely whole-plant use) or (2) therapies to increase expression of cannabinoid receptors, will ever prove useful clinically in the treatment of alcohol dependence.
For information on how you can advocate to move cannabis out of the Schedule I classification in order to increase research in the United States, expectations, and safety in considering whole-plant medical cannabis use, click here.
Author’s Note: Whole-plant cannabis use is not a recommended therapy for the treatment of alcohol dependence. This article summarizes one experiment showing differences in activity/expression of cannabinoid receptors in the brains of dependent and non-dependent alcohol users vs. non-users. This article does not summarize an experiment on the effects of whole-plant cannabis use for alcohol dependence. The term “cannabinoid therapies” encompasses endocannabinoids (i.e. cannabinoids found naturally within the body), phytocannabinoids (i.e. cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, isolated or whole-plant), and synthetic (i.e. man-made) cannabinoids. If you would like assistance in reducing or eliminating your alcohol use, please speak with your healthcare provider or call the Alcohol and Drug Help Line at 206-722-3700.
http://www.medicaljane.com/2015/01/10/cannabinoid-therapies-for-the-treatment-of-alcohol-dependence/
Taking Care of Business: The Effects of Marijuana on Productivity
It’s no secret that medical marijuana has many medicinal benefits. Despite the leaps and bounds that society has made in legalizing marijuana, there can still be a negative stigma surrounding those who partake, be it medically or recreationally. However, many people are blind to the fact that cannabis can be a beneficial tool when it comes to the overall quality of work. Not only can it help you to access the more creative parts of your imagination, but it can also help to clear away the clutter and help you to focus. This leads us to ask the question, could cannabis actually boost overall work ethic and productivity?
What Is Dopamine?
Marijuana, like other drugs, causes the brain to release the chemical dopamine. Dopamine is one of the many chemicals in the brain that helps regulate the brain’s activity. These chemicals are also known as neurotransmitters.
When a person inhales or ingests cannabis, cannabinoids increase the flow of dopamine by blocking off the function of another neurotransmitter, called GABA. Under normal circumstances, GABA “waters down” the flow of dopamine to the brain. However, when cannabinoids and THC inhibit GABA, the brain releases more dopamine as a result. This increase in dopamine causes people to feel more calm, focused, and can even boost their overall creativity. Contrary to popular belief, endocannabinoids are more strongly linked to ‘runner’s high’ than endorphins.
Cannabis And Productivity: Are Stoners Really Lazy?
There is no denying the fact that media has been successful in creating a stigma associating cannabis consumers with the act of being lazy. However, there is nothing about marijuana specifically that causes people to lose drive and ambition. In recent laboratory studies, subjects given high doses of marijuana for several weeks exhibited no decrease in work motivation or productivity.
Even celebrities are speaking up. Famed writer and director, Kevin Smith, explains in his book about how he got into cannabis for the first time. Kevin says Seth Rogen helped him unlock marijuana’s creative potential. “Seth was the most productive pot smoker I’d ever met, and he never seemed remotely f*cked up,” writes Smith. “Here was a guy who could not only handle his high, he could handle your high, your friends’ highs, and your mom’s high—all while getting sh*t done.”In fact, there is plenty ofanecdotal evidence supporting the concept of cannabinoids improving an individual’s work ethic and creativity. As we know, there is a strong link between dopamine and the CB-1 and CB-2 cannabinoid receptors of the brain.
Smith goes on to tell the story of how he and Rogen smoked together for the first time; how he and his wife smoked together for the first time; and most importantly, how smoking marijuana made him feel. “I liked who I was when I was smoking weed,” says Smith. “[I] spent less energy trying to make people laugh because [I] was laughing lots [myself]. At that point in my life, weed was exactly what I needed.”
At age thirty-seven, Kevin Smith began to smoke marijuana every day, but gave himself a goal– he had to tie something creative to it: “If I was blazing, I was writing, podcasting, or editing at the same time.” Some of the best and most revered music, movies, and art have been made whileconsuming cannabis.
Seth Rogen expressed that marijuana is part of his productive day-to-day activities, and that his writing benefits from it. “I think it’s a myth to say you can’t be productive and smoke weed. It’s an antiquated thought,” says Rogen. “More than anything, [marijuana] makes me willing to work.”
The Effects Of Marijuana Use On Productivity
Increased productivity can be directly linked to the brain’s dopamine levels. Although dopamine is usually linked to feeling pleasure or reward, it also acts as a motivator—and when the brain’s dopamine levels increase, there is more of a want or need to get things done. Researcher Mercè Correa of the Universitat Jaume I explains it best in the Cell Press Journal, Neuron.
“It was believed that dopamine regulated pleasure and reward and that we release it when we obtain something that satisfies us, but in fact, the latest scientific evidence shows that this neurotransmitter acts before the pleasure or reward, encouraging us to act. In other words, dopamine is released in order to achieve something good or to avoid something evil.” Therefore, an increased flow of dopamine can boost your motivation to stay focused and potentially take on bigger goals in the future.
Other Ways To Stay Productive: Look For Clear-Sativa Strains
There are several strains of marijuana that can lend to increasing the dopamine levels in your brain. Sativa strains are usually labeled as being more “creative,” giving the user high levels of dopamine and allowing their brain to become more motivated and open. Some common cannabis strains to look for that could increase your drive and work ethic are Green Crack, Jack Herer, and Cherry AK.
These clear Sativa strains are popular for their ability to provide a uplifting and energetic head high, without the heavy, zone-inducing state. This makes them ideal for powering through work, chores around the house, or other creative endeavors. If you don’t have access to these specific strains, do not worry, any of the clear-headed Sativa strains that your local dispensary or collective has available should suffice. Just be sure to ask your budtender for their personal recommendations.
December 02. 2014
CLOE COHENhttp://www.medicaljane.com/2014/12/04/taking-care-of-business-the-effects-of-marijuana-on-productivity/
Study: Cannabidiol (CBD) May Help Prevent Alcohol-Induced Liver Damage
It is no secret that alcohol consumption can negatively affect one’s liver. This is because it can cause an excess of fats and lipids and additional oxidative stress (i.e. damage caused by free radicals).
With that said, a recent study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine offers an interesting preventive measure. Funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it suggests that cannabidiol (CBD)could help protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage.
With that said, a recent study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine offers an interesting preventive measure. Funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it suggests that cannabidiol (CBD)could help protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage.
Researchers Prevent Alcohol-Induced Liver Damage With CBD
As we know, cannabidol (CBD) may have anti-oxidant effects. Couple that with the constituent’s lack of psychoactivity, and it makes sense why the team of researchers from China and Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York chose to investigate its ability to counter alcohol-induced oxidative stress in the liver.
In doing so, they injected mice with ethanol twice a day for five days. This was intended to model the impact of binge drinking on one’s liver. Prior to this, a group of the mice were administered cannabidiol (CBD) as a preventive measure.
The accumulation of fat in the liver can lead to much more serious problems like cirrhosis of the liver (i.e. scarring of the liver that may lead to liver failure) if it gets out of hand. With that said, there is no easy way to go about “curing” the disease once it occurs, so taking a preventive approach is best. Although increased research may strengthen the theory that cannabidiol (CBD) administration helps to prevent alcohol-induced liver damage, cannabidiol is not an approved or definitively effective preventive treatment at the present time. To reduce your risk of developing liver problems, the American Liver Foundation suggests that you eat a well-balanced diet, limit your alcohol intake, and practice safe sex.Sure enough, the study’s results showed that cannabidiol (CBD) may protect the liver from steatosis – the accumulation of fats and lipids. The researchers suggested that this was potentially the result of cannabidiol’s inhibition of oxidative stress and activation of pathways associated with fat accumulation.
For information on how you can advocate to move cannabis out of the Schedule I controlled substance classification in order to increase research on phytocannabinoids, expectations, and safety in considering whole-plant medical cannabis use, click here.
http://www.medicaljane.com/2014/01/15/study-cannabidiol-cbd-may-help-prevent-alcohol-induced-liver-damage/
As we know, cannabidol (CBD) may have anti-oxidant effects. Couple that with the constituent’s lack of psychoactivity, and it makes sense why the team of researchers from China and Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York chose to investigate its ability to counter alcohol-induced oxidative stress in the liver.
In doing so, they injected mice with ethanol twice a day for five days. This was intended to model the impact of binge drinking on one’s liver. Prior to this, a group of the mice were administered cannabidiol (CBD) as a preventive measure.
The accumulation of fat in the liver can lead to much more serious problems like cirrhosis of the liver (i.e. scarring of the liver that may lead to liver failure) if it gets out of hand. With that said, there is no easy way to go about “curing” the disease once it occurs, so taking a preventive approach is best. Although increased research may strengthen the theory that cannabidiol (CBD) administration helps to prevent alcohol-induced liver damage, cannabidiol is not an approved or definitively effective preventive treatment at the present time. To reduce your risk of developing liver problems, the American Liver Foundation suggests that you eat a well-balanced diet, limit your alcohol intake, and practice safe sex.Sure enough, the study’s results showed that cannabidiol (CBD) may protect the liver from steatosis – the accumulation of fats and lipids. The researchers suggested that this was potentially the result of cannabidiol’s inhibition of oxidative stress and activation of pathways associated with fat accumulation.
For information on how you can advocate to move cannabis out of the Schedule I controlled substance classification in order to increase research on phytocannabinoids, expectations, and safety in considering whole-plant medical cannabis use, click here.
http://www.medicaljane.com/2014/01/15/study-cannabidiol-cbd-may-help-prevent-alcohol-induced-liver-damage/
Drake DormJanuary 15, 2014
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