Last week, we tackled the topic of the endocannabinoid (EC) system and the implications of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Often only the recreational uses are acknowledged. However, the article “Endogenous cannabinoids revisited: A biochemistry perspective” describes the signal transduction pathways of ECs and physiological effects.
Researchers first realized that ECs existed when they discovered that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, was able to bind to two types of receptors. CB1 receptors are found in the brain, immune system, vessel walls, intestine, liver, peripheral nervous system, and reproductive tissues and CB2 receptors are found in the immune system. This led the researchers to believe that there were molecules in the body that were structurally similar to THC. Further research showed that there are two main endocannabinoids produced in the body: anandamide or arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). AEA and 2-AG influence analgesia, motor response, inflammatory response, feeding behavior and other biological processes. More recently, it has been discovered that endocannabinoids have an effect on cell survival signaling. Cannabinoid signaling may induce apoptosis (cell death) through a number of pathways. This may prove useful in therapeutic treatments because it has been shown to be linked with anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and cytoprotective effects.
Now how does this all relate to medicinal marijuana use? Well, THC is similar in structure to 2-AG and AEA so it has may similar effects to these molecules. One of the main reasons that medical marijuana is used is to treat chronic pain in diseases such as cancer, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and multiple sclerosis (MS). THC has also been shown to affect feeding behavior. Cannabis is being used to treat nausea associated with chemotherapy and increase food consumption in anorexic patients. CB1 and CB2 receptors are found in the immune system, which has led to the use of cannabinoids to treat MS, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers are looking into the molecule known as cannabidiol, another molecule in cannabis, because it has been shown to produce fewer psychoactive effects.
With new knowledge comes the responsibility to use it ethically. How should society approach the use of medical marijuana? Should it be legalized or should we approach the use of medical marijuana with caution? It is important to keep in mind that currently marijuana is considered by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to be a Schedule I drug. According to this classification, schedule I drugs have no medical uses and a high potential for abuse. Research showing that cannabinoids are effective in treating symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, chronic pain, and cancer may be a reason to reconsider the current classification. Also, cost versus benefit must be weighed when considering therapy options. Many of the current medications used to treat diseases have harsh side effects. Much of the current research points to the positive effects of cannabinoids and few negative side effects. Further research will need to be done to fully understand the effects of cannabis. With proper regulation, it appears that medical marijuana may provide beneficial effects in a number of diseases.
A New Look at Medical Marijuana
