ALS in Pop Culture

Follow this link for an incredible infographic!

http://www.alsa.org/news/public-awareness/als-awareness-month/2016/what-is-als.html

However, powerful takeaways of the linked infographic includes that there is no cure for ALS, there are only three drugs available for those with ALS, life expectancy after diagnosis is 2-5 years, and 90% of the cases occur without family history.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis emerged into the spotlight when baseball legend Lou Gehrig was diagnosed after a significant baseball slump (at the hand of his disease unbeknownst to him). He had the record for the highest number of consecutive games (2,130) until it ended when he voluntarily took himself out of the line-up because of his failing performance in the game. He passed away two short years later, and thus amyotrophic lateral sclerosis became known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

In 2014, there was the wildly popular “Ice Bucket Challenge,” where people would challenge their friends to dump a bucket of ice over their heads and result in a donation to ALS research.

This challenge rose over $115 million dollars for ALS. This was a huge success in terms of the amount of money raised as well as the raised awareness by society.

Those funds helped finance research that eventually led to the discovery of a new gene associated with ALS, thereby emphasizing the importance of funding and supporting research.

Unfortunately, ALS remains extremely elusive. It is essentially diagnosed by ruling every other possibility out, and treatments consist of making the individual comfortable.

One of the most prominent figures of ALS is the recently deceased astrophysicist Stephen Hawking. He was diagnosed when he was 21 years old and was given the prediction of two years to live. He lived until he was 76.

The creator of Spongebob Stephen Hillenburg passed away in November 2018 due to complications with ALS at the age of 57. His work impacted the lives of millions of children around the world with Spongebob.

 

All these public figures and internet challenges seek to bring awareness and help lead efforts to fundraise for ALS. Although at the moment, there is not a lot known about ALS, which can provoke fear. We must leave room for hope. We must harness the unknown and use that energy to push forward to yield more information. It is unlikely there will be a cure for ALS in the near future, but research is rewarded by knowledge which can be applied to impact many lives, whether it is a possible treatment or simply that a different treatment will not work. We as a society must funnel resources to the pursuit of information with confidence that there will be help.

Sources:

The Day Lou Gehrig Took Himself Out of the Lineup

http://www.alsa.org/about-us/ice-bucket-challenge-faq.html

http://www.alsa.org/news/public-awareness/als-awareness-month/2016/what-is-als.html

Marijuana’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: CBD and THC

Marijuana is found in many cultures around the world. People in India used it in ancient times for its medicinal properties. The Rastafari religion in Jamaica promotes cannabis for religious uses. In the United States it has been used illegally for recreational purposes for years and now it is being used at an increasing rate as a medical treatment to some health problems. What is going on in marijuana?

CBD vs. THC

The two main active chemicals in marijuana are Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). They are nearly identical to each other in chemical structure with each having 21 carbons, 30 hydrogens, and 2 oxygens. As you can see in the picture below, the only difference is how an oxygen is bound. So if they are so similar in structure, shouldn’t they do the same things?

https://medium.com/cbd-origin/cbd-vs-thc-the-difference-explained-b3cfc1da52f0

That answer is no. These two molecules are different in the ways that they bind to Cannabinoid Receptors. There are two different types of Cannabinoid Receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 is primarily found in the brain and in the central nervous system whereas CB2 is mostly found in peripheral organs and the immune system. CBD and THC both bind to the CB2 receptor enabling them to make changes to the immune system and these peripheral organs. But, THC binds to CB1 in the brain causing psychoactive effects like “getting high”. CBD does not bind to CB1 and can actually negate the bond between CB1 and THC, neutralizing the psychoactive effects.

So many companies and states have started using CBD oil as a beneficial product to help boost the immune system of individuals. This also keeps large concentrations of THC out of the brains of these people. That being said, medical marijuana with both THC and CBD are still in use.

Medical Usage states

Medical marijuana has been legalized in 33 States and recreational marijuana has been legalized in 10 states, below is a map of these “green states”. Marijuana has been used to treat migraines, anxiety, cancer, obesity, and general pain.

https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881

Reasons for Hesitation

So if using marijuana as a medical drug can be so helpful to our society, what makes people not want this to happen everywhere?

THC that binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain causes psychoactive effects. One part of the brain that these receptors are very prevalent in is the hippocampus, the hub for memory. With chronic use of marijuana, there is a possibility for long-term effects on the memories of those using.

Another reason is the lack of parameters to police usage. With alcohol, we have a clear limit of how much can be in your blood before you are impaired to drive. With THC it is harder to test, and THC can stay in the body for much longer making the test less accurate.

Conclusion

As I am writing this blog, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug by federal law. This makes it very difficult to obtain marijuana to do research to find scientific evidence of more uses of marijuana. Many people think that we could more easily find a middle ground for marijuana if it were lowered to a Schedule II or Schedule III drug. Along with this we could do more research to possibly make it even better as a medicine and potentially less dangerous.

Endocannabinoid system: Harmful or Helpful?

“I use CBD oil with my dog to calm his separation anxiety when I’m gone or when we travel.”

“I use CBD oil for muscle pain when my neck is sore instead of ibuprofen.”

“I know of many pet owners that give CBD in some form to their pets to help with arthritis.”

These are just a few quotes from people in my life who have had positive outcomes from using CBD oil as a therapeutic technique for various pain, illness, etc. CBD in many forms, but especially oil, has become very popular as a therapeutic way of treating a variety of aches, pains, diseases, and more.

What’s the difference?

CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the same compound besides one simple atom. But that one atom has a big impact on the difference between these two compounds.

As shown above, there a tons of cannabinoids in cannabis, but CBD and THC are the most prominent. These cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid System (ECS) which basically is a big network of receptors that interact with cannabinoids to maintain vital functions throughout our body (find out more about cannabinoids here https://medium.com/cbd-origin/cbd-vs-thc-the-difference-explained-b3cfc1da52f0). The difference between the two cannabinoids is how it binds to certain receptors in the ECS. These bindings can produce different effects like a psychoactive effect on your brain or not. Another difference between the two is the legality. Hemp-derived CBD is legal in all 50 states, but ‘marijuana’-derived CBD is not legal federally. So if you were to go to a health product store in your town, you will be buying CBD oil from hemp. This is not only because of legality but also because the hemp plant has far more CBD than marijuana plants, which have much more THC.

Possible effects of CBD

For the purpose of discussing CBD, we can use CBD oil as the therapy of choice. For years, many research articles have shown how cannabinoids can help ease anxiety and pain through many ways. Below are some benefits of CBD oil.

  1. Reduce anxiety/depressive symptoms
  2. Alleviate cancer-related symptoms
  3. Relieve pain
  4. Benefit heart health
  5. May reduce acne
  6. Have neuropcrotecive properties (benefit neurological disorder symptoms like spasms, seizures, denigration of neurons)

You can read more on the scientific research behind each of these benefits here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#section5

As discussed above, CBD oil has several great benefits to it’s use. As with any pharmacological drug that may be prescribed by a physician, the outcomes and side effects will vary from person to person. There can be many factors that impact CBD oil’s effect such as other prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications you take, the dosage and frequency you use CBD oil, and how severe your symptoms of pain. For these reasons and more, it is important to remember that CBD oil will most likely work differently for each person who tries it.

I believe that CBD oil is a great alternative medicine to other drugs. It can be used for such a wide variety of pain and illnesses that when possible, CBD should be studied more in order to further our knowledge of how therapeutic this drug can be.

Endocannabinoids: More Than a ‘High’

What are endocannabinoids anyways?

Endocannabinoids are lipid-based molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors which are from the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. These components make up the endocannabinoid system. Endocannabinoids are made in the the body and activate these receptors. The most common endocannabinoids found in the body are Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These molecules are fatty-acid based molecules that are derived from arachidonic acid and therefore have similar structures. These molecules activate the CB1 or CB2 receptors. TheImage result for AEA endocannabinoid CB1 receptors are typically found in the brain and can influence behavior, memory, cognition and movement.  These receptors modulate adenylyl cyclase and therefore the the intracellular cAMP levels which regulates regulates protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation. This causes changes in the cellular activity. The CB2 receptors are predominantly associated with immune cells and modulating the immune system. Activation of these receptors can promote neuro-protection

CBD oil vs. Cannabis

The use of cannabis and cannabidiol oil (CBD oil) to treat various diseases and illnesses is increasing in popularity. However, the differences between the two substances are not very well known. Cannabis is a schedule I drug and is only legal in a few states, whereas CBD oil is legal in all 50 states. THC is the psychoactive component found in cannabis that is not in the CBD oil. The THS is the component that causes the undesirable side effects  and produces the ‘high’ feeling. The CBD oil, however, is non-psychoactive and can yield the same benefits of activating the endocannabinoid receptors without the psychoactive component. CBD can help inhibit adenosine re-uptake. This leads to an increase of adenosine in the brain which can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve anti-inflammatory effects.

Image result for difference between cannabis and cbd oil

These substances can be used therapeutically to treat anxiety, Parkinson’s Disease and cancer. Anxiety is reduced due to the activation of the CB1 receptors by THC which is known to have relaxing and mood enhancing effects. However regular use of Cannabis has been shown to worsen symptoms of anxiety.

Endocannabinoids can differentiate between healthy cells and cancerous cells when carrying out apoptosis. There are more CB1 receptors in cancerous cells which lead to more endocannabinoids binding and therefore more apoptosis occurring in cancerous cells. By this mechanism, endocannabinoids can help shrink tumors and prevent metastasis.

The endocannabinoid system is also affected in Parkinson’s Disease. The CB1 receptors are predominantly expressed in sensory motor neurons. The loss of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s Disease causes an overactive inhibitory pathway on the motor thalamus which is why motor issues are displayed in Parkinson’s disease. Using agonists for the CB1 receptors here would regulate the neurotransmitter balance in this area and help restore motor function.

 

There are still lots of unanswered questions… 

The main issue faced with the therapeutic use of cannabis or endocannabinoid agonist is that these drugs can be hard to access. Due to the fact that cannabis is a Schedule I drug, it is illegal to have possession of this substance. Since it is so difficult to gain access to this substance- even for research purposes- there still is a lot of research to be done to completely understand the drug and all of its benefits as well as side-effects and drawbacks.

The Complexities of Endocannabinoid Signaling.

While endocannabinoid’s (eCB) are becoming legalized across the country and even across the world, we still have much to learn about their binding behavior in the brain and in peripheral tissues. Cannabinoids act on almost every tissue of the body, which is why it is used to treat the symptoms of a multitude of diseases such as anxiety, obesity, migraines, chronic pain, and even cancer. The problem with these widespread effects is the inability to narrow down and specify its target action. Maybe you want to reduce chronic pain but not increase appetite, well that isn’t possible with our current endocannabinoid options. The only specificity found thus far is the ability to individually target the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are predominately found in the brain while CB2 receptors are found in immune system tissues and cells. Recent studies have supported the possibility of more receptors but research is limited. To get an understanding of the diversity of endocannabinoid signaling in the body, we will explore some common pathways and therapies.

Pain Reception: Endocannabinoids are known to reduce pain, but the mechanism for this effect is opposite of what you would originally expect. TPVR are pain receptors that transduce pain signals to the brain when activated. However, endocannabinoids are known to activate TPVR receptors. The activation of pain receptors can actually cause therapeutic effects by two mechanisms. The first is that eCBs are weak activators of the receptor so if a person is used to really intense pain signaling there will still be a decrease in pain intensity with weak activators instead of strong activators. The second mechanism states that the TPVR receptor is susceptible to desensitization. This means that when activated consistently, the TPVR receptor stops working as effectively leading to decreased pain perception. 

Obesity: CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens increase hunger and motivation to eat when activated. Scientists are now trying to see if blocking CB1 receptors can be used as a possible treatment for obesity.

Migraines: An overabundance in nitric oxide (NO) causes inflammation in the brain and eCBs can inhibit NO and also lessen pain perception.

Cancer: Too much eCB activation leads to cell death and cancer cells are known to have an abnormally large amount of CB1 receptors. The increase in receptors is a part of the body’s natural defense mechanism to destroy cancerous cells.

Most of the research above is ongoing because of marijuana’s classification as a schedule one drug. Which means that in order to do research involving marijuana, the facility has to gain DEA approval and increase safety and security protocols which is extremely expensive and time-consuming. This limits our knowledge of marijuana and other endocannabinoid’s signaling behavior. We especially have little data about its biological effects after long-term or chronic use. It would be highly beneficial to know how the body changes to compensate for increased or decreased cannabinoid activity and how to modulate that accordingly. The only way to better prepare our citizens is to reclassify marijuana as a schedule 2 or lower drug so that its research limitations can be reduced. Above is a table of our United States Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) current schedule drug system, which is based on three requirements: 1. That the drug has a high potential for abuse, 2. That the drug has no currently accepted medical treatment inside the U.S. and 3. That there is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Obviously, the last two requirements are outdated since medical marijuana has been legalized in 28 states giving the DEA ample evidence to reclassify the drug, but they continue to avoid the subject. Without the reclassification of eCBs, their complexities will never be revealed and further investigation of their therapeutic and harmful effects will continue to evolve at stagnant speeds.

Marijuana Vs. Alcohol: Which is worse?

Due to its classification as a schedule one drug, not enough research has been done on cannabis. Although we don’t understand everything about cannabis, we do know that the endocannabinoid system is present across the human body, not just in the brain. This is one reason why medical marijuana use can aid in pain control, over/under eating, and cancer.

As a current hot topic in mainstream media, the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana can be compared to the legality of alcoholism. In the case of cannabis, we understand that there are positive health benefits to the drug. In contrast, alcohol possesses no medically beneficial properties and it purely legal for recreational purposes. I wanted to further understand the comparisons between marijuana use and alcohol use. Even former President Barack Obama has shared his opinion regarding marijuana in multiple interviews, stating, “I don’t think it is more dangerous than alcohol.”

To compare marijuana and alcohol, cases of overdose and life-threatening side-effects should be considered first. The CDC has stated that approximately 88,000 alcohol-related deaths occur every year, many having to do with alcohol poisoning/overdose. In contrast, it has been determined by previous research that a fatal dose of marijuana is between 15-70 grams, meaning that an individual would have to smoke between 238-1,113 joints over the span of 24 hours in order to overdose. This makes the annual number of marijuana-related deaths around zero. When it comes to automobile-related dangers, driving under the influence of marijuana is still safer than driving drunk. Although it is still unsafe to drive while high, marijuana increases the likelihood of car accidents by 83% while the consumption of alcohol increases the odds by 2,200%. Likewise, both alcohol and marijuana can lead to addiction or dependence. Since both drugs utilize the reward pathway in the brain, releasing ample amounts of dopamine, both can be addictive and affect an individual’s neurochemistry when used chronically–with alcohol use, this is called alcoholism, and in marijuana use, this is labeled as marijuana use disorder. Although it is common among young consumers and popular media to believe that marijuana is non-addictive, this is a false assumption. The National Institute of Health found that in 2016, nearly 6 million people had experienced marijuana use disorder within the past year–approximately 2.5% of adults. The study also reported that 6.3% of individuals had, at some point in their lives, met the diagnostic criteria for marijuana use disorder.

Most commonly, cannabis binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain. Once bound, endocannabinoid activity usually leads to cell apoptosis or cell death. Previous research studies have identified that this action is why marijuana aids in cases of cancer, attacking the cancer cells. We understand that for unknown reasons, cancer cells possess more CB1 receptors, allowing for more binding, and therefore more cell death than other cells with less CB1 receptors. In regards to the reward pathway, the THC in marijuana binds to the nucleus accumbens, activating the pathway. Likewise, alcohol also leads to the activation of the reward pathway, but in a different way. Alcohol promotes GABA, a common inhibitory neurotransmitter, leading to the activation of the ventral tegmental area and release of dopamine. Although some researchers contemplate the ability of alcohol to activate endogenous cannabinoid pathways, the way in which we currently understand alcohol and marijuana to act in the body remains incredibly different–even if they both lead to the activation of the reward pathway. For these reasons, more research needs to be done to compare the two, especially when considering the legalization of both drugs.

Little research has been done to understand the long-term effects of marijuana use. Before it can be determined whether alcohol or marijuana is worse for humans to consume, more research needs to be done. Although our current understanding of both drugs tends to promote the safety of marijuana over alcohol, too many pieces of the story are still unknown. Likewise, the stigma against marijuana use continues to affect our current understanding of the drug.

https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh313/185-195.htm

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-brain-food/201012/alcohol-vs-marijuana-in-the-brain

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/marijuana-use-disorder-common-often-untreated

https://drugabuse.com/marijuana-vs-alcohol/

Cannabis: Treatment or Trouble?

 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is widely distributed throughout the body, with various receptors and actions. For these reasons, the ECS is very important for many physiological processes. Due to the variety of roles the ECS can play, it has become a target for pharmacological systems. But, as with the development of any treatment, there are some questions as to whether targeting the ECS with cannabis is the best course of action. This is due to nature of THC, a component of cannabis, which induces unwanted effects because of its psychotropic effects and potential for abuse.

Cancer

Cancer occurs when cells multiply too fast, causing abnormal cell growth and the potential to invade other parts of the body. CB1 receptors are more abundant in cancerous cells, so they bind cannabinoids more often. Cannabinoids have been known to induce apoptosis, or cell death. So if cannabinoids are released and bind to the abundance of CB1 receptors in cancer cells, the cancer cells will die and metastasis of the cancer will have been prevented.

Pain

Cannabinoids reduce pain through the activation of TRPV receptor. A TRPV receptor is one of the receptors in the ECS and is involved in the transmission and modulation of pain. Treating pain with cannabinoids works through desensitization. As cannabinoids bind to CB1 receptors (other ECS receptors), the receptors become desensitized and build up a tolerance. As these receptors become down regulated, their agonists, substances that initiate a response, bind TRPV1 and decrease activity. After repeated exposure, TRPV1 receptors can also become desensitized. The desensitization of TRPV1 receptors means there will be less pain transduction.

Migraine

During a migraine, patients often have sensitivity to light and sound. This is due to hyperactivity of neurons in their brain. Endocannabinoids can help with this symptom because they inhibit glutamatergic neurons, the neurons that have an increase in firing. Migraines are also a result of inflammation in the brain. There is also vasodilation in the dura of the brain that induces an immune response, causing inflammation in the brain. The inflammation is due to an inflammatory protein called calcitonin gene related peptide, which is associated with migraines. Nitric oxide induces vasodilation and since cannabinoids inhibit nitric oxide, this is one way they can treat migraines.

Image result for marijuana effects on pain

Cannabis has also been researched as a treatment for anxiety, Parkinson’s, depression, epilepsy and more. The problems facing the use of cannabis as a treatment are due to the lack of research on the ECS. It is very difficult for labs to obtain cannabis to use in research, as it is highly regulated by the FDA. Without adequate research, it is difficult to know how many different systems in the body are being affected by a dosage of cannabis. Using the endocannabinoid system as a treatment for many different health concerns is very promising. Before any decisions can be made, more needs to be understood in regards to the many varying physiologic pathways activated by cannabinoids.

Marijuana: A Blunt Truth

Marijuana has been gaining a foothold in the United States. A drug that was once illegal is now legal for recreational use in some states. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize its medical use. Now, in 2018, it is used recreationally in 10 states, and used medically in 23 states. It seems inevitable that this once prohibited plant will be legal in some shape or form in all 50 states within our lifetime. This warrants a closer look into this leafy substance.

The Endogenous Cannabinoid System (ECS) exists within our body. The ECS is made up of G-protein coupled receptors that are activated by cannabinoid-like molecules. Our body has a series of its own cannabinoid molecules called endocannabinoids. There are also exogenous cannabinoids, like marijuana, that can be used to stimulate this system.

https://metacangroup.com/endocannabinoid-system/

Marijuana has numerous effects on the body. Therefore, the drug can be used medically to treat people. According to an article from webmd, doctors may prescribe medical marijuana to treat:

  • Alzheimer’s disease

    https://www.businessinsider.com/the-biggest-questions-researchers-have-about-marijuana-2017-3
  • Appetite loss
  • Cancer
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Eating disorders such as anorexia
  • Epilepsy
  • Glaucoma
  • Mental health conditions like schizophrenia and PTSD
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Muscle spasms
  • Nausea
  • Pain
  • Wasting syndrome (cachexia)

As you can see, marijuana can be used in a positive way. However, when it is used recreationally, marijuana could become addictive contrary to popular belief. Marijuana reaches the same pleasure centers in the brain that are targeted by heroin, cocaine and alcohol. While it is widely thought that marijuana is not addictive, about 30 percent users may have some degree of marijuana use disorder, according to NIDA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM_yGuFHJBA

Long-term marijuana users who try to quit experience cravings, irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite and anxiety — some of the same physical symptoms of those trying to quit other types of drugs or alcohol. A 2016 study found a link between certain genetic markers and symptoms of marijuana addiction, suggesting that some people may have a genetic predisposition to marijuana addiction. According to research from the Potency Monitoring Project, the average THC content of marijuana has soared from less than 1 percent in 1972, to 3 to 4 percent in the 1990s, to nearly 13 percent in 2010. Today, some retail marijuana has 30 percent THC or more. The increased potency makes it difficult to determine the short- and long-term effects of marijuana.

Therefore, I understand the positive impacts of medical marijuana, but marijuana for  recreational purposes warrants more research. As this leafy green substance gains popularity in the U.S., more research needs to be published that encompasses the overall picture of the drug. Is it really okay to smoke a little pot? The “blunt” truth is, marijuana may be more harmful than people think if it is used recreationally.

 

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/medical-marijuana-faq#1-3

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01441.x

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive

https://www.livescience.com/24558-marijuana-effects.html

Treating Pain with Endocannabinoids

The perception of marijuana as a “serious drug” has dwindled over the recent decades due to increasing legalization and the portrayal of the drug in the media. As of the end of 2018, marijuana is available for medical purposes in 32 states and the District of Columbia. Although still limited, more research is being conducted on the drug to learn more of its effects on our brain and overall health. However, the process for being able to research the drug is quite intensive; several regulatory barriers block the availability of marijuana. These include going through the following federal agencies:

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
  2. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  3. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
  4. Other review boards and departments in state government

These roadblocks are due to cannabis’ classification as a Schedule I drug, which was instilled in 1970 in the Controlled Substances Act.

Marijuana and Pain

It is widely accepted that marijuana helps treat pain. However, few in the general public know how this happens in the body. In our brains, pain signals are transduced through receptors known as transient receptor potential cation channel receptors (TRPVRs). These receptors are ion channels, and when bound by a ligand (such as capsaicin, an ingredient in hot peppers), they will allow the influx of calcium and sodium to depolarize the cell. This depolarization will allow an action potential of the neuron to transmit the pain signal on. In cannabis, there are compounds known as endocannabinoids (eBCs). These eBCs act as a ligand to the TRPV receptors and cannabinoid (CB) receptors. CB and TRPV receptors are inversely related; when one receptor type is active, the other type is inactive. It is by this mechanism two methods of treating pain are possible:

  1. CB1 and CB2 receptors bind eCBs (agonists), causing TRPV channel activity to decrease, meaning less pain propagation. CB1 activation decreases neuronal excitability, meaning eCBs can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the brain.
  2. eCBs, like anandamine, is an agonist for TRPV1, but not as strong of a ligand for the receptor, so there is a reduced signal level for pain. With a constant level of eCBs, the TRPV receptors will also become “desensitized,” resulting in an even weaker signal over time. This mechanism is very helpful for chronic pain.

Using Marijuana to treat addiction and epilepsy

Cannabis not only treats pain, but can also be used as an aid for addiction and preventing seizures in epileptic people. With cannabis having no legal dose, it can used as a replacement of other drugs to rehab from. It has the potential, not yet proven though, to wean an addict off of their drug of abuse. Several studies have been conducted, showing epileptics are seizure-free after just weeks of proper dosing of cannabidiol (CBD) oil. CBD also has the allure of not having the psychoactive part of marijuana THC. With CBD being legal in all 50 states, it can be used for medical purposes all across the nation, and should be researched even more.

 

Sources:

http://www.governing.com/gov-data/safety-justice/state-marijuana-laws-map-medical-recreational.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425757/

http://2018neurochem.pbworks.com/w/page/128067405/%22Endogenous%20cannabinoids%20revisited%3A%20A%20biochemistry%20perspective%22

Medical Marijuana: Solution to Everything?


Medical Marijuana vs. Recreational Marijuana

Use of the hemp plant has been dated back to 6000 B.C. for its consumption of seeds and use for textiles. The first recorded use of cannabis as medicine was in 2727 B.C. in China for a variety of health problems.

Marijuana/hemp plant originated in 600 B.C. in Asia for its common use in religious ceremonies or healing practices by most people. It was later brought to North America in the 1500s by the Spanish. In 1937, the Marijuana Tax Act was implemented that decreased the accessibility and affordability of marijuana. President Nixon repealed this act who later made it a Schedule I drug in 1970.

Medical Marijuana is the whole unprocessed weed plant of more than 100 different cannabinoids. Even though it is medical, it is not FDA approved. Medical marijuana has higher levels of CBD than THC. You must have a prescription from a doctor, be over 18 and marijuana must be legal in the state for medical use. [Legal in thirty-two states]

Recreational Marijuana is the usage of pot without any medical justification. Recreational marijuana tends to have higher levels of THC than CBD for the “high.” You must be 21 years old and marijuana must be legal in the state for recreational use. [Legal in ten states]

CBD vs. THC

CBD (cannabidiol): is a naturally cannabinoid found in hemp plants. Has no psychoactive effects and has very little to no side effects due to its extremely high tolerance for CBD is legal in all 50 states when extracted from a hemp plant that contains less than 1% of THC.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): is a the main psychoactive component of marijuana. It binds with CB1 causing a euphoria effect.

Benefits & Pathways

Obesity: When the CB1 receptor is stimulated the desire to eat is increased. CBD is an antagonist for the CB1 receptor but also has a low affinity for the receptor. When cannabidiol binds to the CB1 receptor it suppresses the feeling to intake food. For marijuana to be a treatment for obesity it must have a higher concentration of CBD than THC to decrease the desire to eat.

Migraine: THC, an agonist for the CB1 receptor, can bind to CB1 reducing the first few symptoms preceding migraines. However, it is unknown how the psychoactive properties of THC play a role in treatment of cluster headaches.

Pain Reduction: THC will activate CB1 that decreases the TRPV1 (vanilloid receptor) channel. CBD will inhibit CB1 that then inhibits FAAH that leads to desensitizing TRPV1 channel. There is a decrease of calcium influx resulting in less pain.

Anti-Cancer: CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists increase this apoptotic cell death in glioma cells. ER stress may also be activated intrinsic apoptosis pathway.

Anti-Anxiety: CBD increases signaling through 5-HT1A (serotonin receptors). A reduction in anxiety and a mood boost is seen. Due to its increase of serotonin signaling it can also be seen as a treatment for depression.

Research: A continuation and increase of research on marijuana is needed for a more conclusive statement. Unfortunately, with it being a schedule I drug it is difficult to access the drug as well as get approval for the research. Hopefully, in the future there will be in an increase of knowledge and regulation of marijuana. With increased research, there is a hope for the use of marijuana for its various benefits.

References:

  1. What is the Difference Between Medical and Recreational Marijuana? DocMJ. 2017. https://docmj.com/2017/06/05/difference-medical-recreational-marijuana/
  2. CBD vs. THC: What is the Difference? HealthLine Red. https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thc#at-a-glance
  3. Fonseca, BM, et al. “Endogenous cannabinoids revisited: A biochemistry perspective.” Prostaglandins and Other Lipid Mediators, vol. 102-103, 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2013.02.002

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