The Benefits of Cannabichromene (CBC)

     

Cannabichromene CBC Creates Brain Stem Cells

  Cannabichromene (CBC) is a cannabinoid in marijuana that is in low concentration but high in healing properties. Research has shown that CBC helps in pain, depression, inflammation, bone growth, increase brain cells and reducing cancerous tumors. More research is needed but many scientists believe that CBC in conjunction with the other cannabinoids work together as a whole to provide the best medicinal effects.

   Cannabigerolic Acid (CBCA) is the initial cannabinoid form that the raw cannabis plant starts with. With age and oxidation this quickly breaks down with enzymes into CBDa, THCa and CBCa. The CBCa form when heated will lose a CO2 molecule allowing it to convert to Cannabichromene (CBC).

   CBC effects with the brain are exciting and promising for modern medicine to help with Alzheimer's and dementia. An Italian study found that CBC promotes brain cell growth with adult neural stem cells. Studies have shown that adults brain cell growth slows and the decline can lead to memory loss. Though the studies are with mice so far, the study done by GW Pharmaceuticals gives hope for a treatment for degenerative brain diseases.(Source) 
 

   CBC has also shown to reduce cancer cells and shrink tumors along with the cannabinoids CBD and CBG. They allow anandamide to inhibit cancer cell growth. Cannabidiol (CBD) shows the highest potency with CBC and CBG being next in potency. Allowing all cannabinoids to work synergistic-ally allows them to target different receptors to inhibit cancer growth. (Source)

Other great benefits include:

• Bacteria like Staph and E.Coli showed inhibited by CBC. (Source)
• CBC has been found in studies to be an anti-inflammatory in mice. (Source)
• CBC targeting the nervous system to control pain at a chronic level.(Source)
• Euphoric uplifting properties are given with CBC that works differently than THC. (Source)
• CBC acts as a bone-stimulant (Source)

Source:

http://www.medicaljane.com/2013/08/14/cannabichromene-cbc-is-the-most-disregarded-cannabinoid/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3417459/
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197018613002106
http://montanabiotech.com/2011/09/20/breast-cancer-antitumor-effects-inhibition-of-cancer-cell-proliferation-and-treatment-using-medical-cannabis-marijuana-derived-cannabinoids-tetrahydrocannabinol-cannabidiol-cannabigerol-cannabichromen/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20942863

http://www.delta9.ca/resources/Cannabinoids%20-%20General/Cannabinoids%20Primer%20New.pdf

The Benefits of Cannabigerol (CBG)

  Cannabigerol CBG is a cannabinoid in marijuana that has medicinal properties. Found in low concentrations in many strains of cannabis it is often overlooked. CBG works in conjunction with THC to tone down the paranoia feeling.(Source) Alone it aids in treatment to depression, tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, glaucoma, bacteria infections, high blood pressure, reduce blood clotting, anxiety and muscle tension.

   Research has proven many treatments from Cannabigerol. Here is a list of the numerous benefits of CBG:

Depression: GW Pharma has a patent for the use of Cannabigerol CBG to treat clinical depression.(Source)

Cancer \Tumors: New research this year has shown that CBG reduces cancer cells and tumors in the colon.(Source)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: CBG reduced inflammation and over-production of nitric oxide which can lead to sustained IBD.(Source)

Glaucoma: CBG shows promising treatment for glaucoma by relieving ocular pressure. More importantly CBG showed 2-3 times the benefit of eye drainage than other medicines.(Source)

Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections have been treated including MRSA.(Source)

Reduce Heart Rate and Blood Clotting: Has shown as a proven treatment for the way it reduces platelet aggregation.(Source)

Anxiety and Muscle Tension: CBG is able to treate with it's ability to inhibit GABA production.(Source)

Cannabis initially starts with creating cannabinoid cannabigerolic acid (CBGa). This is typically broken down with exposure to air and UV light into THCa, CBDa or CBCa. If it remains as CBGa, then it will convert to CBG when heated. Some industrial strains retain the CBGa with as much as a 94% concentration. It is thought this strain has a recessive gene that doesn't allow the conversion to the THCa, CBDa or CBCa. Currently some growers are using this knowledge to create strains rich in CBG like the Mickey Kush Strain.

Source:

http://www.medicaljane.com/2013/08/03/cannabigerol-cbg-is-a-minor-cannabinoid-with-major-impact/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25269802

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006295213000543

http://www.google.com/patents/CA2655094C?cl=en

http://www.amazon.com/Cannabis-Therapeutics-HIV-AIDS-Journal/dp/0789016990/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1418758497&sr=1-1&keywords=9780789016997

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1989.tb06345.x/abstract

The Benefits of Cannabinol – CBN

Cannabinol - CBN

Cannabinol is a cannabinoid in marijuana that aids in sleep, anti-bacterial and skin problems. Cannabinol target receptors in the body to administer the medicinal characteristics. The way cannabis is grown and stored affects the concentration of Cannabinol.

One of the main benefits for Cannabinol is treatment for insomnia. Many of the studies are from research with a drug containing cannabis named Nabilone. Nabilone is a cannabinol derivative of cannabis.(Source) Nabilone was found effective in helping with sleep for patients with fibromyalgia (Source).

CBN is superior to THC for absorbing through the skin making a great topical application. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help skin and protect against bacterial infections. Studies have shown that CBN can protect against MRSA(Source) and aid in skin burns and psoriasis.(Source)

Cannabinol CBN is mildly psycho-active. CBN effects the CB1 receptors very slightly and targets the CB2 receptors more. The effects of cannabinol are very low compared to THC however it can give different treatment results. (Source)

Trace amounts of Cannabinol is found in cannabis. It is created through metabolized THC or aged through oxidation. There are a couple ways to achieve a higher concentration of Cannabinol. You should harvest the cannabis plant late to allow the oxidation to occur and increase the CBN. Cannabis purchased at a dispensary should be left out in air and light to age. A higher concentration of THC will result in more CBN.(Source)

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinol

http://www.medicaljane.com/2013/08/19/cannabinol-cbn-will-put-you-to-bed/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18681481

http://drsircus.com/medicine/transdermal-medical-marijuana-skin-cancer-treatment

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1204278

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20007734

How Cannabis Treatment Reduces Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Cannabis and Multiple Sclerosis

Inflammation in multiple-sclerosis (MS) show positive results with cannabis. Symptoms benefiting from cannabis treatments are muscle spasms, pain, sleep, interocular pressure and incontinence.(Source) MS is a long-term disease that effects the brain, central nervous system and optic nerves. This disease makes the immune system attack a fatty material called myelin. This fatty tissue wraps around the nerve fibers to protect them. The scar tissue of myelin called sclerosis causing inflammation.(Source)

Cannabis has shown to prevent inflammation in the central nervous system. Dr. Ewa Kozela of Tel Aviv University, Israel says "Inflammation is part of the body's natural immune response, but in cases like MS, it gets out of hand". In the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology he shows how cannabis can regulate inflammation.

In Dr. Kozela's study the cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) found in marijuana reduced inflammation associated in MS. The cannabinoids when administered reduced the inflammatory molecules, notably interleukin 17 (IL-17). The researchers say the inflammatory molecule "is strongly associated with MS and very harmful to nerve cells and their insulating covers,". They concluded:

"The presence of CBD or THC restrains the immune cells from triggering the production of inflammatory molecules, and limits the molecules' ability to reach and damage the brain and spinal cord." (Source)

Source:

http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/what-is-multiple-sclerosis

http://www.neurology.org/content/65/6/812.abstract

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000884

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267161.php

The Medicinal Properties of Cannabinoids

  

Cannabinoid Treatment

  Medicinal properties in the cannabis plant come from cannabinoids. At least 85 different cannabinoids have been isolated in the plant. The most researched cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN).(Source)

     Marijuana users get excited to see a sticky white resin on the flower buds because they contain most of the cannabinoids. They are produced from glandular hairs (trichomes) on the flower. Cannabinoids imitate naturally produced endocannabinoids in our body that maintain health.(Source)

    Cannibinoids interact with one another to provide different medicinal effects. Based on the understanding of cannibinoids, dispensaries like OUTCO administer a variety of cannabis medications. Listed below is the different cannabinoids and their specialized treatments.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – The psycho-active cannabinoid that treats pain, nausea, muscle spasms, anxiety and increases appetite.

Cannabidiol (CBD) – The most beneficial cannabinoid aiding in pain, slowing bacerteria growth, reducing sugar levels, nausea, reducing seizures, inflammation, insomnia, artery blockage, cancer cells\tumors, psoriasis, muscle spasms, anxiety, osteoporosis, increases immunity, spasms in intestine and protecting the nervous system.

Cannabigerolic (CBG) – Reduces bacteria growth, inflammation, cancer cells\tumors, and osteoporosis.

Cannabinol (CBN) – Mildly psycho-active that treats pain, insomnia, and muscle spasms.

Cannabichromene (CBC) – Has been shown to reduce pain including migraines, inflammation, cancer cells\tumors and osteoporosis.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv) – Mildly psycho-active that gives a euphoria and intensifies THC. Known to help with weightloss, reducing seizures, and osteoporosis.

THCa – Known to reduce inflammation, cancer cells\tumors, and muscle spasms.

Cannabigerolic acid (CBGa) – Aquired when consumed raw to reduce pain, inflammation, slow bacteria growth and reduce cancer cells\tumors.(Source)

CGCa – A cannabinoid known to reduce inflammation.

CBCa – Slows bacterial and fungal infection.

CBDa – Reduces cancer cells\tumors and inflammation.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinoid

http://www.leafly.com/knowledge-center/cannabis-101/cannabinoids-101-what-makes-cannabis-medicine

http://www.420magazine.com/forums/cannabis-facts-information/76763-marijuana-cannabinoids-thc-cbd-cbn.html

http://theleafonline.com/c/science/2014/08/cannabinoid-profiles-crash-course-cbga/

What is 2-AG and Does it Relate to Cannabis?

   2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is the most abundant endocannaboinoid messenger molecule that effects the TRPV1, CB1 and CB2 receptor. 2-AG is 170 times the concentration of anandamide which also effects the same receptors. 2-AG is naturally created in humans and also found in human and cattle milk. (Source)

   So why does this matter? Because 2-AG and anandamide is created on-demand naturally by the body, and an imbalance to the body to produce too much or little is thought to lead to disorders. Drug therapies that target the CB1, CB2 receptors bring the body back to a balance where 2-AG is lacking.(Source) It is theorized that diseases such as bipolar(Source) and alzheimer's(Source) could occur from an imbalance of 2-AG being created in the body.

   The nerve cells affected by 2-AG control body temperature, appetite, memory, mood, inflammation, immunity and the sensation of heat and pain. Studies show that it may inhibit cancer cell formation. 2-AG is created from 20-carbon essential fatty acids (EFA). Cannabis is a good source of EFA's that mimics 2-AG functions.(Source)

   Cannabis drug therapies have been developed to treat symptoms of many problems by mimicking the 2-AG messenger molecule. Some examples of treatment are for memory, pain, nausea, wasting syndrome, cancer, spasticity from multiple sclerosis and tremors from Parkinson's disease.

   2-AG plays an important role in traumatic brain injuries. When a brain injury occurs 2-AG has been found to be elevated. A study with mice was done where they gave a drug to boost the levels of 2-AG after a brain injury. The results were a quicker recovery, reduced inflammation, swelling and brain cell death.(Source)

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2-Arachidonoylglycerol

http://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/cannabinoid-science-101-what-is-2-ag/

https://www.caymanchem.com/app/template/Article.vm/article/2110

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21175579

http://bipolarnews.org/?tag=cannabidiol

http://www.jneurosci.org/content/34/45/14919.short

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11586361

Guidelines for Medical Marijuana Use in California

Cannabis remains illegal at a federal level in the United States. Each state has different rules on how medical marijuana is administered. California has approved marijuana for medical use and the laws are different from other states with the same approval.

Possession of marijuana in California was a felony prior to to prop 215 passing.(California Safety Code Section 11357) Proposition 215 allowed use of marijuana for medical reasons in 1996. Possession remained a felony without doctor recommendation. On November 17^th, 2014 the passage of Proposition 47 made possession not a felony.(Source) Prop 47 made possession of marijuana without a medical ID card a misdemeanor.(Source)

On November 5^th, 1996 California passed ballot Proposition 215 with a 56% voter approval. The law was also known as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. Medical marijuana can be recommended by a physician for:

“cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief.”

The law also deems it illegal to punish physicians for recommending marijuana for medical use. Medical marijuana ID holders are allowed to cultivate cannabis. Caregivers were also included to cultivate and access medical marijuana.(Source)

Six years later guidelines were made for possession with Senate Bill 420. Qualifying patients and caregivers were allowed to possess up to 8 ounces of dried marijuana and\or six mature or 12 immature cannabis plants. Provisions were also made with the bill to possess a larger amount with recommendation by a physician. Further allowances were given for local municipalities to make ordinances to permit larger quantities of medicinal marijuana.

Senate Bill 420 also gave provisions for collectives and dispensaries stating:

“Qualified patients, persons with valid identification cards, and the designated primary caregivers of qualified patients ... who associate within the state of California in order collectively or cooperatively to cultivate marijuana for medical purposes, shall not solely on the basis of that fact be subject to state criminal sanctions.”(Source)

On January 21, 2010 the California Supreme Court declared the possession limits in Senate Bill 420 unconstitutional. The reasoning was that proposition 215 could only be amended by the voters. In May 22, 2008 the Kelly Case in the Second District Court of appeals made this ruling. Personal possession limit went back to “the amount needed for patient's personal use” stated in Prop 215.(Source)

On August 25, 2008 California Attorney General Jerry Brown issued non-binding guidelines for enforcement with medical marijuana. The guidelines put forth in this document states:

• Cooperatives and collectives should operate as non-profit organizations, verify and maintain qualified patients records, collect sales tax and not sell outside the state.
• Not be used 1000 feet of a school, recreation center, or youth center
• Marijuana does not need to be accommodated at the workplace and employers can terminate an employee who tests positive for marijuana use.(Source)

Source:

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881#California

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/sourcefiles/california-proposition-215.pdf

http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/en/propositions/47/

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.additional-resource.php?resourceID=1735

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/sourcefiles/Brown_Guidelines_Aug08.pdf

How THC Mimics a Messenger Molecule

   Behaviors such as the  munchies, fertility and where you left your car keys all relate to a messenger molecule named anandamide. This molecule contributes to messages in the brain regarding to pain, depression, appetite, memory and fertility. The molecular structure of THC is very similar to anandamide. The similarity allows it mimic functions that this messenger molecule does. Anandamide breaks down very quickly not allowing humans to get to a “natural high”. THC takes more time to break down giving a psycho-active high.

   Messenger cells like anandamide are like a “key” that can attach to a nerve cell receptor acting like a “lock”. Once the messenger cell find a good connection with a receptor it can attach and open the nerve membrane to allow chloride ions to enter the cell. This equalizes the charges inside and outside the cell and prevents the cell from firing a charge. The “key” must be removed to allow the nerve cell to work again. Enzymes work to break down the “key” messenger molecules after a certain amount of time. The nerve cells will cease to work if the messenger molecule remains.(Source) In 1992 an Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam was able isolate anandamide as the “bliss” messenger cell that THC emulates. He was the same scientist that isolated THC in 1964.(Source)

How THC mimic's Anandamide

Anandamide and Memory
   Anandamide has been shown to create or destroy short term memory nerve connections. In animal studies an increase in anandamide results in forgetfulness.(Source) Anandamide helps to retain information like where you parked your car. It allows you to forget things like what the women was wearing at the checkout stand.(Source)

   A famous experiment known as the Morris Water Maze shows what happens to short term memory when anandamide is inhibited. Mice are placed in a water test area with a platform so they can climb out of the water. The platform is removed once the mice remember where it was placed. The mice will naturally look for the platform and realize it isn't there. They will then focus on surviving by swimming. Mice with a drug to block the anandamide will perpetually continue to look for the platform. They will forget that the platform isn't there.(Source)

Anandamide and Fertility
   Anandamide acts as a signaling when an embryo attaches to the female uterus. In fact anandamide is at a higher concentration in the uterus than the brain. Sperm contain receptors that accept the anandamide molecule. It is theorized that disrupting the function of anandamide therefore could interfere with fertility. More research is need to further investigate the relation between fertility and drugs that act like anadamide.(Source)

Similar Sources to Anandamide
   Chocolate has a similar structure to anandamide much like THC. Daniele Piomelli studied this as a scientist at the Neuroscience Instititute in San Diego. He found that chocolate has three compounds that mimic anandamide. Chocolate and THC behave differently as a messenger.  Piomelli states, “The response to THC and to the chocolate anandamides are not at all the same, even if the concentrations could be made comparable.” Chocolate may create a blissful feeling while not giving a high.(Source)

   Recently Piomelli found a naturally occurring molecule in the body that mimics anandamide. Sn-2 arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) can lock into the same bliss receptors. It is unique in that it works at 170 times the concentration of anandamide. The 2-AG molecules are found in different parts of the brain. Piomelli theorizes that the functions of anandamide and 2-AG are complementary.(Source)


Source:
http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/features/anandamide.shtml
http://thesilvertour.org/cannabis-professor-raphael-mechoulam-discovery-thc-1964-anandamide-1992
http://www.marijuanalibrary.org/981217.html#nfo
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21684528
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091305799001069
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v388/n6644/full/388773a0.html
https://www.exploratorium.edu/exploring/exploring_chocolate/choc_8.html

The Benefits of Cannabis and Osteoporosis

Benefits of Cannabis for Osteoporosis

54 million Americans suffer from Osteoporosis. It is a disease meaning “porous bone”. The holes in the bones can result in broken bones from minor accidents.(Source) Experts believe cannabis can slow the progression of tissue loss leading to Osteoporosis. This is from findings of how interactions with the CB1 and CB2 receptors maintain bone density.

Cannabis works along with the endocannabinoid system to effect the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are in the skeletal nerve terminals. They regulate the bone formation. CB2 receptors initiate bone formation while also slowing bone resorption.(Source)

Bone metabolism is natural in mammals where the minerals in the bone are renewed. Osteoblasts are bone forming cells. Osteoclasts are bone resorbing cells. Osteoporosis occurs when the bone formation is reduced and fat can accumulate in the bone marrow.

Research shows two findings where associations with the CB2 receptors relate to osteoporosis. In one study, CB2 mutant mice resulted in low bone mass. The other shows a tie with the gene CNR2 that encodes the CB2 receptor. When the CNR2 gene is compromised it increases the tendency for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Bone loss slows when a cannabinoid drug is given to the mutant mice or women with postmenopausal symptoms.(Source)

A study by the Arthritis Research Campaign looked at the CB1 receptor in mice with bone loss. They also investigated the reasoning behind an increase in fat cells in marrow with aging bones. Osteoporosis was slowed when the mice were given treatment with cannabinoids to increase CB1 receptor function. First, the CB1 receptors regulated the osteoclast cells activity, slowing down the resorption. Secondly, the CB1 receptors were able to differentiate between the osteoblast and fat cells. This resulted in the osteoblast cells being increased and the fat cells decreasing.(Source)

The study done by Stuart Ralston, from the University of Edinburgh said:

"This is an exciting step forward, but we must recognize that these are early results and more tests are needed on the effects of cannabis in humans to determine how the effects differ with age in people. We plan to conduct further trials soon and hope the results will help to deliver new treatments that will be of value in the fight against osteoporosis." (Source)

Source:

http://nof.org/articles/7

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19634029

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18426503

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19656492

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8199007.stm

Marijuana Treatment for Veterans

PTSD and the Military

   San Diego has one of the largest military veteran populations in the United States with a total of 265,000 veterans .(Source)    OUTCO  dispenses medical marijuana to the community of San Diego, and many of our patients are veterans suffering from a variety of medical conditions. Conditions experienced by military personnel include: traumatic brain injury,  chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression and  PTSD.
 
      Medical marijuana has been shown through studies to support patients with all of these conditions.   Veterans with a medical marijuana prescription report that cannabis has fewer side effects to their treatment than other prescribed medicine.(Source) This is an excellent option for veterans. Unfortunately, the US military has a zero tolerance for marijuana use for active military, which has existed since the Reagan administration.(Source)

       Psychiatry.org has reported the need for better treatment than what is currently available to military veterans, stating :

• In 2012 there were more military suicides than death from combat
• Military suicides are at their highest rate in the last 10 years
• 8-20% of military doing tours in Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from a traumatic brain injury
• Traumatic brain injuries increase suicidal thoughts
• 20% of all suicides in the United States are from military veterans
• 300,000 veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have been diagnosed with PTSD
(Source)

Veterans and PTSD
       Increase in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has recently been in the forefront of news about veterans.   PTSD results in suicide making discussion for treatments a hot topic. Studies have shown that on average 11-20% of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom veterans, 10% of Desert Storm veterans and 30% of Vietnam veterans suffer from PTSD.(Source)

Veterans and Suicide
     Statistics have shown a 20% increase in veteran suicide since 2007. Experts believe this is due to the increase in the use of the prescription drug Lorazepam.   This drug has been prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and insomnia with a dangerous side-effect of feelings of suicide.   Other veterans self-medicate with alcohol and prescribed medications that can lead to suicidal thoughts.(Source) Traumatic brain injury, which has been prevalent in the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, often results in an increase of these thoughts of suicide.(Source)

Research that Show the Benefit of Cannabis for Veterans
     Research has concluded that cannabis can treat many of the conditions from which these veterans suffer.   Use of marijuana increases a cannabinoid named 2-AG.   This in turn helps to reduce swelling and toxic chemicals released during a brain injury.(Source) In 2010, a Canadian study found that smoking 3 puffs of marijuana a day relieves pain and insomnia.(Source) In 1986, it was found that cannabis affects the benzoiazepine receptors of the brain thus reducing anxiety.(Source) Research conducted at McGill University showed low doses of THC helped to relieve depression.(Source) These conditions are closely related to  PTSD  thus offering relief with marijuana in the way it effects the  CB1 and CB2 receptors of the brain.(Source)



Source:
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/PTSD-overview/basics/how-common-is-ptsd.asp
http://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-how-medical-marijuana-saves-the-lives-of-many-war-veterans--n67?utm_content=buffer68a3d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
http://www.vancnorthcounty.org/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2950205/
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/6/marijuana-presents-dilemma-for-military-as-more-st/?page=all
http://psychiatry.org/mentalhealth
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/traumatic-brain-injury-may-increase-suicide-risk-for-military-personnel/
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/000632238690003X
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071023183937.htm
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=117202

Cannabis and How it Helps Anxiety

 

Cannabis Treatment for Anxiety

  Anxiety is a natural experience for most of us. It makes us feel uneasy, stressed and agitated. When anxiety disables someone from carrying on a normal life, it becomes a disorder.  Cannabis is a safe and natural way to cope with the symptoms of Anxiety Disorder. OUTCOin San Diego is a legally licensed dispensary which provides cannabis for a variety of medical issues, including Anxiety Disorder.

What is an Anxiety Disorder
  Anxiety disorder can occur as a panic, social, phobia or a generalized worry that won't go away. Symptoms include fear, panic, insomnia, quick breath, racing heart, inability to self-sooth, dry mouth, nausea, tense muscles, dizziness, and clammy or numb hands and feet. Environmental stress, heredity, and trauma are factors that contribute to this disorder.

Anxiety and the Brain
  Receptors in the brain that control fear and emotion contribute to the feeling of anxiety.  Prolonged stress can alter the way these nerve cells transmit information leading to a long lasting anxiety disorder.(Source)

  Commonly prescribed drugs to treat anxiety such as Valium and Librium block the GABA receptors. When these receptors are blocked, the body can calm anxiety and fear-based emotions.  Cannabis has been shown to regulate anxiety by blocking the GABA receptor.(Source)

  The CB1 receptor also controls anxiety in the brain functions.  Studies have shown that regulating the CB1 receptor reduces anxiety.(Source) Cannabis has been continually proven to affect the CB1 receptorthrough research studies.(Source) Cannabis regulates mood and anxiety by controlling the CB1 receptors.(source) 

   Sachin Patel, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Psychiatry and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics in Vanderbilt, has been at the forefront of research for the benefits of cannabis relating to brain function. Published in the March 2014 issue of Neuron he writes about endocannabinoids in the amygdala. The amygdala regulates memory, anxiety and the "fight or flight" response in the brain.

   Long term stress and trauma can result in a reduction of endocannabinoids being produced in the amygdala resulting in an increased feeling of anxiety. Light users of marijuana can experience treatment in anxiety by increasing the endocannabinoids needed to regulate the emotion. In contrast, chronic marijuana users reduce the effectiveness of the endocannabioids creating a paradox of an increase in anxiety.(Source) 

   Cannabis regulates the brain function to aid in the treatment of anxiety disorder.  OUTCO dispensary in San Diego has knowledgeable staff that can discuss which options are right for each patient.

Source:
http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-anxiety-disorders
http://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/d/d_04/d_04_m/d_04_m_peu/d_04_m_peu.html
http://outcoca.blogspot.com/2014/11/how-marijuana-effects-gaba-in-nervous.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23647582
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16148437
http://news.vanderbilt.edu/2014/03/discovery-sheds-new-light-on-marijuana-anxiety-relief-effects/

Zero Tolerance for Marijuana in the Military

Veterans Equal Access Act Released Dec 3, 2014

   The U.S. Military holds a zero tolerance for marijuana use. Federal laws govern the military on cannabis use. New policies and studies from the federal government show promise of a policy shift to allowing medical-marijuana for military veterans.

   Marijuana possession is a crime under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Military personnel can be penalized with a court martial. The zero tolerance also includes military families on base. Possession can result in eviction of housing or loss of job on the base.(Source)

   There are 23 states that have legalized medical-marijuana. Military personnel in these states still have to adhere by the federal and UCMJ laws. Seventy-five percent of the soldiers were drug tested at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington in 2013. Of the 30,836 soldiers tested, 250 tested positive. This is down from 2012 which had 315 testing positive. At Fort Carson in Colorado they tested all 26,000 soldiers having 254 test positive for marijuana in 2013.

   “The results of our continued drug testing demonstrate the commitment soldiers have to the Army profession, regardless of a state’s legalization of marijuana,” Army Spokesman Lt. Col. Benjamin Garrett commented on the zero tolerance for marijuana. “With 98 percent of the Army population testing negative for illicit drugs, soldiers demonstrate their ability to take responsibility for themselves, reinforcing the fact that our drug testing program is working.” (Source)

Signs of Change for the Zero Tolerance

   The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 2010 stated that veterans may use medical-marijuana in states where it is legal. Under federal law it remained illegal for VA doctors to recommend cannabis as treatment. Veterans wanting medical-marijuana would need to obtain the prescription from a civilian doctor. This statement allowed veterans to not fear losing benefits if they used marijuana.(Source)

   The U.S. Government in March 2014 approved to study for marijuana treatment for veterans with PTSD. The study will have 50 veterans with PTSD use different amounts of marijuana in a vapor or smoked form. This study may show a shift in federal policy with regards to marijuana and the use in the military.(Source)

   On December 3^rd, 2014 the Veterans Equal Access Act was released. It would allow VA doctors to prescribe medical marijuana for veterans.(Source) This comes at a crucial time for veterans when many suffer from PTSD and other conditions. Currently Arizona, Connecticut, Maine and New Mexico recognize cannabis as a treatment for PTSD.(Source) The VA working at a federal level may help open the doors for many other states to qualify PTSD as a condition that medical-marijuana can treat.

Source:

http://hemp.org/news/node/4293

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/6/marijuana-presents-dilemma-for-military-as-more-st/

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/government-approves-marijuana-study-for-treating-ptsd-in-veterans/

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/military/story/2012-06-05/military-veterans-medical-marijuana/55395138/1

http://www.leafly.com/knowledge-center/medical-resources/qualifying-conditions-for-medical-marijuana-by-state

http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/new-bill-would-allow-the-va-to-recommend-medical-marijuana/article_6ce3f13f-28d7-5084-8ebf-7c9d70a74fa9.html

Essential Fatty Acids in Cannabis

Cannabis in the form of hemp seeds holds forty-four percent of it's weight in edible oils.  These oils comprise eighty percent of essential fatty acids (EFAs) which include Linoleic Acid (55%), Alpha-Linolenic Acid - Omega-3 (22%), Gamma-Linolenic Acid - Omega-6 (1-4%) and Stearidonic Acid - Omega -3 (0-2%)(Source). Cannabis derived from flowers has been found to include many fatty acids including palmitic, myristic, oleic and stearic acids. (Source)

Omega 3 Fatty Acids in plant form have been found to help with arthritis, depression, infant development, asthma, ADHD, Alzheimer's and Dementia. These acids have been shown to act primarily as an anti-inflammatory agent.(Source) Studies have also shown that an increased diet including Omega 3 fatty acids helps to reduce ADHD symptoms.

Omega 6 fatty acids, also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), have been shown to help with brain function, growth and development, skin and hair growth, metabolism regulation, bone health and the functions of the reproductive system. (Source) A diet with higher levels of Omega 3's vs. Omega 6 has been shown to be healthiest overall. However Omega 6 acids have been found to help with specific health  problems which may not be addressed solely through a diet including use of Omega 6 acids. Linolenic Acid (GLA) has been shown to help with nerve pain in people with diabetic neuropathy or arthritis. Studies have shown more allergies in woman with low GLA in breast milk or blood. GLA has been shown to help with a breast cancer drug tamoxifen and help inhibit tumor activity. (Source)

Cannabis is a nutritious food source that offers essential fatty acids, all 9 essential amino acids and 65% of globulin edistin.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/omega-3-fatty-acids-fact-sheet

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega6-fatty-acids

http://forendex.southernforensic.org/uploads/references/MicrogramJournal/5.1-4.20.25.pdf

Cannabis use Lowers Alcohol Consumption

With the recent legalization of marijuana as a recreation use, alcohol consumption has gone down. This result was first theorized and studied in the late 1960's and 70's. DUI arrests, driving fatalities under alcohol influence, and drug overdose has gone down in Colorado and Washington where recreational marijuana use has become legal.

In 1968, Alfred R. Lindesmith, a sociologist talked about how pot smokers have an aversion to alcohol, much like how Hindus in India regard alcohol as taboo, while incorporating ganja as part of their ritual. John Kaplan from Stanford University in 1970 wrote, Marijuana, the New Prohibition states that a large percentage of marijuana users cut down alcohol use after starting use of marijuana. Richard Blum's data in the book showed that 54% of weekly marijuana users reduced alcohol use, while 89% of daily users reduced their consumption. (Source)

An online study in Australia surveyed 1,994 people broken up into groups of marijuana users, alcohol users and stimulant drugs such as ecstasy. The research purpose was to find if use of other drugs encourages people to drink more alcohol. With the three groups, ecstacy and alcohol users binged with excessive alcohol use, while marijuana users did not. (Source)

A study published in the Journal of Law and Economics showed that there is a 8-11% drop in traffic fatalities associated with legalizing medical marijuana. The findings were the same amount in alcohol related accidents which concluded that legalizing marijuana resulted in less drinking. (Source) This study has been put into practice in Colorado where as the miles driven goes up yearly, driving fatalities as legalization of marijuana takes effect has gone down by 9 percent. The study went on to report that after the legalization beer sales were down in the state by 5 percent. (Source) In Washington state, drunk driving arrests went down 11% after legalizing marijuana. (Source)

With a reduction of alcohol usage, one can infer that alcohol intoxication leading to overdose death will go down, but studies aren't out yet. Studies do show a reduction in opioid drug overdose deaths with the legalization of marijuana. (Source) The DEA has been pressured to remove marijuana as a schedule 1 drug, which would allow for more research regarding cannabis use and it's effects on society.(Source)

Source:

http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/library/studies/cu/cu58.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24975774

http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.1086/668812?uid=2&uid=4&sid=21103919484243

http://www.iza.org/en/webcontent/publications/papers/viewAbstract?dp_id=6112

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobsullum/2014/04/03/more-pot-safer-roads-marijuana-legalization-could-bring-unexpected-benefits/

http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1898878

The History of Hemp in the United States

Hemp is the cannabis plant high in CBD and low in THC grown for it's fiber to make fabric, paper, rope and a food source. From the very beginning of early America, the cannabis plant has been an integral part of the society.

Hemp was one of the first commodities in early America. In 1611 the British started cultivating hemp in Virginia. In 1619 Jamestown Virginia declared it illegal to NOT grow hemp, Massachusetts and Connecticut passing similar laws later. Hemp being a commodity in early America was used for bartering in 1631 in the Colonies. This continued through the 17^th and 18^th century for hemp to be legal tender to pay taxes and encourage cultivation. From 1715-1730 hemp laws were passed to encourages self-sufficiency in the colonies by creating incentive to make cloth, bibles and maps on hemp paper. In Lancaster County Pennsylvania every township grew hemp with a booming business of more than 100 mills to process the hemp fiber.

Notable people and relics were part of the hemp industry of early United States of America. “Make the most of the Indian hemp seed and sow it everywhere" said George Washington in 1795. Benjamin Franklin, wanting distance from Englands control, started the first hemp paper mill. Thomas Paine wrote his patriotic messages on hemp paper. The Declaration of Independence was drafted and the Constitution was printed on hemp paper. Betsy Ross made the first American flag from hemp fiber. Thomas Jefferson grew hemp on his plantation saying “Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth and prosperity of the nation.” The frigate U.S. Constitution known as “Old Ironsides” in the War of 1812 used hemp for its rope and sails. Mark Twain did his writings on hemp paper. Abraham Lincoln used hemp oil in his lamp to work in the night to write the Emancipation Proclamation.

Hemp proliferated throughout the United States as the progression of expansion moved west. The early 1800's has reports of the Californian missions growing hemp. By 1850, the U.S. Census reported 8,327 hemp plantations. The westward movement used lassos, lighting oil, paints, varnishes and canvas covered wagons made from hemp.

Other fibers started to take less labor like cotton, jute, sisal and petroleum in the late 1800's starting to create the decline in the hemp industry. Hemp started being used for just unique products like birdseed or varnish. In 1917 George W. Schlichten created a machine that made the production for hemp much more economical by increasing the yield by 600% and reducing labor costs by 90%. 

At the same time Rudolph Diesel around the same time invented the diesel engine to use vegetable and seed oil which would have benefited the hemp industry. However the oil stronghold of Rockefeller, Standard Oil and Rothschild bought onto Henry Fords vision of methanol fuel and worked to keep prices down so there was a lack of competition. This worked until 1970 when the competition was erased with oil jumping to record high prices.(Source)

Unfortunately for hemp a big anti-narcotic campaign, where the fear led to banning the cultivation of hemp. California in 1913 was the first to ban the cultivation of hemp with 30 states following by 1930. There were two reasons for the early outlaws of hemp, the first from a prejudice against Mexicans that used it. The second is for the fear that heroin would be a gateway drug to the use of marijuana, much in reverse of modern day thinking.(Source)

In the 1930's campaigns were brought to demonize marijuana and exaggerate the correlation between hemp and marijuana. These campaigns were funded by Andrew Mellon who invested in DuPont, William Randolph Hearst who was in the timber industry, and Harry Anslinger, nieces husband of Andrew Mellon who Mellon appointed as the Federal Bureau of Narcotics which later became the DEA. The fall of the hemp industry allowed the timber industry of Hearst and the petroleum-based products of DuPont to flourish. The anti-cannabis campaign focused on demonizing Mexican immigrants and Black jazz musicians that used it with movies like “Marijuana: Assasin of Youth”, “Devil's Weed”, and “Reefer Madness”.

The destruction of the hemp industry was really put into effect in 1937 by the Marijuana Tax Act, that penalized the usage of hemp. In 1941 Henry Ford illegally grew hemp to test a car that could be run on the oil of hemp, trying to separate from the monopoly of the petroleum industry that he helped create.(Source)

During World War 2, importation of hemp was curtailed, which was used in many military applications. The U.S. Government started the 1941-1945 Hemp for Victory campaign. After the war, the campaign was replaced by “Ditch the Weed”, which the midwest still has many of the hemp volunteer plants lining the roadways and ditches from the campaign. The U.S. Denied that Hemp for Victory campaign was ever created, however hemp activists Carl Packard, Mia Farrow and Jack Herer recovered some VHS tapes in 1989 of the propaganda film. (Source)

In the 1990's there was a new emergence of life to the hemp industry that had been suppressed. In 1994 President Clinton declared hemp as a strategic food source in an executive order. The American Farm Bureau Federation passed a resolution in 1996 to grow test plots of land for hemp. Jesse Ventura running for governor in 1998 endorsed industrial hemp, jumping his support from 7-38%.

The Oglala Sioux Tribe of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota legalized hemp in 1998. Alex White Plume grew hemp on the reservation and the DEA promptly destroyed it at harvest time in 2000. The Kentucky Hemp Growers replaced the hemp to Alex so he could continue growing. Alex White Plume became the first farmer since 1968 to cultivate and sell hemp in the U.S.(Source)

Currently the federal government bans the growing of hemp, while the states of California, Colorado, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia deems the growing of hemp as legal. President Obama in 2014 signed the Farm Bill of 2013 into law to for research and agriculture pilot programs.(Source)

Source:

http://druglibrary.org/schaffer/library/mj_outlawed.htm

http://www.naihc.org/hemp_information/content/hemp.mj.html

http://www.votehemp.com/2014_farm_bill_section_7606.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp_for_Victory

http://www.ozarkia.net/bill/pot/blunderof37.html

http://www.hemphasis.net/History/history.htm

Did Jesus Use Cannabis

OUTCO welcomes all religions and we hope to continue to investigate the history of the usage of cannabis throughout many religions and different time periods playing a role in society.

Lost in translation has kept many historians from having a definitive explanation of the biblical passages that may have been talking about cannabis. There are reasons to believe that cannabis was the healing and anointing oil rich in CBD that is talked about in the Bible. There is also skeptics who believe that the translation was correct, and cannabis was not referenced in the Bible. Hemp has been grown since 6000BC and was around and prevalent in the time of Christ. Some of the miracles Jesus preformed are also similar to treatments for cannabis including skin diseases, glaucoma, neurodegenerative conditions and multiple sclerosis.

An error was thought to have occurred in the third century BC oldest Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. The translation put the word as calamus, which Benet believes is a common marsh plant with no value and doesn't go along with the importance it was given in the Bible. This word calamus was mistranslated five times in the Old Testament, Exodus, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Song of Songs.

In 1936 Sula Benet, a Polish etymologist proclaimed that the word cannabis is much older than the first thought Scythian origin, and believes it to be from Semitic Hebrew language, appearing throughout the Old Testament. Benet points out that in the testament it is described as incense, part of religious celebration, and an intoxicant. Benet went on to show that the word in the Old Testament, Kannabus or kaneh-bosm, broken down where Kan meant “reed” or “hemp” and bosm meaning “aromatic”.(Source) 

Exodus 30:22 – 25 talks about the recipe Lord gave Moses for healing oil:

“Moreover, the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Moreover the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels, And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin: And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.”(Source)

Another theory to speak to the importance of the anointing with oil for the religion is brought out in the Book of Philip, which is a book that is part of The Nag Hammadi Library not recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. One of the passages states:

“The chrism is superior to baptism, for it is from the word "Chrism" that we have been called "Christians," certainly not because of the word "baptism". And it is because of the chrism that "the Christ" has his name. For the Father anointed the Son, and the Son anointed the apostles, and the apostles anointed us. He who has been anointed possesses everything. He possesses the resurrection, the light, the cross, the Holy Spirit. The Father gave him this in the bridal chamber; he merely accepted (the gift). The Father was in the Son and the Son in the Father. This is the Kingdom of Heaven.”(Source)

All of this evidence is compelling, including the Lytton John Musselman, a Professor of Botany at Old Dominion University believes the translation has always been correct with the calamus plant. He points out that calamus is used as an herbal remedy. He notes, “In Sri Lanka it is available in any herbal remedy shop and also universally grown in home gardens. (Source) 

Source:

http://www.vice.com/read/did-jesus-perform-his-miracles-with-cannabis-oil

http://gnosis.org/naghamm/gop.html

biblehub.com/exodus/30-22.htm