How Cannabis Increasing Ceramide Helps Cancer Patients

A ceramide is a waxy lipid molecule found in cell membranes. It is found throughout the body, especially on the outer layer of skin. Ceramides help with cell differentiation, proliferation, and also aid in cell death. Marijuana, which increases ceramide, can be used to reduce cancer tumors.(Source)

Cannabis has been found to increase the messenger molecule anandamide, which induces the creation of ceramide. Using topical creams and ingesting marijuana has been shown to increase ceramide levels in the cells. Research has shown that an increase in ceramide allows cells with mitochondrial dysfunction or dysregulation to die. (Source) The ceramide disrupts the mitrochondria which releases cytochrome c and reactive oxygen into the cytosol, leading to cell death. The ceramide increase does not cause an apoptosis reaction in normal, healthy cells.(Source)

Our skin (or epidermis) has the highest concentration of ceramide. It maintains a barrier for the skin which slows environmental damage and retains moisture. Ceramide levels in the skin drop as we age. Signs of low ceramide include dry skin, wrinkles, and eczema.

Source:

http://www.cureyourowncancer.org/how-cannabis-oil-works.html

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

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15958274

http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/v6/n3/full/nm0300_313.html

https://patients4medicalmarijuana.wordpress.com/how-cannabinoids-kill-cancer-dennis-hill/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19228959

A Connection between Fish Oil and Cannabis

Scientists have long since established that fish oil is very beneficial to your diet. Being rich in Omega-3, fish oil is similar to cannabis. (Source) Omega-3 comes in the form of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). (Source) New research shows that DHA effects the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. (Source)

When DHA is ingested, it is converted into docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide (DHEA) using the same pathways as anandamide. (Source) Researchers believe that this conversion creates the DHA’s beneficial qualities. This relationship allows Omega 3 to affect the sCB2 receptors, which can help decrease inflammation in the body. This new research is groundbreaking; it shows that fish can affect the endocannabinoid system. (Source)

Omega 3 is used to repair both the body and the cardiovascular system. The conversion of Omega 3 to (DHEA) has been proven to help with strokes, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Platelet-leukocyte aggregate formations at higher levels are precursors to heart attacks, as well as other cardiovascular problems. Introducing DHEA into the body reduces the platelet-leukocyte count in the blood. (Source)

Source:

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

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/51493529_Decoding_functional_metabolomics_with_docosahexaenoyl_ethanolamide_%28DHEA%29_identifies_novel_bioactive_signals

http://www.life-enhancement.com/magazine/article/2513-remarkable-new-findings-when-fish-oils-meet-cannabis-receptors-a-result-is-powerful-protection-of

Yang et al. Decoding functional metabolomics with docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide (DHEA) identifies novel bioactive signals. J Biol Chem 286(36):31532-41 (2011).

New York State Gearing Up to Offer Medical Marijuana to Hospital Patients

On June 5^th of this year, New York state created a deadline for applications to produce and distribute medical marijuana. The State Health Department can only approve of five applicants. Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA Ventures) has reported that they have applied for one such license. North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System announced their application as well.

North Shore-LIJHS has partnered up with Silverpeak Apothecary (a medical marijuana company in Colorado) for their license. Michael Dowling, CEO of North Shore, stated that “the importance of our patients having access to every legal option to manage the symptoms of their illness, if there is clinical evidence to support marijuana’s use for the condition.”

Other academic medical facilities have showed interest in partnerships with license holders. The University of Rochester Medical Center and Mount Sinai Health System in Manhattan both expressed interest in working with medical marijuana. Health insurance does not currently cover medical marijuana. Having access to the production and distribution of medical marijuana allows medial facilities to research the drug for treatments while providing access to their patients. Medical marijuana could be available to New York hospital patients as early as January 2016.

Source:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/06/nyregion/hospitals-back-providers-applying-for-new-york-state-marijuana-licenses.html?_r=0

Cannabis Increases Melatonin

In 1986, an Italian study found that marijuana dramatically increases melatonin. Research has shown a link between cancer prevention and melatonin therapies. (Source) Recently melatonin was discovered in bone marrow. As such, it has an additional benefit of increasing immunity.(Source)

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates bodily functions for timed events. For example, feeling sleepy at night and naturally waking up in the morning is regulated by melatonin. A decreased amount of melatonin can disrupt sleep and lead to insomnia. Melatonin also regulates blood pressure and influences the reproduction cycle.(Source)

When cannabis increases the prostaglandin PGE2 levels, it also increases your melatonin. The production of PGE2 stimulates a rise in melatonin levels in the body. The aforementioned Italian study found that the cannabinoid THC increased melatonin levels 20 minutes after consumption. After two hours of smoking cannabis, the melatonin levels were 4,000% higher than the baseline. (Source)

Source:

http://members.iowatelecom.net/sharkhaus/marijuana_melatonin.html

http://www.canceractive.com/cancer-active-page-link.aspx?n=1242

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3645767/

Why Marinol is Not the Same as Medical Marijuana

Marinol is a THC-derived medicine that has been available in America since 1985 for prescription use. The FDA-approved pill is taken orally and can treat nausea and increase appetite for cancer and AIDS patients. Users explain that Marinol and medical marijuana are nothing alike.

Marinol contains only one cannabinoid from the marijuana plant, THC. (Source) While many patients seek the pain relief qualities that THC provides, cannabis contains numerous other cannabinoids and terpenes that work synergisticly in medical marijuana. The combination of compounds found in cannabis is thought to offer an “Entourage Effect” which makes pure cannabis more beneficial.

Marinol, an oral medication, requires up to ninety minutes to generate an effect. Patients can easily mis-dose themselves due to the time lag. Many patients prefer smoking or vaping marijuana for the immediate relief and dosage control. Medical marijuana can be smoked, providing relief in less than a minute. This allows for patients to receive a dosage that fits the symptom immediately without overdosing. (Source)

People who suffer from nausea complain that keeping the Marinol pills down can be difficult. Once ingested, the metabolism reduces effectiveness, only allowing 5-10% of the THC into the bloodstream. The effects can take up to 4 hours to peak, resulting in delayed relief or improper dosage.

The cost for the drug Marinol is also more expensive than medical marijuana. Marinol can cost $200-800 depending on dosage. The increased cost can dissuade patients from using this medication. A survey found that 33% of patients did not use Marinol due to its high cost. (Source)

Overall, studies show that patients prefer medical marijuana over Marinol. A study done by the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy showed a 23% higher success rate for treating symptoms with medical marijuana than with THC capsules. Research conducted in New Mexico found that 90% of patients improved by smoking marijuana while only 60% of oral THC medication showed improvement. In a New York State study, 29% of patients who did not see improvements with oral THC medication saw measured improvements from smoking marijuana. (Source)

Source:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/does-the-pot-pill-work/

http://www.coloradonorml.org/information/marijuana/medical/marinol-vs-natural-plant

Fibromyalgia and Cannabis

An estimated five million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia. It is a chronic pain affecting the muscles and soft tissue.The National Pain Foundation conducted a study of 1,300 fibromyalgia patients who treated their symptoms with medical marijuana. Results of the research found that cannabis was more effective than the other three FDA approved medications to treat fibromyalgia.

Currently the FDA has approved the medications Cymbalta, Lyrica, and Savella to treat fibromyalgia. Over 60% of patients reported that these three drugs did not work for their fibromyalgia. 62% of the patients who tried medical marijuana saw improvements with their symptoms. (Source)

Similar results were found in a Canada-based study where Nabilone, a marijuana-based drug, was tested on fibromyalgia patients. Forty sufferers of the disease reported a significant reduction in pain and anxiety when using the cannabinoid drug. (Source) Currently Nabilone is offered for Americans under the name ‘Cesamet.’

Fibromyalgia sufferers report that their condition is often misunderstood. The lack of understanding about the pain, fatigue, and feeling isolated makes fibromyalgia a debilitating disease. About 80 to 90% of fibromyalgia sufferers are women. (Source) People with fibromyalgia feel that 30-40% of their physicians and loved ones do not take their condition seriously. Only 11% of sufferers are diagnosed correctly the first year. (Source)

Source:

http://nationalpainreport.com/marijuana-rated-most-effective-for-treating-fibromyalgia-8823638.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17974490

Men Vs. Women when Using Marijuana

Research has discovered that men and women may experience different results when using marijuana. A 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that men are 50% more likely to have smoked marijuana in the last month then women. (Source) It's believed that cannabis responds to estrogen differently than testosterone, which is the reason why the effects differ by gender.

A 2014 Washington State University study showed that female rats experience greater negative side effects after cannabis usage than male rats. The females showed a greater sensitivity to painkilling properties which made the cannabis more effective. The adverse development of tolerance with females also made them more likely to become dependent on the drug. During ovulation, increased estrogen resulted in greater sensitivity.(Source)

Margaret Haney at the Columbia University Medical Center has studied female usage of cannabis and withdrawal. Due to their increased dependence, she has shown that withdrawal can be more severe for women. Lack of appetite, insomnia, and irritability has reported to be more severe in women who stop using marijuana. She states that the only sensitivity experienced by men after using marijuana is an increased appetite.

Source:

http://www.drugandalcoholdependence.com/article/S0376-8716%2814%2901018-7/abstract

http://www.marijuana.com/blog/news/2014/06/do-women-actually-smoke-less-cannabis-than-men/

https://news.wsu.edu/2014/09/03/females-more-sensitive-to-cannabis-males-get-munchies/#.VY9Dz0aDCM8

Muscle Spasms and Cannabis

Muscle spasms occur for a myraid of reasons. Dehydration, medications, and/or electrolyte abnormalities can cause short term spasms. Long term, serious conditions can relate to multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia, muscular dystrophy, or myopathy. Many patients who suffer from muscle spasms report that cannabis helps with muscle spasms.

Muscle spasm pain can increase over time. One spasm can produce another, creating a continual cycle that self-perpetuates. Muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety, pain, and anti-seizure medications are used to treat spasms but they can have adverse side effects. Cannabis, acupuncture, and massage are more natural ways of reducing the pain and spasms with fewer side effects. (Source)

Muscle spasm research with cannabis is ongoing and slow due to regulations. A research study from the San Diego School of Medicine tested thirty multiple sclerosis patients with muscle spasms. One third of patients felt relief from muscle spasms and a 50% reduction in pain perception. (Source) A 2004 study with Parkinson's disease patients found that 45.9% of those who used cannabis saw benefits; most saw improvement after two months of use. (Source) GW Pharmaceuticals’ researchers discovered that multiple sclerosis patients found relief with 2-3 puffs of a cigarette, allowing for the marijuana to treat symptoms in seconds rather than minutes. (Source)

Research with the cannabis prescription drug Sativex has shown substantial confirmation of the benefits of marijuana in regards to muscle spasms. (Source) Other studies on cannabis reveal that other spasm-related events, like menstrual cramps and Tourette's Syndrome, can be positively affected through cannabis use. (Source)

Source:

http://www.medicann.com/muscle-spasms/

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/study-smoking-pot-may-ease-pain-muscle-spasms-in-people-with-multiple-sclerosis/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20307378

The Benefits of THCa

Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCa) is a cannabinoid found in raw marijuana. THCa begins to convert to THC while the cannabis flower is still on the plant. Therapeutic properties can be attributed to THCa including pain relief and reducing inflammation. The non-psychoactive effects allow patients to take at a higher dose for treatment.

Eating raw cannabis by juicing or tincture will provide ample amounts of THCa. Lab results of the flowers containing THC actually show how much THCa will be converted to THC when heated. Generally, the THCa consists of 5-25% of the marijuana plant itself.

Studies have shown that THCa has anti-inflammatory properties that can help arthritis, multiple sclerosis, pain, and gastrointestinal problems. (Source) Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid can improve and reduce the effects of neurodegenerative disease. (Source) The antiemetic properties in THCa also helps patients with HIV\Aids and cancer. (Source) And finally, research has shown that THCa can slow or stop cancer growth in the prostate. (Source)

Source:

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/34/5/34_5_774/_article

https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22571976

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1981.tb13806.x/abstract

 https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3570006/

Dr. William Courtney

Dr. William Courtney is an advocate for consuming raw cannabis. He is a proponent for eating fresh marijuana flowers for their therapeutic and nutritional value. The psycho-active quality of marijuana is not present in the raw flowers, allowing consumers to continue with their daily activities unimpaired.

Raw cannabis has healing properties without the dangers of smoking. The cannabinoids CBGa, CBCa, THCa, and CBDa are present in raw cannabis that hasn't been aged. Tinctures with high potency of these cannabinoids can be made without the threat of psycho-active side effects. Dr. Courtney states that a tolerable dose of 10 mg limits THC from being as beneficial as THCa, which can have a dose of 100-200 times greater.(Source)

The essential fatty acids, essential amino acids, and phyto-cannabinoids are the focus of Dr. Courtney's mission to popularize the use of cannabis in a daily diet. He’s working to find a minimum daily requirement guide for raw cannabis to be included in health maintenance. He is part of Cannabis International Foundation which supports an international treaty for cannabis to be recognized as a dietary supplement. (Source)

Dr. William Courtney has recently been in the press for aiding in treatment of a baby’s cancer. The child’s parents used the suggestion from Dr. Courtney to apply CBD oil on the baby’s pacifier. The goal was to reduce an inoperable brain tumor in an eight month old baby. The results were outstanding - the tumor shrunk, allowing the child to thrive. Dr. Courtney stated that “this child... is not going to have the long-term side effects that would come from a very high dose of chemotherapy or radiation... currently the child's being called a miracle baby.” (Source)

What to Expect with the First Time using Marijuana

Many patients who turn to marijuana for conditions such as cancer are generally novices at using marijuana. Trying marijuana for the first time can lead to emotions like fear and anxiety, along with feeling alone. Luckily, our society has a high acceptance for the use of medical marijuana.

Getting a doctor’s recommendation is the first step to your treatment. Find a legally compliant medical marijuana dispensary by asking your doctor in your area or searching online. For example, OUTCO is the first legally compliant dispensary in San Diego, California. You will need to bring your medical recommendation and valid a California ID with you to the dispensary. Set aside some time for your first visit so you can talk to the dispensary staff about your conditions.

Marijuana comes in many different forms as well as different potencies. Different marijuana flowers will give various treatment results. They will explain the differences between Sativa and Indica strains, the delivery methods to use cannabis (smoking, concentrate, tincture, raw, or in edible form) should also be considered. 

Your first time with marijuana may yield different results than a frequent user.  As you practice and gain experience, your body will build endocannabinoid receptors that accept the medicine more readily.(Source) Use in small doses and increase slowly to get the desired treatment. This process is especially important with edibles as it may take longer to feel the effects of this method.

The “High” in Cannabis

The “high” that marijuana gives can be a desired result - or something the patient does not want. Effects from cannabis are different depending on the potency of THC, the way it is consumed, and the patient’s body chemistry. Every patient has a unique experience with marijuana.

When cannabis is heated, THCa will convert to THC, resulting in the “high.” Some describe it as being relaxing and euphoric with sedation and tranquility. (Source) Research showed that the user’s state of mind can influence the marijuana’s effects. Factors such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and worrying can cause short term paranoia.(Source)

The euphoric feeling is caused because THC mimics a neurotransmitter called anandamide. It is known as a “bliss” messenger cell that relieves pain and stimulates appetite. Anadamide breaks down naturally before it gives a euphoric feeling. When the THC is introduced, it will have a longer lasting effect, resulting in the feeling of being “high.” (Source)

Source:

http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/marijuana.asp

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/research-explains-why-pot-can-make-you-paranoid/

Rick Simpson Oil

Rick Simpson Oil

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is named after the developer of the famous product. Rick Simpson created the oil to cure his cancer. Many others have cited the nutrient rich oil as a cure for their own cancer.(Source)

A full spectrum of cannabinoids are present in Rick Simpson Oil, most notably THC. The benefits of the cannabinoids together give different medicinal effects than CBD Oil. (Source) Also named Phoenix Tears, RSO is made from a recipe that is available on Rick Simpson's website. The oil uses Indica strain flowers, so the color varies with each batch. Patients can ingest the oil or apply it directly on the skin for targeted relief.

When starting out with RSO, ingest a small amount (approx. the size of a grain of rice). The oil is very potent and should only be used when you’re not working or driving. Once you start your treatment, you will build a tolerance - with time, you will be able to take more RSO in a single dose. (Source)

Source:

http://www.zamnesia.com/content/361-the-difference-between-cbd-oil-and-rick-simpson-oil

http://phoenixtears.ca/what-it-does-and-how-it-works/

http://boards.cannabis.com/threads/my-experience-with-rick-simpson-oil.200017/

Casa Luna CBD Edibles

Casa Luna Edibles

There is nothing better than nourishing your body while indulging in delight! Casa Luna handcrafts their chocolate bars with quality ingredients, infusing their treats with anti-oxidants to boost your health. They are also unique as they add cannabidiol (CBD) so patients can doubly enjoy their medicine.

Casa Luna controls every aspect of production, from the cocoa bean seed to the final product. The chocolate is 100% organic and made with kosher certified ingredients. Grown on family-owned small farms, the cocoa bean goes through a process of fermenting, drying, and roasting to release the chocolate’s flavors.

A wide assortment of Casa Luna chocolate bars are available at Outliers Collective. Super foods (such as Goji Berries, Maca, and Pomegranate) are infused in the chocolate for an added health boost. Vegan and sugar free chocolate is also available.

Alta California Botanicals

Alta California Botanicals

Outliers Collective carries Alta California Botanicals in El Cajon, San Diego. Alta products are 100% organic cannabis tinctures made for specific treatments. They use primarily cannabinoids CBD, THC, and THCa to give different beneficial effects to their medicine.

Based in San Francisco, Alta uses legally grown marijuana to make Cannabis-Based Medical Extracts (CBME). Quality standards and hygienic practices result in their products being consistent and safe. Alta California Botanicals is an all-natural remedy without negative side effects.

Members at OUTCO can benefit from Alta's various tinctures. The Pain Relief Tincture has a high concentration of THCa. When not heated, it can provide pain relief without a psycho-active effect. The Anxiety Relief Tincture is formulated with CBD to offer the maximum in healing properties. Alta's Stress Relief Tincture is a psycho-active treatment that allows for a euphoric feeling and should be used at the end of the day.

Dr. Daniele Piomelli

Dr. Piomelli is a professor of Anatomy & Neurobiology at the University of California, Irvine. He runs the Piomelli lab which researches the messenger molecules that affect the function of the brain and organs. His goal is to understand how we experience pain, feel anxious, crave food, our sleep patterns, and inflammation as a result of brain signaling. Dr. Piomelli's research has led him to become an advocate for the use of medical marijuana.

Mapping the brain’s signaling has led Piomelli's research to focus on the endocannabinoid system. Our bodies naturally produce cannabinoids that work with the endocannabinoid system in order to regulate the messenger system in our body. Cannabis has cannabinoids that attach to the same cell receptors, resulting in similar effects. By increasing or decreasing the endocannabinoid system, Piomelli is discovering ways to treat pain, depression, and inflammation with the use of marijuana. His results have proven to be more effective with fewer negative effects than current prescription drug medication.

Piomelli comes from Naples, Italy; there his family owned a pharmacy for over 400 years. Keeping with his family tradition, Piomelli has taken pharmacology further in the search for new drugs. Piomelli states, "The study of the body's cannabinoid system is relatively young, scientifically speaking, but it's presenting promising opportunities for drug discovery... I feel we're on the forefront of a new frontier." Piomelli has been studying the endocannabinoid system since its discovery in the late 1980's.

In the 1990's, Piomelli published research in the scientific journal Nature which discussed how the endocannabinoid compound ‘anandamide’ is created. This “bliss molecule” triggers behavior with appetite, motivation, and pleasure. Piomelli found that it helps patients cope with stress and depression.

Piomelli advocates for the use of marijuana for medical purposes. He has also lamented the struggle he’s faced while researching marijuana due to its Schedule I drug classification. Piomelli states that cannabis can be difficult to dose correctly in its natural state as each flower has a different potency. Despite these hurdles, he still finds marijuana to be a powerful drug, meant to treat many conditions.

Source:

http://www.pharmacology.uci.edu/research/labs/piomelli.asp

https://www.som.uci.edu/features/feature-piomelli-05152012.asp

Sniffing your Treatment

Terpenes make up the fragrant smells of cannabis. Each terpene has a distinct odor and specific therapeutic properties. By smelling the cannabis flower, you may be able to figure out what treatment it provides!

Terepene Treatments Based on Smell

The Top 10 Terpenes found in Cannabis

Alpha Pinene – Gives off a pungent turpentine odor; reduces THC psychosis effects in cannabis. Beneficial as an anti-inflammatory while reducing pain. Helps bacteria infections, asthma, memory retention, and also slows cancer tumor growth.

Borneol – Has a camphor smell; helps with wound-healing, including fibrosis. Aids in delivering treatment by improving absorption through the blood-brain barrier.

β-Caryophyllene - Has a peppery scent; cannabinoid effects the CB2 receptor to help with anxiety, inflammation, perception of pain, autoimmune disorders, and depression. Acts as a neuroprotectant and reduces alcohol consumption.

Cineole \ Eucalyptol – Smells similar to rosemary with notes of spicy camphor; increases the absorption and circulation of medicine.

P-Cymene – Has a fresh, carroty odor that is antimicrobial and anti-fungal; helps to relax muscles, including cardiac muscles, which can lead to lower blood pressure.

Delta 3 Carene – Gives off a pine scent; acts as an antihistamine, eliciting a calming feeling to aid in well being. Has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a nervous system depressant; serves as a great complementary treatment for anxiety and insomnia.

Isopulegol – Gives off a minty menthol smell; also has a cooling effect, anti-oxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that help with breathing, pain, ulcers, and seizures.

Limonene – Has a strong citrus scent; works like a cleanser to dissolve gallstones, reduces reflux/heartburn and cholesterol while destroying cancer. Is an anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory while detoxification properties help the liver. Improves mood, weight management, and sleep.

Linalool – Releases a spicy floral fragrance; reduces stress, pain, convulsions, and treats burns.

Nerolidol – Has a woody bark smell; acts as a sedative. Absorbed through skin to aid topical medication. Has anti-fungal properties while reducing malaria infections.

New Evidence that Marijuana can Fight Alzheimer's Disease

Cannabis and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease leads to irreversible, progressive mental deterioration that worsens over time. It is thought that the cause is a lifetime of brain inflammation. Cannabis has been shown to be a safe anti-inflammatory medicine. Researchers believe the use of marijuana can prevent and slow the onset of Alzheimer's.(Source)

A study at the University of Florida found that very low doses of the cannabinoid THC can slow Alzheimer's progression. The increase of the protein Amyloid-β has been found to be linked to Alzheimer's disease. The Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana was found to lower Amyloid-β levels while also increasing beneficial mitochondrial function.(Source)

A low dose of marijuana increases the function of the cannabinoid system in the body. Research shows this increased functioning results in an anti-oxidant boosting of energy to the cells and a reduction in inflammation. It is believed that the use of marijuana early in life results in a slower progression of Alzheimer's as a person ages.(Source)

The entire cannabis plant contributes as a source of treatment. Essential Fatty Acids found in marijuana act as an anti-inflammatory agent. The cannabinoid Cannabichhrome (CBC) promotes brain stem cell growth which leads to a reduction in dementia. The “Entourage Effect” generated by using the whole flower is equally beneficial in the fight against Alzheimer's Disease.

Source:

http://blog.sfgate.com/smellthetruth/2014/11/29/marijuana-fights-alzheimers-disease-study-indicates/

http://healthland.time.com/2012/10/29/how-cannabinoids-may-slow-brain-aging/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17140265

http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/367/1607/3326

http://blog.seattlepi.com/marijuana/2014/03/02/marijuana-may-prevent-alzheimers-but-research-hits-dead-end/#13130103=0&19612101=0

The Link between Cannabis and Breast Milk

Babies with their pacifiers and munchies after marijuana may go hand in hand. Cannabis and breast milk both effect the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids aid the body in creating a stable internal environment. The cannabinoids in breast milk provide health benefits that help babies grow and thrive.

A human embryo at 14 weeks of gestation starts forming cannabinoid receptors. By twenty weeks, the receptors grow at a rapid rate and start to function. Research suggests that the early formation helps to mature the nervous system.(Source)

The 2004 European Journal of Pharmacology article stated that "endocannabinoids have been detected in maternal milk and activation of CB1 (cannabinoid receptor type 1) receptors appears to be critical for milk sucking.”(Source) The desire to suck is integral to the life-affirming need for nourishment.

Some of the same active cannabinoids found in marijuana are in high concentration in breast milk. The endocannabinoid system boosts immunity, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and increases appetite by regulating the internal systems of the body.

Source:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014299904007423

http://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/content/58/3/389.full#title49

http://www.naturalnews.com/036526_cannabinoids_breast_milk_THC.html

http://www.cannabiscure.info/files/cannabis_breastmilk.htm

Groundbreaking Bill to Allow Veterans Access to Medical Marijuana

On May 21, 2015, a historic vote passed, allowing veterans access to medical marijuana. The Veterans Equal Access Amendment, which succeeded with a vote of 18 to 12 by the Senate Appropriations Committee, is the first positive legislation regarding access to marijuana granted by the U.S. Senate.

States that have passed medical marijuana rights will be allowed to utilize this ruling. Veteran Administration (VA) doctors now will be able to recommend medical marijuana. The Veterans Equal Access Amendment was sponsored by Senator Steve Daines (Rep) and Senator Jeff Merkley (Dem).

Medical Marijuana has shown to treat multiple conditions faced by veterans. Depression, PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain are a few diseases for which veterans have sought access to medical marijuana. It is estimated that every 22 minutes, a veteran takes their own life.(Source) A study published in 2014 concluded that PTSD patients who used marijuana showed a 75% reduction in symptoms.(Source) Veterans see this as a positive step in restoring first amendment rights.(Source)

Source:

http://www.drugpolicy.org/news/2015/05/historic-vote-senate-appropriations-committee-approves-veterans-medical-marijuana-amend

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24830188

A New DEA Lead Holds Promise for Marijuana

Chuck Rosenberg was appointed as the new DEA’s administrator this month. He is quoted as saying that he will spend less time and money restricting marijuana access. His efforts are reported to focus more on heroin and harder drugs. (Source)

A public scandal has led to a change in leadership of the Drug Enforcement Agency. Former DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart stepped down after DEA was found hiring prostitutes and leaving a man in jail without food or water for five days. The Obama administration chose Chuck Rosenberg, former chief of staff to FBI Director James B. Comey.

Many advocates for marijuana are cautiously optimistic of the DEA power shift. The past administrator, Leonhart, enforced the restriction of marijuana. President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder have played a hands-off role in regards to marijuana enforcement. Chuck Rosenberg shows promise on working together with the Obama administration in order to allow the states to regulate marijuana.

Source:

https://www.leafly.com/news/headlines/new-chief-of-the-dea-vows-to-focus-less-on-cannabis

Montel Williams Supports Medical Marijuana

Television personality Montel Williams has many reasons to support medical marijuana use. With past military service, Williams is an advocate for Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access. (Source) He's a spokesman for the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) which emphasizes the desire for access to medication to all. Montel Williams also suffers from multiple sclerosis and uses medical marijuana for treatment.

In 2011, Montel Williams helped start a marijuana dispensary in Sacramento, California. He advocates for regulation, quality, and safe dispensary of medical marijuana. His efforts focus on people who medically need cannabis, not those who use marijuana for recreational use.(Source)

Montel Williams was a daytime talk-show host for seventeen years but his advocacy for medical marijuana did not begin until after the show. He was arrested in 2011 for possession of marijuana and subsequently released. He recognizes marijuana as an integral part to his treatment for multiple sclerosis:

"For immediate cessation I smoke it," Williams says. "Most of the time I eat it at night because I suffer from extreme tremors in the evening and I also suffer from extreme neuralgic pain in my feet. If I eat it in the evening it takes [the pain] from a six to about a three. When I pop out of bed, I'm normally at my best, so that's when I work out and I try to get as much work done early in the day. As I get later on in the day, my feet start to go on fire. When they start to hit the fire mark I'm easing my pain, it's just that simple. I've been speaking to politicians all around the country and all around the world on this issue and you'd be surprised that more people understand and back it and believe in it." (Source)

Source:

http://www.veteransformedicalmarijuana.org/endorsement/montel-williams

http://www.thefix.com/content/montels-high-marijuana-12600

http://www.celebstoner.com/celebstoners/profile/montel-williams/

The NIDA has Changed to a Pro-Pot Position

In the last 6 months the National Institute of Drug Abuse has changed their position on medical marijuana. On December 16^th, 2014 a report was released by the NIDA that led to their change in opinion. The results showed that acceptance and use of marijuana has gone up dramatically while illicit drugs and alcohol abuse has been reduced.(Source)

In July 2012 NIDA stated:

“The use of marijuana to treat various medical conditions—or “medical marijuana”—is a controversial topic and has been for some time. Some people have argued that marijuana’s reported beneficial effects on a variety of symptoms justify its legalization as a medicine for certain patients. Often the potential harm of marijuana use is not considered in these arguments, although risk is part of what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assesses when deciding whether to approve a medicine.”

A dramatic shift on how NIDA views marijuana was revised in December 2014:

“The marijuana plant contains several chemicals that may prove useful for treating a range of illnesses or symptoms, leading many people to argue that it should be made legally available for medical purposes. In fact, a growing number of states (20 as of March 2014) have legalized marijuana’s use for certain medical conditions.

The term “medical marijuana” is generally used to refer to the whole unprocessed marijuana plant or its crude extracts, which are not recognized or approved as medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But scientific study of the active chemicals in marijuana, called cannabinoids, has led to the development of two FDA-approved medications already, and is leading to the development of new pharmaceuticals that harness the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids while minimizing or eliminating the harmful side effects (including the “high”) produced by eating or smoking marijuana leaves.”(Source)

This ideology shift has led to recent movements by the government for research and public access to marijuana. On March 10, 2015 the CARERS Act was introduced to downgrade marijuana to a schedule II drug. This bill would remove cannabidiol from the Controlled Substance Act allowing for intrastate sales.

Source:

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2015/04/15/the-us-finally-admits-cannabis-kills-cancer-cells/

http://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/monitoring-future

http://animalnewyork.com/2015/federal-health-agency-greenlights-medical-weed/

The Benefits of Cannabis with Asthma

It seems hard to believe that smoking marijuana can help asthma. Unlike smoking nicotine that constricts the lung passageways, THC in cannabis expands the airways. Amazingly, cannabis consumed by smoking has been shown to reduce asthma symptoms.

Asthma attacks are muscle contractions. Restricted breathing is initiated from a signaling molecule called acetycholine. Dr. Tashkin, a lung expert from UCLA, studies the use of cannabis for asthma patients. He stated that traditional asthma medications “prevent the acetycholine from binding to its receptor. But THC works proximal to that. It doesn't have any competitive effect for binding to receptors. It just prevents the acetylcholine from being released.”

Different ways of consuming cannabis have shown a variety of results with asthma treatment. Taken orally, it is not strong enough and takes too long to be effective. Traditional asthma inhalers using THC make people cough. This is due to THC being a large enough molecule to cause a cough response. Smoking marijuana can offer immediate asthma relief. This method is not ideal due to noxious chemicals that can cause inflammation to the respiratory tissue. The best effective method is with THC being delivered through a vaporizer.

A twenty year study with people that suffer with asthma showed decrease in symptoms from cannabis use.(Source) Cannabis has been found to be a bronchodilator.(Source) Currently medicine including marijuana targets short-term asthma attacks. Researchers are looking into the possibility of cannabis providing a long-term treatment for asthma.(Source)

Source:

http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1104848

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1429361/

https://www.leafly.com/news/health/can-cannabis-help-asthma-patients-27df

http://www.leafscience.com/2014/02/04/study-explains-marijuana-isnt-bad-asthma/

Deep Sleep has been shown to Increase with Marijuana Use

Cannabis allows for longer deep sleep which experts agree is important for achieving optimal health.(Source) The reduction in rapid eye movement sleep (REM) allows for less dreaming. People who suffer from PTSD can benefit from deep sleep to reduce memory recall. Deep sleep helps your body to repair and recover allowing for a more restful sleep.

Specific marijuana strains target deeper sleep habits. The cannabinoids THC and CBN improve quality of sleep. Terpenes such as Limonene, Beta Myrcene, and Nerolidol promote sleep and help with insomnia. Cannabidiol (CBD), conversely, has been shown to give more wakeful sleep with an increase in REM sleep.(Source)

Reducing or stopping marijuana can diminish deep sleep. Sleep aids and alcohol have the same effect. Many people have reported vivid dreams upon stopping marijuana use.(Source)

Source:

http://www.leafscience.com/2014/09/13/marijuana-rem-sleep-dreams/

http://www.smrv-journal.com/article/S1087-0792%2807%2900167-0/abstract

http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.161.11.1967

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15118485