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