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).

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/

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

Cannabis Use to Treat Eczema and Psoriasis

Many people that use cannabis to help with eczema and psoriasis. Marijuana helps with skin irritations by reducing inflammation. One third of the world population is thought to suffer from eczema.(Source)

Hemp seed, rich in linolenic acid (both α- and γ-), has shown benefits for reducing inflammation.(Source) Gastrointestinal problems have shown to increase skin problems. When the intestinal tract fails to absorb linolenic acid it is thought that skin abnormalities occur. Studies have shown that cannabis helps with gastrointestinal issues.

Auto immune deficiency can lead to skin abnormalities. Cannabis increases overall body immunity by being rich in globulin edestin. Immunity is increased by how it effects the endocannabinoid system, anandamide, and the 2-AG receptor.

Many dietary sources are rich in linolenic acid. Cannabis sets itself above the rest by the way it effects the endocannabinoid system. Abnormalities of cells attribute to skin problems. The endocannabinoid system regulates the cell proliferation, death and differentiation to maintain a homeostasis state.

http://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/cannabis-chrohttp://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09546630510035832nic-skin-conditions/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17498413

http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09546630510035832

Cardiovascular Effects from Cannabis

Cardiovascular Effects from Cannabis

Studies have shown that marijuana in humans can increase heart rate and blood pressure moderately with first initial use. With regular use of cannabis these initial cardiovascular effects rapidly go away. Regular exposure to cannabis shows results of reduced blood pressure, reduced heart rate and increased vasodilation.(Source) Lowered heart rate and blood pressure is also seen in animals studies with cannabis.(Source)

Cannabinoids affect a group of lipids and receptors that control the endocannabinoid system. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid messenger molecule that helps control the heart rate and blood pressure. One way it effects the cardiovascular system is by vasodilation, or enlarging the blood vessels. Vasodilation occurs from a relaxation of artery walls to allow a larger volume of blood flow.(Source)

Dr. Phillip Leveque leads a medical marijuana doctor group with over 100,000 patients. They have found the increase in heart rate and blood pressure to be low and tolerable. In their group they have no reports of dangerous clinical hypertension. For his personal patients they average an age of 48 and have a lower percentile of hypertension than most people of that age not using marijuana.(Source) The first use of cannabis has shown to be safe for patients but still advised to be recommended by a doctor.(Source)

Source:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11106789

http://norml.org/library/item/hypertension

http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/110/14/1996.full

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/j.1552-4604.2002.tb06004.x/abstract

http://www.salem-news.com/articles/march142010/hypension-mmj.php

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

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

Cannabis and the Type 1 Vanilloid Receptor

TRPV1 also known as Type 1 Vanilloid Receptor, Capsaicin Receptor and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member1 is a protein that the TRPV1 gene encodes. This receptor regulates body temperature and the sensation of heat and pain. Found in the nervous system it is a communicator of pain to the brain, and desensitizing gives a analgesic pain free feeling.

Cannabinoids found in marijuana have been found to be an antagonist to the TRPV1 receptor, which can help with neurpathic pain, multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy, amputation as well as osteoarthritis, anxiety and long term depression.(Source) Cannabidiol CBD has shown to have an activation of the TRPV1 receptors. (Source) Endocannabinoid anandamide that is affected by the use of cannabis has been shown to act on the TRPV1 receptors as well. (Source) Dopamine which is increased with cannabis use also effects the TRPV1 receptor.(Source)

Along with treatment in symptoms, cannabis can reduce cancer to it's role in the TRPV1 receptor. Neuroblastoma is a cancer started in the nervous system in the human fetus or embryo that resides in the nervous system. This form of cancer is usually seen in young children before the age of 10. Research has shown that cannabis can delay or stop the cancer cell growth of neuroblastoma by activating the TRPV1 receptors. (Source)

Source:

http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/318/3/1375

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRPV1

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC123079/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1574087/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17442052

How Marijuana Effects GABA in the Nervous System

In short, GABA is a neurotransmitter in the mammal central nervous system that can repress excitability in the neurons in the nervous system and regulation in muscle tone. GABA is an abbreviation for gamma-Aminobutyric Acid which is an amino acid, which are secondary to water to being the biggest component in cells, tissue and muscle that are critical to biosynthesis and being a neurotransmitter. Cannabis plays a crucial role with the endocannabinoid system in suppressing the GABA, aiding in increasing dopamine levels which can help in treatments with medical marijuana.

GABA acts differently in stages of life, playing a roll in the developing brain as an excitatory component in the brain, while in adulthood acting as an inhibition in the brain. GABA regulates embryonic and neural stem cell growth. GABA has been found in the intestine, stomach, pancreas, fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries, testis, kidney, bladder, lung, liver, lungs, melatonin and eye lens.(Source)

GABA makes up 40% of nerve cells, where glutamate makes up 30%. Glutamate offers excitability to the nervous system and also the brain synthesizes glutamate into GABA, which regulates the excitability, causing a check and balance, or ying and yang effect of controlling the functions. GABA inhibits nerve cells from growing, aggressive behavior, and regulates hyperactivity. (Source)

How Marijuana Inhibits GABA

Marijuana use effects the neurotransmitter GABA by blocking it. The result is increasing dopamine levels which normally GABA inhibits or regulates. Dopamine offers a mood shift of reward for the brain that is released with sex, exercise, appetite, learning, sleep, movement and mood.(Source)

Cannabis effects the cannabinoid receptors, namely Cb1 and Cb2 that mimic a naturally created endogenous molecule, anadamide. Anadamide is an Omega 6 fatty acid that regulates appetite, cognition, emotion, memory, mood and pain. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other Cannabinoids found in marijuana can effect anadamide and therefore effect the endocannabinoid central nervous system.

THC, for instance, binds to the CB1 receptors, which reduces the enzyme cAMP which results in less protein kinase A. This results in potassium and calcium channels that ends up reducing the amount of neurotransmitters being released. This chemical reaction is the result of reducing GABA. A reduction in GABA results in an increase in dopamine. Dopamine do not effect the CB1 receptors. (Source)

Treatments From Inhibiting GABA

Research is still needed for more conclusive results, but promising studies and theories show that cannabis can be an effective treatment for it's ability to effect GABA including:

• Tinnitus – A brain induced ringing in the ear.

• Fibromyalgia – Tenderness in joints, muscles and other soft tissues.

• Anxiety – Stress inducing fear, unease and worry.

• Addiction – The difficulty to stop using substances.

• Schizophrenia – Difficulty knowing what is real and not, thinking clearly to have normal responses.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma-Aminobutyric_acid

http://www.leafscience.com/2014/05/10/marijuana-dopamine-science/

http://countyourculture.com/tag/gaba/

http://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/i/i_03/i_03_m/i_03_m_par/i_03_m_par_cannabis.html

Cannabis and PTSD

OUTCO offers medical cannabis to PTSD sufferers in San Diego.  Research studies has shown that it is an effective treatment because of the way marijuana relates to the brain activity.

What Is PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD can develop after a trauma that can cause flashbacks, memory loss of the event, anxiety or hyper-arousal for over a month. Common traumatic events could be war, injury, sexual assault, threats or witness to a traumatic event. Women are more likely to get PTSD and children under the age of 10 rarely experience it. (Source)

Correlation of PTSD and Marijuana Use

An increased tendency to use in marijuana occurs with PTSD sufferers than the general public. A study showed that with teen and young adults, PTSD contributed to the use of cannabis more than peer pressure or other factors.(Source) Another study with 5,672 adults showed that the relation to PTSD symptoms and the use of cannabis were directly correlated. (Source)

PTSD, Cannabis and the CB1 Brain Receptor

Defective CB1 receptor signaling in the brain appear to be the cause of memories to not diminish in impact over time. Studies with animals have shown that this malfunction in the receptor due to trauma can cause anxiety, fear and depression symptoms leading to insomnia, isolation and other effects.(Source) Research has shown that enhancing cannabinoids receptors in the brain reduce the anxiety and fear symptoms in animals.(Source)

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in cannabis show a relation in allowing the CB1 and CB2 receptors to work by inhibiting the enzyme fatty acid amide hydroxylase (“FAAH”) from destroying the endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter, Anandamide. Anandamide is based off of a sanskrit word meaning joy, bliss and delight and has been known at low levels to decrease pleasure and motivation. (Source)

OUTCO is the only licensed marijuana dispensary in San Diego to aid PTSD sufferers with Cannabis treatment. Cannabidiol CBD offers treatment without the psychoactive effects of THC. We offer free delivery and medicine at affordable prices for patients. Look for our future blog on how the Veteran community is helped by OUTCO in San Diego.

Source

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

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460309002366

http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/adb/25/3/554/

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/da.22031/abstract

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15637635

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