The Benefits of Cannabis for Epilepsy

Cannabis with a high content of Cannabidiol CBD have been found to help treat epilepsy in some patients. A certain type of epilepsy, called Dravet Syndrome has shown the most promising treatment with marijuana than other types of epilepsy. Most treatment is administered with a cannabis oil from the Charlotte's Web Strain made by a non-profit organization Realm of Caring(Source), however much of the CBD rich cannabis administered gives similar treatment and different concentrations of CBD, THC and THCA are needed for a more precise treatment for the patient. Legislation and regulation of the medicine is targeting a CBD only medicine, but many believe it is the whole plant that offer the effects, not just the CBD cannabinoid.(Source)

Here is a compiled list of studies that show the benefits of Cannabis with Epilepsy:

September 2003 - The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics - The Endogenous Cannabinoid System Regulates Seizure Frequency and Duration in a Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
This study showed in rats that had epileptic seizures to be reduces or terminated with THC and CBD from the effect that the cannabinoids had on the CB1 Receptors.

March 2004 – US National Library of Medicine - Endocannabinoid Effects on Febrile Seizures: Not Just a Toke(n) Mechanism
This study showed that in rats a febrile seizure lasting up to 22 minutes was regulated or terminated with cannabis from it's ability to inhibit GABA, a form of neurotransmitters, which also shows that the result of seizures relies in the increase of GABA being released.

May 2004 – US National Library of Medicine - Cannabinoids: Defending the Epileptic Brain
Another study showing the benefits of Cannabis affecting mice in the CB1 receptors, using both the THC and CBD.

June 2004 – Neurology.org - Marijuana use and epilepsy
This is a telephone survey, calling people with epilepsy and finding if they have used marijuana treatment and their findings. 24% of patients called felt that marijuana was an effective treatment for their epilepsy.

November 2004 – ScienceDirect.com - On-demand activation of the endocannabinoid system in the control of neuronal excitability and epileptiform seizures
This study formulates a theory that certain types of seizures can be surpressed or increased with the cannabinoid system and how it regulates the GABA can help regulate the endocannabinoid system.

January 2006 – US National Library of Medicine - Endocannabinoids: A Critical Regulator of Activity in the Developing Brain
 Study showing that the theory that during pregnancy the interferance with marijuana to inhibit CB1 activity or an obesity drug that increases CB1 activity can disrupt the developing endocannabinoid system.

Marijuana and Epilepsy – page on Neuro Science Fundamentals This article talks about Charlotte Figi's story and the introduction of the Charlotte's Web strain to help treat epilepsy.
Edward Maa M.D, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Department of Neurology,is conducting a study at University of Colorado Anshutz Medical Campus on epilepsy research. The study will separate epilepsy sufferers in two groups of whether the Charlotte's Web strain reduces the epilepsy symptoms by 50% and another group that the symptoms are not helped by the cannabis strain. He will do genetic analysis to find out what the differences in the epilepsy is to help target the marijuana to the correct patients.(Source)

On July 28^th, 2014 The Realm of Caring released the Charlotte's Web Medical Hemp Act of 2014 to legalize federally the CBD only oil for epilepsy. Many believe this is not a complete effort for treatment, Edward Maa is at the forefront in writing articles on how important it is for the treatment to use the whole plant, just not the isolated Cannabidiol CBD.(Source) Jason David, a parent treating his 7 year old son with epilepsy mentions in a report by ladybud.com that his son Jayden suffered from the wrong concentration of cannabinoids from the Charlotte's Web strain. He states:

“They’re not telling the whole truth,” says David. “There’s no way possible that all these children in Colorado could get seizure control and get off all their medications without using different ratios and adding THC and THCA (which are not allowed by the newly proposed legislation). Charlotte’s Web can work great in the beginning but it’s impossible to get off all the medications and go through benzo withdrawals without being able to play with the THC ratios.” (Source)

 
Source: http://time.com/3264691/medical-marijauna-epilepsy-research-charlottes-web-study/ http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/epi.12610/abstract http://www.ladybud.com/2014/07/29/a-limited-amount-of-caring-parents-and-advocates-react-to-realm-of-carings-federal-cbd-only-bill/ http://theroc.us/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=22:charlotte-s-web-medical-hemp-act-of-2014&Itemid=498

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

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Sweet OG

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Source:

http://www.leafly.com/hybrid/sweet-kush

Cannabis and Pain Management

One hundred million Americans suffer from chronic pain.(Source) Three to four percent of the global population suffer from neuropathic pain. (Source) Pain contributes to feeling depressed, concentration, energy level, ability to sleep well and enjoyment of life. (Source) Cannabis has been found to be an effective treatment in neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and pain from cancer. Cannabis has been found to be safer with less side effects than opiate medication.(Source)

Cannabis has been found to effectively relieve neuropathic pain. Both Cannabis and Opiates target the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors effect the Central Nervous System CNS using the CB1 and CB2 Receptors, which effect pain-sensation, and mood notably. (Source)

Fibromyalgia is a muscleskeletal pain resulting in fatigue and pain in the neck, spine, shoulder and hips. Three to six million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia. In 2006, a study in Germany giving THC to patients showed a significant relief in symptoms. A study in 2008 with 40 patients gave a synthetic cannabinoid and showed significant improvements in pain. And in 2011 a study in Barcelona and the patients reported significant relief in pain, stiffness, relaxation, somnolence and feeling of well-being.(Source)

Cannabis has been found in studies in Australia and Britain showed that 20% of patients suffering from Rheumatoid Arthrites (RA) used medical marijuana to help treat their symptoms.(Source) Cannabis is an anti-inflammatory and helps to turn off pain-sensations in the nerves from the interactions it has with CB1 and CB2 Receptors. Results in a study in Britain showed that their were significant improvements in pain, sleep and inflammation.(Source) Cannabidiol CBD found in marijuana has shown to stop the progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis and protected joints. (Source)

A research study showed that advanced cancer patients were able to reduce their pain by 30% using a THC:CBD extract. In the study, with 177 patients, opiate medications did not provide the necessary relief. The placebo and THC alone had similar results to the opiate medication where the THC:CBD cannabis extract showed a noticeable relief in pain.(Source)

Cannabis has been found to have less side effects than opiate medication. A study has found that states that have legal medical marijuana has less mortality rates due to overdose in pain medication. (Source) Cannabis has been found to help patients addicted to opiate drugs withdraw from addiction by replacing with medical marijuana, and perceived to help pain more.(Source) Pain sufferers that have achieved a tolerance with opiate medication can feel a better relief by replacing treatment with cannabis.(Source) Cannabis can be used with opioid therapies to help lower the dose of opiates, thereby reducing their side effects. (Source)

Source:

http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=13172&page=1

http://www.prweb.com/pdfdownload/8052240.pdf

2006 Voices of Chronic Pain Survey. (American Pain Foundation)

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

http://ajh.sagepub.com/content/28/5/297

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=25154332

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=19896326

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22880540

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=22048225

http://www.humboldt.edu/hjsr/docs/fwhjsrparagraph/Issue%2035%20Second%20Article%20Peters.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=19857996

http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/content/45/1/50.abstract

http://norml.org/library/item/rheumatoid-arthritis#3

The Healthy Amino Acids in Cannabis

Amino Acids are life sustaining compounds with a carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen structure, 500 are known to exist in the world. Amino acids in the protein form are the second to water in the makeup of us making up our cells, muscles and tissues. Other types of proteins found in the body work as neurotransmitters, including gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA).

There are 9 essential amino acids that our body needs and cannot be acquired other than an outside food source. Thes essential amino acids are Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine. Many people call for only 8 amino acids as being essential, but it has been later found that histidine that was thought to only be necessary for infants is also important in adults.

Deficiency in amino acids effect brain function, the immune system, increased infection, muscle function and kidney function. Visible signs show dull skin, fragile hair, weak muscle, edema and failure to thrive in infants and children.(Source)

Hemp, a form of cannabis used for consumption as oil and seed is a complete source of 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids that our body needs. Hemp is grown with an extremely low THC amount. Hemp has the amount of amino acids comparable to meat, eggs, milk and soy. Hemp is made into many different foods including cereals, ice cream, tofu, nut butters, oils, flour and protein powder.(Source)

Cannabis is a nutritious food source offering along with the 9 essential amino acids and 65% of globulin edistin, it also has essential fatty acids.

Source:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amino_acid

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

Cannabis Hemp Seed Aids in Body Immunity with Globulin Edistin

Many seeds offer the essential acids needed for life like flax seed and hemp seeds, however hemp seeds are the only seed that contain 65% of globulin edistin, the highest percentage in any plant known. Globular proteins are all enzymes, antibodies, many hormones, hemoglobin and fibrogin that aid in maintaining and immunity for the body.

Globulin and albumin, also found in seeds, are a plasma protein that is in liquid form through blood that supplies nutrients to tissues. Serum globulin is a solid that is in reserve for being a plasma protein to be available quickly should body tissue be needed. Globulins initialize enzyme functions in the plasma to make antibodies to combat antigens that invade the body, neutralizing them. (source)

Edistin Protein is phosphorus free and aids in digestion. It is very similar to the globulin found in blood plasma, so is compatible and no reported food allergies. Albumin protein (35% in hemp seeds) is a glubulin protein also found in egg whites. It helps as an antioxidant to combat free radical damage. (source)

Globulin is classified as alpha, beta or gamma. Alpha and beta transport in the body to repair and build the proteins in the body. Gamma globulins are further classified as five different types of antibodies. These target specific antigens, to help immunity with infection and disease. White blood cells create the immuniglobulins and are located in the lymph nodes. Typically the invading antigens pass through the lymph nodes before entering the blood stream, our bodies way of filtering out the antigens.

Having the essential amount of amino acids in the body is crucial for creating globulins during digestion. If the body is deficient in certain amino acids, it may not be able to make the necessary immunoglobulins. Because of this, eating foods rich in globulins gives the assurance of having all of the essential nutrients needed to give the body immunity and repel infection.(source)

Cannabis is a nutritious food source offering along with globulin edistin, it contains essential Fatty acids, and all 9 essential amino acids.

Source:

http://www.ratical.org/renewables/hempseed1.html

http://www.globalhemp.com/about-hemp/hemp-foods/hemp-protein.html

Marijuana and Nausea

Cannabis has been found to be an effective treatment to reduce nausea and vomiting while also stimulating appetites. Studies have shown that this effect can help with treatment for cancer and AIDS patients who suffer from weight loss and nausea due to treatment.

Patients describe smoking marijuana as a far better treatment for nausea than ingesting Cannabis orally. Most patients consume marijuana with an unfiltered joint or a vaporizer pen to receive the benefits. Marijuana has also been found effective to treat nausea where other antiemetic medications have shown not to work.(Source)

In 1999 an article titled Marijuana and Medicine by Joy, Watson and Benson studied the benefits in delivery systems of cannabis. The research was for showing the effectiveness of reduction in nausea, vomiting and AIDS wasting syndrome. Data was from 6 states using 748 that smoked marijuana and 345 that took oral THC capsules. The results were that smoking gave a 70-100% benefit in reducing nausea, vomiting and AIDS wasting syndrome, with 76-88% releif in patients who took the oral capsule.(Source)

A clinical year long study in 2003 showed that when THC, or dronabinol was taken in a long term treatment from 3 months to a year, it significantly improves appetite and reverses weight loss for patients with HIV/AIDS. 117 patients in the survey 63% maintained or gained weight, appetite increased 45% after one month and nausea decreased consistently. This study showed that cannabis shows a more conclusive effect when taken for three months or longer.(Source)

A study in 2001 with 1366 patients administered oral Dronibol (THC), oral nabilone(synthetic cannabinoid) and intramuscular levonantradol, no cannabis was smoked. The cannabinoids were more effective as anti-nausea (antiemetics) than prochlorperazine, metoclopramide, chlorpromazine, thiethylperazine, haloperidol, domperidone, or alizapride.(Source)

In 1988 published in the New York State Journal of Medicine a study of 56 patients of cancer chemotherapy showed a 78% improvement in smoking marijuana. This was based on the
degree of nausea, vomiting, food intake, physical state, and over-all mood.(Source)

A study in 2001 studied 13 patients with marijuana cigarettes, placebo and a anitemetic drug Ondansetron. Marijuana was shown to reduce queasiness and vomitting effectively with the drug Ondansetron.(Source)

In 2005 a study done with 252 patients from JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, studies the effectiveness of marijuana helping nausea with AIDS patients using antiretroviral therapy (ART). The findings found that other illicit impede ART drugs, but marijuana helps to facilitate ART drugs.(Source)

A study in 2007 compared the oral intake of cannabis Dronabinol, smoked marijuana and placebo showed substantial increases in food intake with both smoked and oral cannabis. Through the result many reported intoxication's, but it was a good drug effect with little discomfort.(Source)

In 2010 a study with 21 adult advanced cancer patients showed an improvement with THC in food intake, appetite, and enhanced perception of food tasting better.(Source)

Source:

http://www.medicalmarijuana.net/uses-and-treatments/nausea/

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091305701005330

http://journals.lww.com/jaids/Abstract/2005/01010/Marijuana_Use_and_Its_Association_With_Adherence.8.aspx

http://journals.lww.com/jaids/Fulltext/2007/08150/Dronabinol_and_Marijuana_in_HIV_Positive_Marijuana.9.aspx?desktopMode=true

http://www.bmj.com/content/323/7303/16?Ijkey

http://web.acsalaska.net/~warmgun/es016.html

http://www.cannabis-med.org/data/pdf/2001-01-2.pdf

http://www.cannabis-med.org/studies/ww_en_db_study_show.php?s_id=189

http://annonc.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/9/2086.abstract

http://www.mpp.org/assets/pdfs/library/MedConditionsHandout.pdf