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

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The Terpene Limonene in Cannabis

The Terpene Limonene is Found in Citrus

Citrus Smells & Tastes in Cannabis are from the Terpene Limonene

The terpene limonene is found in citrus, rosemary, peppermint as well as cannabis. Clinical studies have found it to dissolve gallstones, helps with reflux, heartburn and destroys cancer cells in the breast. It is also widely used as an essential oil to improve mood, weight management and sleep.(Source)

Limonene has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has shown to work as a cleanser and de-toxifyer throughout the body. It has shown to reduce gall stones. It is also breaks down fat cells to reduce cholesterol. The liver benefits from limonene with detoxification enzymes. It's ability to improve metabolism aids in weight management.(Source) One of the most important aids in detoxification for cannabis users is it's anti-carcinogenic properties. This aids in reducing the harmful effects of smoking cannabis.(Source)

Strains High in the Limonene Terpene

Cannabis strains that are high in limonene are Electric Lemonade, Jack the Ripper, OG Kush and Super Lemon Haze. Limonene gives sativa effects and therefore generally found in sativa strains of cannabis. Studies have shown that limonene is quickly absorbed by cell membranes allowing for other terpenes to be absorbed faster and more effectively.(Source)

Source:

http://www.hightimes.com/read/talking-terpenes

http://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy

http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/d-limonene_help_for_digestion_metabolism_detoxification_anxiety_breast_canc/

http://www.medicaljane.com/2013/04/13/terpenes-terpenoids-what-are-they-what-do-they-do/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3123086

How Cannabis Effects the Endocannabinoid System

Cannabis has a profound effect on our body due to it's influence on our endocannabinoid system. The origin of its name comes from the cannabis plant. It is a system of lipids and receptors that maintain health creating a homeostasis environment in the body. The endocannabinoid system is found throughout our body in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands and immune cells. The prevalence of the endocannabinoid system in the body is the reason cannabis can treat many diverse diseases and symptoms.

Environmental factors can cause disruption in the bodies health. Stability is brought back with the endocannabinoid system. The goal for the lipids and receptors are to stabilize numerous body functions including appetite, pain, inflammation, mood, memory, muscle spasms, protect nerves, immunity, and bone density. Cannabis would be the closest cure-all for its ability to affect so many functions in the body.

The endocannabis system is made up of ligands like anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). The cannabinoid CB1, CB2, TRPV1 and G protein-coupled receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system. Together these ligands and receptors control the stabilization of the body.

Cannabis can encourage more endocannabinoids and receptors to be made by the body. First-time users of cannabis may not feel an effect from cannabis. As the body increases cannabinoids it responds more effectively to a cannabis treatment. Smaller doses have larger effects for the receptors to respond to marijuana.(Source)

Source:

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

http://norml.org/library/item/introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system

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

The Benefits of Cannabis with Crohn's Disease

Crohn's Disease is a re-occurring inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract as well as an inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Not to be confused with another IBD disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's affects any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract rather than only the colon or large intestine. Genetics, heredity and/or environmental factors have been shown to lead to Crohn's disease.  This disease affects around 700,000 Americans mostly of European descent. Symptoms of the disease are loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, irregular menstrual cycle and fever. Inflammation of the GI Tract can also lead to diarrhea, bleeding, cramps, pain and constipation. (Source)

The enteric nervous system helps aid in gut function while the endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps to maintain gut motility, inflammation and sensation. Both systems contain Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 receptors making medical marijuana use a viable treat for Crohn's disease patients . (Source)

A pilot study of 32 patients of Crohn's disease was conducted at the International Association for Cannabis as Medicine conference at Leiden University in the Netherlands by Physicians in the Society of Cannabis Clinicians. Patients in this study showed  improvement in symptoms of vomiting, depression, nausea, gut pain, appetite, activity, fatigue, flareups and severity of flareups.(Source)

A study was completed at the University of Calgary in 2009 of 313 people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).  The results of this study reported improvement of  abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and joint paint in which 17.6% of the patients used cannabis using the inhalation method. (Source)

A study in 2011 with 30 Crohn's Disease patients showed that 21 reported improvements in all symptoms.(Source) in 2013, 21 patients involved in  a study smoking 2 marijuana cigarettes a day. showed improvement in sleep and appetite.  These patients with Crohn's disease were subjects that had not responded to other treatments(Source)

In a questionnaire given at a clinic with 191 Crohn's disease patients, 48% reported use of cannabis to reduce symptoms such as abdominal pain diarrhea and appetite were what the patients. Patients in the group that had abdominal surgery were more likely to use cannabis for treatment. (Source)

Source:

http://www.ccfa.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-crohns-disease/

http://www.medicaljane.com/2014/06/28/medical-marijuana-and-inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd/#

http://www.beyondthc.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Crohns05.pdf

http://www.ima.org.il/imaj/ViewArticle.aspx?aId=375

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1542356513006046

http://journals.lww.com/ibdjournal/Abstract/2014/03000/Cannabis_Use_Provides_Symptom_Relief_in_Patients.6.aspx

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

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

Cannabis Effecting Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

The case of the “Munchies” would lead one to think that it leads to obesity, but in fact on average it reduces obesity by one third.(Source) Though the caloric intake may be more caused with the munchies, cannabis reacts with the metabolization of carbohydrates and regulation of insulin to reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes.

"The most important finding is that current users of marijuana appeared to have better carbohydrate metabolism than nonusers," says Murray Mittleman, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "Their fasting insulin levels were lower, and they appeared to be less resistant to the insulin produced by their body to maintain a normal blood-sugar level."

Fasting insulin levels from the study were sixteen percent lower and 17% lower in insulin resistance. These two factors are increased with type II diabetes. (Source)

Research has yet to understand why this is occurring and some theories that haven't been proven have been offered:

• Marijuana is a replacement for food for some users
• Other active parts of the cannabis plant like cannabidiol may interact with the brain receptors to help manage the metabolism and regulate eating.
• Regular use of cannabis may dull the receptors and have them not react too strong to wanting to increase appetite over time.

One drug that has been taken off the market because of the side effects of causing increased suicide may offer an answer to the reason why the appetite is controlled through cannabis. The drug Rimonabant used as a weight loss drug targeted the same brain receptor (CB1) that cannabis does. It's effect made a lower drop in fasting insulin levels by lowering the receptors signaling. (Source)

Source:

http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2011/08/24/aje.kwr200.abstract?__hstc=9292970.2e518383c30fe9090ca33584378a6435.1409929942141.1411273921013.1411401471685.9&__hssc=9292970.1.1411401471685&__hsfp=210472818

http://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343%2813%2900200-3/abstract

http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/23/health/time-marijuana-diabetes/index.html?__hstc=9292970.2e518383c30fe9090ca33584378a6435.1409929942141.1411273921013.1411401471685.9&__hssc=9292970.1.1411401471685&__hsfp=210472818

The Reason Behind Cannabis and the Munchies

For chemotherapy patients struggling to increase their appetite, marijuana can increase their desire to eat being beneficial. Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC which is the psychoactive part of cannabis has been found to be the factor to increasing appetite. There are a couple studies that show different reasons on why marijuana increases the “munchies”, and it may be a combination of the various factors.

Two studies showed that an increase in hedonic, or pleasurable taste, rather than a motivation to eat was increased with the use of cannabis. With exposure to taste and scent, dopamine is released with encourages the appetite for the food. Once THC is in the blood stream, it has been found to increase dopamine levels.(Source) and (Source)

In a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences a research group led by Daniele Piomelli found that marijuana triggers the CB1 receptors in the gut, not the brain, to signal that a fatty food has been ingested. The saying of “You just can't eat one Lay Potato Chip” is correct in that when a fatty food is eaten, intestinal CB1 receptors send a message to the brain to stimulate the creation of endocannabinoids creating a chemical response of hunger increasing your appetite for fatty foods. (Source)

Another study shows how endocannabinoids are responsible for pre and post natal survival. Endocannabinoids are present in cow's milk, soft cheese and breast milk. The research showed that the cannabinoid receptors are stimulated by the cannabinoids in milk to encourage suckling leading to newborn survival. This response may hold a connection in later life to the encouragement of eating.(Source)

Another study showed the THC released the hormone ghrelin, which increases appetite. Both endocabbinoids and ghrelin effect the hypothalamus part of the brain. AMP-activated protein kinase, or AMPK helps regulate cell energy metabolism. THC and ghrelin increase appetite by stimulating the AMPK to allow the hypothalamus sense of food deprivation thereby increasing hunger.(Source)

Recently in February 2014 a study was published in Nature Neuroscience studied the increase in smell with cannabis. The study used the underlying basis that hunger leads to an increase in sensory perception which leads to an increase in food intake. The results in the study with mice showed that odor detection was increased with cannabis due to CB1 receptors affecting the olfactory bulb enhancing the sense of smell. This increased awareness to smell gives in turn the increase to hunger. The mice stayed longer smelling the food and ate more.(Source)

Cannabis and Obesity

Though the study finding show that caloric intake from marijuana goes up with the urge to eat, another study two studies show that marijuana users are one third less likely to be obese and have a lower rate of Type 2 Diabetes.(Source) Read more on this by clicking this link.

Source:

http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v17/n3/full/nn.3647.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3705914/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16185725

http://www.jbc.org/content/280/26/25196.full

http://www.pnas.org/content/108/31/12904

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

http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2011/08/24/aje.kwr200.abstract?__hstc=9292970.2e518383c30fe9090ca33584378a6435.1409929942141.1411273921013.1411401471685.9&__hssc=9292970.1.1411401471685&__hsfp=210472818