Synthetic Marijuana is NOT the Real Deal

The inaccessibility to cannabis has led to synthetic marijuana. These man-made drugs try to mimic THC. Synthetic marijuana is also known K2, Spice or Synthetic cannabinoids. This new recreational drug is increasingly becoming a public health problem for its side effects and unpredictable nature.

Demand for the high that marijuana gives has led to a demand for synthetic marijuana. Cannabis can be inaccessible due to the price and regulation of the medicine. Synthetic marijuana can be made far cheaper than growing the cannabis plant. The product is disguised as “herbal incense” or “potpourri” with labels that read “Not for Human Consumption” to evade regulation by the FDA.

Synthetic marijuana has harmful side effects. It can cause anxiety, elevated blood pressure, agitation, vomiting, racing heart, hallucinations, tremors, seizures, and suicidal thoughts. It is usually sprayed on plants to make it look like marijuana. Though it binds to the CB1 receptor like cannabis, it can be 100 or more times more potent leading to a dangerous outcome. An example is like drinking a glass of water vs. drinking 10 gallons. A glass is healthy, where as too much can be deadly.(Source)

In 2010 there were 11,000 emergency room visits due to synthetic marijuana.(Source) Two years later the ER visits jumped to 17,000 and continue rising exponentially. Marijuana in the natural form has caused no deaths.(Source) Synthetic marijuana has caused heart attacks, suicide and aggressive behavior.(Source) The legalization for marijuana in it's natural form can give a safe alternative to dangerous synthetic designer drugs.

Source:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/ondcp-fact-sheets/synthetic-drugs-k2-spice-bath-salts

http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2014/08/28/6-reasons-synthetic-marijuana-spice-k2-is-so-toxic-to-the-brain/

http://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/SR-1378/SR-1378.pdf

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2011/11/18/what-is-synthetic-pot-and-whys-it-causing-heart-attacks-in-teenagers/#.VTPIRpODCM8

Beta Myrcene is the Most Common Terpene in Cannabis

Beta Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis. It has a spicy herbal scent that is known to aid in treatment to pain, inflammation and muscle relaxation. This terepene is also found in bay leaves, eucalyptus, hops, lemongrass, mangos, parsley and thyme. The high amount of β-Myrcene in Indica strains are what give the “couch-lock” sedative effect.(Source)

Myrcene, or β-myrcene is a monoterpene which is a volatile compound that evaporates quickly with exposure to air. It is known as an essential oil for its fragrance and is used for menthol and citronella products. Cannabis strains that contain high amounts of Beta Myrcene are White Widow and Neville's Haze.(Source)

The benefits of Beta Myrcene are found in it's analgesic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, sedative and ability to reduce muscle spasms. Lemon grass tea is known for it's pain relieving effects due to it's high content in β-myrcene. Studies with high content of Myrcene in mice have shown a sedative quality. The terpene has a unique ability to intesify the effects of the CB1 receptors in the body which helps in inflammation and pain relief.

Myrcene lowers the resisistance across the blood brain barrier. This effect makes other chemicals like THC to absorb and take effect more quickly. Indica strains in cannabis offer a .5% or greater potency in myrcene allowing for better delivery of THC and it's effects. Sativa strains typically contain less than .5% which allows the effects to be more subtle. It has been found that eating a mango a half hour before smoking cannabis increases the psycho active effects for it's high content of β-Myrcene.

Source:

http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/31253?from=summary

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

http://steephilllab.com/resources/cannabinoid-and-terpenoid-reference-guide/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24956819

http://www.marqaha.com/#!under-microscope/c1cbz

The Benefits of Cannabis and Osteoporosis

Benefits of Cannabis for Osteoporosis

54 million Americans suffer from Osteoporosis. It is a disease meaning “porous bone”. The holes in the bones can result in broken bones from minor accidents.(Source) Experts believe cannabis can slow the progression of tissue loss leading to Osteoporosis. This is from findings of how interactions with the CB1 and CB2 receptors maintain bone density.

Cannabis works along with the endocannabinoid system to effect the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are in the skeletal nerve terminals. They regulate the bone formation. CB2 receptors initiate bone formation while also slowing bone resorption.(Source)

Bone metabolism is natural in mammals where the minerals in the bone are renewed. Osteoblasts are bone forming cells. Osteoclasts are bone resorbing cells. Osteoporosis occurs when the bone formation is reduced and fat can accumulate in the bone marrow.

Research shows two findings where associations with the CB2 receptors relate to osteoporosis. In one study, CB2 mutant mice resulted in low bone mass. The other shows a tie with the gene CNR2 that encodes the CB2 receptor. When the CNR2 gene is compromised it increases the tendency for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Bone loss slows when a cannabinoid drug is given to the mutant mice or women with postmenopausal symptoms.(Source)

A study by the Arthritis Research Campaign looked at the CB1 receptor in mice with bone loss. They also investigated the reasoning behind an increase in fat cells in marrow with aging bones. Osteoporosis was slowed when the mice were given treatment with cannabinoids to increase CB1 receptor function. First, the CB1 receptors regulated the osteoclast cells activity, slowing down the resorption. Secondly, the CB1 receptors were able to differentiate between the osteoblast and fat cells. This resulted in the osteoblast cells being increased and the fat cells decreasing.(Source)

The study done by Stuart Ralston, from the University of Edinburgh said:

"This is an exciting step forward, but we must recognize that these are early results and more tests are needed on the effects of cannabis in humans to determine how the effects differ with age in people. We plan to conduct further trials soon and hope the results will help to deliver new treatments that will be of value in the fight against osteoporosis." (Source)

Source:

http://nof.org/articles/7

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19634029

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18426503

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19656492

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8199007.stm

Cannabis and How it Helps Anxiety

 

Cannabis Treatment for Anxiety

  Anxiety is a natural experience for most of us. It makes us feel uneasy, stressed and agitated. When anxiety disables someone from carrying on a normal life, it becomes a disorder.  Cannabis is a safe and natural way to cope with the symptoms of Anxiety Disorder. OUTCOin San Diego is a legally licensed dispensary which provides cannabis for a variety of medical issues, including Anxiety Disorder.

What is an Anxiety Disorder
  Anxiety disorder can occur as a panic, social, phobia or a generalized worry that won't go away. Symptoms include fear, panic, insomnia, quick breath, racing heart, inability to self-sooth, dry mouth, nausea, tense muscles, dizziness, and clammy or numb hands and feet. Environmental stress, heredity, and trauma are factors that contribute to this disorder.

Anxiety and the Brain
  Receptors in the brain that control fear and emotion contribute to the feeling of anxiety.  Prolonged stress can alter the way these nerve cells transmit information leading to a long lasting anxiety disorder.(Source)

  Commonly prescribed drugs to treat anxiety such as Valium and Librium block the GABA receptors. When these receptors are blocked, the body can calm anxiety and fear-based emotions.  Cannabis has been shown to regulate anxiety by blocking the GABA receptor.(Source)

  The CB1 receptor also controls anxiety in the brain functions.  Studies have shown that regulating the CB1 receptor reduces anxiety.(Source) Cannabis has been continually proven to affect the CB1 receptorthrough research studies.(Source) Cannabis regulates mood and anxiety by controlling the CB1 receptors.(source) 

   Sachin Patel, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Psychiatry and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics in Vanderbilt, has been at the forefront of research for the benefits of cannabis relating to brain function. Published in the March 2014 issue of Neuron he writes about endocannabinoids in the amygdala. The amygdala regulates memory, anxiety and the "fight or flight" response in the brain.

   Long term stress and trauma can result in a reduction of endocannabinoids being produced in the amygdala resulting in an increased feeling of anxiety. Light users of marijuana can experience treatment in anxiety by increasing the endocannabinoids needed to regulate the emotion. In contrast, chronic marijuana users reduce the effectiveness of the endocannabioids creating a paradox of an increase in anxiety.(Source) 

   Cannabis regulates the brain function to aid in the treatment of anxiety disorder.  OUTCO dispensary in San Diego has knowledgeable staff that can discuss which options are right for each patient.

Source:
http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-anxiety-disorders
http://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/d/d_04/d_04_m/d_04_m_peu/d_04_m_peu.html
http://outcoca.blogspot.com/2014/11/how-marijuana-effects-gaba-in-nervous.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23647582
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16148437
http://news.vanderbilt.edu/2014/03/discovery-sheds-new-light-on-marijuana-anxiety-relief-effects/

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

An Explanation of the Effects of the CB1 and CB2 Receptors

Cannabis has been found to have a direct effect on the cannabinoid receptors system in the brain. These receptors have a direct relation to appetite, pain-sensation, memory and mood. As the largest receptors in the body, they are influenced by ligands, endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids like cannabis echinacea purpura, and synthetic cannabinoids. Cannabis as well as the endocannabinoids are fat-soluble, or lipophilic. The two known cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2.(Source)

Plants create cannabinoids to help their homeostasis as a plant, having antioxidant properties to protect from UV rays which in turn helps the plant from disease. In animals, antioxidants help to protect as well from UV rays and free radical damage that can result in cancer and disease.(Source)

Interestingly, the marijuana plant also uses THC and other cannabinoids to promote its own health and prevent disease. Cannabinoids have antioxidant properties that protect the leaves and flowering structures from ultraviolet radiation - cannabinoids neutralize the harmful free radicals generated by UV rays, protecting the cells. In humans, free radicals cause aging, cancer, and impaired healing. Antioxidants found in plants have long been promoted as natural supplements to prevent free radical harm.

Cannabinoid receptors effect the G protein coupled receptor family, which are the cause of many diseases, 40% of all modern medicinal drugs target the G protein receptors.(source) The goal of the endocannabinoid system in the body is to maintain homeostatis, or an internal stable environment in the body. (Source)

Important Functions of the Cannabinoid System

There are many important and diverse functions to keep the body in a constant homeostasis. Here are a couple examples:

1. The cannabinoid system deals with autophagy, where a cell self-digests and recycles itself. This process keeps healthy cells healthy and also rids the body of malignant tumor cells having them consume themselves in a cellular suicide.
2. The cannabinoid system reduces pain to injuries. The injured tissue sends activators and sensitizer signals to stop excessive nerve cell firing, calming the sensation and the immune cells to not have them cause an excessive inflammation.
3. The cannabinoid system effects human behavior and mood. The receptors trigger a neuronal placticity, allowing for the brain to be open-minded and able to move beyond common patterns of thought to allow for creativity and aid in social interaction.

CB1 Receptor

CB1 receptors are in the central nervous system of the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. They are the biggest group of G-coupled receptors in the brain. Cannabinoids effect a reduction of the GABA mediated neurotransmission, which results in an increase of neuron excitability.(Source) They effect memory processing, pain regulation and motor control. (Source)

CB 2 Receptor

CB2 receptors are in the immune system and hematopoietic cells (Blood cells that help create other blood cells found in red bone marrow), white blood cells, tonsils and spleen. This receptor effects the relief of pain, and more research is showing that it effects smooth muscle, fibroblasts and others. The main function of the CB2 receptor is the regulation of cytokine release, which research is looking into the benefit of anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer treatments. (Source) Cytokines signal cells to communicate in immune responses to inflammation, infection and trauma.(Source)

Source:

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

http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/mdd/v07/i11/html/1104feature_filmore.html

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

http://www.news-medical.net/health/Cannabinoid-Receptors.aspx

http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Cytokines.aspx

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

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