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/

Deep Sleep has been shown to Increase with Marijuana Use

Cannabis allows for longer deep sleep which experts agree is important for achieving optimal health.(Source) The reduction in rapid eye movement sleep (REM) allows for less dreaming. People who suffer from PTSD can benefit from deep sleep to reduce memory recall. Deep sleep helps your body to repair and recover allowing for a more restful sleep.

Specific marijuana strains target deeper sleep habits. The cannabinoids THC and CBN improve quality of sleep. Terpenes such as Limonene, Beta Myrcene, and Nerolidol promote sleep and help with insomnia. Cannabidiol (CBD), conversely, has been shown to give more wakeful sleep with an increase in REM sleep.(Source)

Reducing or stopping marijuana can diminish deep sleep. Sleep aids and alcohol have the same effect. Many people have reported vivid dreams upon stopping marijuana use.(Source)

Source:

http://www.leafscience.com/2014/09/13/marijuana-rem-sleep-dreams/

http://www.smrv-journal.com/article/S1087-0792%2807%2900167-0/abstract

http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.161.11.1967

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15118485

The Benefits of the Terpene Delta 3 Carene

Delta 3 Carene gives a calming feeling to aid in well being. This pine scented terpene can be found in rosemary as well as cannabis. Delta 3 Carene is so prevalent in marijuana that it is found in most strains.

Carene has been used as an antihistamine to help with reducing fluid. Some patients use strains high in Carene to help reduce perspiration or menstrual flow. Many patients can describe certain cannabis strains with a side effect of causing dry mouth or eyes. The terpene Delta 3 Carene is a major culprit to this effect.

Medically Carene can treat symptoms of many diseases. Anti-inflammatory properties have been found with this essential oil to treat joint pain and multiple sclerosis.(Source) Delta 3 Carene has shown to be a sedative by acting as a central nervous system depressant. (Source) This ability to slow down the brain function can help in treating anxiety and insomnia.(Source)

Source:

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=275717

http://terpenes.weebly.com/

http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/2772005

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

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/cns-depressants/what-are-cns-depressants

Testimonial - Insomnia and Joint Pain

Medical Marijuana Testimonial	I use medical marijuana for sleep: I need it to take my mind off joint pain and calm my mind so I can sleep.  I want a tested product that I can always get and that is consistently the same.  I use a Vaporite unit and a vape pen.
Strains you Like	Indica
Conditions
Symptoms	Inflammation Insomnia Pain: MuscleJoint

Testimonial - Anxiety

Medical Marijuana Testimonial	I dealt with anxiety for most of my adult life.  Most cannabis made that worse.  After trying  xanax, valium, alcohol, none of them were a palatable solution. Then I bought some ACDC at Outco and found nature's cure to anxiety disorders.  It is a high CBD strain (20:1) and they have others as well.  Also, now that my anxiety is dealt with, I also enjoy the other medicinal benefits of cannabis.  Thanks for making quality medicinal strains available to San Diego County all done within the confines of the law.
Strains you Like	ACDC, Mr. Nice, Skywalker OG, Donna OG, Cannatonic, Harlequin, Harle-Tsu, Jack Herer
Conditions
Symptoms	Anxiety Depression Insomnia

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

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 Cannabinol – CBN

Cannabinol - CBN

Cannabinol is a cannabinoid in marijuana that aids in sleep, anti-bacterial and skin problems. Cannabinol target receptors in the body to administer the medicinal characteristics. The way cannabis is grown and stored affects the concentration of Cannabinol.

One of the main benefits for Cannabinol is treatment for insomnia. Many of the studies are from research with a drug containing cannabis named Nabilone. Nabilone is a cannabinol derivative of cannabis.(Source) Nabilone was found effective in helping with sleep for patients with fibromyalgia (Source).

CBN is superior to THC for absorbing through the skin making a great topical application. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help skin and protect against bacterial infections. Studies have shown that CBN can protect against MRSA(Source) and aid in skin burns and psoriasis.(Source)

Cannabinol CBN is mildly psycho-active. CBN effects the CB1 receptors very slightly and targets the CB2 receptors more. The effects of cannabinol are very low compared to THC however it can give different treatment results. (Source)

Trace amounts of Cannabinol is found in cannabis. It is created through metabolized THC or aged through oxidation. There are a couple ways to achieve a higher concentration of Cannabinol. You should harvest the cannabis plant late to allow the oxidation to occur and increase the CBN. Cannabis purchased at a dispensary should be left out in air and light to age. A higher concentration of THC will result in more CBN.(Source)

Source:

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

http://www.medicaljane.com/2013/08/19/cannabinol-cbn-will-put-you-to-bed/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18681481

http://drsircus.com/medicine/transdermal-medical-marijuana-skin-cancer-treatment

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1204278

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20007734

Marijuana Treatment for Veterans

PTSD and the Military

   San Diego has one of the largest military veteran populations in the United States with a total of 265,000 veterans .(Source)    OUTCO  dispenses medical marijuana to the community of San Diego, and many of our patients are veterans suffering from a variety of medical conditions. Conditions experienced by military personnel include: traumatic brain injury,  chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression and  PTSD.
 
      Medical marijuana has been shown through studies to support patients with all of these conditions.   Veterans with a medical marijuana prescription report that cannabis has fewer side effects to their treatment than other prescribed medicine.(Source) This is an excellent option for veterans. Unfortunately, the US military has a zero tolerance for marijuana use for active military, which has existed since the Reagan administration.(Source)

       Psychiatry.org has reported the need for better treatment than what is currently available to military veterans, stating :

• In 2012 there were more military suicides than death from combat
• Military suicides are at their highest rate in the last 10 years
• 8-20% of military doing tours in Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from a traumatic brain injury
• Traumatic brain injuries increase suicidal thoughts
• 20% of all suicides in the United States are from military veterans
• 300,000 veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have been diagnosed with PTSD
(Source)

Veterans and PTSD
       Increase in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has recently been in the forefront of news about veterans.   PTSD results in suicide making discussion for treatments a hot topic. Studies have shown that on average 11-20% of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom veterans, 10% of Desert Storm veterans and 30% of Vietnam veterans suffer from PTSD.(Source)

Veterans and Suicide
     Statistics have shown a 20% increase in veteran suicide since 2007. Experts believe this is due to the increase in the use of the prescription drug Lorazepam.   This drug has been prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and insomnia with a dangerous side-effect of feelings of suicide.   Other veterans self-medicate with alcohol and prescribed medications that can lead to suicidal thoughts.(Source) Traumatic brain injury, which has been prevalent in the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, often results in an increase of these thoughts of suicide.(Source)

Research that Show the Benefit of Cannabis for Veterans
     Research has concluded that cannabis can treat many of the conditions from which these veterans suffer.   Use of marijuana increases a cannabinoid named 2-AG.   This in turn helps to reduce swelling and toxic chemicals released during a brain injury.(Source) In 2010, a Canadian study found that smoking 3 puffs of marijuana a day relieves pain and insomnia.(Source) In 1986, it was found that cannabis affects the benzoiazepine receptors of the brain thus reducing anxiety.(Source) Research conducted at McGill University showed low doses of THC helped to relieve depression.(Source) These conditions are closely related to  PTSD  thus offering relief with marijuana in the way it effects the  CB1 and CB2 receptors of the brain.(Source)



Source:
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/PTSD-overview/basics/how-common-is-ptsd.asp
http://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-how-medical-marijuana-saves-the-lives-of-many-war-veterans--n67?utm_content=buffer68a3d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
http://www.vancnorthcounty.org/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2950205/
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/6/marijuana-presents-dilemma-for-military-as-more-st/?page=all
http://psychiatry.org/mentalhealth
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/traumatic-brain-injury-may-increase-suicide-risk-for-military-personnel/
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/000632238690003X
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071023183937.htm
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=117202

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/

Benefits of Cannabis for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease is the disruption of the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain. Nerve cells that produce dopamine are destroyed making the brain to not function in processing messages or muscle function. (Source)

Some studies have shown that the use of Marijuana to relieve Parkinson symptoms can be effective, but physicians warn that it should not be a replacement for prescribed drugs for the condition. Since the Drug Enforement Agency DEA has deemed cannabis as a schedule 1 drug, approval for research into the benefits of cannabis is lacking and conclusive evidence for benefits of Parkinson's is still in progress.(Source) Here are a collection of studies regarding marijuana and Parkinson's Disease:

Movement Disorders Journal with research done by Katerina Venderova in 2004 located in Prague did a study on Parkinson's patients and the results are as follows:

• 45.9% of patients showed mild to major treatment of parkinson's symptoms
• 30.6% showed treatment for rest tremors
• 44.7% showed treatment for bradykinesia ( slowness in movement caused by weakness, tremor or feeling of rigidity).
• 37.7% improvement in muscle rigidity
• 14.1% treatment in L-dopa-induced dyskinesias (disruption in brain signals of movement).
• 4% complained of cannabis worsening symptoms.
• Use of Cannabis for 3 months or more had significant improvement in Parkinson's symptoms

This study was done on less than a 100 patients and the conclusions are that more research needs to be done on a wider population for more concrete findings. (Source)

A theory but not studied enough is that marijuana could benefit Parkinson's Disease since the effects of Parkinson's symptoms are concentrated in the basal ganglia of the brain, which are packed with cannabinoid (THC) receptors that Cannabis main function relates to. (Cb1and Cb2 receptors)(Source)

To ad to the brain function, The British Journal of Pharmacology had a study that showed the following: “Given its antioxidant properties and its ability to activate CB₂ but to block CB₁ receptors, Δ⁹-THCV has a promising pharmacological profile for delaying disease progression in PD and also for ameliorating parkinsonian symptoms.” (Source)

One symptom that Parkinson's Disease has is REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). The patients studied using Cannabis (CBD) the non psycho-active component of cannabis showed significant improvement. (Source)

OUTCO is San Diego's only legally licensed medical marijuana dispensary offering FREE Delivery and Accepting Debit Cards.

Source:

http://www.parkinson.org/getdoc/6ffea1eb-3439-4e0c-b45e-5da1dc8d7537/default

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24845114

http://www.denverrelief.com/blog/conditions-treated-by-cannabis/parkinsons-disease-and-cannabis-marijuana-therapy/

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01278.x/abstract

http://www.thewire.com/politics/2014/06/its-hard-to-study-marijuanas-medical-benefits-when-its-illegal/373603/