Cannabis Use Does Shrink parts of the Brain…in Some People

“The brain is obviously affected by cannabis, detrimentally for some. The hippocampus in particular may be especially sensitive to the impact of heavy cannabis use, given its high concentration of cannabinoid receptors type1. But does regular use change the size of the hippocampus? Apparently in those with a genetic predisposition.”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

Cannabis use and dopaminergic gene polymorphism had both distinct and interactive effects on the hippocampus.

Emergingalterations of hippocampal total and specific subregional volumes were found in cannabis users relative to controls (i.e., CA1, CA2/3, and CA4), and associations between cannabis use levels and total and specific subregional volumes.

Furthermore, total hippocampal volume and the fissure subregion were affected by cannabis×DAT1 polymorphism (i.e., 9/9R and in 10/10R alleles), reflecting high and low levels of dopamine availability.

Read full article here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5797324/

Visit 

Dr. Dave Hepburn website: https://doctordavidhepburn.com

Expert Tourette Syndrome Extols Cannabis

“What makes this even more interesting is that the whole plant (entourage) was more successful at treating the tics than pure THC. In addition, patients also had beneficial effects of comorbidities (OCD, ADHD, depression) that tend to accompany Tourette’s, while standard treatment with antipsychotics had no benefit. It appears that Tourette’s may well be a result, in part, of a dysfunctional ECS.”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

Meet the Experts is a series of interviews conducted by experts from the field of Cannabis to world leaders in research and clinical practice of Cannabis as medicine.

Dr. Kirsten R. Müller-Vahl is a Professor of Psychiatry at the Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy at the Hannover Medical School (MHH), Germany. She is a specialist in both neurology and adult psychiatry. 

Read full article here:

https://www.fundacion-canna.es/en/meet-experts-interview-kirsten-muller-vahl

Visit 

Dr. Dave Hepburn website: https://doctordavidhepburn.com

Does Cannabis Use Affect Genes or Vice Versa?

“The exciting world of epigenetic reaches into cannabis use and notes external changes to genes involved in dopamine and ECS pathways. Interesting aside as to the effects of education and sex on cannabis use.”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

Genetic and sociodemographic risk factors potentially associated with cannabis use (CU) were investigated in 40 cannabis users and 96 control subjects. DNA methylation analyses were also performed to explore the possibility of epigenetic changes related to CU.

Read full article here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29353877

Visit 

Dr. Dave Hepburn website: https://doctordavidhepburn.com

THC For Fibromyalgia

“An exciting new study shows that THC, not CBD, is what raises the painters hold for those with FM. From only being able to tolerate 1 kg pressure on a hand muscle,  A SINGLE inhalation of THC allows patients to withstand normal 10kg of pressure without pain.”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

This experimental trial shows the complex behavior of inhaled cannabinoids in chronic pain patients with just small analgesic responses after a single inhalation.

Further studies are needed to determine long-term treatment effects on spontaneous pain scores, THC-CBD interactions and the role of psychotropic symptoms on pain relief.

Read full article here:

https://journals.lww.com/pain/Abstract/publishahead/An_experimental_randomized_study_on_the_analgesic.98794.aspx

Visit 

Dr. Dave Hepburn website: https://doctordavidhepburn.com

And Now.......Asia

“As the global recognition of the benefits of medical cannabis continues to expand, the thin of the wedge into Asia may well be South Korea. They may be importing cannabis in 2019 already.”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

Patients with epilepsy and other rare diseases will be able to get medical marijuana in South Korea as soon as early 2019, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said Thursday.

As the National Assembly passed a bill to amend the Act on the Management of Narcotic Drugs on Nov. 23, the sale, import, and export of cannabis for medical purposes will soon become legal.

Read full article here:

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20181129000668

Visit

Dr. Dave Hepburn website: https://doctordavidhepburn.com