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/

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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

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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

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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

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

Sensible Cannabis Laws for New Zealand

“After years of campaigning by chronically ill New Zealanders who say the drug is the only thing that eases their pain, their government passed a law to make cannabis available to them.”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

New Zealand’s government has passed a law that will make medical marijuana widely available for thousands of patients over time, after years of campaigning by chronically ill New Zealanders who say the drug is the only thing that eases their pain.

The legislation will also allow terminally ill patients to begin smoking illegal pot immediately without facing the possibility of prosecution.

Read full article here:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/11/new-zealand-passes-laws-to-make-medical-marijuana-widely-available

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

Cannabinoids and Bladder Matters

“Once again CB2 receptor step up to the plate and appear to be able to mitigate com for table bladder inflammation and urinary frequency. This study leaked out of the University of Wisconsin.”

-   Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

UTI, short for Urinary Tract Infection is an infection in any part of your urinary system. While most infections involve the lower urinary tract, the bladder, and the urethra, a urinary tract infection can appear in a number of places including your kidneys, ureters, urethra, and bladder.

Few studies have been conducted on the connection between cannabis and UTIs, but those that have conducted studies have released surprising findings suggesting that Cannabis may treat pain caused by Urinary Tract Infection. In a recent study, published in the American Journal of Clinical and Experimental Urology it was found that CB1R activation, which occurs through the consumption of cannabis can help fight pain arising from cystitis.

Read the full article here:

https://www.marijuanabreak.com/marijuana-uti-remedy

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

Leafly List of Most Important Studies of 2018

“There is sex and drugs involved as well as treating cannabis problems with....cannabis.”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

The most exciting new frontier in cannabis research this year wasn’t any individual study or published report.

It was a pair of developments (one in Canada, the other in the United States) that together promise to spur the research studies of the future on a scale never seen before, with a scope of inquiry that includes exploring potential benefits, rather than myopically focusing on potential harms.

Read full article here:

https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/the-most-important-cannabis-studies-of-2018?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=B2C%20Newsletter%20-%20Nat%27l%20-%2001/02/18&utm_content=Final&utm_term=%5BTWS%5D%20%26%20%5BMaster%20%2B%20Not%20Dormant%5D

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

Cannabis Reduces Need for Chronic Pain Medication

“Legal access to cannabis may reduce the use of multiple classes of dangerous prescription medications in certain patient populations, specifically those with chronic pain (more than three months). 34% of patients registered in a chronic pain treatment program ceased the use of all scheduled prescription medications if they used cannabis.”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

Co-prescribing of scheduled drugs is endemic in the United States, increasing health risks to patients and the burden on healthcare systems.

Legal access to cannabis may reduce the use of multiple classes of dangerous prescription medications in certain patient populations.

Read full article here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28899660

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

Cannabis Use in Adolescents Lowest in 15 Years

“While a growing number of youth believe that cannabis is safe, it's used in adolescence makes many (myself included) very twitchy. So it comes as a pleasant surprise that cannabis use in those age 12-17 in the US, despite its increased availability, is 6.5%, the lowest in 15 years.”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

This national report summarizes key findings from the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) for indicators of substance use and mental health among people aged 12 years old or older in the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of the United States. Results are provided for the overall category of individuals aged 12 or older as well as by age subgroups.

The NSDUH questionnaire underwent a partial redesign in 2015 to improve the quality of the NSDUH data and to address the changing needs of policymakers and researchers. For measures that started a new baseline in 2015, estimates are discussed only for 2016.

Read the full article here:

https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-FFR1-2016/NSDUH-FFR1-2016.htm#summary

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

Cannabis Use Reduces Premature Death

“This headline is a feather in any product/drug’s cap. Cannabis use is associated with decreased rates of obesity, diabetes mellitus, mortality from traumatic brain injury, use of alcohol and prescription drugs, driving fatalities, and opioid overdose deaths. These data suggest that Cannabis use may decrease premature deaths.”

- Dr. David Hepburn 

Abstract:

Adverse effects of moderate Cannabis use on physical health are subtle and rarely fatal, while Cannabis use is associated with decreased rates of obesity, diabetes mellitus, mortality from traumatic brain injury, use of alcohol and prescription drugs, driving fatalities, and opioid overdose deaths.

These data suggest that Cannabis use may decrease premature deaths. To date, no studies have attempted to estimate the impacts of Cannabis use on premature death that include both adverse and beneficial effects on physical health. Marijuana use is estimated to reduce premature deaths from diabetes mellitus, cancer, and traumatic brain injury by 989 to 2,511 deaths for each 1% of the population using Cannabis. 

Read the full article here:

https://scholarworks.iu.edu/dspace/handle/2022/21632

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

Cannabis Research in Tourette Syndrome

“An Israeli study showed that of the patients without syndrome who tolerated cannabis treatment, many experienced a reduction in tic severity, better sleep and improved mood.”

-     Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

Patients with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) experience reduced function and impaired quality of life. The current medical treatments for this syndrome can cause significant side effects and offer partial symptomatic relief.

In a few small trials medical cannabis (MC) has been suggested to offer symptomatic relief with a relatively benign side effect profile. We conducted a real-life assessment of clinical benefit and adverse effects of chronic MC treatment among patients with GTS.

Forty-Two GTS patients (33 males, mean age 34.5) were interviewed for this study. The total global impression score of efficacy was 3.85 out of a total of 5 possible points. Patients reported during the free discussion part of the interview about a reduction in tic severity, better sleep and improved mood as positive effects of MC.

Thirty-eight patients reported any kind of benefit from treatment while 10 patients with more than one year of consumption elected to stop treatment with MC for various reasons including severe side effects as psychosis in one patient.

Read the full article here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30292733

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

Michael J Fox Fdn Survey Shows Cannabis Benefit for Parkinson's Disease

“Cannabis had positive impact son mood, memory, fatigue, and obesity status in peoplewith PD and MS. Current users reported high efficacy of cannabis, 6.4 (SD 1.8) on a scalefrom 0 to 7 and 59% reported reducing prescription medication since beginning cannabis use.”

- Dr. David Hepburn 

Abstract:

An anonymous web-based survey was hosted on the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society web pages from 15 February to 15 October 2016. The survey collected demographic and cannabis use information, and used standardized questionnaires to assess neurological function, fatigue, balance, and physical activity participation. Analysis of variance and chi-square tests were used for the analysis.

Read full article here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28735833

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

Regular Cannabis Users Have More Pain After Surgery

“...And poorer quality sleep apparently. Insomnia, of course, might not be uncommon in many regular users who suddenly discontinue use of cannabis for any reasons including being hospitalized. Perhaps this might be an indication for more research on how ADDING cannabis to a post opscenario might is beneficial.”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

The recreational and medical use of cannabinoids has been increasing. While most studies and reviews have focused on the role of cannabinoids in the management of acute pain, no study has examined the postoperative outcomes of surgical candidates who are on cannabinoids proper relatively. This retrospective cohort study examined the impact of preoperative cannabinoid use on postoperative pain scores and pain-related outcomes in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery.

Read full article here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30531214

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

THCA May Protect Nerve Cells

“Another cannabinoid jumps into the fray and heads straight to thenucleus of the thenrve cell, working right at the DNA level. Could hold potential in dealing with the complicated neuro inflammatory related to neurodegeneration in so manytoughchronicconditions. (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, MS, Huntingtonsetc).”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

Phytocannabinoids are produced in Cannabis sativa L. in acidic form and are decarboxylated upon heating, processing and storage. While the biological effects of decarboxylated cannabinoids such as Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol have been extensively investigated, the bioactivity of Δ9 -tetahydrocannabinol acid (Δ9 -THCA) is largely unknown.

Δ9 -THCA shows potent neuroprotective activity, which is worth considering for the treatment of Huntington's disease and possibly other neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases.

Read the full article here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28853159

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

No Change in Hippocampus Volume With Youth Cannabis Users

“A number of studies have found evidence of structural brain changes in teens and young adults who smoke marijuana, however is research indicates that there are no changes into adulthood in the hippocampus (memory).”

-    Dr. David Hepburn 

Abstract:

Cannabis exposure, particularly heavy cannabis use, has been associated with neuroanatomical alterations in regions rich with cannabinoid receptors such as the hippocampus in some but not in other (mainly cross-sectional) studies. However, it remains unclear whether continued heavy cannabis use alters hippocampal volume, and whether an earlier age of onset and/or a higher dosage exacerbate these changes.

Read full article here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28741422

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

Cannabis Users Less Likely to Get Diabetes - Dr. David Hepburn

“A recentstudyfromCanadaindicatesthat cannabis usershave a significantlydecreasedrisk of having diabetes. Thisis no smalldiscoverygiventhat diabetes isone of thescourges of oursociety. Itwill be nothing short of fascinating to discoverhow cannabis can potentiallyprotectagainst diabetes. Staytuned.”-    Dr. David Hepburn 

A decreased likelihood of diabetes for cannabis users versus non-users was indicated after accounting for a range of potential con-founders, including mental health disorders. Before the protective effects of cannabis use for diabetes can be suggested, further epidemiological studies are needed that incorporate prospective designs, as well as feature innovative exposure measurements and statistical analyses.

Although there was a considerable attenuation in the magnitude of the odds ratios after adjustment for confounders, there was still a decreased likelihood of diabetes for cannabis users versus non-users.

Read full article here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30288813

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

Vapeorsmoke? - Dr. David Hepburn

“Whichisstronger, vapingorsmoking? Doctorsneveradvocatesmokingforanyreason and prefervapingovercombustion as thesafestinhalationdeliverymechanism. Surprisingly, a new studyfromthe US indicatesthatvapingis more powerful.”

-  Dr. David Hepburn

In a smallstudy of infrequent cannabis users, researchers have shown that, compared with smoking cannabis, vaping it increased the rate of short-term anxiety, paranoia, memory loss and distractionwhen doses werethesame.

Vaping devices heat cannabis to a temperature in which the mind-altering compounds in the plant are released as a vapor that is inhaled. Vaping is thought to be safer for cannabis and tobacco use because it doesn't produce many of the harmful components of burning material such as tar and other cancer-causing agents.

Read full articlehere:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/12/181204131115.htm

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

Liverwort As A Legal High - Dr. David Hepburn

"Not only do the various cannabinoids in the cannabis plant act on many different receptors besides our cannabis receptors (CB1R and CB2R) throughout our body, but many other plants produce cannabinomimetics that act on our CB1R and CB2R, in the brain, bones, gut and elsewhere. It’s a busy, complicated network of receptors, ligands and exogenous compounds that are able to have a multitude of effects on our body, some for good and some for.... “good” if you want to be stoned."

-Dr. David Hepburn    

Recommended by Dr. David Hepburn:

Uncovering the psychoactivity of a cannabinoid from liverworts associated with a legal high.

Abstract

Phytochemical studies on the liverwort Radula genus have previously identified the bibenzyl (-)-cis-perrottetinene (cis-PET), which structurally resembles (-)-Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-trans-THC) from Cannabis sativa L. Radula preparations are sold as cannabinoid-like legal high on the internet, even though pharmacological data are lacking. 

Herein, we describe a versatile total synthesis of (-)-cis-PET and its (-)-trans diastereoisomer and demonstrate that both molecules readily penetrate the brain and induce hypothermia, catalepsy, hypolocomotion, and analgesia in a CB1 receptor-dependent manner in mice. The natural product (-)-cis-PET was profiled on major brain receptors, showing a selective cannabinoid pharmacology. This study also uncovers pharmacological differences between Δ9-THC and PET diastereoisomers. Most notably, (-)-cis-PET and (-)-trans-PET significantly reduced basal brain prostaglandin levels associated with Δ9-trans-THC side effects in a CB1 receptor-dependent manner, thus mimicking the action of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol. 

Therefore, the natural product (-)-cis-PET is a psychoactive cannabinoid from bryophytes, illustrating the existence of convergent evolution of bioactive cannabinoids in the plant kingdom. Our findings may have implications for bioprospecting and drug discovery and provide a molecular rationale for the reported effects upon consumption of certain Radula preparations as moderately active legal highs.

To read the full article please visit:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30397641

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

New Research Indicates Benefit of Cannabis in Autism - Dr. David Hepburn

"And furthermore, dosages and CBD:THC ratios are starting to emerge. “Mothers” in many countries, recognizing that cannabis is helping their autistic children, have risked breaking the law and organized en masse to change laws. And now, significant attention is being directed towards using cannabis in this difficult spectrum. 1:20 THC:CBD at about 4 mg/kg CBD and 0.3mg/kg THC per day."

- Dr. David Hepburn.

Recommended by Dr. David Hepburn:

Brief Report: Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Behavioral Problems-A Retrospective Feasibility Study.

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence of successful cannabis treatment in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are accumulating but clinical studies are lacking. This retrospective study assessed tolerability and efficacy of cannabidiol-rich cannabis, in 60 children with ASD and severe behavioral problems (age = 11.8 ± 3.5, range 5.0-17.5; 77% low functioning; 83% boys). Efficacy was assessed using the Caregiver Global Impression of Change scale. Adverse events included sleep disturbances (14%) irritability (9%) and loss of appetite (9%). One girl who used higher tetrahydrocannabinol had a transient serious psychotic event which required treatment with an antipsychotic. Following the cannabis treatment, behavioral outbreaks were much improved or very much improved in 61% of patients. This preliminary study supports feasibility of CBD-based cannabis trials in children with ASD.

To read the full article please visit:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30382443

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

The CB2 receptor plays a significant role in heart function in people with pulmonary hypertension

"The role the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays in cardiovascular pathology continues to point to a path for possible therapeutic targets. This study shows how the ECS works to prevent death of cardiac cells in pulmonary hypertension, which, if it sounds like a good thing....it is."  -Dr. Dave Hepburn

Article Recommended by Dr. David Hepburn:

CB2-deficiency is associated with a stronger hypertrophy and remodeling of the right ventricle in a murine model of left pulmonary artery occlusion.

Abstract

AIMS:

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) leads to right ventricular (RV) adaptation and remodeling and has deleterious long-term effects on RV function. The endocannabinoid receptor CB2 has been associated with protective effects in adaptation and remodeling of the left ventricle after ischemia. Therefore, we investigated the role of CB2 receptor in RV adaptation after occlusion of the left pulmonary artery (LPA) in a murine model.

MAIN METHODS:

C57/Bl6 (WT)- and CB2 receptor-deficient (Cnr2-/-)-mice underwent paramedian sternotomy and LPA was occluded using a metal clip. Right heart hemodynamic study (Millar®) preceded organ harvesting for immunohistochemistry and mRNA analysis 7 and 21 days (d) post-occlusion.

KEY FINDINGS:

LPA occlusion led to higher RV systolic pressure in Cnr2-/--hearts, while hemodynamics were comparable with WT-hearts after 21d. Cnr2-/--hearts showed higher macrophage infiltration and lower interleukin-10 expression after 7 d, but otherwise a comparable inflammatory mediator expression profile. 

Cardiomyocyte-hypertrophy was stronger in Cnr2-/--mice, presenting with higher tenascin-C expression than WT-hearts. Planimetry revealed higher collagen area in Cnr2-/--hearts and small areas of cardiomyocyte-loss. Surrounding cardiomyocytes were cleaved caspase-3- and TUNEL positive in Cnr2-/--hearts. This was associated by maladaptation of myosin heavy-chain isoforms and lower reactive oxygen scavenger enzymes induction in Cnr2-/--hearts. We found comparable morphological changes in both lungs between the two genotypes.

SIGNIFICANCE:

LPA occlusion led to increased systolic pressure and adaptation of RV in CB2-deficient mice. CB2 receptor seems to modulate RV adaptation through expression of contractile elements, reactive oxygen scavenger enzymes, and inflammatory response in order to prevent cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

To read the full article please visit:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30403990 

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