Recreational cannabis use has recently gained considerable interest as an environmental risk factor that triggers the onset of psychosis. To date, however, the evidence that cannabis is associated with negative outcomes in individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis is inconsistent. The present study tracked cannabis usage over a 2-year period and examined its associations with clinical and neurocognitive outcomes, along with medication rates. CHR youth who continuously used cannabis had higher neurocognition and social functioning over time, and decreased medication usage, relative to non-users. Surprisingly, clinical symptoms improved over time despite the medication decreases.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-09-06 04:54:072023-09-06 04:54:07Recreational cannabis use over time in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis: Lack of associations with symptom, neurocognitive, functioning, and treatment patterns
Medical cannabis has been used to relieve the symptoms of people with various chronic diseases. Despite of this, it has been stigmatized, even after its legalization in many countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality of life of patients receiving medical cannabis. One hundred patients receiving medical cannabis were given (a) a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire, and (b) the SF-36 Health Survey scale for assessing quality of life.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Opioids-vs-cannabis-1.jpg13501080Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-09-06 04:52:142024-06-09 23:51:52Quality of Life in Patients Receiving Medical Cannabis
It is known that gynecological cancers remain a worldwide problem and as shown by the statistics, there is a need for new gynecological cancer treatments. Cannabinoids, the pharmacologically active compounds of the Cannabis sativa plant, have been used for many centuries by individuals as a symptomatic treatment to alleviate pain, nausea, vomiting, and to help stimulate appetite. Research has revealed that cannabinoids also exert anti-cancer activity such as anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects through a variety of mechanisms. There is significant value in the development of these compounds as anti-cancer therapies in clinical practice as they do not produce the typical toxic side effects that exist with conventional therapies and recent clinical trials have shown their great tolerability by patients at high doses.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-09-06 04:32:562023-09-06 04:32:56Could cannabinoids provide a new hope for ovarian cancer patients?
We report studies pertaining to two isomeric hexahydrocannabinols (HHCs), (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC, which are derivatives of the psychoactive cannabinoids Δ9- and Δ8-THC. HHCs have been known since the 1940s, but have become increasingly available to the public in the United States and are typically sold as a mixture of isomers. We show that (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC can be prepared using hydrogen-atom transfer reduction, with (9R)-HHC being accessed as the major diastereomer. In addition, we report the results of cannabinoid receptor studies for (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC. The binding affinity and activity of isomer (9R)-HHC are similar to that of Δ9-THC, whereas (9S)-HHC binds strongly in cannabinoid receptor studies but displays diminished activity in functional assays. This is notable, as our examination of the certificates of analysis for >60 commercially available HHC products show wide variability in HHC isomer ratios (from 0.2:1 to 2.4:1 of (9R)-HHC to (9S)-HHC). These studies suggest the need for greater research and systematic testing of new cannabinoids. Such efforts would help inform cannabis-based policies, ensure the safety of cannabinoids, and potentially lead to the discovery of new medicines.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant and an exogenous ligand of the endocannabinoid system. In previous studies, we demonstrated that a single microdose of THC (0.002 mg/kg, 3–4 orders of magnitude lower than the standard dose for rodents) exerts distinct, long-term neuroprotection in model mice subjected to acute neurological insults. When administered to old, healthy mice, the THC microdose induced remarkable long-lasting (weeks) improvement in a wide range of cognitive functions, including significant morphological and biochemical brain alterations. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects, we analyzed the gene expression of hippocampal samples from the model mice. Samples taken 5 days after THC treatment showed significant differential expression of genes associated with neurogenesis and brain development. In samples taken 5 weeks after treatment, the transcriptional signature was shifted to that of neuronal differentiation and survival. This study demonstrated the use of hippocampal transcriptome profiling in uncovering the molecular basis of the atypical, anti-aging effects of THC microdose treatment in old mice.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-08-26 09:48:072023-08-26 09:48:07Hippocampal differential expression underlying the neuroprotective effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol microdose on old mice
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant and an exogenous ligand of the endocannabinoid system. In previous studies, we demonstrated that a single microdose of THC (0.002 mg/kg, 3–4 orders of magnitude lower than the standard dose for rodents) exerts distinct, long-term neuroprotection in model mice subjected to acute neurological insults. When administered to old, healthy mice, the THC microdose induced remarkable long-lasting (weeks) improvement in a wide range of cognitive functions, including significant morphological and biochemical brain alterations. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects, we analyzed the gene expression of hippocampal samples from the model mice. Samples taken 5 days after THC treatment showed significant differential expression of genes associated with neurogenesis and brain development. In samples taken 5 weeks after treatment, the transcriptional signature was shifted to that of neuronal differentiation and survival. This study demonstrated the use of hippocampal transcriptome profiling in uncovering the molecular basis of the atypical, anti-aging effects of THC microdose treatment in old mice.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-08-26 09:47:142023-08-26 09:47:14Hippocampal differential expression underlying the neuroprotective effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol microdose on old mice
To observe the effect of cannabis on fibromyalgia illness severity and related symptoms of depression and anxiety. A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify all patients who indicated fibromyalgia as a primary reason for seeking medical cannabis and completed at least 1 follow-up visit at Harvest Medicine clinics from January 2017 to July 2021. Data extracted from patient charts included Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores, and self-reported illness severity scores. Changes in these scores between a patient’s intake and first follow-up visits were calculated and analyzed for significance overall and in different demographic subgroups. Patients for whom no follow-up data were available were excluded.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-08-26 09:18:082023-08-26 09:20:25Self-Reported Effects of Medical Cannabis on Illness Severity, Depression and Anxiety in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Large Retrospective Case Series
Many patients with ulcerative colitis after ileoanal pouch anastomosis report improvement of pouchitis with the use of cannabis. Nine patients with chronic pouchitis used 1 g/d of cannabis: 7 patients were male with average age 51 ± 16 years. Average partial pouchitis disease activity index were 11 (range 8–17), 6 (range 5–8), and 5 (range 4–8); endoscopic subscores were 7 .3 ± 2.3, 6 ± 1.1, and 4.4 ± 0.9; average bowel movements per day were 14 (range 8–20), 8 (range 2–13), and 10 (range 13–8); and quality of life increased from 72 ± 1 to 90 ± 16 and 97 ± 10 (P = 0.001) before cannabis treatment and after 8–12 and 52 weeks, respectively. No adverse events were reported.
Main body
The purpose of this article is to review the current state of the opioid epidemic; the shifting picture of cannabinoids; and the research, policy, and current events that make opioid risk reduction an urgent public health challenge. The provided table contains an evidence-based clinical framework for the utilization of cannabinoids to treat patients with chronic pain who are dependent on opioids, seeking alternatives to opioids, and tapering opioids.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-08-26 08:52:152023-08-26 08:52:15Cannabis Improves Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Pouchitis
The opioid crisis continues in full force, as physicians and caregivers are desperate for resources to help patients with opioid use and chronic pain disorders find safer and more accessible non-opioid tools.
Main body
The purpose of this article is to review the current state of the opioid epidemic; the shifting picture of cannabinoids; and the research, policy, and current events that make opioid risk reduction an urgent public health challenge. The provided table contains an evidence-based clinical framework for the utilization of cannabinoids to treat patients with chronic pain who are dependent on opioids, seeking alternatives to opioids, and tapering opioids.
Physicians’ ability to guide their patients on the use of medical cannabis can vary widely and is often shaped by their training, experiences, and the regulations and policies of their state. The goal of this qualitative study is to understand how prepared physicians are to certify and advise their patients to use medical cannabis. A secondary goal is to explore how physicians integrate certification into their clinical practices, and what factors shape their decisions and behaviors around certification.Using semi-structured interviews with 24 physicians authorized to certify patients to use medical cannabis in Pennsylvania, a state with a medical access only program, we explored how physi- cians are trained and set up their practices. Interviews were analyzed using a blend of directed and conventional, and summative content analysis.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-08-19 11:27:512023-08-19 11:27:51Single-cell analyses reveal cannabidiol rewires tumor microenvironment via inhibiting alternative activation of macrophage and synergizes with anti-PD-1 in colon cancer
Physicians’ ability to guide their patients on the use of medical cannabis can vary widely and is often shaped by their training, experiences, and the regulations and policies of their state. The goal of this qualitative study is to understand how prepared physicians are to certify and advise their patients to use medical cannabis. A secondary goal is to explore how physicians integrate certification into their clinical practices, and what factors shape their decisions and behaviors around certification.Using semi-structured interviews with 24 physicians authorized to certify patients to use medical cannabis in Pennsylvania, a state with a medical access only program, we explored how physi- cians are trained and set up their practices. Interviews were analyzed using a blend of directed and conventional, and summative content analysis.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-08-19 11:19:172023-08-19 11:19:17Physicians’ Perspectives on Their Training for and Role Within Pennsylvania’s Medical Cannabis Program
Cannabis use is becoming more common globally, making it important for physicians to be aware of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). CHS presents in chronic cannabis users, typically under the age of 50, and entails a severe cyclic nausea and vomiting pattern with abdominal pain but normal bowel habits. Symptoms typically predominate in the morning, are relieved by hot baths or showers, and resolve with discontinuation of cannabis use. This report details a case of a 32-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department at a large Canadian hospital with severe nausea, vomiting and a history of regular use of marijuana cigarettes. In an attempt to alleviate her symptoms she reported taking frequent hot baths and using as many as five marijuana cigarettes per day. The patient’s clinical presentation, chronic daily use of marijuana and relief of symptoms with hot baths led to the diagnosis of CHS. The antiemetic properties of cannabis are widely known in the community, meaning patients may not associate marijuana use with their symptoms. Additionally, cyclic vomiting syndrome is present in many different conditions, making physician awareness of this syndrome crucial. Recognition and diagnosis of this condition can prevent unnecessary, costly diagnostic tests, and provide an opportunity to initiate counselling on cessation.
https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.png00Michelle Smithhttps://www.cannabisclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/scc_logo-long-R-2-1.pngMichelle Smith2023-08-19 11:10:132023-08-19 11:10:13Shower power: a case report of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
Recreational cannabis use over time in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis: Lack of associations with symptom, neurocognitive, functioning, and treatment patterns
Recreational cannabis use has recently gained considerable interest as an environmental risk factor that triggers the onset of psychosis. To date, however, the evidence that cannabis is associated with negative outcomes in individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis is inconsistent. The present study tracked cannabis usage over a 2-year period and examined its associations with clinical and neurocognitive outcomes, along with medication rates. CHR youth who continuously used cannabis had higher neurocognition and social functioning over time, and decreased medication usage, relative to non-users. Surprisingly, clinical symptoms improved over time despite the medication decreases.
Quality of Life in Patients Receiving Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis has been used to relieve the symptoms of people with various chronic diseases. Despite of this, it has been stigmatized, even after its legalization in many countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality of life of patients receiving medical cannabis. One hundred patients receiving medical cannabis were given (a) a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire, and (b) the SF-36 Health Survey scale for assessing quality of life.
Could cannabinoids provide a new hope for ovarian cancer patients?
It is known that gynecological cancers remain a worldwide problem and as shown by the statistics, there is a need for new gynecological cancer treatments. Cannabinoids, the pharmacologically active compounds of the Cannabis sativa plant, have been used for many centuries by individuals as a symptomatic treatment to alleviate pain, nausea, vomiting, and to help stimulate appetite. Research has revealed that cannabinoids also exert anti-cancer activity such as anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects through a variety of mechanisms. There is significant value in the development of these compounds as anti-cancer therapies in clinical practice as they do not produce the typical toxic side effects that exist with conventional therapies and recent clinical trials have shown their great tolerability by patients at high doses.
Studies Pertaining to the Emerging Cannabinoid Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)
We report studies pertaining to two isomeric hexahydrocannabinols (HHCs), (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC, which are derivatives of the psychoactive cannabinoids Δ9- and Δ8-THC. HHCs have been known since the 1940s, but have become increasingly available to the public in the United States and are typically sold as a mixture of isomers. We show that (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC can be prepared using hydrogen-atom transfer reduction, with (9R)-HHC being accessed as the major diastereomer. In addition, we report the results of cannabinoid receptor studies for (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC. The binding affinity and activity of isomer (9R)-HHC are similar to that of Δ9-THC, whereas (9S)-HHC binds strongly in cannabinoid receptor studies but displays diminished activity in functional assays. This is notable, as our examination of the certificates of analysis for >60 commercially available HHC products show wide variability in HHC isomer ratios (from 0.2:1 to 2.4:1 of (9R)-HHC to (9S)-HHC). These studies suggest the need for greater research and systematic testing of new cannabinoids. Such efforts would help inform cannabis-based policies, ensure the safety of cannabinoids, and potentially lead to the discovery of new medicines.
Hippocampal differential expression underlying the neuroprotective effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol microdose on old mice
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant and an exogenous ligand of the endocannabinoid system. In previous studies, we demonstrated that a single microdose of THC (0.002 mg/kg, 3–4 orders of magnitude lower than the standard dose for rodents) exerts distinct, long-term neuroprotection in model mice subjected to acute neurological insults. When administered to old, healthy mice, the THC microdose induced remarkable long-lasting (weeks) improvement in a wide range of cognitive functions, including significant morphological and biochemical brain alterations. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects, we analyzed the gene expression of hippocampal samples from the model mice. Samples taken 5 days after THC treatment showed significant differential expression of genes associated with neurogenesis and brain development. In samples taken 5 weeks after treatment, the transcriptional signature was shifted to that of neuronal differentiation and survival. This study demonstrated the use of hippocampal transcriptome profiling in uncovering the molecular basis of the atypical, anti-aging effects of THC microdose treatment in old mice.
Hippocampal differential expression underlying the neuroprotective effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol microdose on old mice
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant and an exogenous ligand of the endocannabinoid system. In previous studies, we demonstrated that a single microdose of THC (0.002 mg/kg, 3–4 orders of magnitude lower than the standard dose for rodents) exerts distinct, long-term neuroprotection in model mice subjected to acute neurological insults. When administered to old, healthy mice, the THC microdose induced remarkable long-lasting (weeks) improvement in a wide range of cognitive functions, including significant morphological and biochemical brain alterations. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects, we analyzed the gene expression of hippocampal samples from the model mice. Samples taken 5 days after THC treatment showed significant differential expression of genes associated with neurogenesis and brain development. In samples taken 5 weeks after treatment, the transcriptional signature was shifted to that of neuronal differentiation and survival. This study demonstrated the use of hippocampal transcriptome profiling in uncovering the molecular basis of the atypical, anti-aging effects of THC microdose treatment in old mice.
Self-Reported Effects of Medical Cannabis on Illness Severity, Depression and Anxiety in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Large Retrospective Case Series
To observe the effect of cannabis on fibromyalgia illness severity and related symptoms of depression and anxiety. A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify all patients who indicated fibromyalgia as a primary reason for seeking medical cannabis and completed at least 1 follow-up visit at Harvest Medicine clinics from January 2017 to July 2021. Data extracted from patient charts included Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores, and self-reported illness severity scores. Changes in these scores between a patient’s intake and first follow-up visits were calculated and analyzed for significance overall and in different demographic subgroups. Patients for whom no follow-up data were available were excluded.
Cannabis Improves Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Pouchitis
Many patients with ulcerative colitis after ileoanal pouch anastomosis report improvement of pouchitis with the use of cannabis. Nine patients with chronic pouchitis used 1 g/d of cannabis: 7 patients were male with average age 51 ± 16 years. Average partial pouchitis disease activity index were 11 (range 8–17), 6 (range 5–8), and 5 (range 4–8); endoscopic subscores were 7 .3 ± 2.3, 6 ± 1.1, and 4.4 ± 0.9; average bowel movements per day were 14 (range 8–20), 8 (range 2–13), and 10 (range 13–8); and quality of life increased from 72 ± 1 to 90 ± 16 and 97 ± 10 (P = 0.001) before cannabis treatment and after 8–12 and 52 weeks, respectively. No adverse events were reported.
Main body
The purpose of this article is to review the current state of the opioid epidemic; the shifting picture of cannabinoids; and the research, policy, and current events that make opioid risk reduction an urgent public health challenge. The provided table contains an evidence-based clinical framework for the utilization of cannabinoids to treat patients with chronic pain who are dependent on opioids, seeking alternatives to opioids, and tapering opioids.
An answered call for aid? Cannabinoid clinical framework for the opioid epidemic
The opioid crisis continues in full force, as physicians and caregivers are desperate for resources to help patients with opioid use and chronic pain disorders find safer and more accessible non-opioid tools.
Main body
The purpose of this article is to review the current state of the opioid epidemic; the shifting picture of cannabinoids; and the research, policy, and current events that make opioid risk reduction an urgent public health challenge. The provided table contains an evidence-based clinical framework for the utilization of cannabinoids to treat patients with chronic pain who are dependent on opioids, seeking alternatives to opioids, and tapering opioids.
Single-cell analyses reveal cannabidiol rewires tumor microenvironment via inhibiting alternative activation of macrophage and synergizes with anti-PD-1 in colon cancer
Physicians’ ability to guide their patients on the use of medical cannabis can vary widely and is often shaped by their training, experiences, and the regulations and policies of their state. The goal of this qualitative study is to understand how prepared physicians are to certify and advise their patients to use medical cannabis. A secondary goal is to explore how physicians integrate certification into their clinical practices, and what factors shape their decisions and behaviors around certification.Using semi-structured interviews with 24 physicians authorized to certify patients to use medical cannabis in Pennsylvania, a state with a medical access only program, we explored how physi- cians are trained and set up their practices. Interviews were analyzed using a blend of directed and conventional, and summative content analysis.
Physicians’ Perspectives on Their Training for and Role Within Pennsylvania’s Medical Cannabis Program
Physicians’ ability to guide their patients on the use of medical cannabis can vary widely and is often shaped by their training, experiences, and the regulations and policies of their state. The goal of this qualitative study is to understand how prepared physicians are to certify and advise their patients to use medical cannabis. A secondary goal is to explore how physicians integrate certification into their clinical practices, and what factors shape their decisions and behaviors around certification.Using semi-structured interviews with 24 physicians authorized to certify patients to use medical cannabis in Pennsylvania, a state with a medical access only program, we explored how physi- cians are trained and set up their practices. Interviews were analyzed using a blend of directed and conventional, and summative content analysis.
Shower power: a case report of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
Cannabis use is becoming more common globally, making it important for physicians to be aware of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). CHS presents in chronic cannabis users, typically under the age of 50, and entails a severe cyclic nausea and vomiting pattern with abdominal pain but normal bowel habits. Symptoms typically predominate in the morning, are relieved by hot baths or showers, and resolve with discontinuation of cannabis use. This report details a case of a 32-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department at a large Canadian hospital with severe nausea, vomiting and a history of regular use of marijuana cigarettes. In an attempt to alleviate her symptoms she reported taking frequent hot baths and using as many as five marijuana cigarettes per day. The patient’s clinical presentation, chronic daily use of marijuana and relief of symptoms with hot baths led to the diagnosis of CHS. The antiemetic properties of cannabis are widely known in the community, meaning patients may not associate marijuana use with their symptoms. Additionally, cyclic vomiting syndrome is present in many different conditions, making physician awareness of this syndrome crucial. Recognition and diagnosis of this condition can prevent unnecessary, costly diagnostic tests, and provide an opportunity to initiate counselling on cessation.