In 2018, Ryan Bartell, a 41-y/o Coast Guard Veteran with end-stage pancreatic cancer, was admitted for 24- hour hospice care at MarinHealth Medical Center in Greenbrae, California. Due to chronic, unrelenting pain, Bartell was heavily sedated with opioids and unable to communicate with family, friends, and/or caretakers. Because of the opioid-related cognitive impairment, Ryan’s father requested that Bartell be allowed to use medical cannabis to lessen his need for opioids and allow increased interaction with his family during his final days. Doctors claimed that the use of medicinal cannabis would threaten the hospital’s federal funding (due to the federal prohibition of cannabis) and therefore refused to allow its use [1]. Bartell’s family had him transferred to a hospital in Washington State that allowed the use of medical cannabis. After using cannabis, Bartell was able to cease the use of opioids, remain comfortable, and communicate with his loved ones in his final days.
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 Smith2023-05-05 18:36:122023-05-05 18:36:28Legislative and Administrative Guidelines for Regulating Cannabis Use in Introduction Healthcare Facilities
Given the myriad of negative sequalae associated with cancer and its treatment, the palliative use of cannabis by cancer patients is increasingly of special interest. This research sought to explore associations of acute and sustained use of legal market edible cannabis products on pain, cognition, and quality of life in a group of cancer patients. In this observational study, cancer patients completed a baseline appointment, a two-week ad libitum cannabis use period, and an acute administration appointment that included assessments before cannabis use, one-hour post-use, and two-hour post-use. Participants completed self-report questionnaires related to the primary outcomes and the Stroop task as a measure of objective cognitive function.
Given the myriad of negative sequalae associated with cancer and its treatment, the palliative use of cannabis by cancer patients is increasingly of special interest. This research sought to explore associations of acute and sustained use of legal market edible cannabis products on pain, cognition, and quality of life in a group of cancer patients. In this observational study, cancer patients completed a baseline appointment, a two-week ad libitum cannabis use period, and an acute administration appointment that included assessments before cannabis use, one-hour post-use, and two-hour post-use. Participants completed self-report questionnaires related to the primary outcomes and the Stroop task as a measure of objective cognitive function.
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 Smith2023-05-05 18:12:522023-05-05 18:12:52Cannabis use in cancer patients: acute and sustained associations with pain, cognition, and quality of life
Cannabis sativa is a multipurpose plant that has been used in medicine for centuries. Recently, considerable research has focused on the bioactive compounds of this plant, particularly cannabinoids and terpenes. Among other properties, these compounds exhibit antitumor effects in several cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Cannabinoids show positive effects in the treatment of CRC by inducing apoptosis, proliferation, metastasis, inflammation, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, and autophagy. Terpenes, such as β-caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, have also been reported to have potential antitumor effects on CRC through the induction of apoptosis, the inhibition of cell proliferation, and angiogenesis. In addition, synergy effects between cannabinoids and terpenes are believed to be important factors in the treatment of CRC. This review focuses on the current knowledge about the potential of cannabinoids and terpenoids from C. sativa to serve as bioactive agents for the treatment of CRC while evidencing the need for further research to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action and the safety of these compounds.
Malignant melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer, accounting for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Prognosis is often poor and finding effective treatment remains a challenge. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are main bioactive components of Cannabis sativa plant extracts that have been shown to exert anti-tumor effects. In this study, we aimed to perform gene expression analysis of human melanoma A375 cells following stimulation with C. sativa extracts.
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 Smith2023-04-30 05:56:102023-04-30 05:56:10Gene Profiling of Cannabis-sativa-mediated Apoptosis in Human Melanoma Cells
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents an aggressive subtype of breast cancer, which is deficient in estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Thus, TNBC cells are unable to respond to the conventional hormonal therapies, making chemotherapy the only therapeutic choice. Patients with TNBC develop metastasis and recurrence over time and have reduced survival compared to patients with other subtypes of breast cancer. Therefore, there is a need for innovative therapies. Data emerged from pre-clinical studies, highlighted various antitumor activities of plant-derived Cannabis sativa and synthetic cannabinoids (CBs), including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD). On the contrary, some studies indicated that CBs might also promote tumor progression. At present, clinical studies on the effects of CBs from Cannabis sativa in cancer patients are few. In the present study, we reviewed known and possible interactions between cannabinoids and TNBC therapies.
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 Smith2023-04-29 16:12:212023-04-29 16:13:31Phytocannabinoids in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treatment: Current Knowledge and Future Insights
Cannabis is the most used illicit drug in the world. Global trends of decriminalization and legali- zation of cannabis lead to various forms of cannabis use and bring great concerns over adverse events, partic- ularly in the cardiovascular (CV) system. To date, the association between cannabis and adverse CV events is still controversial. We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the adverse CV events from cannabis use.
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 Smith2023-04-29 15:39:592023-04-29 15:39:59Cannabis and adverse cardiovascular events: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Tinnitus has a significant impact on quality of life and causes considerable psychological distress. Cannabis is known to modulate neuron hyperexcitability, provide protection against auditory damage, and has been used for treatment for many diseases which have physiological similarities with tinnitus. The objective of this study was to survey patients presenting with tinnitus regarding their perspectives and usage patterns of cannabis. Patients with a primary presenting complaint of tinnitus in a tertiary neuro-otology clinic completed a 18-item questionnaire assessing perception, attitudes, and cannabis usage patterns.
Cannabis-based products have experienced notable increases in co-usage alongside tobacco products. Several cannabinoids exhibit inhibition of a number of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and UDP glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes, but few studies have examined their inhibition of enzymes involved in nicotine metabolism. The goal of the present study was to examine potential drug–drug interactions occurring in the nicotine metabolism pathway perpetrated by cannabidiol (CBD) and its active metabolite, 7-hydroxy-CBD (7-OH-CBD). The inhibitory effects of CBD and 7-OH-CBD were tested in microsomes from HEK293 cells overexpressing individual metabolizing enzymes and from human liver tissue. Assays with overexpressing microsomes demonstrated that CBD and 7-OH-CBD inhibited CYP-mediated nicotine metabolism.
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 Smith2023-04-29 05:04:402023-04-29 05:04:40Inhibition of Nicotine Metabolism by Cannabidiol (CBD) and 7-Hydroxycannabidiol (7-OH-CBD)
A better understanding of the endocannabinoid system and a relaxation in regulatory control of cannabis globally has increased interest in the medicinal use of cannabinoid-based products (CBP). We provide a systematic review of the rationale and current clinical trial evidence for CBP in the treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Trials was performed to identify articles published after 1980 about CBP for medical purposes in individuals aged 18 years or younger with selected neuropsychiatric or neurodevelopmental conditions. Risk of bias and quality of evidence was assessed for each article. Of 4466 articles screened, 18 were eligible for inclusion, addressing eight conditions (anxiety disorders (n = 1); autism spectrum disorder (n = 5); foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (n = 1); fragile X syndrome (n = 2); intellectual disability (n = 1); mood disorders (n = 2); post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 3); and Tourette syndrome (n = 3)). Only one randomised controlled trial (RCT) was identified. The remaining seventeen articles included one open-label trial, three uncontrolled before-and-after trials, two case series and 11 case reports, thus the risk of bias was high. Despite growing community and scientific interest, our systematic review identified limited and generally poor-quality evidence for the efficacy of CBP in neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. Large rigorous RCTs are required to inform clinical care. In the meantime, clinicians must balance patient expectations with the limited evidence available.
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 Smith2023-04-29 04:56:312023-04-29 04:56:31Efficacy of cannabinoids in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders among children and adolescents: a systematic review
There are several well-known treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), including dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine), anticonvulsants (gabapentin and its analogs, pregabalin), oral or intravenous iron, opioids and benzodiazepines. However, in clinical practice, treatment is sometimes limited due to incomplete response or side effects and it is necessary to be aware of other treatment options for RLS, which is the purpose of this review. We performed a narrative review detailing all of the lesser known pharmacological treatment literature on RLS. The review purposefully excludes well-established, well-known treatments for RLS which are widely accepted as treatments for RLS in evidence-based reviews. We also have emphasized the pathogenetic implications for RLS of the successful use of these lesser known agents.
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 Smith2023-04-29 04:46:382023-04-29 04:46:38A Narrative Review of the Lesser Known Medications for Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome and Pathogenetic Implications for Their Use
Hemp is an understudied source of pharmacologically active compounds and many unique plant secondary metabolites including more than 100 cannabinoids. After years of legal restriction, research on hemp has recently demonstrated antiviral activities in silico, in vitro, and in vivo for cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), and several other cannabinoids against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and γ-herpes viruses. Mechanisms of action include inhibition of viral cell entry, inhibition of viral proteases, and stimulation of cellular innate immune responses. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids are also under investigation for mitigating the cytokine storm of COVID-19 and controlling chronic inflammation in people living with HIV. Retrospective clinical studies support antiviral activities of CBD, Δ9-THC, and cannabinoid mixtures as do some prospective clinical trials, but appropriately designed clinical trials of safety and efficacy of antiviral cannabinoids are urgently needed.
Legislative and Administrative Guidelines for Regulating Cannabis Use in Introduction Healthcare Facilities
In 2018, Ryan Bartell, a 41-y/o Coast Guard Veteran with end-stage pancreatic cancer, was admitted for 24- hour hospice care at MarinHealth Medical Center in Greenbrae, California. Due to chronic, unrelenting pain, Bartell was heavily sedated with opioids and unable to communicate with family, friends, and/or caretakers. Because of the opioid-related cognitive impairment, Ryan’s father requested that Bartell be allowed to use medical cannabis to lessen his need for opioids and allow increased interaction with his family during his final days. Doctors claimed that the use of medicinal cannabis would threaten the hospital’s federal funding (due to the federal prohibition of cannabis) and therefore refused to allow its use [1]. Bartell’s family had him transferred to a hospital in Washington State that allowed the use of medical cannabis. After using cannabis, Bartell was able to cease the use of opioids, remain comfortable, and communicate with his loved ones in his final days.
Cannabis-derived products antagonize platinum drugs by altered cellular transport
Given the myriad of negative sequalae associated with cancer and its treatment, the palliative use of cannabis by cancer patients is increasingly of special interest. This research sought to explore associations of acute and sustained use of legal market edible cannabis products on pain, cognition, and quality of life in a group of cancer patients. In this observational study, cancer patients completed a baseline appointment, a two-week ad libitum cannabis use period, and an acute administration appointment that included assessments before cannabis use, one-hour post-use, and two-hour post-use. Participants completed self-report questionnaires related to the primary outcomes and the Stroop task as a measure of objective cognitive function.
Cannabis use in cancer patients: acute and sustained associations with pain, cognition, and quality of life
Given the myriad of negative sequalae associated with cancer and its treatment, the palliative use of cannabis by cancer patients is increasingly of special interest. This research sought to explore associations of acute and sustained use of legal market edible cannabis products on pain, cognition, and quality of life in a group of cancer patients. In this observational study, cancer patients completed a baseline appointment, a two-week ad libitum cannabis use period, and an acute administration appointment that included assessments before cannabis use, one-hour post-use, and two-hour post-use. Participants completed self-report questionnaires related to the primary outcomes and the Stroop task as a measure of objective cognitive function.
Antitumor Effects of Cannabis sativa Bioactive Compounds on Colorectal Carcinogenesis
Cannabis sativa is a multipurpose plant that has been used in medicine for centuries. Recently, considerable research has focused on the bioactive compounds of this plant, particularly cannabinoids and terpenes. Among other properties, these compounds exhibit antitumor effects in several cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Cannabinoids show positive effects in the treatment of CRC by inducing apoptosis, proliferation, metastasis, inflammation, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, and autophagy. Terpenes, such as β-caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, have also been reported to have potential antitumor effects on CRC through the induction of apoptosis, the inhibition of cell proliferation, and angiogenesis. In addition, synergy effects between cannabinoids and terpenes are believed to be important factors in the treatment of CRC. This review focuses on the current knowledge about the potential of cannabinoids and terpenoids from C. sativa to serve as bioactive agents for the treatment of CRC while evidencing the need for further research to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action and the safety of these compounds.
Gene Profiling of Cannabis-sativa-mediated Apoptosis in Human Melanoma Cells
Malignant melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer, accounting for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Prognosis is often poor and finding effective treatment remains a challenge. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are main bioactive components of Cannabis sativa plant extracts that have been shown to exert anti-tumor effects. In this study, we aimed to perform gene expression analysis of human melanoma A375 cells following stimulation with C. sativa extracts.
Phytocannabinoids in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treatment: Current Knowledge and Future Insights
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents an aggressive subtype of breast cancer, which is deficient in estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Thus, TNBC cells are unable to respond to the conventional hormonal therapies, making chemotherapy the only therapeutic choice. Patients with TNBC develop metastasis and recurrence over time and have reduced survival compared to patients with other subtypes of breast cancer. Therefore, there is a need for innovative therapies. Data emerged from pre-clinical studies, highlighted various antitumor activities of plant-derived Cannabis sativa and synthetic cannabinoids (CBs), including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD). On the contrary, some studies indicated that CBs might also promote tumor progression. At present, clinical studies on the effects of CBs from Cannabis sativa in cancer patients are few. In the present study, we reviewed known and possible interactions between cannabinoids and TNBC therapies.
Cannabis and adverse cardiovascular events: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Cannabis is the most used illicit drug in the world. Global trends of decriminalization and legali- zation of cannabis lead to various forms of cannabis use and bring great concerns over adverse events, partic- ularly in the cardiovascular (CV) system. To date, the association between cannabis and adverse CV events is still controversial. We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the adverse CV events from cannabis use.
Cannabis use amongst tinnitus patients: consumption patterns and attitudes
Tinnitus has a significant impact on quality of life and causes considerable psychological distress. Cannabis is known to modulate neuron hyperexcitability, provide protection against auditory damage, and has been used for treatment for many diseases which have physiological similarities with tinnitus. The objective of this study was to survey patients presenting with tinnitus regarding their perspectives and usage patterns of cannabis. Patients with a primary presenting complaint of tinnitus in a tertiary neuro-otology clinic completed a 18-item questionnaire assessing perception, attitudes, and cannabis usage patterns.
Inhibition of Nicotine Metabolism by Cannabidiol (CBD) and 7-Hydroxycannabidiol (7-OH-CBD)
Cannabis-based products have experienced notable increases in co-usage alongside tobacco products. Several cannabinoids exhibit inhibition of a number of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and UDP glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes, but few studies have examined their inhibition of enzymes involved in nicotine metabolism. The goal of the present study was to examine potential drug–drug interactions occurring in the nicotine metabolism pathway perpetrated by cannabidiol (CBD) and its active metabolite, 7-hydroxy-CBD (7-OH-CBD). The inhibitory effects of CBD and 7-OH-CBD were tested in microsomes from HEK293 cells overexpressing individual metabolizing enzymes and from human liver tissue. Assays with overexpressing microsomes demonstrated that CBD and 7-OH-CBD inhibited CYP-mediated nicotine metabolism.
Efficacy of cannabinoids in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders among children and adolescents: a systematic review
A better understanding of the endocannabinoid system and a relaxation in regulatory control of cannabis globally has increased interest in the medicinal use of cannabinoid-based products (CBP). We provide a systematic review of the rationale and current clinical trial evidence for CBP in the treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Trials was performed to identify articles published after 1980 about CBP for medical purposes in individuals aged 18 years or younger with selected neuropsychiatric or neurodevelopmental conditions. Risk of bias and quality of evidence was assessed for each article. Of 4466 articles screened, 18 were eligible for inclusion, addressing eight conditions (anxiety disorders (n = 1); autism spectrum disorder (n = 5); foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (n = 1); fragile X syndrome (n = 2); intellectual disability (n = 1); mood disorders (n = 2); post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 3); and Tourette syndrome (n = 3)). Only one randomised controlled trial (RCT) was identified. The remaining seventeen articles included one open-label trial, three uncontrolled before-and-after trials, two case series and 11 case reports, thus the risk of bias was high. Despite growing community and scientific interest, our systematic review identified limited and generally poor-quality evidence for the efficacy of CBP in neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. Large rigorous RCTs are required to inform clinical care. In the meantime, clinicians must balance patient expectations with the limited evidence available.
A Narrative Review of the Lesser Known Medications for Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome and Pathogenetic Implications for Their Use
There are several well-known treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), including dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine), anticonvulsants (gabapentin and its analogs, pregabalin), oral or intravenous iron, opioids and benzodiazepines. However, in clinical practice, treatment is sometimes limited due to incomplete response or side effects and it is necessary to be aware of other treatment options for RLS, which is the purpose of this review. We performed a narrative review detailing all of the lesser known pharmacological treatment literature on RLS. The review purposefully excludes well-established, well-known treatments for RLS which are widely accepted as treatments for RLS in evidence-based reviews. We also have emphasized the pathogenetic implications for RLS of the successful use of these lesser known agents.
Antiviral activities of hemp cannabinoids
Hemp is an understudied source of pharmacologically active compounds and many unique plant secondary metabolites including more than 100 cannabinoids. After years of legal restriction, research on hemp has recently demonstrated antiviral activities in silico, in vitro, and in vivo for cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), and several other cannabinoids against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and γ-herpes viruses. Mechanisms of action include inhibition of viral cell entry, inhibition of viral proteases, and stimulation of cellular innate immune responses. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids are also under investigation for mitigating the cytokine storm of COVID-19 and controlling chronic inflammation in people living with HIV. Retrospective clinical studies support antiviral activities of CBD, Δ9-THC, and cannabinoid mixtures as do some prospective clinical trials, but appropriately designed clinical trials of safety and efficacy of antiviral cannabinoids are urgently needed.