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Cannabis, Cannabinoids and Cannabis-Based Medicines in Cancer Care

Cannabis sativa has long been known to affect numerous biological activities. Although plant extracts, purified cannabinoids, or synthetic cannabinoid analogs have shown therapeutic potential in pain, inflammation, seizure disorders, appetite stimulation, muscle spasticity, and treatment of nausea/vomiting, the underlying mechanisms of action remain ill-defined.

Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol medicines for chronic pain and mental health conditions

Combination tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) medicines or CBD-only medicines are prospective treatments for chronic pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. THC and CBD increase signaling from cannabinoid receptors, which reduces synaptic transmission in parts of the central and peripheral nervous systems and reduces the secretion of inflammatory factors from immune and glial cells.

Medical, therapeutic, and recreational use of cannabis among young men who have sex with men living with HIV

Cannabis plays a role in symptoms management in HIV, especially the alleviation of pain and nausea and stimulation of appetite, and prevalence of cannabis use in HIV-positive populations exceeds that of the general U.S. population. Previous research has described an “overlap” between medical and recreational cannabis use among persons living with HIV. To understand better the motives associated cannabis use among young men who have sex with men living with HIV (HIV+ YMSM), we conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 HIV+YMSM in Denver and Chicago.

Gender Differences in Medical Cannabis Use: Symptoms Treated, Physician Support for Use, and Prescription Medication Discontinuation

Medical cannabis (MC) utilization continues to expand in the United States, as a growing body of evidence supports the use of cannabis and cannabinoids in the treatment of a range of chronic conditions. To date, gender-related differences in MC use are not widely reported, and little is known regarding physicians’ support of patients’ use of MC to address symptoms associated with chronic conditions.

Preferences for Medical Marijuana over Prescription Medications Among Persons Living with Chronic Conditions: Alternative, Complementary, and Tapering Uses

Despite expanded legalization and utilization of medical cannabis (MC) internationally, there is a lack of patient-centered data on how MC is used by persons living with chronic conditions in tandem with or instead of prescription medications. This study describes approaches to use of MC vis-à-vis prescription medications in the treatment of selected chronic conditions.

The dose-dependent analgesic effects, abuse liability, safety and tolerability of oral cannabidiol in healthy humans

Preclinical studies demonstrate that cannabidiol (CBD) elicits an antinociceptive response in animal models of neuropathic pain; in humans, limited data are available to support such analgesic effects. Few studies have examined CBD’s analgesic effects when administered without other compounds, and little is known regarding dose-dependent effects in non-cannabis users.

A randomized trial of medical cannabis in patients with stage IV cancers to assess feasibility, dose requirements, impact on pain and opioid use, safety, and overall patient satisfaction

The prevalence of medical cannabis (MC) use in patients with cancer is growing, but questions about safety, efficacy, and dosing remain. Conducting randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) using state-sponsored MC programs is novel and could provide data needed to guide patients and providers.

Cannabis Significantly Reduces the Use of Prescription Opioids and Improves Quality of Life in Authorized Patients: Results of a Large Prospective Study

Authors Philippe Lucas, MA PhD, Susan Boyd, PhD, M -J Milloy, PhD, Zach Walsh, PhD Published in Pain Medicine December 2020 Abstract Objective This article presents findings from a large…

Ingestion of a THC-Rich Cannabis Oil in People with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Authors Carolina Chaves, MD, Paulo Cesar T Bittencourt, MD, MSc, Andreia Pelegrini, PhD Published in Pain Medicine October 2020 Abstract Objective To determine the benefit of a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-rich cannabis…

Experience of Migraine, its Severity, and Perceived Efficacy of Treatments among Cannabis Users

A study from Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2020 examines patterns of cannabis use and its associated relief among migraineurs.

Prescribed medical cannabis in women with gynecologic malignancies: A single-institution survey-based study

Authors: Emily M.Webster, Ghanshyam S.Yadav, Stefan Gysler, Blair McNamara, Jonathan Black, Joan Tymon-Rosario, Burak Zeybek, Chanhee Han, Christopher K. Arkfeld, Vaagn Andikyan, Gulden Menderes, Gloria Huang, Masoud Azodi, Dan-Arin Silasi,…

Cannabis: An Emerging Treatment for Common Symptoms in Older Adults

Authors: Kevin H Yang, Christopher N Kaufmann, Reva Nafsu, Ella T Lifset, Khai Nguyen, Michelle Sexton, Benjamin H Han, Arum Kim, Alison A Moore Published in Journal of the American…