Clean Up

ismokealotofpot

ismokealotofpot

New Member
Sorry had to help a guy with MS last nite. I can tell when he's real bad because he will call and I cant understand him. I have to light a bowl for him and give him a bottle of tincture oil so he can smoke his meds the rest of the nite without burning his face off .He has someone to help him most of the time.The difference is amazing and immediate.
 
ismokealotofpot

ismokealotofpot

New Member
What started all this with you and I bob, is you said caregivers are greedy drug dealers. And I don't have the skills to produce $60,000 a year (I don't want to by the way)and shouldn't be handling peoples meds. So lets get it strait thats why I treated you that way. You ask a question I give an answer you dont like the answer so you get combative and and ask mor questions demanding more answers. You don't even know me. you have only been posting in this forum for three weeks and you have 589 posts. I dont meet a guy for the first time and say you have no business handling meds and you have no skills. That's total disrespect
 
ismokealotofpot

ismokealotofpot

New Member
Tetrahydrocannabinol

Main article: Tetrahydrocannabinol
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. The compound is a mild analgesic, and cellular research has shown the compound has antioxidant activity.[83] THC is believed to interfere with parts of the brain normally controlled by the endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter, anandamide.[84][85] Anandamide is believed to play a role in pain sensation, memory, and sleep.
[edit] Cannabidiol

Main article: Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol (CBD), is a major constituent of medical cannabis. CBD represents up to 40% of extracts of the medical cannabis plant.[86] Cannabidiol has been shown to relieve convulsion, inflammation, anxiety, cough and congestion, nausea, and inhibits cancer cell growth.[87] Recent studies have shown cannabidiol to be as effective as atypical antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia.[88] Because cannabidiol relieves the aforementioned symptoms, cannabis strains with a high amount of CBD may benefit people with multiple sclerosis, frequent anxiety attacks and Tourette syndrome.[77][87][89]
 
ismokealotofpot

ismokealotofpot

New Member
The team, led by Dr Bettina Platt, exposed hippocampal cultures to CBD and observed the resulting effects on neuronal activity. Their results, published in the 18 February edition of The Journal of Neuroscience, suggest that CBD-mediated Ca2+ regulation is bidirectional: while cells of normal excitability experienced only a slight increase in Ca2+ levels, highly excitable cells-those with high levels of K+experienced a marked decrease in Ca2+ levels that successfully prevented oscillations. Since neuronal excitability is responsible for the random, unstimulated electric impulses that trigger seizures, CBD's ability to prevent these firings might make it invaluable as consumer demands for newer, more efficient anti-convulsant and anti-epileptic drugs increase.
Imaging the hippocampal cultures further revealed that CBD targets receptors on the mitochondria, not on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as was previously hypothesised. Mitochondria are especially important in neurons, since they produce the high levels of energy cells require. Their ATP-producing pathways are, in turn, controlled by large-yet consistent-Ca2+ fluctuations. Any imbalances in Ca2+ levels therefore decrease neuronal energy levels, and several age-related diseases, including Alzheimer's, are associated with such energy deficiencies. These disorders might respond well to CBD-induced homeostasis.
The team also exposed human neuroblastoma cell lines (SH-SY5Y) to various mitochondrial toxins and then treated them with CBD. Their results confirmed the compound's neuroprotective properties: CBD offered 53 percent protection against the uncoupler FCCP and 15 and percent protection against hydrogen peroxide- and oligomysin-mediated cell death, respectively. This echoes the results of a 2005 study that demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo neuroprotection and went on to suggest that CBD might also help treat Parkinson's.
 
ismokealotofpot

ismokealotofpot

New Member
Drugs which interact with the endocannabinoid system have recently gain attention in the research community as adjunct therapies. Although it is not recommended as a monotherapy for PD today, cannabis was used in the late 1800s as a relative effective treatment for controlling PD associated tremor (1). Today cannabinoids have shown promise as protection against the neurodegeneration of the substantia nigra dopaminergic cells due to their action as powerful antioxidants, potentially to help control tremor, to inhibit the expression of L-dopa induced dyskinesia, to counteract slowing of movement in the case of cannabinoid antagonists and finally as an effective antipsychotic in the case of cannabidiol (CBD).
Parkinson’s-Induced Changes to the Endocannabinoid System

So why might we expect targeting the endocannabinoid system to be of therapeutic value in the treatment of PD? First off, the components of this system such as anandamide, 2-AG, and the cannabinoid receptors are found in high concentration in the basal ganglia and appear to play a role here in the regulation of movement (3). Secondly, movement disorders like PD and even some of the treatments for PD are known to alter the endocannabinoid system in this part of brain. And finally, polymorphisms in CNR1, the gene encoding for the CB1 receptor, have been associated with features of PD.
Changes in the endocannabinoid system have been observed in several of our animal models of PD. In 2000, researchers in the UK observed that naturally occurring anandamide levels in the substantia nigra and the globus pallidus, another part of the basal ganglia affected by PD, were three times higher than had been previously reported elsewhere in the brain. The other primary endocannabinoid, 2-AG, was also found in high concentrations in these two brain regions. They further observed that once Parkinsonism had been induced via reserpine treatment that 2-AG levels in the globus pallidus skyrocketed to seven times what they had been pre-treatment. This elevation of 2-AG was accompanied by the onset of locomotor suppression typical of PD. It is not surprising that selective agonists for either the dopamine D1 or D2 receptor resulted in partial normalization of locomotion after reserpine treatment. After all these receptors are the ultimate final targets for most stimulant drugs. What is perhaps a bit more interesting is that these dopamine agonists resulted in concurrent decrease in both anandamide and 2-AG in the globus pallidus. Furthermore, when the D2 agonist and the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant were administered together full normalization of motor activity was restored (4).
 
M0rt4lity

M0rt4lity

Member
ismokealotofpot said:
The team, led by Dr Bettina Platt, exposed hippocampal cultures to CBD and observed the resulting effects on neuronal activity. Their results, published in the 18 February edition of The Journal of Neuroscience, suggest that CBD-mediated Ca2+ regulation is bidirectional: while cells of normal excitability experienced only a slight increase in Ca2+ levels, highly excitable cells-those with high levels of K+experienced a marked decrease in Ca2+ levels that successfully prevented oscillations. Since neuronal excitability is responsible for the random, unstimulated electric impulses that trigger seizures, CBD's ability to prevent these firings might make it invaluable as consumer demands for newer, more efficient anti-convulsant and anti-epileptic drugs increase.
Imaging the hippocampal cultures further revealed that CBD targets receptors on the mitochondria, not on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as was previously hypothesised. Mitochondria are especially important in neurons, since they produce the high levels of energy cells require. Their ATP-producing pathways are, in turn, controlled by large-yet consistent-Ca2+ fluctuations. Any imbalances in Ca2+ levels therefore decrease neuronal energy levels, and several age-related diseases, including Alzheimer's, are associated with such energy deficiencies. These disorders might respond well to CBD-induced homeostasis.
The team also exposed human neuroblastoma cell lines (SH-SY5Y) to various mitochondrial toxins and then treated them with CBD. Their results confirmed the compound's neuroprotective properties: CBD offered 53 percent protection against the uncoupler FCCP and 15 and percent protection against hydrogen peroxide- and oligomysin-mediated cell death, respectively. This echoes the results of a 2005 study that demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo neuroprotection and went on to suggest that CBD might also help treat Parkinson's.
Click to expand...
Awesome read thanks for the post
 
ismokealotofpot

ismokealotofpot

New Member
There is one final clinical trial in the use of cannabinoids to aid in the treatment of PD patients which bares mention here. In my article in issue #20 Cannabis and Melatonin as Mood Regulators for a Woman of 38 with Unipolar, Rapid-Cycling Mania I discuss a double case report on the use of CBD as an antipsychotic in two women diagnosed with bipolar disorder which found CBD was ineffective at reducing psychotic symptoms in these two women (31). So far the evidence appears to be more positive for CBD when it comes to controlling the expression of psychotic symptoms in PD patients. The same researchers studying the two manic women conducted a pilot study on six PD patients who had experienced symptoms of psychosis for at least three months. They found that in these four men and two women that not only was CBD well tolerated over the four week trial but that by the end CBD had lowered total scores on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale as well as significantly reducing expression of psychotic symptoms (32). This finding is important not only because it demonstrates that CBD might possess mild antiparkinsonism properties on its own but because it can safely and significantly reduce psychosis symptoms in PD patients. This is something which has proven challenging in the past since most historically used antipsychotics inhibit the dopaminergic system and thereby negatively impacting Parkinsonism.
 
ismokealotofpot

ismokealotofpot

New Member
There is evidence that for those wishing to try and treat themselves with cannabis that it may be more effective at alleviating the symptoms of the disease itself. However if relief from L-dopa induced dyskinesia is the goal then it might be best to avoid strains high in CBD since it is known to active the TRPV1 receptor and this can mask the antidyskinetic effect produced by activating the CB1 receptors with THC. So far once daily oral doses in the range of 0.25-0.5g for more than two months appears to be required to start to experience quality results. Although higher doses might be require for some, this dose range appears adequate for producing results with minimal side effects. Surprisingly, despite the fact that cannabis can induce sleep and problems sleeping are frequently associated with PD there has been no apparent attempt in the literature to investigate this possible beneficial impact from oral cannabis use in PD patients. Although also not addressed in the literature, one potential negative impact from using cannabis with PD is that it could exacerbate the PD-associated impaired GI motility since it too slows GI tract motility. Therefore it might be best to skip cannabis treatments if one is experiencing significant constipation.
 
ismokealotofpot

ismokealotofpot

New Member
So cbd will work as long as you are not using l-dopa, If you use l-dopa for pd then cannabis treatment must be low cbd high thc. You can say in a way we are both rite bob.
 
B

bob harris

Well-Known Member
ismokealotofpot said:
So cbd will work as long as you are not using l-dopa, If you use l-dopa for pd then cannabis treatment must be low cbd high thc. You can say in a way we are both rite bob.
Click to expand...
Good articles. And I'd agree that you could say we are both right. I've been looking at it from the viewpoint of MY Parkinson's symptoms that need improvement.

The vast majority of PD patients do use sinemt (i-dopa). I do as well. It has an amazing, almost immediate effect as well. like cannabis, it works fast, and wears off fast. The problem that I've had with high cbd cannabis, and less sinemet, is that the fatigue becomes worse. Fatigue is the major complaint among PD patients. As a whole, I think we get used to the slow motor skills, at least I can deal with that, so long as I have the energy to keep moving, I'm much happier with quality of life. High thc/thcv seems to help me best.

Through arguing, we have both learned....isn't that the real point of these forums?
 
B

bob harris

Well-Known Member
While Sinemet is the most effective medication and has the least short-term side effects, it is associated with high risks of long-term side effects, such as involuntary movements (dyskinesia). Used on a long-term basis, levodopa may also cause restlessness, confusion, or abnormal movements. Changes in the amount or timing of the dose will usually prevent these side effects, but most experts now recommend alternatives to Sinemet, such as the dopamine agonists, and use Sinemet only when the alternatives fail to provide sufficient relief.

Here are the long term effects of sinemet (I-dopa)..which many patients fear. Though i couldn't prove it, my theory is that if I use as little I-dopa as possible, and supplement with cannabis, (mine has some cbd's..) I'll be able to avoid these lovely little symptoms later.
 
B

bob harris

Well-Known Member
ismokealotofpot said:
What started all this with you and I bob, is you said caregivers are greedy drug dealers. And I don't have the skills to produce $60,000 a year (I don't want to by the way)and shouldn't be handling peoples meds. So lets get it strait thats why I treated you that way. You ask a question I give an answer you dont like the answer so you get combative and and ask mor questions demanding more answers. You don't even know me. you have only been posting in this forum for three weeks and you have 589 posts. I dont meet a guy for the first time and say you have no business handling meds and you have no skills. That's total disrespect
Click to expand...
I didn't say all caregivers were acting as drug dealers...I said the ones that are (and there are many) are ruining things for the people truly trying to make a living and help others. And I didn't say you couldn't, or shouldn't make 60k with 5 patients, and overages. What I did say is if you CAN"T make 60 k with 5 patients and 60 total plants...well I just think that's an easy number to reach with that many plants.

Regardless, I'll extend an apology for whatever mis understanding I may have caused.

I'll also point out a good thing. The recent exchange of posts(argumentative or not) between us has probably provided more good info to PD patients than any thread before. And THAT'S what a medical thread should do.

Want to team up and try and put together a which cannabis/which ailment thread? You seem to be a good researcher, I am too, maybe we could help some people.
 
ismokealotofpot

ismokealotofpot

New Member
Apology accepted.. From what I've been reading l-dopa long term seems to have this progressive side effect making pd worse. The dosage goes up and and the relief you get from the l-dopa doesn't last as long. CBD could help if someone wasn't on that medication.
 
B

bob harris

Well-Known Member
ismokealotofpot said:
Apology accepted.. From what I've been reading l-dopa long term seems to have this progressive side effect making pd worse. The dosage goes up and and the relief you get from the l-dopa doesn't last as long. CBD could help if someone wasn't on that medication.
Click to expand...
Yes. The really jerky "Micheal J Fox" movements are the results of Sinemt over a long time. They are not the progression of the disease, as many think. Now Mr Fox could afford 'deep brain stimulation" surgery..which has provided dramatic improvement for him. Hardly anyone can afford that surgery however. Even with insurance, it's considered experimental, and not covered.

It's why though I do use sinemt, I keep my usage minimal, and supplement with cannabis. In early Parkinson's, "spasms" are usually limited to mild hand/finger trembling. That's not the debilitating part of the disease. The bad part is that when you think "stand up" your muscles don't get the message. And therefore, getting out of the chair is a struggle. The shaking and tremors are not that debilitating...it's that the messages your brain is sending, don't get to the muscles your trying to use.

Another common example in early PD (well all stages) would be "postural hypotention". Basically, in a normal person when they think "i'm going to stand up" the brain sends signals to the heart, and blood vessels to to adjust for the change in position. The heart increase pumping pressure, the vessels constrict and you stand up and everything is fine. In people with Pd, those messages are never received and when they satnd up thier blood pressure drops suddenly. (mine can drop 40 points) thats a head rush you don't want..basically you stop getting blood flow to the brain for a few seconds..and that will sit you back down in a hurry.
 
Buddy Ganga

Buddy Ganga

Active Member
I'm looking for a caregiver, so my first question is, what do I get for letting you cultivate my 12 plants..
You get all the overages, so what do you have to offer me other then your car payment ?
 
ismokealotofpot

ismokealotofpot

New Member
That sounds horrible. I have some info on diabetes I think could be useful to some patients here goes.Diabetes and Marijuana


By Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE
Marijuana plants (Cannabis sativa) may play a role in preventing and controlling diabetes, and treating diabetes complications according to several research articles.
That is the surprising conclusion reached after reviewing some science on the subject in order to answer questions along the lines of, “Will pot make my diabetes worse?” Politics and legalization issues aside, this article will highlight some of the findings. It does not suggest you start using marijuana or condone its use.
Terminology
For the purpose of discussion, the research on marijuana and diabetes focuses on a compound in Cannabis called Cannabidiol (CBD).
CBD has medical effects but does not make people feel “stoned.” It actually counters some of the disconcerting effects of euphoria or lethargy associated with another substance found in Cannabis called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). After decades in which only high-THC Cannabis was available, CBD-rich strains are now being grown by and for medical users and may make it a more appealing treatment option. More than 25 CBD-rich strains have been identified, according to Project CDB, a nonprofit educational service dedicated to publicizing research into the medical utility of CBD and other components of the Cannabis plant.
Another important term to understand is endocannabinoids. “Endo” meaning inside, and cannabinoid — a chemical compound found in receptor sites of the nervous and immune systems. These receptors are in high concentrations in the brain, liver, muscle, gut, and fat tissue. Endocannabinoids are known as the brain’s “chemical marijuana.” Following, we explore the novel aspect of endocannabinoid system (ECS) research and the biological effects of plant cannabinoids as it relates to diabetes.
The Brain’s Own “Chemical Marijuana” Affects Metabolism and Glucose Control
Recent studies suggest that endocannabinoids may be a factor linked to metabolic syndrome. Endocannabinoid receptors have been identified in areas of the body responsible for modulating energy balance, feeding behavior, and glucose control.
Endocannabinoid stimulation leads to weight gain, insulin resistance, abnormal lipids (blood cholesterols), and impaired glucose tolerance. Overactivity of this system has been found in human obesity and in animal models of genetic and diet-induced obesity. So why not block this activity? Been there, done that — it was not safe.
The treatment with a specific endocannabinoid inhibitor drug, Rimonabant, showed incredible promise, but because of significant safety issues, is no longer available. In clinical trials, it reduced excess body weight; lowered blood pressure in hypertensive patients; improved insulin sensitivity, glucose control and A1C levels; corrected dyslipidemia; and decreased the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The SERENADE (Study Evaluating Rimonabant Efficacy in Drug-NAive DiabEtic Patients) trial was a 6-month, multi-center/country, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study comparing rimonabant 20 mg once daily to a placebo on top of diet and exercise. Rimonabant lowered A1C and other important cardiovascular endpoints, but had serious side effects. These included increased risk for severe depression leading to suicide and development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Since it was pulled from European markets and was never approved by the FDA in the U.S., the best remaining option to maximize the endocannabinoid pathway is with Cannabidiol (CBD) use
Benefits of Cannabidiol (CBD)
Attenuates (slows the effects of) cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammatory and cell death signaling pathways in diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Retards beta cell (β-cell) damage in type 1 diabetes.
Manages obesity and its associated cardiometabolic sequelae, and should remain open for consideration.
Prevents type 1 in mice and protects against diabetic retinopathy in animals (American Diabetes Association funded a $300,000 study looking into it).
Decreases clot formation (an important consideration for people with diabetes at risk for heart attacks and strokes, especially if taking other “blood thinning” medications). Protects nerves and preserves retinal barrier.
Offers therapeutic opportunities for a variety of inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, allergic asthma, and autoimmune type 1 diabetes.
Has a therapeutic role in managing neurological complications of diabetes.
Tips for Use
Many people with and without diabetes, young and not, use marijuana. Compared with healthy youth, patients with diabetes use less tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs during the first years of adolescence but not later. Just like people who consume alcohol and may reap the benefits and risks of same, this is not intended to encourage anyone to fire up.
Watch for low glucose values and plan accordingly. Some patients report drops in glucose up to 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L).
Watch for high glucose values and weight gain if you consistently get the munchies.
Use in moderation.
Stop use if interferes with your life, love/family or career, or other medical conditions.
Select cannabis buds that contain more than 4% Cannabidiol (CBD) by weight.
Get a vaporizer if you do smoke marijuana and want the cleanest form possible (search the Internet to find examples). That way, you will get the medicinal components without all the products of combustion. Edible forms are also available at most medical marijuana dispensaries.
Beware of websites that offer “legal” buds or marijuana substitutes as those products are not regulated and often include other non-studied, additive substances.
Depend on healthy eating, being active, taking medication, and healthy coping as the mainstays of a balanced diabetes self-management program. Marijuana is a complimentary and alternative medicine.
Marijuana remains illegal, although some states offer legal medical marijuana. The hope of therapeutic applications has lead to a resurgence of research activities. It will take decades before enough science has emerged to integrate into clinical practice guidelines, so the response from individual health practitioners will vary. An honest dialogue will better your chances of comprehensive care.
SOURCES:
The American Journal of Pathology. Neuroprotective and Blood-Retinal Barrier-Preserving Effects of Cannabidiol in Experimental Diabetes. http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/ajpa/article/S0002-9440(10)62086-X/fulltext (Accessed on 9/16/11).
Marijuana Research Today. Anticoagulant effects of a Cannabis extract in an obese rat model. http://marijuana.researchtoday.net/archive/4/4/736.htm (Accessed on 9/16/11.)
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Cannabidiol attenuates cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammatory and cell death signaling pathways in diabetic cardiomyopathy. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21144973 (Accessed on 9/16/11.)
Lu, Dai, V. Kiran Vemuri, Richard I. Duclos, Alexandros Makriyannis, Jr. 2006. The Cannabinergic System as a Target for Anti-inflammatory Therapies: Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 6. Oak Park: Bentham Science Publishers.
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids in metabolic disorders with focus on diabetes. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21484568 (Accessed on 9/16/11.)
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Effects of rimonabant, a cannabinoid-1 receptor blocker, on weight and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight or obese patients: RIO-North America: a randomized controlled trial. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16478899 (Accessed on 9/16/11.)
National Center for Biotechnology Information. The emerging role of the endocannabinoid system in endocrine regulation and energy balance. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16306385 (Accessed on 9/16/11.)
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Endocannabinoid control of food intake and energy balance. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15856067 (Accessed on 9/16/11).
National Center for Biotechnology Information. The endocannabinoid system, eating behavior and energy homeostasis: the end or a new beginning? http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20347862 (Accessed on 9/16/11.)
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Isolation and structure of a brain constituent that binds to the cannabinoid receptor. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1470919 (Accessed on 9/16/11.)
Normal. Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid Reduces Incidence Of Diabetes, Study Says. http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6909 (Accessed 9/16/11).
Science Daily. Marijuana Compound May Help Stop Diabetic Retinopathy. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/02/060227184647.htm (Accessed 9/16/11).
Science Direct. Neurobiology of Disease: The synthetic cannabinoid HU-210 attenuates neural damage in diabetic mice and hyperglycemic pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969996107000848#cor1 (Accessed on 9/16/11).
Read Theresa’s bio here.

Read more of Theresa Garnero's columns.
NOTE: The information is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.
 
B

bob harris

Well-Known Member
ismokealotofpot said:
That sounds horrible. I have some info on diabetes I think could be useful to some patients here goes.Diabetes and Marijuana


By Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE
Marijuana plants (Cannabis sativa) may play a role in preventing and controlling diabetes, and treating diabetes complications according to several research articles.
That is the surprising conclusion reached after reviewing some science on the subject in order to answer questions along the lines of, “Will pot make my diabetes worse?” Politics and legalization issues aside, this article will highlight some of the findings. It does not suggest you start using marijuana or condone its use.
Terminology
For the purpose of discussion, the research on marijuana and diabetes focuses on a compound in Cannabis called Cannabidiol (CBD).
CBD has medical effects but does not make people feel “stoned.” It actually counters some of the disconcerting effects of euphoria or lethargy associated with another substance found in Cannabis called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). After decades in which only high-THC Cannabis was available, CBD-rich strains are now being grown by and for medical users and may make it a more appealing treatment option. More than 25 CBD-rich strains have been identified, according to Project CDB, a nonprofit educational service dedicated to publicizing research into the medical utility of CBD and other components of the Cannabis plant.
Another important term to understand is endocannabinoids. “Endo” meaning inside, and cannabinoid — a chemical compound found in receptor sites of the nervous and immune systems. These receptors are in high concentrations in the brain, liver, muscle, gut, and fat tissue. Endocannabinoids are known as the brain’s “chemical marijuana.” Following, we explore the novel aspect of endocannabinoid system (ECS) research and the biological effects of plant cannabinoids as it relates to diabetes.
The Brain’s Own “Chemical Marijuana” Affects Metabolism and Glucose Control
Recent studies suggest that endocannabinoids may be a factor linked to metabolic syndrome. Endocannabinoid receptors have been identified in areas of the body responsible for modulating energy balance, feeding behavior, and glucose control.
Endocannabinoid stimulation leads to weight gain, insulin resistance, abnormal lipids (blood cholesterols), and impaired glucose tolerance. Overactivity of this system has been found in human obesity and in animal models of genetic and diet-induced obesity. So why not block this activity? Been there, done that — it was not safe.
The treatment with a specific endocannabinoid inhibitor drug, Rimonabant, showed incredible promise, but because of significant safety issues, is no longer available. In clinical trials, it reduced excess body weight; lowered blood pressure in hypertensive patients; improved insulin sensitivity, glucose control and A1C levels; corrected dyslipidemia; and decreased the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The SERENADE (Study Evaluating Rimonabant Efficacy in Drug-NAive DiabEtic Patients) trial was a 6-month, multi-center/country, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study comparing rimonabant 20 mg once daily to a placebo on top of diet and exercise. Rimonabant lowered A1C and other important cardiovascular endpoints, but had serious side effects. These included increased risk for severe depression leading to suicide and development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Since it was pulled from European markets and was never approved by the FDA in the U.S., the best remaining option to maximize the endocannabinoid pathway is with Cannabidiol (CBD) use
Benefits of Cannabidiol (CBD)
Attenuates (slows the effects of) cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammatory and cell death signaling pathways in diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Retards beta cell (β-cell) damage in type 1 diabetes.
Manages obesity and its associated cardiometabolic sequelae, and should remain open for consideration.
Prevents type 1 in mice and protects against diabetic retinopathy in animals (American Diabetes Association funded a $300,000 study looking into it).
Decreases clot formation (an important consideration for people with diabetes at risk for heart attacks and strokes, especially if taking other “blood thinning” medications). Protects nerves and preserves retinal barrier.
Offers therapeutic opportunities for a variety of inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, allergic asthma, and autoimmune type 1 diabetes.
Has a therapeutic role in managing neurological complications of diabetes.
Tips for Use
Many people with and without diabetes, young and not, use marijuana. Compared with healthy youth, patients with diabetes use less tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs during the first years of adolescence but not later. Just like people who consume alcohol and may reap the benefits and risks of same, this is not intended to encourage anyone to fire up.
Watch for low glucose values and plan accordingly. Some patients report drops in glucose up to 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L).
Watch for high glucose values and weight gain if you consistently get the munchies.
Use in moderation.
Stop use if interferes with your life, love/family or career, or other medical conditions.
Select cannabis buds that contain more than 4% Cannabidiol (CBD) by weight.
Get a vaporizer if you do smoke marijuana and want the cleanest form possible (search the Internet to find examples). That way, you will get the medicinal components without all the products of combustion. Edible forms are also available at most medical marijuana dispensaries.
Beware of websites that offer “legal” buds or marijuana substitutes as those products are not regulated and often include other non-studied, additive substances.
Depend on healthy eating, being active, taking medication, and healthy coping as the mainstays of a balanced diabetes self-management program. Marijuana is a complimentary and alternative medicine.
Marijuana remains illegal, although some states offer legal medical marijuana. The hope of therapeutic applications has lead to a resurgence of research activities. It will take decades before enough science has emerged to integrate into clinical practice guidelines, so the response from individual health practitioners will vary. An honest dialogue will better your chances of comprehensive care.
SOURCES:
The American Journal of Pathology. Neuroprotective and Blood-Retinal Barrier-Preserving Effects of Cannabidiol in Experimental Diabetes. http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/ajpa/article/S0002-9440(10)62086-X/fulltext (Accessed on 9/16/11).
Marijuana Research Today. Anticoagulant effects of a Cannabis extract in an obese rat model. http://marijuana.researchtoday.net/archive/4/4/736.htm (Accessed on 9/16/11.)
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Cannabidiol attenuates cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammatory and cell death signaling pathways in diabetic cardiomyopathy. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21144973 (Accessed on 9/16/11.)
Lu, Dai, V. Kiran Vemuri, Richard I. Duclos, Alexandros Makriyannis, Jr. 2006. The Cannabinergic System as a Target for Anti-inflammatory Therapies: Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 6. Oak Park: Bentham Science Publishers.
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids in metabolic disorders with focus on diabetes. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21484568 (Accessed on 9/16/11.)
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Effects of rimonabant, a cannabinoid-1 receptor blocker, on weight and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight or obese patients: RIO-North America: a randomized controlled trial. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16478899 (Accessed on 9/16/11.)
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. Endocannabinoid control of food intake and energy balance. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15856067 (Accessed on 9/16/11).
National Center for Biotechnology Information. The endocannabinoid system, eating behavior and energy homeostasis: the end or a new beginning? http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20347862 (Accessed on 9/16/11.)
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Isolation and structure of a brain constituent that binds to the cannabinoid receptor. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1470919 (Accessed on 9/16/11.)
Normal. Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid Reduces Incidence Of Diabetes, Study Says. http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6909 (Accessed 9/16/11).
Science Daily. Marijuana Compound May Help Stop Diabetic Retinopathy. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/02/060227184647.htm (Accessed 9/16/11).
Science Direct. Neurobiology of Disease: The synthetic cannabinoid HU-210 attenuates neural damage in diabetic mice and hyperglycemic pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969996107000848#cor1 (Accessed on 9/16/11).
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NOTE: The information is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.
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Great stuff, send it to me in link form, and i'll add it to the Diabetes post.
 
ismokealotofpot

ismokealotofpot

New Member
I just got some seeds from attitude rp og kush funny thing is they came in a dna genetics breeder pack. Dna genetics doesn't even make og kush. I dont know what the deal is but its not what I ordered.
 
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