{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/health-conditions/8","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_1935-markdown","title":"Cannabis Shows Promise in Treating Crohn's Disease & Colitis","slug":"cannabis-shows-promise-in-treating-crohns-disease-and-colitis","content":"For people with Crohn's disease or colitis, life can mean always wondering when the condition will flare up and how bad the symptoms will be. Until now, treatments have been limited for these painful, life-altering conditions. Although some feel relief through a change in diet and prescription medication, people suffering from Crohn's disease and colitis were often left to manage the condition on their own.\r\n\r\nFortunately, both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease recently qualified for treatment with medical cannabis and, as a result, individuals who suffer from these conditions now have access to medical marijuana treatment in more states.\r\n\r\n### What Are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease & Colitis?\r\n\r\nCrohn's disease and colitis are gastrointestinal disorders that belong to a family of disorders known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn's disease causes chronic inflammation throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and can cause painful swelling in any part of the GI tract from the esophagus to the rectum. Symptoms of Crohn's disease include rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain and cramping, constipation, persistent diarrhea or a persistent feeling that the bowels are not entirely empty.\r\n\r\nUlcerative colitis is quite similar to Crohn's disease except for the fact that it affects only the innermost layer of the colon. The symptoms of Colitis are similar to Crohn's disease and include fever, decreased appetite, weight loss, fatigue and amenorrhea in women.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \r\n\r\n### Why Is Marijuana Effective Medicine for Inflammatory Bowel Disease? \r\n\r\nAs is true with many disorders, cannabis has been used for centuries to treat the symptoms of Crohn's disease and colitis. Cannabis is an effective treatment for these disorders because it can significantly limit intestinal inflammation. According to a statement issued by The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America in 2012, compounds found in the marijuana plant closely mimic endocannabinoids (molecules that occur naturally in the body) and have been shown to play an important part in decreasing gastrointestinal inflammation.\r\n\r\nAlthough the anti-inflammatory properties of medical cannabis hold true for all people, IBD patients have been shown to have more cannabinoid receptors in the tissue of the colon than people without IBD, which means that people affected by Crohn's disease and colitis are likely to respond to the anti-inflammatory properties of medical marijuana.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, researchers at the Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases at Chaim Sheba Medical Center found that inhaled medical cannabis can help improve the quality of life in people affected by Crohn's disease and colitis. This study also found that medical cannabis can stimulate the appetite in affected patients, resulting in healthy weight gain and an overall improvement in symptoms.\r\n\r\nThe same study also found that, after three months of treatment with medical marijuana, patients affected by Crohn's disease or colitis enjoyed:\r\n\r\n* A better quality of life\r\n* Greater ability to work a normal job\r\n* Increased ability to perform daily tasks and maintain a social life\r\n* A drastic decrease in pain reduction and mental anguish \r\n\r\nThese results were reported without accompanying side effects.\r\n\r\nFinally, researchers at the Sire Manchester Hospital in England published a study that found that [IBS patients who used medical cannabis reported improved diarrhea symptoms and a decrease in pain](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21795981).\r\n\r\nAs it stands now, there are dozens of high-quality studies that illustrate the fact that medical marijuana serves an important purpose in treating and relieving IBD symptoms. In addition to relieving pain, muscle cramps, anxiety, insomnia and inflammation, certain strains of cannabis also promote appetite, produce weight gain and enhance the mood of affected patients.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [MEDICAL MARIJUANA STUDY REVEALS “COMPLETE REMISSION: OF CROHN’S DISEASE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55ccdde83634640006110000/medical-marijuana-study-reveals-complete-remission-of-crohns-disease)\r\n\r\n### Best Cannabis Strains for Crohn’s Disease or Colitis\r\n\r\nWhile it’s evident that cannabis is a valuable treatment option for patients with IBD, researchers found a variety of specific strains that are ideal for treating different aspects of the disease. These strains include:\r\n\r\n* **Cherry Pie** is a sativa-dominant strain that’s ideal for increasing appetite and soothing pain in IBD patients.\r\n* **Bubblegum** is an [indica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_indica) strain with a 20% CBD content, which contributes to its pain-relieving and anti-anxiety properties. It’s ideal for people who want to relieve discomfort and fatigue, diminish depression and lead a more normal life.\r\n* **Sour Grape** is an indica strain that can help IBD patients struggling to maintain a social life feel more lively and less depressed. This strain is also ideal for boosting appetite and relieving anxiety.\r\n* **American Beauty** is a sativa strain that’s potent enough to provide all-day pain relief while also easing insomnia and depression. Slightly stronger than some other strains used to treat IBS, American Beauty will leave you relaxed and comfortable for hours after use.\r\n\r\nColitis and Crohn's disease are both incredibly disruptive conditions that can affect people's ability to hold a job, maintain social relationships or even plan everyday events. Because the symptoms of these conditions are so unpredictable and painful, they often rob affected individuals of their ability to lead a normal life. Fortunately, the soothing effects of medicinal cannabis have the potential to treat some of these symptoms and help people with IBD live a healthier, more robust life despite their condition.\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Double-M](https://www.flickr.com/people/double-m2/)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/14b42/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/f836f/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.jpg 200w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/2244e/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.jpg 400w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/14b42/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.jpg 800w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/16310/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/58556/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/61e93/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.webp 200w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/1f5c5/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.webp 400w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/58556/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.webp 800w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/cc834/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1931-markdown","title":"Cannabis and ADD/ADHD","slug":"cannabis-and-addadhd","content":"Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is fraught with\r\ndistractibility and hyperactivity. Attention deficit disorder, or ADD,\r\nhas similar symptoms but without the hyperactivity. The [Centers for\r\nDisease Control and\r\nPrevention](http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html) reports these two\r\nconditions cost \\$3.7 billion a year in lost work. Both are treated\r\nmedically with psychostimulants like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta, but\r\nthey come with side effects including headaches, loss of appetite,\r\nrestlessness, agitation, dry mouth, constipation and insomnia, In some\r\ncases, these drugs can cause heart palpitations and increase blood\r\npressure. They may also be habit forming.\r\n\r\nHow ADD/ADHD Affects the Brain\r\n------------------------------\r\n\r\nOne of the key physiological issues with ADD/ADHD is the shortage of\r\ndopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter utilized\r\nin cognitive processes like attention, memory retention and focus.\r\nConditions like Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia and restless leg\r\nsyndrome tie back to dopamine levels as well.\r\n\r\nWhy Cannabis May Work as an Alternative\r\n---------------------------------------\r\n\r\nAlthough there is not a lot of research to prove that medical marijuana\r\nis a suitable alternative treatment, initial trials show that it is a\r\npossibility. Current therapeutic treatments stimulate dopamine\r\nproduction, improving attention in the process, but it comes at a cost\r\ndue to the potentially serious side effects. David Bearman, MD, a\r\npioneer in the field of administrative medicine and cannabinology,\r\nsuggests that the cannabinoids found in marijuana interact with the\r\nbrain's dopamine management system by increasing the availability of the\r\nneurotransmitter.\r\n\r\nWith ADHD, the brain becomes overwhelmed with information. If taken\r\ncorrectly, medical marijuana could work therapeutically to correct the\r\ndopamine balance. Cannabis and Ritalin have different mechanisms, but\r\nproduce very similar results.\r\n\r\nDrugs like Ritalin bind with dopamine to prevent a breakdown of the\r\nchemical, in a sense increasing the level available as well. The\r\ncannabinoids found in cannabis could correct the dopamine deficiency by\r\nincreasing its availability when properly dosed. The effect is similar\r\nto psychostimulants, but without unpleasant side effects.\r\n\r\nMedical science is currently looking deeper for anecdotal evidence that\r\ncannabis is an effective and safe treatment for ADD/ADHD, adding these\r\ntwo conditions to the long list of benefits from the therapeutic use of\r\ncannabis.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/ellea/4955341641/in/photolist-8xTqqR-4akN1M-5FN43a-9fMEnF-pPDNC-nF6g2k-6eUi6S-8b5N4M-eb4z1n-7ky25p-b8MpFk-dSUpFP-kN6GJk-kC3drB-dc7hie-hW9Du-8GVrXg-8GVq6V-8GYxBL-8GsJok-8GVujV-8GYApE-8GVtwi-8GVtrg-8GYBfm-8GVtfi-8GVt86-8GVt2X-8GVsSz-8GYADU-8GVsCP-8GVsq2-8GYAdd-8GVse6-8GYzZC-bk9tfm-4cdCjt-8GYzJf-8GVrDV-8GVrsk-8GVrkn-8GVqhZ-8GVqci-8GYxY9-8GVpSK-8GYxJs-8GVpr4-8GVpkR-8GYxeG-8GVpbc)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5384615384615385,"src":"/static/1a3ab3ee615bddb8a74543352328ab46/14b42/ccafe1aa1046767f6867c6e85686bf5b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1a3ab3ee615bddb8a74543352328ab46/f836f/ccafe1aa1046767f6867c6e85686bf5b.jpg 200w,\n/static/1a3ab3ee615bddb8a74543352328ab46/2244e/ccafe1aa1046767f6867c6e85686bf5b.jpg 400w,\n/static/1a3ab3ee615bddb8a74543352328ab46/14b42/ccafe1aa1046767f6867c6e85686bf5b.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/1a3ab3ee615bddb8a74543352328ab46/58556/ccafe1aa1046767f6867c6e85686bf5b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1a3ab3ee615bddb8a74543352328ab46/61e93/ccafe1aa1046767f6867c6e85686bf5b.webp 200w,\n/static/1a3ab3ee615bddb8a74543352328ab46/1f5c5/ccafe1aa1046767f6867c6e85686bf5b.webp 400w,\n/static/1a3ab3ee615bddb8a74543352328ab46/58556/ccafe1aa1046767f6867c6e85686bf5b.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1930-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana Could Help Insomniacs Sleep Better","slug":"medical-marijuana-could-help-insomniacs-sleep-better","content":"It's estimated that 50-55% of adults suffer from insomnia. For many, insomnia means difficulty falling asleep, but some people also\r\nexperience frequent waking during the night. A lot of people use\r\nsleeping pills to help them get to sleep and stay asleep all night, but\r\nthese can have side effects. Sleeping pill\r\nside effects can be dangerous, which makes them a less-than-ideal option\r\nfor many people.\r\n\r\nCannabis: A Natural Alternative?\r\n--------------------------------\r\n\r\nCannabis has been used for hundreds of years as a sleep aid. Originally\r\nused in Indian medicine, Western society adopted marijuana as a\r\ntreatment for insomnia in the 1800s. In recent years, scientists have\r\ndiscovered that the body's own endocannabinoid system has a role in\r\nregulating sleep. Medical marijuana could replicate this effect,\r\nproviding help for people who have trouble getting to sleep or staying\r\nasleep through the night.\r\n\r\nTHC and CBD Both Helpful for Sleep\r\n----------------------------------\r\n\r\nResearch suggests that both THC and CBD cannabinoids can regulate the\r\nendocannabinoid system, therefore helping to treat insomnia. In\r\nparticular, CBD appears to have a modulating effect on this system,\r\nhelping patients to establish regular sleeping patterns. CBD may also\r\nhave fewer side effects than THC. For example,\r\n[studies](http://www.eurekaselect.com/75752/article) show that CBD is\r\nnot psychoactive and has no effects on the gastrointestinal system.\r\n\r\nFaster, Better Sleep\r\n--------------------\r\n\r\nAccording to a [2011\r\nreport](http://www.beyondthc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Tringale-Jensen-20111.pdf),\r\npublished in *O'Shaughnessy's: The Journal of Cannabis in Clinical\r\nPractice* by Rolando Tringale, MD and Claudia Jensen, MD, patients often\r\nreport that they are able to fall asleep much more quickly since they\r\nstarted taking medical marijuana. Data collected at Dr. Jensen's clinics\r\nin 2005 showed that medical marijuana users are able to fall asleep\r\nroughly 30-45 minutes faster since they started taking the cannabis. 79\r\npercent of the 116 patients questioned in the study also reported that\r\ntheir sleep quality improved while taking medical marijuana.\r\n\r\nConclusion\r\n----------\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana could be a promising treatment for insomnia. With\r\nstudies showing a reduction in the time taken to fall asleep among\r\npeople taking medical marijuana, accompanied by a long history of the\r\nuse of cannabis as a sleep aid, there is hope that marijuana could be a\r\nsafe and effective treatment for insomnia.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/seniju/13355401113/in/photolist-mmaVsr-9ZEzfQ-nnGwgR-gPMdZD-wfoP2c-dFDcWm-rE9Xst-cD8sBC-iNN1qw-fi4Mfy-cdSunh-mfbKGP-m2HYKP-dTgMt8-cWPax1-s1YLq1-9xE1Ne-buZtGc-e78Amy-a538Ph-4xV83N-nerZ55-ek4Y81-qej1mX-99vzQm-ehA1fZ-p2ne2q-9jEUyz-92o4zi-o6qDhW-8XEDSP-c1PoUf-hZu9iw-dKGLVV-q6A7xo-9vGLek-8RiYCo-9jCmdF-nvwyHa-bEYy4q-7TThWB-dM66LX-88nikK-b98Gex-qPmkYv-ayfoP8-dntpMV-a7x9BK-9agWik-cFpMQU)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/8e649d63991863ff92d7059229a6c571/14b42/4aa68a354aaa3048cd57adf320ac73d8.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8e649d63991863ff92d7059229a6c571/f836f/4aa68a354aaa3048cd57adf320ac73d8.jpg 200w,\n/static/8e649d63991863ff92d7059229a6c571/2244e/4aa68a354aaa3048cd57adf320ac73d8.jpg 400w,\n/static/8e649d63991863ff92d7059229a6c571/14b42/4aa68a354aaa3048cd57adf320ac73d8.jpg 800w,\n/static/8e649d63991863ff92d7059229a6c571/47498/4aa68a354aaa3048cd57adf320ac73d8.jpg 1200w,\n/static/8e649d63991863ff92d7059229a6c571/54ac5/4aa68a354aaa3048cd57adf320ac73d8.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/8e649d63991863ff92d7059229a6c571/58556/4aa68a354aaa3048cd57adf320ac73d8.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8e649d63991863ff92d7059229a6c571/61e93/4aa68a354aaa3048cd57adf320ac73d8.webp 200w,\n/static/8e649d63991863ff92d7059229a6c571/1f5c5/4aa68a354aaa3048cd57adf320ac73d8.webp 400w,\n/static/8e649d63991863ff92d7059229a6c571/58556/4aa68a354aaa3048cd57adf320ac73d8.webp 800w,\n/static/8e649d63991863ff92d7059229a6c571/99238/4aa68a354aaa3048cd57adf320ac73d8.webp 1200w,\n/static/8e649d63991863ff92d7059229a6c571/5e0b8/4aa68a354aaa3048cd57adf320ac73d8.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1936-markdown","title":"Can CBD Help Slow Kidney Damage Caused by Chemotherapy?","slug":"can-cbd-help-slow-kidney-damage-caused-by-chemotherapy","content":"Any patients undergoing chemotherapy to treat cancer also face another\ndanger: kidney damage.\n\nAlthough chemotherapy is a widely used and effective form of treatment\nfor many types of cancer, it carries the distinct risk of kidney damage,\nor\n[nephrotoxicity](http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/nephrotoxicity-renal-toxicity.aspx).\nMost chemotherapy is executed with the help of a platinum drug known as\n[Cisplatin](http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/cisplatin.aspx).\nAlthough Cisplatin is a powerful drug that is effective at treating\ncancers, it often causes severe kidney damage, as well as heightened\nlevels of potassium and magnesium in the blood.\n\nAlthough some kidney damage may be temporary, chemotherapy-induced\nkidney damage is often permanent and, in extreme cases, may lead to\nkidney failure and death. Fortunately, scientists have uncovered a new\ntreatment for chemotherapy-induced kidney damage: cannabidiol.\n\nWhat Is Cannabidiol?\n--------------------\n\n[Cannabidiol](http://www.projectcbd.org/) is one of the cannabis plant's\n85 active cannabinoids, accounting for at least 40% of the marijuana\nplant's extract. Considered a non-psychoactive compound, CBD is often\nused to treat [Dravet\nsyndrome](http://www.dravetfoundation.org/dravet-syndrome/what-is-dravet-syndrome),\na form of epilepsy, and other similar disorders. Additionally, the\ncompound has been used to effectively treat inflammation, pain and\nspasticity associated with [multiple\nsclerosis](http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/basics/definition/con-20026689).\n\nHow Is Cannabidiol Used?\n------------------------\n\nIn addition to its uses as a treatment for other debilitating diseases,\nscientists are beginning to formulate ways to use CBD to treat the often\ndevastating kidney damage caused by chemotherapeutic drugs. A [recent\nstudy](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19074681) suggests that, when\nused in concert with chemotherapy drugs, CBD can actually have an\nantioxidant-like effect, causing the human body to produce beneficial\nenzymes and help counteract the negative effects of the chemotherapy\ndrugs. When animal test subjects were treated with cannabidiol in a\nstudy, the extract was able to help prevent kidney damage usually caused\nby Cisplatin and similar drugs, and may actually have even improved\nkidney function in the treated animals.\n\nWhat Is the Future of Cannabidiol Treatment?\n--------------------------------------------\n\nAlthough the future of CBD treatment is uncertain, as the compound is\nstill undergoing laboratory testing, it does seem promising. Doctors\ncurrently believe that using CBD prior to beginning medical or\nchemotherapeutic intervention for cancer may actually [decrease kidney\ndamage](http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/328/3/708.full) caused by\nthe chemotherapeutic drugs. Additionally, because CBD is not a toxic\ndrug itself and does not possess any physic-activity associated with\nTHC. Patients have a very low chance of reacting poorly to it, which may\nmean easier chemotherapy treatments and better outcomes for patients.\n\n[Photo credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/codnewsroom/10966961576/in/photolist-hH7xAq-e71Utc-cw2MPj-9ASSCn-dnbS4e-dnbUEq-dnbMTA-89miKd-5Yt79V-dnbShn-7gcWHd-8mh8fz-cxPL9w-85A7dQ-8KFUqp-hgbv47-hgcVg2-hgbNsq-hgcLQK-hgaSWt-hgb72L-hgaC6r-aaWeLv-dnbWk9-8YbPPA-oYWwus-nKuqNR-mHJx46-dnbLe4-hgcPvz-hgcJqK-hgbjqL-85UPdK-9kMUQq-wN47cM-edzdS8-8hFMgZ-hgb4tj-poKPPk-aaZpzq-5QRFfo-dnbNru-7g92V2-4K5ixF-9i1DnU-cUiMf1-hiKrpY-hgc6vH-duTP2y-bFXRHZ)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.550387596899225,"src":"/static/9f09a3ae2ea1594e943bdf1251e2a051/14b42/274091dba0e70e621f623a31409864a5.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9f09a3ae2ea1594e943bdf1251e2a051/f836f/274091dba0e70e621f623a31409864a5.jpg 200w,\n/static/9f09a3ae2ea1594e943bdf1251e2a051/2244e/274091dba0e70e621f623a31409864a5.jpg 400w,\n/static/9f09a3ae2ea1594e943bdf1251e2a051/14b42/274091dba0e70e621f623a31409864a5.jpg 800w,\n/static/9f09a3ae2ea1594e943bdf1251e2a051/47498/274091dba0e70e621f623a31409864a5.jpg 1200w,\n/static/9f09a3ae2ea1594e943bdf1251e2a051/6093d/274091dba0e70e621f623a31409864a5.jpg 1588w","srcWebp":"/static/9f09a3ae2ea1594e943bdf1251e2a051/58556/274091dba0e70e621f623a31409864a5.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9f09a3ae2ea1594e943bdf1251e2a051/61e93/274091dba0e70e621f623a31409864a5.webp 200w,\n/static/9f09a3ae2ea1594e943bdf1251e2a051/1f5c5/274091dba0e70e621f623a31409864a5.webp 400w,\n/static/9f09a3ae2ea1594e943bdf1251e2a051/58556/274091dba0e70e621f623a31409864a5.webp 800w,\n/static/9f09a3ae2ea1594e943bdf1251e2a051/99238/274091dba0e70e621f623a31409864a5.webp 1200w,\n/static/9f09a3ae2ea1594e943bdf1251e2a051/ed137/274091dba0e70e621f623a31409864a5.webp 1588w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1941-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana Study Reveals \"Complete Remission\" of Crohn's Disease","slug":"medical-marijuana-study-reveals-complete-remission-of-crohns-disease","content":"Crohn's disease, an autoimmune disease for which there is no cure, has a\r\nsignificant impact on quality of life. While many types of medications\r\ncan help prevent or control the symptoms of the disease, [undesirable\r\neffects](http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Crohns-disease/Pages/Treatment.aspx),\r\nsuch as weakening of the bones and increased vulnerability to\r\ninfections, often occur when those medications are used.\r\n\r\nStudy Findings Show Promise\r\n---------------------------\r\n\r\nRecognizing the need for new treatments that relieve symptoms with as\r\nfew side effects as possible, researchers at Meir Medical Center in\r\nIsrael examined the effects of the marijuana plant Cannabis sativa on\r\npatients with severe Crohn's disease. Published in the journal \"Clinical\r\nGastroenterology and Hepatology\" in October 2013, the\r\n[study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23648372) involved 21\r\npatients with severe Crohn's disease. Of those 21 patients, 11 patients\r\nsmoked two joints a day for eight weeks. The other 10 patients were\r\ngiven a placebo.\r\n\r\nIn total, five of the 11 patients (45 percent) who smoked marijuana\r\ndaily achieved total remission of their symptoms. They also reported\r\nimproved appetites and sleep patterns with no significant side effects.\r\nMoreover, a clinical response--a detectable change in patients' signs\r\nand symptoms--was found in 10 of those patients (90 percent). A clinical\r\nresponse was found in only four of the 10 patients (40 percent) given a\r\nplacebo.\r\n\r\nIt is believed marijuana's anti-inflammatory effects may be responsible\r\nfor these results. The plant's constituent molecules kill bacteria,\r\nwhich may play a role in Crohn's disease. A\r\n[study](http://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2015/04/30/gutjnl-2015-309333)\r\nby researchers at Technische Universität München (TUM) in Germany and\r\npublished in the journal \"Gut\" in April 2015 has shown that bacteria in\r\nthe intestines can lead to an inflammation similar to Crohn's disease.\r\n\r\nCrohn's Disease Patient Faces Prison Sentence for Marijuana Use\r\n---------------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nDespite growing evidence of marijuana's ability to provide relief from\r\nCrohn's disease symptoms, medical use of marijuana remains illegal in\r\nsome states. Shona Banda, a Kansas mother who uses marijuana oil as\r\ntherapy for Crohn's disease, recently had her home\r\n[searched](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2015/04/17/state-seizes-11-year-old-arrests-his-mother-after-he-defends-medical-marijuana-during-a-school-presentation/)\r\nby the Garden City Police Department after her son's school reported\r\ncomments he made in favor of marijuana during an anti-drug presentation.\r\nShe is also fighting for custody of her son after the Department of\r\nChildren and Families took him from her home, saying her use of\r\nmarijuana to control her debilitating illness was putting the child in\r\ndanger.\r\n\r\nBanda was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2000 and began using\r\nmarijuana oil as therapy for her symptoms in 2009. She claims marijuana\r\nhas worked better than prescribed medicines. Banda and her son\r\npreviously resided in Colorado, where marijuana is legal for\r\nrecreational use. However, possession of marijuana is illegal in Kansas\r\nand can result in a year of jail time and a \\$1,000 fine, according to\r\nthe [Marijuana Policy Project](http://www.mpp.org/states/kansas/). A\r\nbill that allows patients to use marijuana oil is advancing in the\r\nKansas state legislature, according to the [Kansas City\r\nStar](http://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/lewis-diuguid/article14567774.html).\r\nIf it passes, Kansas will join 23 states that currently have laws\r\nallowing medical marijuana use.\r\n\r\nCrohn's disease affects an estimated [700,000\r\nAmericans](http://www.ccfa.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-crohns-disease/)\r\nand conventional medicines often offer little relief. Medical marijuana\r\noffers hope and may relieve symptoms more effectively than standard\r\ntreatment. Legalization of marijuana for medical use could make it\r\neasier for patients with Crohn's disease to benefit from the therapeutic\r\neffects of marijuana without breaking the law. Many patients who could\r\ngreatly benefit from medical marijuana are being denied access to the\r\ntherapy, which is a problem HelloMD hopes to see change as the medicinal\r\nbenefits of marijuana become more legitimized.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/methticalman/3274586803/in/photolist-hRLTUV-5Zn7za-87Gt3c-r5qYa4-dzDj27-68aRFC-b9nFQe-8dAqXM-4wTKAY-87KEEq-5sv8Z3-5ZrkjS-qasCez-5Zn7Ee-8yBLqq-9mastW-c3Bb-uHpPUU-9m5Ne8-9m7q3i-9maucQ-9matXo-9m7prr-9matu1-9matf9-nTwy8T-5tD7fw-9cvitd-yXYs5-9mat5b-9masTU-9m7ooM-9mascG-9mas49-9VQNHJ-9dxKN-azmNNH-7z2m1L-bzKs3-BJdWo-5ZzfjK-9Wk9kh-auSj3Q-9VQzhJ-2NiMz-CMtsE-ctZsw)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/14b42/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/f836f/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.jpg 200w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/2244e/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.jpg 400w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/14b42/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.jpg 800w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/47498/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.jpg 1200w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/54ac5/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/58556/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/61e93/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.webp 200w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/1f5c5/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.webp 400w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/58556/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.webp 800w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/99238/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.webp 1200w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/5e0b8/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1952-markdown","title":"Diabetes Induced Peripheral Vascular Disease and Medical Marijuana","slug":"diabetes-induced-peripheral-vascular-disease-and-medical-marijuana","content":"Almost 30 million people in the United States - about 10 percent of the\r\npopulation - suffers from diabetes and its related ailments.\r\nUnfortunately, two-thirds of diabetes patients will die due to\r\ncomplications from the disease, but for people with diabetes who also\r\nhave peripheral vascular disease, some hope is on the horizon. Studies\r\nnow show that the use of medical marijuana may be able to slow down the\r\nprogression of vascular damage and prolong life.\r\n\r\nPeripheral Vascular Disease\r\n---------------------------\r\n\r\nThe build up of fatty materials in arteries over time can result in\r\nvascular disease. This accumulation of fats, called atherosclerosis,\r\nrestricts important blood flow throughout the body. Atherosclerosis is a\r\nspecific type of arteriosclerosis, referring to the hardening of\r\narteries due to that fatty build up. This can be a big threat to\r\ndiabetes patients. People with diabetes may already experience issues\r\nwith weakened blood vessels, as well have fatty deposits that build\r\nfaster than in non-diabetics. As a result, peripheral vascular disease\r\nmay hit diabetics sooner, faster and with more deadly results than\r\nexperienced by non-diabetics. Early and continued intervention is\r\nimportant to both prolong life and enhance quality of life.\r\n\r\nMedical Marijuana, Inflammation, and PVD\r\n----------------------------------------\r\n\r\nWhile medical marijuana cannot reverse peripheral vascular disease, it\r\nmay be of significant value to diabetes patients for another reason:\r\ninflammation reduction. With the progression of peripheral vascular\r\ndisease through increasingly blocked - or hardened - arteries,\r\ninflammation increases around blood vessels, and eventually throughout\r\nthe body. However, in a recent report from the [ETH Zurich/Swiss Federal\r\nInstitute of\r\nTechnology](http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080720222549.htm),\r\nthe potential for inflammation reduction through medical cannabis was\r\nmore fully explored.\r\n\r\nCannabis and Central Nervous System Receptors\r\n---------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nCannabis is composed of more than 450 different properties, several of\r\nwhich interact with two key receptors in the human body: CB1 and CB2. It\r\nis the latter receptor that helps to control how a body reacts to\r\nconditions that may result in inflammation. When cannabis and CB2\r\ninteract, less inflammatory signals are the result. That means that for\r\na variety of ailments that lead to inflammation, including\r\narteriosclerosis, marijuana may be of significant benefit.\r\n\r\nContinued Benefits\r\n------------------\r\n\r\nMany other peripheral diseases that impact diabetes patients also\r\ninclude a component of inflammation, such as glaucoma and neuropathy.\r\nFrom prolonged life to improved vision and decreased pain levels, the\r\nuse of medical marijuana can prove beneficial for many diabetics.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/shuttercat7/544444923/in/photolist-Q7qvr-2Rbk9p-7vpcjf-aEUDfQ-eekjar-3C3Nd3-9kVf2j-3C1M5V-hyE2be-nTuzsj-6ZLiPR-sq5j76-6vRntt-5v8NL8-7GgvS9-7GcA3r-7GczRr-eH7QRg-9kV6dU-eH7RnX-3C6AAG-7LNKnN-wJCrBJ-wLVPkr-3C2rUT-ejYTLC-3BYskv-3MzDQ-9zPHvt-rtginM-JVzrc-jcJjCH-axKi8Q-7mijMB-oPJukA-L6Gwo-Dh8c6-8SQ8BL-9kSbEZ-L6GvG-hx3eZ8-3C6AnJ-5cQbvE-4bAaVX-CDq9F-yW9N7-gPy47D-7ahfHc-cL5nhb-7xrYim)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/8b955e40a8d3dfc4e83db12b84323b92/14b42/435b76ceca6b693cee5429b6f9e2c2a3.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8b955e40a8d3dfc4e83db12b84323b92/f836f/435b76ceca6b693cee5429b6f9e2c2a3.jpg 200w,\n/static/8b955e40a8d3dfc4e83db12b84323b92/2244e/435b76ceca6b693cee5429b6f9e2c2a3.jpg 400w,\n/static/8b955e40a8d3dfc4e83db12b84323b92/14b42/435b76ceca6b693cee5429b6f9e2c2a3.jpg 800w,\n/static/8b955e40a8d3dfc4e83db12b84323b92/47498/435b76ceca6b693cee5429b6f9e2c2a3.jpg 1200w,\n/static/8b955e40a8d3dfc4e83db12b84323b92/54ac5/435b76ceca6b693cee5429b6f9e2c2a3.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/8b955e40a8d3dfc4e83db12b84323b92/58556/435b76ceca6b693cee5429b6f9e2c2a3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8b955e40a8d3dfc4e83db12b84323b92/61e93/435b76ceca6b693cee5429b6f9e2c2a3.webp 200w,\n/static/8b955e40a8d3dfc4e83db12b84323b92/1f5c5/435b76ceca6b693cee5429b6f9e2c2a3.webp 400w,\n/static/8b955e40a8d3dfc4e83db12b84323b92/58556/435b76ceca6b693cee5429b6f9e2c2a3.webp 800w,\n/static/8b955e40a8d3dfc4e83db12b84323b92/99238/435b76ceca6b693cee5429b6f9e2c2a3.webp 1200w,\n/static/8b955e40a8d3dfc4e83db12b84323b92/5e0b8/435b76ceca6b693cee5429b6f9e2c2a3.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1940-markdown","title":"Epilepsy Relief Possible Through Medical Cannabis","slug":"epilepsy-relief-possible-through-medical-cannabis","content":"As many as three million Americans experience epileptic seizures each\r\nyear, a noteworthy portion of the population. Epileptic seizures happen\r\nwhen abnormal electrical activity occurs in the brain. The seizures that\r\nresult can fall into\r\n[categories](http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/types-of-seizures-their-symptoms),\r\nincluding:\r\n\r\n-   **Grand Mal or Tonic/Clonic --** feature convulsions, collapse and\r\n    sometimes loss of consciousness. This is the type most people\r\n    imagine when they think of seizures.\r\n-   **Tonic** -- known for muscles suddenly stiffening and potentially\r\n    remaining stiffened for a long time\r\n-   **Clonic --** characterized by jerking motions outside of patient\r\n    control\r\n-   **Myoclonic --** a milder form of clonic seizures with more\r\n    intermittent jerking motions\r\n-   **Atonic** -- recognizable in epilepsy patients who lose all muscle\r\n    tone at the start of a seizure and essential become rag dolls for\r\n    the duration of the seizure\r\n-   **Absence --** identifiable as seizures that cause a short loss of\r\n    consciousness absent of any other cause\r\n\r\nEpilepsy sufferers may also experience seizures that are a mix of\r\nvarious types or are partial -- not as severe or as long-lasting.\r\nEpilepsy is a major disruptor of life, particularly when traditional\r\nmedication fails to prevent or reduce the frequency of seizures.\r\nSeizures can lead to terrible injury or even death should they disrupt\r\nnormal bodily function and activity during certain activities, including\r\nmanual labor or driving a vehicle.\r\n\r\nHope on the Horizon\r\n-------------------\r\n\r\nMedical cannabis may bring relief to epilepsy patients who have not been\r\nadequately treated by traditional medications or who suffer from\r\nintractable forms of seizures. In [study\r\nresults](http://nyulangone.org/press-releases/medical-marijuana-extract-curbs-seizure-frequency-in-early-trial-of-epilepsy-patients)\r\nreleased for presentation at the 2015 American Academy of Neurology\r\nannual meeting, patients who took liquid forms of cannabidiol (CBD)\r\nmarijuana experienced unprecedented improvement.\r\n\r\nThe study, conducted at NYU's Langone Medical Center, looked at patients\r\nsuffering from the most severe forms of epilepsy, including\r\nLennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Among study participants\r\nwho completed the trial, more than 50 percent had reductions in seizure\r\nfrequency.\r\n\r\nHope Already in Motion\r\n----------------------\r\n\r\nIn [Colorado](http://www.epilepsycolorado.org/index.php?s=10907),\r\ncannabidiol forms of medical marijuana are already in use and helping\r\nmany patients, particularly pediatric epilepsy patients. Known as\r\n\"Charlotte's Web,\" a particular strain of cannabis capitalizes on the\r\nproperties of the plant that help reduce seizure frequency. Charlotte's\r\nWeb has a high concentration of the component called CBD, which does not\r\nresult in psycho-activity when taken, making it safe for consumption by\r\nchildren. The Realm of Caring Foundation, the organization that grows\r\nand distributes this medication -- similar to the formulation used in\r\nthe NYU study -- reports that up to 85 percent of patients experience\r\nseizure frequency reductions. It is worth noting that \"Charlotte's Web\"\r\nis currently only made available to patients who have very severe\r\nepilepsy.\r\n\r\nMedical cannabis, like any other medicinal substance, may not be the\r\nright fit for every patient. It has shown, however, to have an amazing\r\nimpact on epilepsy patients who have found no relief from other\r\ntreatments.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/claytonfilpo/16967143769/in/photolist-rRk3Hx-rRk1yx-rRjSrk-rbYsHR-s8CE5Y-rRbtrC-rRjDJg-rRbrAo-kn4moA-kn4kss-kn1RJg-kn28hv-kn2RmP-kn2QeD-kn2JuH-5Rf5Zz-rRjwtV-rRcwQS-rRjsYD-s8LCpa-kn3218-kn2X2r-kn4rD5-adUKfH-iPNUa-ae1dgw-adXkAD-ae18pY-ae17c5-adXfYT-ae143f-adXbap-adXa3i-adX81K-adX6ck-adX4Bt-adZRSh-adX1Tp-adWZuF-adWYdk-adWX8a-adZJKs-adZGAJ-adZErd-adWPec-adZANN-adZyoE-adZwcq-adWEUt-adZsYq)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQFA//EABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAv/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAAB0aUll0hmb//EABkQAQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAxMABP/aAAgBAQABBQKbkEfWJ7WyesWYoOjaVC//xAAXEQEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREh/9oACAEDAQE/Abhj/8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEh/9oACAECAQE/AY1//8QAGxAAAgMAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECESESQWH/2gAIAQEABj8CSjG/TVRcZQobXRpwi8P/xAAcEAEAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABACERMUFRYXH/2gAIAQEAAT8hHsd5c/JtDpcV2nVMxgqoEZxBgtxPaJc//9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABDvz//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEQMf/aAAgBAwEBPxATY//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEQIf/aAAgBAgEBPxBZgx//xAAdEAEAAgEFAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABABEhMUFRYYFx/9oACAEBAAE/EFpYElvlxLevc2Djvh6j1Vru2PtwaoMA3THkLxK6huMbpKOrM//Z","aspectRatio":1.4285714285714286,"src":"/static/0632e0cd546e1c75f9f6c36e09859bdc/14b42/40c21229c372df3a30f04426ed56d6c3.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0632e0cd546e1c75f9f6c36e09859bdc/f836f/40c21229c372df3a30f04426ed56d6c3.jpg 200w,\n/static/0632e0cd546e1c75f9f6c36e09859bdc/2244e/40c21229c372df3a30f04426ed56d6c3.jpg 400w,\n/static/0632e0cd546e1c75f9f6c36e09859bdc/14b42/40c21229c372df3a30f04426ed56d6c3.jpg 800w,\n/static/0632e0cd546e1c75f9f6c36e09859bdc/47498/40c21229c372df3a30f04426ed56d6c3.jpg 1200w,\n/static/0632e0cd546e1c75f9f6c36e09859bdc/a62a2/40c21229c372df3a30f04426ed56d6c3.jpg 1465w","srcWebp":"/static/0632e0cd546e1c75f9f6c36e09859bdc/58556/40c21229c372df3a30f04426ed56d6c3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0632e0cd546e1c75f9f6c36e09859bdc/61e93/40c21229c372df3a30f04426ed56d6c3.webp 200w,\n/static/0632e0cd546e1c75f9f6c36e09859bdc/1f5c5/40c21229c372df3a30f04426ed56d6c3.webp 400w,\n/static/0632e0cd546e1c75f9f6c36e09859bdc/58556/40c21229c372df3a30f04426ed56d6c3.webp 800w,\n/static/0632e0cd546e1c75f9f6c36e09859bdc/99238/40c21229c372df3a30f04426ed56d6c3.webp 1200w,\n/static/0632e0cd546e1c75f9f6c36e09859bdc/572b2/40c21229c372df3a30f04426ed56d6c3.webp 1465w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1925-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana Preserves Vision and Reduces Glaucoma Pain","slug":"medical-marijuana-preserves-vision-and-reduces-glaucoma-pain","content":"Glaucoma is a common disorder of the eye that affects three million\r\nAmericans and is 40 percent more likely to occur in patients with\r\ndiabetes than in the general population. Caused by increased pressure\r\nwithin the eye, glaucoma can lead to blindness if not appropriately\r\ntreated. Different preparations of medical marijuana can relieve pain\r\nfor glaucoma sufferers and alleviate intra-ocular pressure, or pressure\r\nthat results inside of the eye. While not a cure, medical marijuana\r\nusage can result in preservation of vision and reduced pain.\r\n\r\nMedical Marijuana and Glaucoma\r\n------------------------------\r\n\r\nMore is known about the beneficial link between medical marijuana and\r\nglaucoma than any other illness where patients can realize beneficial\r\nimprovements due to cannabis. In fact, glaucoma is often at the top of\r\nthe list of ailments when states introduce bills to legalize the use of\r\nmedical cannabis. Some of the earliest clinical studies involving\r\nmedical marijuana were focused on its impact on glaucoma.\r\n\r\nEarly Glaucoma Findings\r\n-----------------------\r\n\r\nAs early as 1979, [studies\r\nshowed](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/468444) that inhaled cannabis\r\ncould lead to both decreased blood pressure and decreased intra-ocular\r\npressure. Unfortunately, this lowering of pressure only lasted as long\r\nas the cannabis properties were retained in the body. That could mean\r\nthat a glaucoma patient would have to smoke medical marijuana every few\r\nhours to continue reaping benefits.\r\n\r\nRecent Progress\r\n---------------\r\n\r\nTo realize the benefits of cannabis without the hassle of a\r\nnear-constant smoking regimen, [further\r\nstudies](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1772142/) were\r\nconducted to determine how effective other forms of medical marijuana\r\ncould be to patients with glaucoma. While inhaled and orally ingested\r\ncannabis haven't proven to be the perfect treatment for the unique needs\r\nof glaucoma patients, other avenues are being explored.\r\n\r\nOne of those avenues is topical marijuana use. Cannabis eye drops have\r\n[been shown](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11168547) to have far\r\nmore potential to reduce intra-ocular pressure without undesired side\r\neffects. The development of workable eye drops hasn't been without\r\ndifficulty, however, due to the reaction between natural eye moisture\r\nand the composition of drops.\r\n\r\nWith years of experimentation and study, better preparations have been\r\ndiscovered that promise relief to glaucoma sufferers. As topical\r\nproducts are being design, patients with glaucoma can still experience\r\nthe benefits of less eye pressure, reduced pain and preserved eyesight\r\nwith medical marijuana.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/demietrich/9243814710/in/photolist-f5QY4G-3R6Rwq-dDWngS-t5YoP-bkaKCY-gcEWC-5oKYzd-6YVM9J-wvrtd-58GyeX-4xSr-4xSd-4xS9-3dJg2k-4zGNVa-jcpCf-6ajZCY-6LMNXm-dS45ba-7DvGLS-7E1inS-w3UYra-6afnBQ-6UJwmo-5bbstC-89B1gk-a7GmXV-7tRXa-8VJPh5-7KjdS-bKxi7Z-7mZXDh-akoVWv-61x2VF-2L9DEg-92wp85-89UHyy-7DrXgc-rqEzjr-8fPKrA-pR7dSL-5iNMvf-4JbXvK-839y4t-okrUf-a92riw-4iELjh-khFk8-ceWrfs-6hnnyf)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":2.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/6594835649ef307840599957e6ef483b/14b42/0c4c3f8b5541f598bfd9d92305784d56.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6594835649ef307840599957e6ef483b/f836f/0c4c3f8b5541f598bfd9d92305784d56.jpg 200w,\n/static/6594835649ef307840599957e6ef483b/2244e/0c4c3f8b5541f598bfd9d92305784d56.jpg 400w,\n/static/6594835649ef307840599957e6ef483b/14b42/0c4c3f8b5541f598bfd9d92305784d56.jpg 800w,\n/static/6594835649ef307840599957e6ef483b/47498/0c4c3f8b5541f598bfd9d92305784d56.jpg 1200w,\n/static/6594835649ef307840599957e6ef483b/0e329/0c4c3f8b5541f598bfd9d92305784d56.jpg 1600w,\n/static/6594835649ef307840599957e6ef483b/fe118/0c4c3f8b5541f598bfd9d92305784d56.jpg 1980w","srcWebp":"/static/6594835649ef307840599957e6ef483b/58556/0c4c3f8b5541f598bfd9d92305784d56.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6594835649ef307840599957e6ef483b/61e93/0c4c3f8b5541f598bfd9d92305784d56.webp 200w,\n/static/6594835649ef307840599957e6ef483b/1f5c5/0c4c3f8b5541f598bfd9d92305784d56.webp 400w,\n/static/6594835649ef307840599957e6ef483b/58556/0c4c3f8b5541f598bfd9d92305784d56.webp 800w,\n/static/6594835649ef307840599957e6ef483b/99238/0c4c3f8b5541f598bfd9d92305784d56.webp 1200w,\n/static/6594835649ef307840599957e6ef483b/7c22d/0c4c3f8b5541f598bfd9d92305784d56.webp 1600w,\n/static/6594835649ef307840599957e6ef483b/b8e90/0c4c3f8b5541f598bfd9d92305784d56.webp 1980w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1927-markdown","title":"Asthma Patients May Breathe Easier with Cannabis","slug":"asthma-patients-may-breathe-easier-with-cannabis","content":"People with asthma may now be able to breathe a little easier. Research\r\nshows that medical marijuana can potentially provide relief from asthma\r\nattacks.\r\n\r\nWhat Is Asthma?\r\n---------------\r\n\r\nAsthma is a chronic lung disorder in which the airways are inflamed and\r\ncompressed. During an acute episode--called an asthma attack--the\r\nairways become narrowed or blocked, making it difficult to breathe.\r\nSymptoms of asthma include:\r\n\r\n-   Coughing\r\n-   Wheezing\r\n-   Tight feeling in the chest\r\n-   Shortness of breathe\r\n\r\nAccording to the [World Health\r\nOrganization](http://www.who.int/features/qa/46/en/), 235 million people\r\nacross the globe have asthma, and asthma causes about 250,000 deaths\r\neach year. The [National Heart, Lung and Blood\r\nInstitute](http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/asthma)\r\nestimates that 25 million Americans have asthma.\r\n\r\nAlthough the cause of asthma is unknown, it can be triggered by a number\r\nof factors, including:\r\n\r\n-   Allergens (pollen, dust mites and dander)\r\n-   Irritants (tobacco smoke)\r\n-   Medications (for example, aspirin)\r\n-   Chemicals\r\n-   Viral respiratory infections\r\n-   Exercise\r\n\r\nTreatment involves avoiding triggers, modifying exercise and taking\r\nmedication, such as inhaled bronchodilators, to open airways. In severe\r\ncases, hospitalization may be required.\r\n\r\nCannabis and Asthma\r\n-------------------\r\n\r\nThe cannabinoid system in the human body helps regulate many functions,\r\nincluding respiration.\r\n[Scientists](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11081515) have shown\r\nthat anandamide, which is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the body,\r\nhelps maintain airway function. It can relieve coughing and\r\nbronchospasms (tightening of the airways) caused by inhaled irritants.\r\n\r\nTetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the cannabinoids found in\r\nmarijuana. It has strong\r\n[anti-inflammatory](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/?tool=pubmed)\r\nproperties and is similar to anandamide. Recent\r\n[research](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12597/full)\r\nhas found that THC causes bronchodilation, a widening and opening of the\r\nbronchioles or tubes, in lung tissue in the laboratory.\r\n\r\nSmoke and Asthma\r\n----------------\r\n\r\nOne of the triggers for asthma is tobacco smoke, so it seems probable\r\nthat marijuana smoke could cause problems in patients with asthma.\r\nMarijuana contains more than 400 compounds, including THC. Some of these\r\n[compounds](http://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/tx700275p) are\r\nnaturally occurring toxins and some are toxins, such as ammonia, that\r\nare introduced through fertilization of the growing marijuana plant.\r\nThus, a safer delivery method is needed. Two options are vaporization\r\nand aerosolization.\r\n\r\nVaporization involves heating cannabis to a temperature that promotes\r\nevaporation and prevents combustion. This method avoids toxin release\r\nwhile delivering the same amount of\r\n[THC](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/sj.clpt.6100200/abstract).\r\n[Research](http://www.ijdp.org/article/S0955-39591000069-1/abstract)\r\ninto vaporization shows that it can improve lung function in long-term\r\nrecreational marijuana smokers.\r\n\r\nAn aerosolized medication is one where the active ingredient is\r\nconverted into tiny particles suspended in liquid. Asthma inhalers are\r\naerosolized versions of bronchodilator medication. A recent study found\r\nthat [aerosolized THC](http://thorax.bmj.com/content/31/6/720.abstract)\r\nhas improved breathing in patients with asthma and did so more rapidly\r\nthan albuterol, a traditional bronchodilator medication.\r\n\r\nWhile evidence is preliminary and clinical studies are needed to further\r\ndefine the effect of cannabis on asthma, the story is compelling.\r\nMedical marijuana may have an important role in helping people cope with\r\nasthma.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/36384421@N08/3695007406)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/24042ee182d6041c5f87a182875d6834/14b42/c7debd69a253399caaf3b023cfbf2646.jpg","srcSet":"/static/24042ee182d6041c5f87a182875d6834/f836f/c7debd69a253399caaf3b023cfbf2646.jpg 200w,\n/static/24042ee182d6041c5f87a182875d6834/2244e/c7debd69a253399caaf3b023cfbf2646.jpg 400w,\n/static/24042ee182d6041c5f87a182875d6834/14b42/c7debd69a253399caaf3b023cfbf2646.jpg 800w,\n/static/24042ee182d6041c5f87a182875d6834/16310/c7debd69a253399caaf3b023cfbf2646.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/24042ee182d6041c5f87a182875d6834/58556/c7debd69a253399caaf3b023cfbf2646.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/24042ee182d6041c5f87a182875d6834/61e93/c7debd69a253399caaf3b023cfbf2646.webp 200w,\n/static/24042ee182d6041c5f87a182875d6834/1f5c5/c7debd69a253399caaf3b023cfbf2646.webp 400w,\n/static/24042ee182d6041c5f87a182875d6834/58556/c7debd69a253399caaf3b023cfbf2646.webp 800w,\n/static/24042ee182d6041c5f87a182875d6834/cc834/c7debd69a253399caaf3b023cfbf2646.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1934-markdown","title":"Reducing Hypertension With Cannabis","slug":"reducing-hypertension-with-cannabis","content":"Nearly one-third of American adults have high blood pressure, or\r\nhypertension. According to the [Centers for Disease Control and\r\nPrevention,](http://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm) about 70% of\r\nthese people take medication to treat their hypertension. Medical\r\nmarijuana may be a new source of medication for people suffering from\r\nHypertension.\r\n\r\nHypertension Facts\r\n------------------\r\n\r\nHypertension means that the pressure exerted by the blood in the\r\narteries, leading away from the heart, is higher than normal. A normal\r\nblood pressure measurement is 120/80 mm Hg or lower. The first number is\r\nthe systolic pressure and refers to the pressure when the heart\r\ncontracts. The second number is the diastolic pressure and is a measure\r\nof the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes.\r\n\r\nHigh blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure that is 140 mm Hg\r\nor higher and diastolic pressure is 90 mm Hg or higher. Blood pressure\r\nthat lies between 120-139 mm Hg systolic and 80-89 mm Hg diastolic is\r\nconsidered prehypertension.\r\n\r\nThe most common type of hypertension is essential hypertension, and it\r\nis found in about [95\r\npercent](http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/101/3/329.long# T1) of all\r\npatients with hypertension. Essential hypertension means there is no\r\nidentifiable physiological cause. Risk factors for essential\r\nhypertension include:\r\n\r\n-   Sedentary lifestyle\r\n-   Smoking\r\n-   Stress\r\n-   Obesity\r\n-   Age 65 and older\r\n-   Prehypertension\r\n\r\nHypertension is often called the [silent\r\nkiller](http://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm), as it has no\r\nprominent symptoms, but increases risk of heart disease, stroke and\r\nkidney disease.\r\n\r\nEndocannabinoids and Hypertension\r\n---------------------------------\r\n\r\nThe cannabinoid system plays a role in the cardiovascular system,\r\nincluding [lowering blood\r\npressure](http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/110/14/1996.short). In a\r\n[review article](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2225528/)\r\nof numerous studies on the relationship between the endocannabinoid\r\nsystem and the cardiovascular system, the authors concluded\r\nendocannabinoids help control blood pressure in conditions that cause an\r\nextreme drop in blood pressure, such as internal bleeding, and in cases\r\nof hypertension.\r\n\r\nTreating Hypertension\r\n---------------------\r\n\r\nMany medications are available to treat hypertension. Most are\r\nsuccessful at controlling blood pressure, and all have some side\r\neffects. Medications include:\r\n\r\n-   Diuretics\r\n-   Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors\r\n-   Angiotensin II receptor blockers\r\n-   Beta blockers\r\n-   Calcium channel blockers\r\n-   Renin inhibitors\r\n\r\nAnother option is cannabis, research shows that cannabis use for\r\nhypertension can [slightly decrease blood\r\npressure](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12412837). When standing\r\nfrom a sitting position, a person taking cannabis may experience a drop\r\nin blood pressure that can result in light-headedness. People should be\r\ncareful if combining cannabis with other prescription medications taken\r\nfor hypertension.\r\n\r\nResearch also shows that stopping cannabis abruptly after long use can\r\ncause a [rebound increase in blood\r\npressure](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3045206/). The\r\nresearchers recommend tapering off, rather than suddenly withdrawing,\r\nfrom cannabis to prevent this effect.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/39582141@N06/8445322738)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIEAf/EABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAv/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABTKpMsAo3/8QAGhAAAgMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAAxESI//aAAgBAQABBQIv7XqJ2ViOGrG47gn/xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAEDAQE/AT//xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAECAQE/AT//xAAaEAACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEQExAhIh/9oACAEBAAY/Aox1cDXRDRLso//EABsQAQADAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAESFBUWHR/9oACAEBAAE/IWBmw35NulKfCAqFh3LR1tQIFadnA9FT/9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABBYz//EABURAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEQ/9oACAEDAQE/ECf/xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARAP/aAAgBAgEBPxBYb//EABsQAAMBAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERIQAxYZFx/9oACAEBAAE/EAdBa2wF4eMIwvD7d/MpXiEKsTCAoJ8ZFkqMwghAV1rf/9k=","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/26cbb4c4ea5ec8ea91f80a6ee4cd443d/14b42/5d926d7f4c5f84f6e49ead4f3bbe4fbb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/26cbb4c4ea5ec8ea91f80a6ee4cd443d/f836f/5d926d7f4c5f84f6e49ead4f3bbe4fbb.jpg 200w,\n/static/26cbb4c4ea5ec8ea91f80a6ee4cd443d/2244e/5d926d7f4c5f84f6e49ead4f3bbe4fbb.jpg 400w,\n/static/26cbb4c4ea5ec8ea91f80a6ee4cd443d/14b42/5d926d7f4c5f84f6e49ead4f3bbe4fbb.jpg 800w,\n/static/26cbb4c4ea5ec8ea91f80a6ee4cd443d/16310/5d926d7f4c5f84f6e49ead4f3bbe4fbb.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/26cbb4c4ea5ec8ea91f80a6ee4cd443d/58556/5d926d7f4c5f84f6e49ead4f3bbe4fbb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/26cbb4c4ea5ec8ea91f80a6ee4cd443d/61e93/5d926d7f4c5f84f6e49ead4f3bbe4fbb.webp 200w,\n/static/26cbb4c4ea5ec8ea91f80a6ee4cd443d/1f5c5/5d926d7f4c5f84f6e49ead4f3bbe4fbb.webp 400w,\n/static/26cbb4c4ea5ec8ea91f80a6ee4cd443d/58556/5d926d7f4c5f84f6e49ead4f3bbe4fbb.webp 800w,\n/static/26cbb4c4ea5ec8ea91f80a6ee4cd443d/cc834/5d926d7f4c5f84f6e49ead4f3bbe4fbb.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1891-markdown","title":"Bipolar Disorder: Is Marijuana a Natural Mood Stabilizer?","slug":"bipolar-disorder-is-marijuana-a-natural-mood-stabilizer","content":"People with bipolar affective disorder, sometimes called manic depression, suffer from volatile mood swings that can range from periods of euphoria to periods of deep depression. These extreme moods not only interfere with activities of daily living, but can lead to dangerous, impulsive and high-risk behavior, as well as suicidal thoughts.\r\n\r\nBipolar affective disorder is a lifelong condition that usually develops during the teen years. Current treatments, including psychotherapy, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics, leave much to be desired. But recent research on medical marijuana is providing new hope: Some studies suggest that cannabis may be a natural mood stabilizer that can help patients with bipolar affective disorder. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Treatments for Bipolar Affective Disorder\r\n\r\nAbout [5.5 million American\r\nadults](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2847357/) (2.5% of the population) have bipolar affective disorder. Of these, 82.9% are considered severe.\r\n\r\nCurrent treatments for bipolar affective disorder are aimed at\r\ncontrolling the extreme moods. However, each treatment has drawbacks:\r\n\r\n* Mood stabilizers, including [lithium](http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a681039.html), can cause nausea, dizziness, excessive thirst, diarrhea and have been linked to [birth defects](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21034180).\r\n\r\n* [Lamatrogine](http://www.drugs.com/sfx/lamotrigine-side-effects.html), an oral anti-seizure drug that is sometimes prescribed for mood disorders, can cause blurred or double vision, clumsiness and serious skin rash.\r\n\r\n* Antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy can trigger rapid mood cycling.\r\n\r\n* Antipsychotics can cause mania. \r\n\r\nMany bipolar patients self-medicate with alcohol and marijuana, and [substance abuse rates approach 60%](http://www.ukcia.org/research/CannabinoidsInBipolarAffectiveDisorder.pdf). Some studies have shown that [substance abuse can increase disease\r\nseverity](http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bernard_Carroll4/publication/11794655_Substance_abuse_in_bipolar_disorder/links/542ae0bd0cf277d58e8a0bae.pdf)\r\nand\r\n[suicide rates](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1034/j.1399-5618.2003.00017.x/abstract). Yet other studies have reported that [patients who self-medicate with marijuana report less mania and depression](http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0118916).\r\n\r\nRELATED: [DOES MARIJUANA HELP OR HURT PEOPLE WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56c615107c6109000c00011e/does-marijuana-help-or-hurt-people-with-bipolar-disorder)\r\n\r\n### Brain Chemistry & Bipolar Disorder\r\n\r\nWhile the causes of bipolar affective disorder aren’t clear, it’s thought to have a strong genetic component. It could also be related to physical changes in the brain. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) have shown that [the brains of those with bipolar affective disorder have\r\n\"decreases in the volume of the brain's prefrontal cortex](http://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2008/imaging-identifies-brain-regions-and-chemicals-underlying-mood-disorders-may-lead-to-better-treatments.shtml) and its\r\nsubcortical connections sites, including the amygdala.\"\r\n\r\nThe prefrontal cortex is involved in decision making and behavior, while the amygdala\r\nis responsible for emotions, mood and motivation. All of these functions are affected by bipolar disorder. And cannabis, which can have profound effects on brain function may have a role to play. \r\n\r\n### Cannabis May Be a Natural Mood Stabilizer for Those With Bipolar Disorder\r\n\r\nIn a literature review, researchers from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in the United Kingdom [examined the relationship between marijuana and bipolar affective disorder](http://www.ukcia.org/research/CannabinoidsInBipolarAffectiveDisorder.pdf). The authors of the study note that the effects cannabis has shown in other conditions, such as improved mood, may have applications in bipolar disorder. \r\n\r\nThey note that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary constituent of cannabis, has anti-anxiety, hypnotic and antidepressant effects that can improve mood and promote a sense of well-being. These benefits have been recorded in healthy subjects as well as those with pain conditions, multiple sclerosis and cancer. The researchers say that this property can be especially helpful during the depressive phases of bipolar disorder.\r\n\r\nThe authors also examined studies on the antipsychotic effects of cannabidiol (CBD), THC’s counterpart. In the brain, substances called neurotransmitters relay signals between brain cells—this is how your brain receives the messages to carry out life functions. Sometimes these neurotransmitters can become overactive, a phenomenon that’s linked to conditions like attention deficit disorder and anxiety disorder. \r\n\r\nIt turns out that CBD has an effect on the firing of these neurotransmitters—dampening their signals to the brain when they become overactive. Researchers think that this property can have mood stabilizing actions that have applications in bipolar disorder. \r\n\r\nOverall, the authors concluded that both THC and CBD from medical marijuana have similar properties to standard medications being used to treat bipolar affective disorder. Based on this finding, the researchers feel that patients with bipolar affective disorder could benefit from medical marijuana. Their findings also suggest that a placebo-controlled trial involving cannabinoids like THC and CBD should be undertaken to further explore the plant’s benefits. \r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5384615384615385,"src":"/static/65fbdc79e58a34b2b05361e697a8bbff/14b42/cca5c7e834c639fc414d54c4ecb85df6.jpg","srcSet":"/static/65fbdc79e58a34b2b05361e697a8bbff/f836f/cca5c7e834c639fc414d54c4ecb85df6.jpg 200w,\n/static/65fbdc79e58a34b2b05361e697a8bbff/2244e/cca5c7e834c639fc414d54c4ecb85df6.jpg 400w,\n/static/65fbdc79e58a34b2b05361e697a8bbff/14b42/cca5c7e834c639fc414d54c4ecb85df6.jpg 800w,\n/static/65fbdc79e58a34b2b05361e697a8bbff/47498/cca5c7e834c639fc414d54c4ecb85df6.jpg 1200w,\n/static/65fbdc79e58a34b2b05361e697a8bbff/1bc61/cca5c7e834c639fc414d54c4ecb85df6.jpg 1572w","srcWebp":"/static/65fbdc79e58a34b2b05361e697a8bbff/58556/cca5c7e834c639fc414d54c4ecb85df6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/65fbdc79e58a34b2b05361e697a8bbff/61e93/cca5c7e834c639fc414d54c4ecb85df6.webp 200w,\n/static/65fbdc79e58a34b2b05361e697a8bbff/1f5c5/cca5c7e834c639fc414d54c4ecb85df6.webp 400w,\n/static/65fbdc79e58a34b2b05361e697a8bbff/58556/cca5c7e834c639fc414d54c4ecb85df6.webp 800w,\n/static/65fbdc79e58a34b2b05361e697a8bbff/99238/cca5c7e834c639fc414d54c4ecb85df6.webp 1200w,\n/static/65fbdc79e58a34b2b05361e697a8bbff/7cb9a/cca5c7e834c639fc414d54c4ecb85df6.webp 1572w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1879-markdown","title":"Can Medical Marijuana Fight Lupus Symptoms?","slug":"can-medical-marijuana-fight-lupus-symptoms","content":"It is estimated that almost [1,500,000\r\npeople](http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/lupus.htm) may suffer from\r\nthe immune system disorder known as lupus. When afflicted with this\r\ndisorder, the immune system becomes over-active and begins to attack\r\ntissue throughout the body, confusing it with bacteria and other foreign\r\ninvaders. The result is inflammation, pain, and damage to otherwise\r\nhealthy organs and tissue. As more and more cases surface, finding safe\r\nand effective ways to treat this chronic illness is a top priority. One\r\npromising tool may be medical marijuana.\r\n\r\nThe Facts About Lupus\r\n---------------------\r\n\r\nThe most common type of lupus is SLE, or systemic lupus erythematosus. A\r\n2005 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\r\nfound a prevalence of 161,000 individuals with diagnosable SLE and\r\nanother 322,000 with probable SLE. Cutaneous lupus is another common\r\nform of this illness. Its symptoms include swollen glands and a scaly\r\nred rash on the cheeks and bridge of the nose.\r\n\r\nIt is unclear why some people develop this condition, but there appears\r\nto be both a genetic and environmental component. Lupus tends to run in\r\nfamilies but is triggered by something in the environment, such as:\r\n\r\n-   Sunlight\r\n-   Infection\r\n-   Medicine - There are over 400 medications known to trigger lupus\r\n\r\nIt is more common in young women between the [ages of 15 and\r\n40](http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/basics/risk-factors/con-20019676).\r\nPeople with lupus suffer flare ups of the disease throughout their life\r\nand can go into remission for long periods.\r\n\r\nThe symptoms of lupus include:\r\n\r\n-   Body aches\r\n-   Focused pain in the hands and wrists\r\n-   Skin rashes that often have a characteristic butterfly shape\r\n-   Swelling\r\n-   Nausea\r\n-   Depression\r\n\r\nHow Medical Marijuana May Help Calm Lupus\r\n-----------------------------------------\r\n\r\nThe treatment plan for lupus may include medical grade cannabis along\r\nwith nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. A 2014\r\nstudy published in the [Journal of Biological\r\nChemistry](http://www.jbc.org/content/early/2014/05/19/jbc.M113.545210)\r\nfound that medical marijuana has an immuno-modulatory effect. In other\r\nwords, it can help manage the inappropriate immune system responses seen\r\nin lupus and other immune system disorders.\r\n\r\nThe study looked at the effect of THC, a component in cannabis, on\r\nregulating immune system responses. The immune system has a localized\r\ncannabinoid receptor type 2, or CBD2, that endocannabinoids in medical\r\nmarijuana influence. They increase the level of the anti-inflammatory\r\nprotein interleukin-10 while decreasing a protein responsible for\r\ninflammation called interleukin-2. The combination of these two\r\nresponses to cannabis may help ease the pain lupus suffers know all too\r\nwell.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/craigcloutier/3509928267/in/photolist-6maioB-6me7Rs-6metiu-6me6cW-6mem7A-6meeMu-6me9SN-6m9MfR-6maaMH-6mdYmN-6m9KZ4-6ma2Hz-6me8wh-6mdUbQ-6mdT4o-6m9HpV-6medWG-6maj1F-6magE2-dX7y8e-am4mSD-6KJ5dP-am4uwc-6KJ5dK-am4fnc-a1Mzcn-am7Cab-am7bwb-am4eFT-am7jcu-am7bf3-2BHtBv-4XJsz3-6KJ5dH-6ZqZ9f-am4kh4-am4jog-am4vHr-am7ax3-am751C-am75DG-am4hhk-am4SP8-am4RxM-am4kzV-am4gjp-h6UZT8-h6Wpgr-6mak5B-6mehLQ)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/2024e7825e75e150c7547d35b9515f04/14b42/afb68bbebe04bd247fc6d69d57f3c465.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2024e7825e75e150c7547d35b9515f04/f836f/afb68bbebe04bd247fc6d69d57f3c465.jpg 200w,\n/static/2024e7825e75e150c7547d35b9515f04/2244e/afb68bbebe04bd247fc6d69d57f3c465.jpg 400w,\n/static/2024e7825e75e150c7547d35b9515f04/14b42/afb68bbebe04bd247fc6d69d57f3c465.jpg 800w,\n/static/2024e7825e75e150c7547d35b9515f04/47498/afb68bbebe04bd247fc6d69d57f3c465.jpg 1200w,\n/static/2024e7825e75e150c7547d35b9515f04/e962a/afb68bbebe04bd247fc6d69d57f3c465.jpg 1530w","srcWebp":"/static/2024e7825e75e150c7547d35b9515f04/58556/afb68bbebe04bd247fc6d69d57f3c465.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2024e7825e75e150c7547d35b9515f04/61e93/afb68bbebe04bd247fc6d69d57f3c465.webp 200w,\n/static/2024e7825e75e150c7547d35b9515f04/1f5c5/afb68bbebe04bd247fc6d69d57f3c465.webp 400w,\n/static/2024e7825e75e150c7547d35b9515f04/58556/afb68bbebe04bd247fc6d69d57f3c465.webp 800w,\n/static/2024e7825e75e150c7547d35b9515f04/99238/afb68bbebe04bd247fc6d69d57f3c465.webp 1200w,\n/static/2024e7825e75e150c7547d35b9515f04/09af0/afb68bbebe04bd247fc6d69d57f3c465.webp 1530w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":84,"numPages":10,"currentPage":8,"id":5327,"name":"Health Conditions","slug":"health-conditions","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}