{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/health-conditions/9","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_1866-markdown","title":"Long Awaited Relief for Diabetes Patients","slug":"long-awaited-relief-for-diabetes-patients","content":"Diabetes is one of the biggest health issues we face today. What was\r\nonce an uncommon disease has become a veritable epidemic. One in ten\r\npeople--almost 30 million altogether--are currently diagnosed with\r\ndiabetes. Two out of three people who suffer from diabetes will die,\r\neither from the condition itself or from complications, such as kidney\r\nfailure, associated with it. Diabetes is a condition in which the body\r\ncannot properly regulate the amount of glucose in the blood. There are\r\ntwo types of diabetes: Type 1, commonly called juvenile diabetes; and\r\nType 2, or adult-onset diabetes.\r\n\r\n\r\nType 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes\r\n---------------------------\r\n\r\nType 1 is a genetic disorder in which the pancreas is unable to produce\r\nenough of the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar. Type 1\r\npatients must have daily insulin injections to supplement what their\r\nbodies make. In Type 2, the body produces enough insulin but is unable\r\nto process it properly. This is the most common form of diabetes, and is\r\na chronic disease requiring ongoing medical care. Diabetes is often\r\ncomplicated by other chronic health conditions such as high blood\r\npressure. There is no cure for either type of diabetes. Type 1 patients\r\nmust take insulin for life, and while lifestyle changes may have some\r\nimpact on Type 2 cases, though most patients remain on medication for\r\nlife as well. \r\n\r\nResearch into Cannabis Use\r\n---------------------------\r\n\r\nAlthough diabetes has been the subject of intense research, progress in\r\ntreatment has been slow. Recent studies, however, show that medical\r\nmarijuana holds promise as a primary treatment or adjunct to treatment\r\nfor both types of diabetes. One study, entitled *The Impact of Marijuana\r\nUse on Glucose, Insulin, and Insulin Resistance among US Adults* and\r\npublished in *The American Journal of Medicine* found that medical\r\ncannabis users had a more productive carbohydrate metabolism than\r\nnon-users; their fasting insulin levels were lower and they exhibited\r\nless insulin-resistance than non-users. In fact, their fasting insulin\r\nlevels were actually 16 percent lower than those who had stopped using\r\nmedical marijuana, or who had never used it at all, and they were more\r\nable to utilize the insulin their bodies produced.\r\n\r\nFor Type 2 patients, medical marijuana may help maintain normal blood\r\nsugar levels and control the advance of the disease. However, there are\r\nalso implications for Type 1 patients, as lower fasting levels may\r\ndecrease the amount and volume of insulin needed. For those whose\r\ndiabetes is complicated by high blood pressure, it may be even more\r\nhelpful. While it initially increases heart rate in new users, after a\r\nsmall adjustment period medical marijuana has been found to result in\r\nlowered blood pressure long-term.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/31169339@N07/3534215167)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/7821208495809d8f1d6ba36b8e805bb6/14b42/178f4b81df9e3c37cf959906ca47805c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7821208495809d8f1d6ba36b8e805bb6/f836f/178f4b81df9e3c37cf959906ca47805c.jpg 200w,\n/static/7821208495809d8f1d6ba36b8e805bb6/2244e/178f4b81df9e3c37cf959906ca47805c.jpg 400w,\n/static/7821208495809d8f1d6ba36b8e805bb6/14b42/178f4b81df9e3c37cf959906ca47805c.jpg 800w,\n/static/7821208495809d8f1d6ba36b8e805bb6/16310/178f4b81df9e3c37cf959906ca47805c.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/7821208495809d8f1d6ba36b8e805bb6/58556/178f4b81df9e3c37cf959906ca47805c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7821208495809d8f1d6ba36b8e805bb6/61e93/178f4b81df9e3c37cf959906ca47805c.webp 200w,\n/static/7821208495809d8f1d6ba36b8e805bb6/1f5c5/178f4b81df9e3c37cf959906ca47805c.webp 400w,\n/static/7821208495809d8f1d6ba36b8e805bb6/58556/178f4b81df9e3c37cf959906ca47805c.webp 800w,\n/static/7821208495809d8f1d6ba36b8e805bb6/cc834/178f4b81df9e3c37cf959906ca47805c.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1896-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana: Providing Spasticity Relief","slug":"medical-marijuana-providing-spasticity-relief","content":"People with certain neurological disorders or trauma often suffer from\r\nspasticity, which causes painful muscle spasms. Medical marijuana has\r\nbeen shown to help alleviate symptoms in patients with this debilitating\r\ncondition.\r\n\r\nWhat is Spasticity?\r\n-------------------\r\n\r\nSpasticity is a complication of many neurological illnesses, including\r\nmultiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke and neurological trauma like\r\nspinal cord injuries. The [American Association of Neurological Surgeons\r\n(AANS)](http://www.aans.org/Patient%20Information/Conditions%20and%20Treatments/Spasticity.aspx)\r\nsays spasticity is caused by damage to the portion of the brain or\r\nspinal cord that's in charge of voluntary movement, leading to painful\r\nsymptoms, including:\r\n\r\n-   Involuntary muscle spasms and movements\r\n-   Increased muscle tone\r\n-   Hyperactive reflexes\r\n-   Stiff or tight muscles\r\n-   Inhibited movement and speech\r\n\r\nThe\r\n[AANS](http://www.aans.org/Patient%20Information/Conditions%20and%20Treatments/Spasticity.aspx)\r\nestimates that 12 million people worldwide suffer from spasticity. For\r\nmany, the symptoms may be mild and may not require treatment. Severe\r\nspasticity, however, can lead to muscle fatigue, uncontrollable muscle\r\nmovements, pain, and joint and bone deformities. Traditional treatment\r\nfor severe spasticity involves:\r\n\r\n-   Oral medications with muscle relaxants such as baclofen\r\n-   Local injections of botulinum toxin (botulism)\r\n-   Physical therapy\r\n-   Surgery, including baclofen pumps and severing of nerve roots\r\n\r\nMany of the traditional treatment methods have side effects. Baclofen,\r\nfor example, has been associated with drowsiness, nausea and vomiting,\r\ndizziness, depression, and muscle weakness. Botulinum has been linked to\r\nmuscle weakness, headache, injection-site infection, and dizziness.\r\n\r\nSpasticity and Cannabis\r\n-----------------------\r\n\r\nWhen medical marijuana was introduced to Victorian England in the 1840s,\r\nit was recommended for a variety of illnesses and conditions, including\r\n[muscle\r\nspasms](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000026).\r\nResearch in the 21st century on cannabis and spasticity are now\r\nproviding support for this historical use, especially in relation to the\r\nendocannabinoid system.\r\n\r\nSpasticity and the Endocannabinoid System\r\n-----------------------------------------\r\n\r\nThe endocannabinoid system is a critical part of the nervous system. It\r\nhelps maintain balance between the synapses; the structures involved in\r\ncommunication between nerves and other tissue, such as muscle. Damage\r\nfrom injury or disease, like lesions from multiple sclerosis, can\r\ninterrupt this balance, causing spasticity.\r\n\r\n[Research](http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.327.9531&rep=rep1&type=pdf)\r\non tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of the cannabinoids found in medical\r\nmarijuana, shows that THC improves spasticity in persons with multiple\r\nsclerosis. THC is taken up by the endocannabinoid system, blocking the\r\ninflammatory action of the lesions and improving communication between\r\nnerves and muscles. Furthermore, by reducing the inflammation, cannabis\r\nnot only controls pain but may protect against further degeneration of\r\nthe nerves, thus [slowing disease\r\nprogression](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18781983).\r\n\r\nThe Future of Spasticity Treatment\r\n----------------------------------\r\n\r\nA [review\r\nstudy](https://www.wsma.org/doc_library/LegalResourceCenter/MedicalCannabis/Med%20Mar%20-%20Pharmacologic%20and%20Clinical%20Effects.pdf)\r\nby researchers from the University of Colorado looked at a dozen studies\r\non the effects of cannabis on spasticity. The overall results support\r\nthe use of cannabis as spasticity treatment, It appears that medical\r\nmarijuana may be just what is needed to relieve the severe, debilitating\r\neffects of spasticity.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/navalsurfaceforces/14496295784/in/photolist-o5ZiGd-o5ZUh3-qkGYqz-poHKMW-q4i9b2-q49DbA-q49Dem-9r5Zc6-mH1pQ-mHaCu-eEZMgX-mGDZA-mHaFv-mHaE5-4NSECP-mGJ7y-eEZM4K-eEZNNr-8WiF9F-8WmKM7-mGFrr-mGKtE-mGLaZ-mGGGv-mGKaX-mGYcr-mGJXr-mGYpG-mGDwq-mGD3W-cM7YRj-8GHvbE-tQoSJg-mGKTa-mGH8b-mGGdr-mGED3-mGEZY-mGHD7-mGFPU-mGYJK-mGJAo-4NSDJK-pAdSaP-dZM25Z-ioUBs-c9ZLCw-eF6UgN-eEZNAK-eF6U2G)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4388489208633093,"src":"/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/14b42/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/f836f/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.jpg 200w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/2244e/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.jpg 400w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/14b42/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.jpg 800w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/47498/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/57f5e/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.jpg 1477w","srcWebp":"/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/58556/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/61e93/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.webp 200w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/1f5c5/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.webp 400w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/58556/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.webp 800w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/99238/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.webp 1200w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/b3034/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.webp 1477w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1885-markdown","title":"Fighting ADD/ADHD with Medical Marijuana","slug":"fighting-addadhd-with-medical-marijuana","content":"The rate at which Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is\r\nbeing diagnosed has skyrocketed over the last 25 years. ADHD is a\r\ncondition characterized by hyperactivity, distractibility, and poor\r\nimpulse control. Children with ADHD may be fidgety and unable to sit\r\nstill, have difficulty concentrating, and may speak or act out at\r\ninappropriate times. Sufferers often have high levels of anxiety and\r\ndepression.\r\n\r\nThe Prevalence and Symptoms of ADHD and ADD\r\n-------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nAs of 2011, the CDC reported that [more than one child out of ten\r\nbetween the ages of 4 and 17](http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html)\r\nhas been diagnosed with ADHD. This is a shocking number, and it is\r\nincreasingly concerning when we consider that the standard treatments\r\nfor ADHD use powerful stimulants that are chemically similar to\r\nmethamphetamine. [Conventional\r\ntreatment](http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2011/10/14/peds.2011-2654.full.pdf)\r\nrecommends medications such as Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse as the\r\nfirst line of treatment for children between the ages of 6 and 18.\r\n\r\nThe condition also affects adults, although they commonly fail to\r\nexhibit the hyperactive component. Adult ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder\r\nwithout hyperactivity) [most often manifests as an inability to\r\nconcentrate](http://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/adult-adhd-attention-deficit-disorder.htm).\r\nAdults with ADD are often disorganized and forgetful, prone to\r\nrisk-taking and sometimes even hyper-focused, meaning the person\r\nconcentrates with laser-like intensity on a task to the exclusion of\r\neverything else.\r\n\r\nThe Efficacy of Medical Marijuana\r\n---------------------------------\r\n\r\nAlthough not completely understood, ADHD/ADD seems to result from a\r\ndysfunction in dopamine neurotransmitter release and uptake. Dopamine\r\nreceptors interact with the endocannabinoid system in many parts of the\r\nbrain, which makes medical marijuana a possible treatment option for\r\nthose suffering from ADHD/ADD. Cannabinoid receptors are concentrated in\r\nthe amygdala and hippocampus areas of the brain. Those areas are linked\r\nstrongly with attention deficit disorders, high anxiety, depression, and\r\nphobias. These centers also have a high concentration of CB1 receptors,\r\nwhich cannabis can target to help control these symptoms.\r\n\r\nRecent research into [marijuana use by those with\r\nADHD/ADD](http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/10826084.2013.841251)\r\nsupports the theory that cannabis can be an effective treatment for\r\nADHD, although there is still a scarcity of formal studies on the topic.\r\nSublingual administration is the fastest route of administration. CBD products, with extremely low levels of THC (the physco-active component in medical marijuana), are most suitable for young patients suffering from ADHD. CBD products, similar to those children take to ease epilepsy symptoms, can help children focus without any possible physco-active side effects.  \r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/51607907@N03/8574916468)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/45011dfe6b83cb7b8b10eeb624dd7754/14b42/f93d03e80db15e6c845043d582f8b451.jpg","srcSet":"/static/45011dfe6b83cb7b8b10eeb624dd7754/f836f/f93d03e80db15e6c845043d582f8b451.jpg 200w,\n/static/45011dfe6b83cb7b8b10eeb624dd7754/2244e/f93d03e80db15e6c845043d582f8b451.jpg 400w,\n/static/45011dfe6b83cb7b8b10eeb624dd7754/14b42/f93d03e80db15e6c845043d582f8b451.jpg 800w,\n/static/45011dfe6b83cb7b8b10eeb624dd7754/16310/f93d03e80db15e6c845043d582f8b451.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/45011dfe6b83cb7b8b10eeb624dd7754/58556/f93d03e80db15e6c845043d582f8b451.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/45011dfe6b83cb7b8b10eeb624dd7754/61e93/f93d03e80db15e6c845043d582f8b451.webp 200w,\n/static/45011dfe6b83cb7b8b10eeb624dd7754/1f5c5/f93d03e80db15e6c845043d582f8b451.webp 400w,\n/static/45011dfe6b83cb7b8b10eeb624dd7754/58556/f93d03e80db15e6c845043d582f8b451.webp 800w,\n/static/45011dfe6b83cb7b8b10eeb624dd7754/cc834/f93d03e80db15e6c845043d582f8b451.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1902-markdown","title":"Easing Muscle Spasms with Medical Marijuana","slug":"easing-muscle-spasms-with-medical-marijuana","content":"A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle. Anyone\r\nwho has suffered through a \"Charlie horse\", a sudden tight cramping of\r\nthe thigh muscle, has experienced a muscle spasm. Most people will\r\nsuffer a transitory muscle spasm or \"cramp\" on occasion throughout their\r\nlives, but others will have ongoing occurrences. Muscle spasms and\r\nspasticity are symptoms of various chronic debilitating diseases, most\r\nnotably multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, ALS (Amyotrophic\r\nLateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease), and\r\nTourette's Syndrome. Muscle spasms also occur due to spinal nerve\r\ninjuries and stroke, and they are associated with paraplegia. While\r\nconventional treatment offers small benefit with a risk of serious side\r\neffects, [medical marijuana shows\r\npromise](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224382/) as a safe and\r\neffective treatment for muscle spasms associated with these debilitating\r\nconditions.\r\n\r\nCurrent Treatment Options\r\n-------------------------\r\n\r\nConventional treatment for muscle spasms generally consists of [muscle\r\nrelaxants](https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02298868) or\r\nbarbiturates, both of which have high potential for abuse and a long\r\nlist of serious side effects. Common side effects include nausea,\r\ndizziness, fatigue, gastrointestinal disturbance, memory problems, and\r\nmuscle weakness. More dangerous side effects can include slowed\r\nheartbeat and shallow breathing, seizures, hallucinations, and sudden\r\nmuscle weakness. Serious allergic reactions are a possibility, and coma\r\nand death have been reported.\r\n\r\nCannabis for Muscle Spasms\r\n--------------------------\r\n\r\nMS patients, including high-profile personalities such as talk show host\r\nMontel Williams, have long regarded medical marijuana as an effective\r\ntreatment for symptoms. Although the mechanism of action isn't\r\nwell-understood due to the historical limitations on cannabis research,\r\nit is well-established that marijuana is effective for [relieving muscle\r\nspasms](https://www.wsma.org/doc_library/LegalResourceCenter/MedicalCannabis/Med%20Mar%20-%20Pharmacologic%20and%20Clinical%20Effects.pdf)\r\nand accompanying pain without the serious side effects associated with\r\nconventional drugs. Theory states that cannabidiol, one of the active\r\nchemical compounds in marijuana, \"turns on\" nerve receptors that affect\r\nmotor functioning. This makes it a [plausible\r\ntreatment](http://www.health.state.mn.us/topics/cannabis/practitioners/dosage.pdf)\r\nfor many conditions involving muscular spasms.\r\n\r\nCannabis-Derived Pharmaceutical Awaits Approval\r\n-----------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nBritish pharmaceutical company, GW Pharmaceuticals, has developed a\r\ncannabis-derived MS drug which has so far been approved in 15 countries,\r\nincluding Canada and Great Britain. The drug, called\r\n[Sativex](http://www.gwpharm.com/Sativex.aspx), is a sublingual spray\r\nthat contains both THC and cannabidiol in a 1:1 ratio. Although it isn't\r\ncurrently available in the United States, it has been fast-tracked by\r\nthe FDA and is awaiting approval, hopefully by 2016.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/23307937@N04/4032015831)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/14b42/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/f836f/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.jpg 200w,\n/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/2244e/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.jpg 400w,\n/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/14b42/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.jpg 800w,\n/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/16310/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/58556/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/61e93/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.webp 200w,\n/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/1f5c5/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.webp 400w,\n/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/58556/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.webp 800w,\n/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/cc834/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1876-markdown","title":"Loss of Appetite from Cancer","slug":"loss-of-appetite-from-cancer","content":"Loss of appetite is a common problem for cancer patients. Appetite loss\r\ncan lead to malnutrition, loss of muscle mass, weight loss, and\r\nweakness. Wasting--a combination of weight loss and loss of muscle--is a\r\nserious complication of cancer and cancer treatment.\r\n\r\nCauses of Loss of Appetite\r\n--------------------------\r\n\r\nThere are a multitude of reasons cancer patients may lose their\r\nappetites. Some cancers, particularly ovarian, stomach, and pancreatic\r\ncancers, effect metabolism. Cancer symptoms, such as an enlarged spleen\r\nor buildup of fluid in the abdomen, can put pressure on the stomach,\r\ncausing the patient to feel full even though they're not. Cancer\r\nmedications themselves can also cause loss of appetite. Chemotherapy can\r\nalter perceptions of taste, and it is not uncommon for cancer patients\r\nto lose their sense of taste completely, making eating a chore.\r\nChemotherapy patients commonly experience nausea and vomiting.\r\n\r\nMedical Marijuana Stimulates Appetite and May Restore Sense of Taste\r\n--------------------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nWith the growing support for medical marijuana laws, researchers have\r\nbegun exploring how and why cannabis aids cancer patients. Although the\r\nexact mechanism is still unknown, numerous studies over the past decade\r\nhave supported its effectiveness. A 2011 study published in \"The Annals\r\nof Oncology\", found that [64 percent of\r\npatients](http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110222192830.htm)\r\ntaking a THC pill--THC is one of the active compounds in medical\r\nmarijuana--reported increased appetite. Patients also reported that food\r\ntasted better while taking THC.\r\n\r\nCannabis' Long-Term Relationship With Cancer Treatment\r\n------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana has been successfully used to treat loss of appetite,\r\nand wasting, in cancer patients for over 20 years. It's so effective in\r\ncombating the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy as well\r\nthat synthetic THC, under the brand name Marinol, has been on the market\r\nsince 1985. Marinol is also approved to treat weight loss and poor\r\nappetite in AIDS patients. The American Cancer Society itself agrees\r\nthat medical marijuana [can be\r\nbeneficial](http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/chemotherapyeffects/marijuana-and-cancer),\r\nboth in alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea and stimulating appetite\r\nand promotes further research into the area.\r\n\r\nLow THC concentrations have been found to be more stimulating than\r\nhigher concentrated, more psychoactive mixtures. Oral administration may\r\nbe the most effective form of delivery for cannabis products intended to\r\nstimulate the appetite. It provides a faster means of delivery since\r\nit's rapidly absorbed through the tissues of the mouth, and edible\r\nproducts such as cannabis-infused lollipops can be the easiest means of\r\nadministration for those who have difficulty ingesting solid food.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/pahowho/9401173233/in/photolist-fjKtgF-fjKv9t-fjKv7D-fjZDus-fjKv2B-fjZDoY-fjZDm5-fjKuSD-fjZBGu-6P5Bsc-fjKuNH-fjZDdC-fjKuGP-fjKuEF-fjKuCB-fjKuAg-cCzWso-cCg5Rj-cCfMd5-cCfyaA-cCfsp7-cCfoUq-cCfdtW-fjKtPc-fjKtLt-fjKtJi-fjKtCT-fjZC73-fjZC4N-fjKtur-7dAhGT-6H298z-cCfZN7-cCfSfm-cCfBXu-cCfwjy-cCfuow-7Xutv2-6Z3phn-a4wGca-a4wGDg-cChwx5-cCgGKy-cCfUjG-cCfjC1-cCfhCU-cCfbuj-cCf7zj-ba9b6v-rUSygo)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/14b42/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/f836f/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.jpg 200w,\n/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/2244e/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.jpg 400w,\n/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/14b42/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.jpg 800w,\n/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/16310/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/58556/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/61e93/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.webp 200w,\n/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/1f5c5/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.webp 400w,\n/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/58556/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.webp 800w,\n/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/cc834/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1893-markdown","title":"Has Cachexia Met Its Match in Medical Marijuana?","slug":"has-cachexia-met-its-match-in-medical-marijuana","content":"What is Cachexia?\r\n-----------------\r\n\r\nCachexia is a condition characterized by extreme, unintentional weight\r\nloss combined with loss of muscle mass that cannot be completely\r\nexplained by lowered intake of calories. Often, increasing food intake\r\nhas no effect, and anorexia is commonly seen in conjunction with this\r\ncondition.\r\n\r\nCachexia is primarily associated with cancer and HIV/AIDS, but may also\r\nbe seen in cases of congestive heart failure, tuberculosis, COPD,\r\nrheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic diseases. It may also occur in\r\nthe elderly without any accompanying disease.\r\n\r\nFifty percent to 80 percent of cancer patients will develop cachexia,\r\nusually but not always during the final stages. Whatever the cause,\r\npatients suffering cachexia have a higher mortality rate than those\r\nwithout.\r\n\r\nSynthetic Cannabis Derivatives for Cachexia are FDA Approved\r\n------------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nBack in 1985, the FDA approved\r\n[Dronabinol](http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a607054.html),\r\na synthetic THC derivative, to help treat wasting associated with\r\nHIV/AIDS. In studies, oral intake of 5 mg twice daily did increase the\r\nappetite of patients, leading to increased weight gain. Dronabinol,\r\nunder the brand name Marinol, has since been prescribed to combat\r\nchemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients with some\r\nsuccess. However, Dronabinol is prohibitively expensive to most patients.\r\n\r\nIngested Medical Marijuana for Cachexia\r\n---------------------------------------\r\n\r\nA 2007 [study by researchers at Columbia\r\nUniversity](http://journals.lww.com/jaids/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2007&issue=08150&article=00009&type=abstract),\r\nfound that orally administered medical marijuana significantly\r\nstimulated the appetite of AIDS patients suffering from cachexia,\r\nincreasing calorie intake and promoting weight gain. A second study in\r\n2011 found that ingested THC increased appetite in cancer patients by 64\r\npercent. THC-dominant varieties of marijuana are the most successful in\r\ntreating cachexia, and research suggests that THC itself may be the\r\neffective compound. The evidence is clear that cannabis has a beneficial\r\neffect for patients suffering from cachexia.\r\n\r\nOral and sublingual preparations appear to be the most effective route\r\nfor administration. Today there are many different types of ingestible\r\ncannabis-infused products that are very effective, including lozenges and\r\neven lollipops for patients who may have difficulty with solid foods.\r\nSublingual drops or sprays are also an option. For those with no other\r\nserious health issues, vaporizing or smoking may be a possibility, but\r\nthe other side effects of smoked marijuana make edibles a more\r\nattractive option.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/perspective/7628109884/in/photolist-cC54iW-nr2pe3-ueAoWT-mXpmLh-bmaBLF-cC5CKY-cC5eEJ-cC55ZC-cC51mu-cC4NRh-cC5Bx7-cC5zXN-cC65Dq-cC5yeN-cC5wG5-cC5v7Y-cC53od-cC52iC-mXndMg-7T8sQn-67n8kC-mXnstc-dFeBaW-nKiyWp-KofQ6-sgQ2XZ-nr2vAw-h6Dp61-ffTXYb-ffTeEJ-nHugvo-78VnUD-cC5du9-mXpfrd-mXncuM-ffU5UC-ffU4fL-f7Z9QU-f7JUv2-nFtrA9-nFtqCs-rXuYAr-kUuFXt-drtDdi-e5iYKQ-rzXydS-kZDUBD-dGruMr-ftN7ov-rp46yL)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/14b42/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.jpg","srcSet":"/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/f836f/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.jpg 200w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/2244e/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.jpg 400w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/14b42/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.jpg 800w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/47498/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.jpg 1200w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/a6974/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.jpg 1536w","srcWebp":"/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/58556/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/61e93/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.webp 200w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/1f5c5/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.webp 400w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/58556/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.webp 800w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/99238/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.webp 1200w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/d5052/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.webp 1536w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1869-markdown","title":"How Medical Marijuana Alleviates Symptoms Of HIV/AIDS","slug":"how-medical-marijuana-alleviates-symptoms-of-hivaids","content":"Back in the 1980s and 1990s, when the HIV/AIDS epidemic was at its\r\npeak, patients and their loved ones were desperate to find anything to\r\nameliorate the symptoms of the disease. Wasting is a common symptom of AIDS. When medical marijuana was found to help reduce nausea and vomiting, it became an issue of patients\r\nrights far and wide.\r\n\r\nCannabis and AIDS-Related Wasting\r\n---------------------------------\r\n\r\nPatients' life expectancy improved with the advent of antiretrovirals,\r\nsuch as AZT, but some of the most common side effects of these medications are nausea and\r\nvomiting. These are often severe enough to compromise medication\r\nadherence, and contribute to further wasting. Patients found that marijuana both\r\nreduced nausea and stimulated appetite, increasing the amount of\r\ncalories they consumed and preventing excessive weight loss.\r\n\r\nIn 2007, a [study by Columbia\r\nUniversity](http://journals.lww.com/jaids/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2007&issue=08150&article=00009&type=abstract)\r\nbacked up the anecdotal evidence. Researchers found that both orally\r\nadministered and smoked cannabis significantly stimulated appetite,\r\nincreasing the caloric intake of HIV/AIDS patients. \r\n\r\nThat same year, researchers at San Francisco General Hospital and the\r\nUniversity of California's Pain Clinical Research Center found that\r\n[cannabis reduced neuropathic\r\npain](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Cannabis+in+painful+HIV-associated+sensory+neuropathy%3A+a+randomized+placebo-controlled+trial.)\r\nby some 34 percent, and that it was comparable to pharmaceuticals\r\ncurrently used to treat neuropathy. This finding was validated in a\r\n[2008\r\nstudy](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Smoked+medicinal+cannabis+for+neuropathic+pain+in+HIV%3A+a+randomized%2C+crossover+clinical+trial)\r\nfrom the University of California. \r\n\r\nOral Usage May Be Most Effective for Nausea\r\n--------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nThe nausea and vomiting associated with HIV/AIDS and the medications\r\nused to treat these symptoms are linked to the enteric nervous system,\r\nwhich controls the gastrointestinal tract. Cannabinoids act on receptors\r\nin the enteric nervous system to ameliorate symptoms. While inhaled\r\ncannabis may be more effective in combating neuropathic pain, oral\r\ndosage appears to be most effective in managing nausea, vomiting, and\r\nloss of appetite.\r\n\r\nOral administration offers a variety of possibilities. Cannabis has\r\nhistorically been added to sweets, such as candy, brownies and cookies,\r\nin an effort to appeal to those with little or no appetite. However,\r\neven lollipops can be effective for those who experience problems with\r\nsolid food. \r\n\r\nMedical marijuana can be extremely beneficial for those living with\r\nHIV/AIDS. Even low doses of THC-heavy cannabis help stimulate appetite\r\nand reduce weight loss.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/87296837@N00/9180874836)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/b6ae24e64a1eabf7d9ad81d39a6f39d5/14b42/4cf657e3dd8e5641e0f9ceac32ebc66c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b6ae24e64a1eabf7d9ad81d39a6f39d5/f836f/4cf657e3dd8e5641e0f9ceac32ebc66c.jpg 200w,\n/static/b6ae24e64a1eabf7d9ad81d39a6f39d5/2244e/4cf657e3dd8e5641e0f9ceac32ebc66c.jpg 400w,\n/static/b6ae24e64a1eabf7d9ad81d39a6f39d5/14b42/4cf657e3dd8e5641e0f9ceac32ebc66c.jpg 800w,\n/static/b6ae24e64a1eabf7d9ad81d39a6f39d5/16310/4cf657e3dd8e5641e0f9ceac32ebc66c.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/b6ae24e64a1eabf7d9ad81d39a6f39d5/58556/4cf657e3dd8e5641e0f9ceac32ebc66c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b6ae24e64a1eabf7d9ad81d39a6f39d5/61e93/4cf657e3dd8e5641e0f9ceac32ebc66c.webp 200w,\n/static/b6ae24e64a1eabf7d9ad81d39a6f39d5/1f5c5/4cf657e3dd8e5641e0f9ceac32ebc66c.webp 400w,\n/static/b6ae24e64a1eabf7d9ad81d39a6f39d5/58556/4cf657e3dd8e5641e0f9ceac32ebc66c.webp 800w,\n/static/b6ae24e64a1eabf7d9ad81d39a6f39d5/cc834/4cf657e3dd8e5641e0f9ceac32ebc66c.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1900-markdown","title":"Can Medical Marijuana Provide Relief for Muscular Dystrophy?","slug":"can-medical-marijuana-provide-relief-for-muscular-dystrophy","content":"Muscular dystrophy is a group of over 30 inherited diseases that\r\nnegatively affect normal muscle functions in the body. Generally,\r\nmuscular dystrophy leads to skeletal muscle weakness, as well as the\r\nreplacement of normal muscle cells with fibrosis and fat. This condition\r\nis mostly prevalent among young boys and may start to manifest in early\r\ninfancy. In some cases, it may not show up until late adulthood.\r\nDuchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common form of this disorder,\r\nand is characterized by general muscle degeneration and weakness.\r\n\r\nAccording to a [2007\r\nstudy](http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5840a1.htm) by the\r\nUnited States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that\r\nexamined the prevalence of Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy among\r\nmales aged 2 to 24 years, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affects 1 in\r\n3,500 male births, while Becker muscular dystrophy affects 1 in 18,518\r\nmale births. The type that most commonly affects adults is called\r\nMyotonic muscular dystrophy. Muscular degeneration is continually\r\ndegenerative and manifests differently according to the individual.\r\nWhile some people with this condition will eventually lose the ability\r\nto walk or sit, some may have trouble swallowing and even breathing.\r\n\r\nMuscular Dystrophy Management\r\n-----------------------------\r\n\r\nCurrently, there is no known cure for muscular dystrophy. All of the\r\ncurrent treatments are targeted toward the management of symptoms and\r\nthe prevention of complications. Symptoms vary according to the type of\r\nmuscular dystrophy and the level of progression. Steroids are often used\r\nto slow the progression of the condition, while physical therapy,\r\nsurgery, nutrition adjustment and the use of ventilators to help with\r\nbreathing may help in managing the condition.\r\n\r\nMedical Marijuana and Muscular Dystrophy\r\n----------------------------------------\r\n\r\nMuscular dystrophy is due to the absence of a key protein needed to\r\nmaintain the integrity and proper function of muscles. Where muscle\r\ntissue is damaged, muscle bulk will be reduced. It may also be replaced\r\nwith fat and excessive scar tissue, making the muscles appear larger\r\nthan normal. Cannabinoids in medical marijuana are effective against\r\npain, one of the most common effects of muscular dystrophy. A [1977\r\nclinical study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/903049) by the\r\nNational Institutes of Health (NIH), to find out the level of muscular\r\ndystrophy in mice after treatment with cannabinoids, showed that THC and\r\nCBD (marijuana compounds) may help alleviate the effects of muscular\r\ndystrophy.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/mbudde/2713972334/in/photolist-58PPqs-gwYHKe-bTj9cT-nTdNb8-6Uqrn6-pMBGMf-nJX1C6-5ipaaG-d7qFGA-qJQ35f-dFhLor-7AVM3Z-dQruLv-dZDGqt-eA3bNx-bfW2uT-psRuMf-9tAaP7-bbwxHg-da5kr4-fBicNi-aofsGZ-kuAkyf-nMehgQ-92XodD-3PnwbM-7gjaap-bbtaLP-a7NX8w-an2f2G-Jjo2S-ewNHQt-ajDyuc-dDtuv5-dDtu2A-9vtNF1-q4ZXGn-6BdD4Q-c8WqrN-9AEx97-6FiZAM-ugh5QP-5TVqT8-drLeip-6P1H4o-8rxgqb-7YJqM8-9RF1vi-xJbZs-2SmfSo)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/370d8d352080e8e9ad013441b648fb0d/14b42/1c4abf6a1b9842dfcc2c0e870791f74e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/370d8d352080e8e9ad013441b648fb0d/f836f/1c4abf6a1b9842dfcc2c0e870791f74e.jpg 200w,\n/static/370d8d352080e8e9ad013441b648fb0d/2244e/1c4abf6a1b9842dfcc2c0e870791f74e.jpg 400w,\n/static/370d8d352080e8e9ad013441b648fb0d/14b42/1c4abf6a1b9842dfcc2c0e870791f74e.jpg 800w,\n/static/370d8d352080e8e9ad013441b648fb0d/47498/1c4abf6a1b9842dfcc2c0e870791f74e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/370d8d352080e8e9ad013441b648fb0d/ec6c5/1c4abf6a1b9842dfcc2c0e870791f74e.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/370d8d352080e8e9ad013441b648fb0d/58556/1c4abf6a1b9842dfcc2c0e870791f74e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/370d8d352080e8e9ad013441b648fb0d/61e93/1c4abf6a1b9842dfcc2c0e870791f74e.webp 200w,\n/static/370d8d352080e8e9ad013441b648fb0d/1f5c5/1c4abf6a1b9842dfcc2c0e870791f74e.webp 400w,\n/static/370d8d352080e8e9ad013441b648fb0d/58556/1c4abf6a1b9842dfcc2c0e870791f74e.webp 800w,\n/static/370d8d352080e8e9ad013441b648fb0d/99238/1c4abf6a1b9842dfcc2c0e870791f74e.webp 1200w,\n/static/370d8d352080e8e9ad013441b648fb0d/135cd/1c4abf6a1b9842dfcc2c0e870791f74e.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1890-markdown","title":"Marijuana for the Management of Parkinson's disease","slug":"marijuana-for-the-management-of-parkinsons-disease","content":"Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder. People afflicted with Parkinson's will\r\ngradually have a tougher time performing normal tasks like walking and\r\ntalking as the disease progresses. This disorder is very common among older ages and it is related\r\nto Alzheimer's. Both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are caused by a loss of\r\nneurons in the brain. Parkinson's is specifically caused by the\r\ndestruction of dopaminergic neurons in the area of the brain responsible\r\nfor regulating movement. Dopaminergic neurons are cells within the\r\nnervous system responsible for the release of dopamine, a\r\nneurotransmitter that helps control movement and emotional responses.\r\nAccording to the [Parkinson's Disease\r\nFoundation](http://www.pdf.org/en/parkinson_statistics), approximately\r\n10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson's disease, with\r\nabout 4 percent being diagnosed before the age of 50. Men are more\r\nlikely than women to develop Parkinson's.\r\n\r\nEffects of Parkinson's\r\n----------------------\r\n\r\nPeople with Parkinson's experience a wide array of issues including poor\r\nbalance and coordination, insomnia, slowed movements, perceptible\r\ntremors in the face, jaw, hands and arms, stiff muscles, and general\r\nstiffness of the trunk, arms and leg areas. Consequently, those\r\nafflicted with this condition often develop depression and may also have\r\nproblems speaking, chewing, and swallowing. Current treatment options\r\ninclude the administration of medication, surgery, and Deep Brain\r\nSimulation (DBS), which involves the surgical implantation of electrodes\r\nin the brain. Levodopa and Carbidopa are the typical medications\r\nprescribed for managing Parkinson's. Levodopa can cause dyskinesia, an\r\nuncontrolled movement of the tongue, face, mouth, legs and arms.\r\n\r\nMarijuana for Parkinson's\r\n-------------------------\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana can help in the management of Parkinson's since the\r\nendocannabinoid system is strongly related to the release of dopamine in\r\nthe body. The cannabinoids in cannabis can help in achieving a positive\r\noutcome in the management of Parkinson's because cannabinoids work as\r\nneuro-protective agents, that guard against the destruction of neurons.\r\nA 2004 study by the [Prague Movement Disorder\r\nCenter](http://www.researchgate.net/publication/227621685_Survey_on_cannabis_use_in_Parkinson's_disease_Subjective_improvement_of_motor_symptoms),\r\nto study alternative treatment used by patients with Parkinson's,\r\nrevealed that 25 percent of 339 respondents had taken cannabis, with\r\n45.9 percent reporting an improvement in symptoms. A [2011 to 2012\r\nstudy](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24614667) by Israeli\r\nresearchers, to analyze the effect of cannabis on motor and non-motor\r\nsymptoms of Parkinson's disease in 22 patients, showed a significant\r\nimprovement in symptoms after only 30 minutes of smoking cannabis.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinylee/3329153276/in/photolist-65bMhq-89aN84-dtJKcT-75k9jE-agQFtj-8XzGVW-bUN5pd-bUN5aY-bUN4Yj-bUN4N3-bUN4BE-bUN4rd-bUN4fb-bUN42G-bUN3PJ-bUN3vw-bUN3iw-bUN38w-bUN2WC-bUN2ML-bUN2DN-bUN2vy-bUN2nm-bUN2cf-bUN23A-bUN1RE-bUN1DC-bUN1sQ-bUN1j5-bUN16o-bUcb9K-bUMZDG-bUMZn9-bUMZcA-bUMZ3m-bUMYSE-bUMYFd-bUMYtG-bUMYjq-bUMY8u-bUMXVm-bUMXLj-bUMXxU-bUMXkY-bUMX7W-bUMWXo-bUMWLW-bUMWtW-bUMWiW-bUMWc7)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.7857142857142858,"src":"/static/ea52e898b2855a6ce7aca2c406f32524/14b42/c0ee1969ace4a011c3f5d44d96b2934e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ea52e898b2855a6ce7aca2c406f32524/f836f/c0ee1969ace4a011c3f5d44d96b2934e.jpg 200w,\n/static/ea52e898b2855a6ce7aca2c406f32524/2244e/c0ee1969ace4a011c3f5d44d96b2934e.jpg 400w,\n/static/ea52e898b2855a6ce7aca2c406f32524/14b42/c0ee1969ace4a011c3f5d44d96b2934e.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/ea52e898b2855a6ce7aca2c406f32524/58556/c0ee1969ace4a011c3f5d44d96b2934e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ea52e898b2855a6ce7aca2c406f32524/61e93/c0ee1969ace4a011c3f5d44d96b2934e.webp 200w,\n/static/ea52e898b2855a6ce7aca2c406f32524/1f5c5/c0ee1969ace4a011c3f5d44d96b2934e.webp 400w,\n/static/ea52e898b2855a6ce7aca2c406f32524/58556/c0ee1969ace4a011c3f5d44d96b2934e.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1883-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana Provides Relief for HIV/AIDS Symptoms","slug":"medical-marijuana-provides-relief-for-hivaids-symptoms","content":"The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a type of virus that leads to\r\nAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV invades the cells of\r\nhuman beings, weakening the immune system and making the victim highly\r\nsusceptible to opportunistic infections. According to\r\n[statistics](http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/statistics/basics.html) from the\r\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50,000\r\npeople contract HIV each year, while there are about 35 million people\r\nliving with HIV worldwide as of 2013.\r\n\r\nCannabis as Treatment\r\n---------------------\r\n\r\nThe use of medical marijuana or cannabis by those with HIV/AIDS dates as\r\nfar back as the early 1970s, especially in the San Francisco area where\r\nHIV/AIDS was prevalent. It was put into candy, brownies and cookies to\r\nhelp stimulate the appetite of HIV patients. Cannabis was successfully\r\nused to manage the wasting syndrome associated with HIV/AIDS, which\r\ninvariably resulted in severe weight loss prior to the advent of\r\nprotease-inhibitor drugs. Protease inhibitors block the activity of the\r\nprotease enzyme used by the HIV virus to wreak havoc on the immune\r\nsystem. AIDS wasting syndrome further weakened already sick victims,\r\nleaving them even more vulnerable to the effects of opportunistic\r\ninfections.\r\n\r\nCannabis served as an alternative form of medication for this condition,\r\ndue to its ability to stimulate appetite and to help in the management\r\nof other AIDS/HIV symptoms. [Clinical\r\ntests](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9692378) on the safety of\r\ncannabis on HIV/AIDS patients include the one conducted in 1999 at the\r\nUniversity of San Francisco which demonstrated that cannabis did not\r\ninterfere with the effectiveness of protease inhibitors when inhaled,\r\nand actually helped them gain weight.\r\n\r\nHopeful Developments\r\n--------------------\r\n\r\nIn 1992, the Food and Drug Administration\r\n[approved](http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a607054.html)\r\nthe use of Dronabinol, a drug that is chiefly composed of synthetic THC,\r\none of the active compounds found in medical marijuana. A [clinical\r\ntrial](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1666930) in 1991 prior to the\r\napproval of the drug showed that more than 70% of those administered\r\nwith the drug gained weight. The only problem was that the oral method\r\nof administration was not as effective as the inhalation method, which\r\nallowed for faster absorption.\r\n\r\nA [clinical study](http://www.cmcr.ucsd.edu/images/pdfs/Abrams_2007.pdf)\r\nwas conducted between 2003 and 2005 by the University of California San\r\nDiego in the United States to determine the effect of smoked cannabis on\r\nHIV-associated pain (HIV-SN). It showed that cannabis effectively\r\nrelieved HIV-related chronic neuropathic pain. According to an\r\n[interview](http://www.truthonpot.com/2012/11/29/exclusive-interview-with-dr-donald-abrams-aids-pain-and-cannabis-expert/)\r\nwith the chief of oncology at San Francisco General Hospital, Dr. Donald\r\nAbrams, inhaled cannabis can help manage the painful neuropathy\r\nassociated with HIV/AIDS.\r\n\r\nCannabis has been shown as an effective palliative treatment for the\r\nsymptoms of HIV/AIDS in many clinical trials. It now remains to be seen\r\nwhether those clinical results will lead to a change in the law that\r\ncurrently lists marijuana as a controlled substance.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/22526649@N03/15440604649)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.7857142857142858,"src":"/static/1f94b7803dd3c9d3354e311771f8d749/14b42/67a94b1191f417691cb7435555d9504b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1f94b7803dd3c9d3354e311771f8d749/f836f/67a94b1191f417691cb7435555d9504b.jpg 200w,\n/static/1f94b7803dd3c9d3354e311771f8d749/2244e/67a94b1191f417691cb7435555d9504b.jpg 400w,\n/static/1f94b7803dd3c9d3354e311771f8d749/14b42/67a94b1191f417691cb7435555d9504b.jpg 800w,\n/static/1f94b7803dd3c9d3354e311771f8d749/16310/67a94b1191f417691cb7435555d9504b.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/1f94b7803dd3c9d3354e311771f8d749/58556/67a94b1191f417691cb7435555d9504b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1f94b7803dd3c9d3354e311771f8d749/61e93/67a94b1191f417691cb7435555d9504b.webp 200w,\n/static/1f94b7803dd3c9d3354e311771f8d749/1f5c5/67a94b1191f417691cb7435555d9504b.webp 400w,\n/static/1f94b7803dd3c9d3354e311771f8d749/58556/67a94b1191f417691cb7435555d9504b.webp 800w,\n/static/1f94b7803dd3c9d3354e311771f8d749/cc834/67a94b1191f417691cb7435555d9504b.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1863-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana: A Safe Alternative for Arthritis Inflammation","slug":"medical-marijuana-a-safe-alternative-for-arthritis-inflammation","content":"Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint space that results in\r\nstiffness and pain. About 60 million people, mostly between the ages of\r\n40 and 80, suffer from some form of arthritis. While there are a number\r\nof current treatments of arthritis, they are all associated with adverse\r\nside effects.\r\n\r\nAspirin, one of the most commonly prescribed over the counter\r\nmedications for arthritis, is thought to be the cause of up to 1,000\r\ndeaths annually. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs like\r\nIbuprofen result in about 7,500 annual deaths and as many as 70,000\r\nhospitalizations due to complications. These methods also frequently\r\ncause [gastrointestinal\r\ncomplications](http://www.medicinenet.com/nonsteroidal_anti-inflammatory_drugs_and_ulcers/page2.htm# what_are_side_effects_of_nsaids),\r\nincluding diarrhea, stomach pain, and, in up to 15% of patients, peptic\r\nulcers.\r\n\r\nFortunately, there's an alternative.\r\n\r\nResearch Suggests Medical Marijuana can Help\r\n--------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana is superior to traditional methods of easing arthritis pain for a number of\r\nreasons -- chief among them is the fact that cannabis doesn't have the\r\nhistory of deaths or side effects that aspirin or Ibuprofen do. And a\r\n[research paper](http://www.pnas.org/content/97/17/9561.full) published\r\nin the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the\r\nUnited States* found that medical marijuana is particularly effective at\r\nreducing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.\r\n\r\nIn the paper, the researchers describe the discovery that medical\r\nmarijuana \"effectively blocked progression of arthritis\" when it was\r\ngiven to mice with induced inflammatory joint pain. Medical marijuana\r\nprevented the mice from developing any further joint damage once it was\r\nadministered.\r\n\r\nThe Science Behind Medical Marijuana\r\n------------------------------------\r\n\r\nMarijuana contains a unique set of compounds called *cannabinoids*, and\r\nthe brains of humans and other mammals have receptors that these\r\ncompounds fit into like a key into a lock. When the cannabinoids attach\r\nto these receptors -- defined as CB1 and CB2 by researchers -- they\r\ntrigger a series of beneficial effects in the body, including pain\r\nrelief, appetite stimulation, and more. Chief among these effects is the\r\nreduction of immune reactions like inflammation, which is closely\r\nassociated with many of the symptoms related to arthritis. In this way,\r\nmedical marijuana can provide relief to patients suffering from\r\narthritis.\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana can offer a safe alternative to over the counter drugs\r\nfor the following conditions with no side effects and no risk of death:\r\n\r\n-   Pain\r\n-   Arthritis symptoms\r\n-   Gout\r\n-   Osteoarthritis\r\n-   Psoriatic arthritis\r\n\r\nIt can be taken in a variety of forms: smoked, ingested orally or taken\r\nvia oil tincture under the tongue.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/cogdog/4333880052/in/photolist-7AYgxS-79xHoN-qNLYuE-akpvtR-9ATC6A-9a2MrM-bfsae8-4stzX1-bLpUV2-bu9PnJ-5SvZwM-fzJyMT-7sfnES-dHKAsG-o79Q7n-79tQJZ-dMZMsF-gWTkr-79tRt6-fjE2T9-8BYxqD-fjpS4V-c6ccef-rjV3h7-7ZC1ZE-8rBPdV-5J8cm4-pzUDys-L45Bw-dM1BEG-dPAPTH-pLE1bZ-51AC3J-pZEdUH-ejFy9p-8EdGWp-4RRkZH-dJLa6v-dB3BsV-b2Ws1V-6fJbc-4RVwtW-bqe2pG-5Dbxhf-canWEU-rsAWg8-5o4YjF-64dSKb-dxCt9J-982MPW)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/14b42/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.jpg","srcSet":"/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/f836f/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.jpg 200w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/2244e/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.jpg 400w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/14b42/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.jpg 800w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/47498/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.jpg 1200w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/604fd/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.jpg 1539w","srcWebp":"/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/58556/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/61e93/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.webp 200w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/1f5c5/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.webp 400w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/58556/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.webp 800w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/99238/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.webp 1200w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/4c257/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.webp 1539w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1849-markdown","title":"Does Marijuana Ease Anxiety?","slug":"does-marijuana-ease-anxiety","content":"Many people use medical marijuana to ease anxiety and stress; for some,\r\nit works better than medications like antidepressants. In fact, records\r\nof [Indian folk\r\nmedicine](http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/CCSA-Medical-Use-of-Cannabis-2012-en.pdf)\r\nshow that cannabis has been used to relieve a variety of ailments,\r\nincluding anxiety, for thousands of years. With interest growing in\r\nmedical marijuana, more research is being done to measure whether these\r\nancient uses stand up to scientific investigation.\r\n\r\nTherapeutic Components of Cannabis\r\n----------------------------------\r\n\r\nTwo main components of cannabis are THC and cannabidiol.  They are\r\nfocus of tremendous interest and research across many fields. THC is the component most familiar\r\nto people and is responsible for marijuana's euphoric effect. The other component,\r\ncannabidiol (CBD), is thought to relax the mind and body and is the\r\ncomponent medical marijuana producers suggest should be present in\r\nhigher concentrations in the cannabis used to treat anxiety.\r\n\r\nCBD and the Brain\r\n-----------------\r\n\r\nStudies carried out at [Vanderbilt University Medical\r\nCenter](http://news.vanderbilt.edu/2014/03/discovery-sheds-new-light-on-marijuana-anxiety-relief-effects/)\r\nsuggest that \"the natural endocannabinoid system regulates anxiety by\r\ndampening excitatory signals.\" [Animal\r\nstudies](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24923339) indicate that\r\nendocannabinoids interact with type 1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in the\r\ncentral amygdala of the brain, the area that controls anxiety. Stress\r\nand trauma appear to reduce the production of endocannabinoids and the\r\nresponsiveness of the receptors, causing an increase in anxiety. Because\r\nthe cannabinoids in marijuana interact with CB1 receptors, it's thought\r\nthat marijuana's effect on anxiety is a function CBD's interaction with\r\nCB1 in the amygdala.\r\n\r\nMarijuana and Anxiety Symptoms\r\n------------------------------\r\n\r\nAnxiety disorders produce a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including\r\nmuscle pain caused by physical tension, panic, uneasiness, nausea, and\r\nsleeplessness. The calming, relaxing effect of CBD counteracts many of\r\nthese symptoms, while THC has been shown to be [effective against\r\nnausea](http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/CCSA-Medical-Use-of-Cannabis-2012-en.pdf).\r\n\r\nThe preferred delivery method when using medical marijuana to treat\r\nanxiety is smoking or vaporizing. In order to avoid the negative effects\r\nof smoking, many people use smoke-free vaporizers. These deliver the\r\ncannabinoids more efficiently than smoking and allow patients to control\r\nthe exact amount they receive.\r\n\r\nRecent attention on medical marijuana is causing many to re-evaluate its\r\nuse in treating a number of health problems, particularly those such as\r\nanxiety, where it has a history of success.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/porsche-linn/5561412422/in/photolist-9trGa5-dMzfiB-rmZagF-sqfopG-a7Kx8E-fL322Q-sexL7-5D2Ka5-ehh3kN-qGYUpT-6ttBdu-8cxspx-mDEcgp-isdZt4-53NF1V-hXUudV-rCGQp6-9qbjJz-8nw2Am-pgPnty-5c57JJ-8oP9TF-2KMeqn-jnXBzx-eju4hv-73q5oC-2k7YLg-hnYQwr-mDB9Nz-5xQkex-fPPrJt-9kbA8-paZkT2-QUUzH-tuZQA-6PKeLA-2TNmpw-aEp1St-2esJN4-9ZDUjY-Vji9T-pqrdAQ-bzAjoZ-cuz3kL-cuz2YS-5iZ9R9-nwqnF6-gyjiv8-8ZU5Y5-86PTqn)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/673717f8655ecac1f47c46136d8dfdd7/14b42/68c86fcd1dfea8d9c39915753d77034f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/673717f8655ecac1f47c46136d8dfdd7/f836f/68c86fcd1dfea8d9c39915753d77034f.jpg 200w,\n/static/673717f8655ecac1f47c46136d8dfdd7/2244e/68c86fcd1dfea8d9c39915753d77034f.jpg 400w,\n/static/673717f8655ecac1f47c46136d8dfdd7/14b42/68c86fcd1dfea8d9c39915753d77034f.jpg 800w,\n/static/673717f8655ecac1f47c46136d8dfdd7/47498/68c86fcd1dfea8d9c39915753d77034f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/673717f8655ecac1f47c46136d8dfdd7/6e9c2/68c86fcd1dfea8d9c39915753d77034f.jpg 1526w","srcWebp":"/static/673717f8655ecac1f47c46136d8dfdd7/58556/68c86fcd1dfea8d9c39915753d77034f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/673717f8655ecac1f47c46136d8dfdd7/61e93/68c86fcd1dfea8d9c39915753d77034f.webp 200w,\n/static/673717f8655ecac1f47c46136d8dfdd7/1f5c5/68c86fcd1dfea8d9c39915753d77034f.webp 400w,\n/static/673717f8655ecac1f47c46136d8dfdd7/58556/68c86fcd1dfea8d9c39915753d77034f.webp 800w,\n/static/673717f8655ecac1f47c46136d8dfdd7/99238/68c86fcd1dfea8d9c39915753d77034f.webp 1200w,\n/static/673717f8655ecac1f47c46136d8dfdd7/dfc81/68c86fcd1dfea8d9c39915753d77034f.webp 1526w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":96,"numPages":10,"currentPage":9,"id":5327,"name":"Health Conditions","slug":"health-conditions","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}