{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/loss-of-appetite/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_1967-markdown","title":"Marijuana Found to Shrink Aggressive Brain Cancer","slug":"marijuana-found-to-shrink-aggressive-brain-cancer","content":"Those who are familiar with marijuana know there are a variety\nof medical applications, from treating\n[nausea](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55b7eb226264330006320000/the-next-step-for-nausea-treatment-medical-marijuana)\nto helping to alleviate the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such\nas [Crohn's\nDisease](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/561d5de53233340006be0000/cannabis-shows-promise-in-treating-crohns-disease-and-colitis).\nToday, however, scientists are finding that medical marijuana, when used\nin conjunction with other forms of cancer treatment, is capable of\nshrinking some of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer known to\nscience. Here's what you need to know:\n\n**Cannabis as a Treatment for Glioma**\n\n[Glioma](http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-information/types-of-tumors/glioma.html)\nis a form of cancer that develops in the supportive tissue of the human\nbrain. This tissue is designed to enhance neuron function and when a\ntumor begins to grow within it, the affected person experiences nausea,\nheadaches, vision changes, altered behavior and personality changes.\nPatients affected by glioma are subject to a bleak [5 percent survival\nrate](http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/content/130/10/2596) over three\nyears.\n\nUntil now, the treatment options for glioma have been limited to surgery\nand chemotherapy in the event of high-grade tumors. Today, however, this\nmay be changing. According to a [2014\nstudy](http://mct.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2014/11/12/1535-7163.MCT-14-0402.abstract)\nconducted by oncologist Wai Lu at St. George's University of London,\ncannabinoids like THC and CBD are highly efficient at destroying glioma\ncells. During a clinical study, Lu found that CBD and THC alone were\ncapable of killing roughly half of the glioma cells present in affected\nmice. When these cannabinoids were used in conjunction with\nradiotherapy, however, the treatment caused the tumors in several of the\nmice to stop growing entirely.\n\nAdditionally, Lu found that when THC and CBD were used together to treat\ntumors, researchers could use less of each compound and still achieve\nthe same effects. This is important because THC is psychoactive and can\ncause unwanted psychoactive side effects for people receiving treatment.\nFortunately, when combined with CBD, THC can be used in smaller doses\nand patients receiving treatment can reap the medical benefits of the\ncompound without any of the \"high\" feelings traditionally associated\nwith it.\n\n**How Cannabis Works to Treat Brain Cancer**\n\nWhile the results of Lu's study are exciting, researchers are still\nworking to figure out how, exactly, THC and CBD are producing these\neffects. According to Lu, the answer may be that the cannabinoids are\npreparing neural pathways for radiotherapy. \"We think that the\ncannabinoids are hitting a number of cell signaling pathways, which\nprimes them to the effects of irradiation,\" [Lu\nsays](http://www.medicaldaily.com/cannabis-shrinks-brain-tumors-associated-highly-aggressive-form-cancer-310720).\nOnce the cells have been primed, the ability of a tumor cell to rebuild\nitself is damaged and the tumor cells die as a result. The outstanding\nthing about this treatment, however, is that while THC and CBD have been\nshown to kill glioma cells, they don't produce any negative effects in\nthe healthy cell tissue surrounding the glial cells. In fact,\ncannabinoids may even [protect these\ncells](http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq# cit/section_4.3)\nfrom damage.\n\nWhile the results of Lu's study are particularly exciting given the\naggressive and often-fatal nature of glioma, this is not the first\nevidence researchers have of cannabis being used to treat different\nforms of cancer. Cannabis contains upward of 85 different cannabinoids,\nand [previous\nstudies](http://www.nature.com/nrc/journal/v3/n10/abs/nrc1188.html) have\nshown that these cannabinoids are capable of killing various types of\ncancer cells. This research has given scientists a place to start when\nevaluating the use of CBD and THC for cancer treatment.\n\n**Marijuana and Cancer Prevention**\n\nIn addition to the recent findings that cannabinoids may be an effective\ntreatment for glioma, researchers have discovered over the years that\nmarijuana may also have powerful anti-tumor effects, which could stop\ncancer from ever forming in the first place. While the research isn't\nnew, it paved the way for further evaluations of the connection between\ncannabis and cancer. In one [1996\nstudy](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12594529?dopt=Abstract),\nresearchers found that lab mice given doses of THC over a two-year\nperiod experienced a decrease in the rate of certain cancers and benign\ntumors in areas such as the pancreas, uterus, testes and mammary tissue.\n\nMore recent research has shed some light on how cannabis produces these\neffects. According to a [2014\nstudy](http://www.jbc.org/content/early/2014/06/18/jbc.M114.561761)\npublished in the *Journal of Biological Chemistry*, THC acts on\ncannabinoid cell receptors to inhibit the interactions between them,\nthus decreasing the risk that cancer will form or interrupting cancer\nthat is already growing. Further research has shown that THC is capable\nof [decreasing the rate of lung cancer cell\ngrowth](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070417193338.htm)\nby 50 percent as well as preventing pre-existing cancer from\nmetastasizing throughout the body. Studies have also shown that cannabis\nis capable of [killing brain cancer\ncells](http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279571.php). The\nanti-cancer benefits of cannabis are extensive and clearly noted, and,\nwhen used correctly, can help providers offer powerful cancer treatment\nwithout the dangerous and uncomfortable side-effects present in other\ntreatment options.\n\n**Moving Forward: The Future of Marijuana and Glioma**\n\nLu's 2014 study was groundbreaking in the world of glioma research and,\nwhile further research is needed to put his findings into action on a\nlarge scale, it's clear that cannabis may be more powerful than\nresearchers previously thought when it comes to treating aggressive\nforms of cancer. In addition to offering relief from many of the\nsymptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatment (such as [nausea,\nvomiting, pain and decreases in\nappetite](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/561ee4573632300006190100/medical-marijuana-helps-treat-undesired-effects-of-chemotherapy)),\ncannabis also boasts an extensive list of anti-tumor and cancer-treating\nproperties. These properties present huge opportunities for treatment to\ncancer patients and their families, and have the potential to alter the\nface of cancer treatment forever.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3513513513513513,"src":"/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/ee604/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.png","srcSet":"/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/69585/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.png 200w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/497c6/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.png 400w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/ee604/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.png 800w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/f3583/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.png 1200w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/af768/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.png 1268w","srcWebp":"/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/58556/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/61e93/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.webp 200w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/1f5c5/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.webp 400w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/58556/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.webp 800w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/99238/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.webp 1200w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/3938f/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.webp 1268w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1978-markdown","title":"The Munchies Will Make you Fat, Right? Think Again. ","slug":"the-munchies-will-make-you-fat-right-think-again","content":"Most cannabis users think that there's no chance marijuana can be good\r\nfor weight loss. The herb is notorious for stimulating appetite, more commonly known as \"the munchies.\"\r\nThe times are changing, though, and new evidence is suggesting that\r\ncannabis might actually help consumers *lose* weight rather than gain\r\nit.\r\n\r\n**The Connection Between Cannabis and Weight Loss**\r\n\r\nAccording to a\r\n[study](http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/05/study-why-pot-smokers-are-skinnier/275846/)\r\nco-conducted by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, the Harvard School\r\nof Public Health and scientists studying at the University of Nebraska,\r\nregular cannabis users generally have smaller waists and a lower BMI\r\n(body mass index) than their marijuana-free counterparts. This was true\r\neven after the researchers adjusted for factors including physical\r\nactivity levels, gender, age and cigarette and tobacco use. The study\r\nparticipants who used marijuana also had higher levels of good\r\ncholesterol in their bloodstream, which has been shown to [protect\r\nagainst heart\r\ndisease](http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Good-vs-Bad-Cholesterol_UCM_305561_Article.jsp#.VsTAzZMrJE4),\r\nas well as lower levels of insulin resistance.\r\n\r\nA separate\r\n[study](https://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2011/08/24/aje.kwr200.abstract)\r\nconducted in 2011 and published in the prominent American Journal of\r\nEpidemiology indicates that, while marijuana users consume an average of\r\n600 more calories each day than their marijuana-free counterparts,\r\nobesity rates within marijuana users are actually one-third lower than\r\nthey are in the general population, which is due to the ability of\r\nmarijuana to improve good cholesterol, produce a lower BMI and regulate\r\ninsulin levels.\r\n\r\n**Cannabis and Metabolism**\r\n\r\nAnother way that cannabis helps control weight gain is by eliciting a\r\npositive influence on the metabolic system. When cannabis is ingested,\r\nthe THC contained in cannabis stimulates the body to produce a hormone\r\nknown as ghrelin. While it's quite unknown to the general public,\r\nghrelin is famous among researchers who study metabolism for its ability\r\nto [stimulate appetite](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17212793). In\r\naddition to making us hungry, however, ghrelin also helps our bodies\r\nmetabolize the food we eat more efficiently. With that in mind, it's\r\nclear that, while THC may increase our appetites, it also stimulates the\r\nmetabolism to perform as well as possible.\r\n\r\n**Cannabis and Diabetes**\r\n\r\nOne of the most important effects of cannabis, however, is its\r\naforementioned role in lowering insulin resistance levels. Insulin is\r\nthe hormone in the human body that is responsible for regulating blood\r\nsugars like glucose. While these blood sugars are pivotal for our\r\nsurvival and energy needs, too much of them can quickly become\r\ndangerous, resulting in both weight gain and an increased risk of\r\ndiabetes.\r\n\r\nFortunately, marijuana helps control blood glucose, which can actually\r\ndecrease a person's risk of diabetes. According to one [2013\r\nstudy](http://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-93431300200-3/abstract),\r\npeople who used marijuana on a regular basis had 16 percent lower\r\ninsulin levels than people who never used marijuana. These subjects also\r\nhad lower rates of insulin resistance -- 17 percent lower, to be exact.\r\n\r\nIn light of this, it's clear that in addition to helping prevent excess\r\nweight gain, marijuana may also be a powerful form of diabetes\r\nprevention.\r\n\r\n**Conclusion**\r\n\r\nWhile marijuana is often associated with weight gain, it's now clear\r\nthat cannabis can actually help people maintain a healthy weight. The\r\nplant does this by controlling insulin levels, increasing metabolism,\r\nboosting healthy cholesterol levels and triggering a set of hormonal\r\nchanges that enhance the way we process food. Because of these things,\r\npeople who consume marijuana can potentially have lower rates of\r\ndiabetes, less risk of obesity, smaller waistlines and a lower risk of\r\nheart disease than those who don't.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/clobby/351364954/in/photolist-x3Qys-9HPRTH-6AXVvB-qHdvgb-bobYhV-593cJw-6GApQs-nH8iV3-bawuB-7K6YjJ-oah4u-5NRUZj-8sWswd-6ovSmZ-7EBoBU-9HdqKP-9HdrrZ-87HJaF-8M36K9-7E2yv-2MKDP-dumGwb-5EJmVd-7Exxd6-8QPtNc-3mt6EV-HR9B9-e7ZCNB-dJgSV7-87HHSn-89PtdX-2Z8QPW-88k7Xi-9HdsbD-8bHuuK-mEAa8-6Wt6Cp-832Qmq-dumBvq-AD4vf-5sboS8-5i893-bogkMt-7ytdUo-dumHYQ-4sGYvz-4LJyAj-7nFiFS-4qDyFA-2avim)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5267175572519085,"src":"/static/83bb60c0f71f37f3d8fdce4b9e3fe5e7/ee604/2ce80841604e931df53b4e39487fbe7e.png","srcSet":"/static/83bb60c0f71f37f3d8fdce4b9e3fe5e7/69585/2ce80841604e931df53b4e39487fbe7e.png 200w,\n/static/83bb60c0f71f37f3d8fdce4b9e3fe5e7/497c6/2ce80841604e931df53b4e39487fbe7e.png 400w,\n/static/83bb60c0f71f37f3d8fdce4b9e3fe5e7/ee604/2ce80841604e931df53b4e39487fbe7e.png 800w,\n/static/83bb60c0f71f37f3d8fdce4b9e3fe5e7/4c5c8/2ce80841604e931df53b4e39487fbe7e.png 1004w","srcWebp":"/static/83bb60c0f71f37f3d8fdce4b9e3fe5e7/58556/2ce80841604e931df53b4e39487fbe7e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/83bb60c0f71f37f3d8fdce4b9e3fe5e7/61e93/2ce80841604e931df53b4e39487fbe7e.webp 200w,\n/static/83bb60c0f71f37f3d8fdce4b9e3fe5e7/1f5c5/2ce80841604e931df53b4e39487fbe7e.webp 400w,\n/static/83bb60c0f71f37f3d8fdce4b9e3fe5e7/58556/2ce80841604e931df53b4e39487fbe7e.webp 800w,\n/static/83bb60c0f71f37f3d8fdce4b9e3fe5e7/eddbc/2ce80841604e931df53b4e39487fbe7e.webp 1004w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2054-markdown","title":"3 New California Regulations Aim to Protect Cannabis Consumers ","slug":"3-new-california-regulations-aim-to-protect-cannabis-consumers","content":"This past October, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law three unique bills making up the new [California Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA)](http://www.safeaccessnow.org/the_medical_marijuana_regulation_and_safety_act). This is great news as it means new, robust regulations will be put into place to protect the California cannabis consumer. Going forward growers, distributors and product manufacturers will no longer be able to operate within gray areas of legality. The MMRSA will affect almost everyone involved in the state’s cannabis industry, forcing industry players to operate within the boundaries of new state laws and robust regulatory compliance. \r\n\r\nThe three bills focus on different aspects of the industry, but seek to create a framework for regulating everything from dispensary licensing, taxation on products to consumer safety. In regards to consumer protection, three topics are of particular interest which include accurate labeling, appropriate childproof packaging and comprehensive lab testing on products. The bills have gone so far as to detail areas such as licensing and growing, but have yet to define the specific rules and systems for labeling, packaging and lab testing. What we do know is that they will be addressed and ultimately if done well, the consumer will be much safer for it.\r\n\r\n[Dixie](http://dixieelixirs.com) has become one of the largest, most well known product manufacturers within the cannabis industry. Since its inception in 2010, it has placed emphasis on being a trusted source for both innovative and safe products, advocating on behalf of consumer safety. Starting in Colorado, a state with much stricter regulatory compliance rules, Dixie’s products already go to market with detailed labeling which includes accurate dosage information, child resistant packaging and extensive lab testing. Lindsay Topping, Dixie’s Marketing Director, took time out of her busy schedule to give Dixie’s view on the new California regulations and how they may benefit cannabis consumers. \r\n\r\n**During the past year, Dixie began servicing patients within California in addition to its production in Colorado and many other legal states. What are Dixie’s views on California’s new consumer protection regulations put forward this past October by Governor Jerry Brown?** \r\n\r\nCalifornia is a well-established market, which has been around for 20 plus years. At Dixie, we believe that a stricter regulatory environment will result in better consumer empowerment. The new California regulations, which are expected to come into effect in 2016 and beyond, will hopefully help consumers know exactly what is within a product, allow consumers to be more exact with dosages, provide child resistant packaging and demand comprehensive laboratory testing. All of these changes will work to ensure a higher quality, safer product at the end of the day.\r\n\r\nAs most people know the laws from state to state differ in regards to cannabis. From the beginning of legalization, Colorado’s regulatory oversight has focused on making sure consumers know what is in a product, and that that information is verified and that the packaging is safe.  All of this is meant to protect the consumer and to ensure that the product is safe for consumption. This is very important to us at Dixie as we always want to ensure the consumer is safe with any one of our products. Consumers should be able to trust all products that are currently on the market.\r\n\r\n\r\n**1. Accurate Dosage Information**\r\n\r\n**Why is accurate labeling and dosage information important for consumers?**\r\n\r\nDixie has worked hard within the state of Colorado to provide accurate dosage information to all consumers. Knowing correct dosages per product is currently very difficult for consumers in California’s marketplace. Dosages are very different from product to product and this makes it difficult for a patient to find what is right for them. In addition, a product manufacturer can say what a dose is, but if this is not checked by a lab, then this can really be arbitrary as no one is verifying it is correct. \r\n\r\nIn general, edibles are a good example of why current dosage information is misleading. A patient might find an edible that works for them and their specific condition. It may take a period of time to find what the right dosage is through trial and error. If they happen to switch to a different edible, it unfortunately ends up not being apples to apples or comparable at all with the previous dosage. The patient needs to go through another period of trial and error to find the correct dosage. Streamlining the labeling of products will allow patients to know exact milligrams and other important information. At that point, they can work with their doctors and care givers more reliably. \r\n\r\nOne of the hot topics we hear doctors and caregivers discussing is micro dosing. Micro dosing is about starting with the minimum amount of a product and working up to the dosage that is right for the individual, for their particular needs. It is hard to reliably micro dose a patient without having a good baseline of what is within the product. Appropriate regulatory changes will help to get patients more accurate information.\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to product information and education, the cannabis industry often operates within a gray area. Patients today are not able to ask questions of their bud tenders, caregivers and doctors and be assured that they are getting the best, most accurate information. As a result, this does not always make consumers comfortable with cannabis.  We at Dixie would like to see this change so that every patient, in every legal state has the best information possible.\r\n\r\n\r\n**2. Child Resistant Packaging**\r\n\r\n**What is Dixie’s stance on child and pet resistant packaging & how do you feel this type of packaging will protect consumers?**\r\n\r\nAt Dixie we feel very passionate about child and pet resistant packaging.  Unfortunately, children and pets do get into cannabis products, not because people want this to happen, but because the products are not resistant to their efforts. An edible, such as a chocolate, may lie around the house and eventually a child or pet may find their way to it. We believe that child and pet resistant packaging is not only safer, but will help people feel better about having these products in their house. \r\n\r\nThis type of regulation will help everyone and decrease the possibility of an accident occurring. Currently, California legislation has written broad regulation covering this, and over the next year we will see how the more detailed nuances plays out and what will go into effect. When it comes to cannabis, child resistant packaging is the trend across the country.  We believe California tends to have very strict consumer advocacy regulations in other areas, and as a result will lean this way in regards to packaging. Dixie has always taken child resistant packaging very seriously, incorporating it into our products from the get-go. We hope regulatory changes will force other manufacturers to address this issue comprehensively as well. \r\n\r\n\r\n**3. Lab Testing**\r\n\r\n**Why is lab testing of products so important in regards to consumer safety?**\r\n\r\nIn Colorado, Dixie already tests for mold, mildew, microbials, residual solvents, and pesticides within all of our products. We hope as regulations take effect in California in 2016, that patients will start to feel more secure about the products they are ingesting. A patient should not have to worry about what is in their product and whether it is safe. Today they do need to think about this, or at least they should be thinking about it. Clearly, many products on the market are not safe enough for consumption. For instance, there is no other industry where pesticides are used and end up in the final product, which is ingested, where it is not disclosed to the consumer. \r\n\r\nIn California, Dixie tests for toxic elements with [SC Labs](http://sclabs.com/), our chosen laboratory. Lab testing is critical for knowing what is in your end product. It is not only important to know the potency and dosage of your product, but to know that the plant material that went into product is safe and there are no residual pesticides or residual solvents such as butane and propane. Patients should never ingest residual solvents as this is obviously dangerous to your health. The patient should be able to trust that the product is safe and that regulatory oversight is doing its job. Ultimately, the patient should feel they are protected.\r\n\r\n\r\n**Dixie already incorporates many of the elements that will be asked of product manufacturers within the new California regulations. What else does Dixie think will be needed for regulatory control to be successful in California?**\r\n\r\nYes, for sure Dixie is ahead of the game in California in that we have already focused on more accurate dosage information, child resistant packaging, and stringent lab testing. We believe that California regulations will require all of this, as it is not only common sense, but also what is best for the cannabis consumer. California is now in the tricky place of figuring out their regulatory oversight without over-regulating the industry. \r\n\r\nEducation is also a big part of this. Patients need to understand what is changing and why it is changing. In a market like California, you have so many people that have been using cannabis regularly and successfully for medical conditions for a long time. The last thing regulators want to do is make it hard for people to get their medicine and send the last twenty years of progress backwards. This is a very tricky line to walk and so far government has been working well with the industry to figure out the path to success. Regulatory oversight, when done well, is our friend. It will allow for better products to get to more people, ensuring everyone’s safety. \r\n\r\nIf you are 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 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAPCAIAAABr+ngCAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAAC1klEQVQoz32Ta0gUURTHV4KQlIo++L0PQa8PZQ+RSCr7kGWlVBhCRpGJLBtUSC8qTUslAiURWdN0TXKLtEzzgbqsrCvq7rpulgria1113dl5z96ZuXdmmn0oVNSBeznncn/cc/7nXI2iKCzARQRYnmCAHyKe4wnlL5NlWd0lBINeyNRQoy6SXfm5YHLNdU0tWpwznT5qfv32f00OwkwAG5/vdc52Tnms9ulWjA7CEELchwu8gHkxlmZoHOcBcFoGGYrmAc/SNIRSEMZpN8V5CWYWp2dUB2fcIVgEgYDI84BYCjCkjwEUQfRe2umfcDAkjS0uIcqjWcsQLWL++VVMdWRZCpUnQlEQ8SnFvBcOlCrPC1Z7vxkObptzWJX8QnRdJ80ZgzCSgrdfNnc9ed+2HiLIixCJK2a5TQNrUpTomJmHeenRm/tbWpVTZ+Cuw9JwSRCWQtp8MA3UdZvXpUKCWpWAXGVykwaWJSsbY4cyLh+K3mQoLFGSTsAd+9CnbE1YOARhn22k3WoVBT5ywuM8t4BMd6Xq7fBcvLIh5nV84taoqJzdB6QtcVJsHNLGa8Lv8Bxb09lT3NwOWCYMC4Flv69ddJmQ8TH1rFQ4kmbIvr9/T8KjzFtY4kXvySvsG30EphjG5rA7xpw4QYZhwLqx1TZhpEUy3PZW1WJncz6/aEg+nlHyoHL6tG7iRj5lfBeBWS4wOGQZHLaQFB0qWxG4FYawA5dZMhZ7qhvd6dqPT/VJxzIK77waTdWN5hZRjfURmGS5bnNnh6ndT1JBWFFEQAJmSeivQXW5i/qG2TRdW1F9Zta98oK3gylaR14lUVsRgTkgOJzDNscQSbNhwVVTVRTd48Jkn6+qhsi6WX7+6tGEVG3qta4L2TZtAf6laS3tAPg++cM2NkqQ9B+DLYfmRnWcQ3Z9eUXP1w7AcoLAqw2OtIqm6eVlj8fjBrzw+/BLioz+8S+kX53j6f7uzd+vAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/ee604/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png","srcSet":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/69585/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/497c6/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 400w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/ee604/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 800w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/f3583/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 1200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/f90fa/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/58556/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/61e93/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/1f5c5/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 400w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/58556/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 800w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/99238/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 1200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/5e0b8/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2052-markdown","title":"The Science of \"Getting the Munchies\" & Why it Helps the Critically Ill.","slug":"the-science-of-getting-the-munchies-and-why-it-helps-the-critically-ill","content":"Cannabis has always been associated with appetite stimulation - that sensation you feel soon after consuming marijuana - some folks call it \"the munchies\". Well, now science is beginning to back up that association. Research has shown\nthat cannabis does have a positive effect on appetite. For people whose\nappetite has been affected by chronic illness, this is encouraging news.\nCannabis may help restore their appetite, allowing them to eat and\nback on the path to good health.\n\nCritical Illness and Appetite\n-----------------------------\n\nPeople who are sick often do not eat or take in sufficient quantities of\nfood, and malnourishment is common among the critically ill. A\n[study](http://www.bmj.com/content/308/6934/945) of patients in a\nhospital found that 40 percent of critically ill patients were\nmalnourished upon admission and that their status often deteriorated\nacross the hospital stay. Furthermore, malnourishment often lingers for\na period of time [after\ndischarge](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1550795/), which\ndelays the healing process.\n\nWhile symptoms of a patient's chronic illness, including nausea,\nvomiting, and chronic pain, may contribute to the inability or lack of\ndesire to eat, there are actual biological changes that impair appetite.\nFor example, critically ill patients have significantly lower levels of\nghrelin, a hormone produced by the gastrointestinal tract. This hormone\nis associated with appetite stimulation and is at its highest levels\nafter fasting and prior to eating. In critically ill patients, ghrelin\n[is significantly lower](http://www.ccforum.com/content/10/1/R10# B2)\nthan in healthy individuals. Levels of the peptide hormone leptin are\nsimilarly affected. This hormone is associated with energy balance,\nincreasing appetite when the body's energy is low.\n\nStudies of those who suffer from anorexia\nnervosa,\na mental illness in which patients have a distorted body image and avoid\nfood, may provide insight into the effects of illness-induced anorexia.\nThese studies have found that among anorexia patients:\n\n-   The site in the brain that associates [taste with\n    pleasure](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3971875/pdf/nihms490209.pdf)\n    is underactive\n-   [Levels of\n    neurotransmitters](http://eatingdisorders.ucsd.edu/research/pdf_papers/2003/barbarich2003neurotansmitter.pdf),\n    brain chemicals that transmit messages between nerve cells, are\n    altered\n-   [Structural](http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=5049364&fileId=S0033291700033687)\n    brain changes, including reduced gray matter, occur\n-   Depression and anxiety are high\n\nThe Endocannabinoid System and Appetite\n---------------------------------------\n\nIn addition to ghrelin and leptin, the\nendocannabinoid\nsystem in the body can affect appetite. This complex system includes\ncannabinoid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system, as\nwell as in the immune system, and is associated with balance or\nhomeostasis. Some of these receptors, particularly CB1 receptors, are\nconcentrated in portions of the brain that affect memory, movement,\nemotions, higher cognition, and\n[appetite](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16148436). Naturally\noccurring cannabinoids produced by the human body bind with these\nreceptors to create balance. Disrupting this binding can either reduce\nor increase the effects on memory, emotions, and appetite. Disruptions\ncan be caused by medication, illness, and cannabinoids from cannabis.\n\nTHC and Appetite\n----------------\n\n[Delta-tetrahydrocannabinol\n(THC),](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163725802002577)\nis the most common cannabinoid in cannabis and is responsible for the\nhigh associated with the plant. THC is also responsible for stimulating\nappetite.\n\nTHC binds with CB1 receptors, including those associated with taste and\npleasure, food intake, and energy balance. When THC is taken in, it is\nrapidly taken up by the CB1 receptors and appetite is enhanced, eating\nis more pleasurable, and the feeling of satiety (fullness) is reduced.\n\nIn addition to enhancing CB1 receptors in the brain, THC also:\n\n-   Improves sense of smell. A recent\n    [study](http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v17/n3/full/nn.3647.html)\n    of mice found that THC enhanced their ability to smell food, thus\n    increasing the amount of food they eat.\\\n-   [Improves\n    taste](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3705914/). THC\n    increases the ability to taste food, making it more pleasurable to\n    eat and increasing the rewards associated with eating.\\\n-   [Increases levels of ghrelin and\n    leptin](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17212793)[,](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17212793)\\\n\nTaking Cannabis\n---------------\n\nMedical cannabis comes in a variety of forms and can be taken a variety\nof ways. Smoking, which introduces the cannabinoids to the system\nquickly, may be difficult for people who are feeling nauseous. For those\nsuffering from vomiting, an edible form of cannabis may not be\neffective. Luckily there are a number of alternatives, including:\n\n-   Cannabis oil - a concentrated form of cannabinoids that can be\n    placed under the tongue (sublingual) or added to food, drink\n    or tablets.\n-   Vaporization -\n    this process involves heating the cannabis to a point below\n    combustion (burning) and inhaling the vapor created. Benefits\n    include fast delivery of cannabinoids and reduced effects on\n    the lung.\n\nAnother option is [Marinol](http://www.drugs.com/marinol.html)®. This\nsynthetic form of THC has been approved by the FDA for use in patients\nwith acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and anorexia to\nstimulate appetite. It has also been approved for treating the side\neffects of chemotherapy in cancer patients who suffer from vomiting and\nnausea and who do not respond to traditional medications. However,\ncompared to cannabis-based THC, marinol can increase nausea and vomiting\nin some patients and is more expensive. Plus naturally occurring THC is\noften balanced with cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid that can counteract\nthe \"high\" of THC without decreasing the appetite-stimulating property.\n\nImproved Quality of Life\n------------------------\n\nGood nutrition is always important. But the effects of poor nutrition\ncan be measured in the critically ill.\n[Malnourishment](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002822300003734)\nis associated with increased complications, longer hospital stays, and\npoorer recovery for critically ill patients.\n\nIn addition, patients who have a critical illness often suffer from\n[depression and\nanxiety](http://www.researchgate.net/publication/269705162_Depression_following_critical_illness_Analysis_of_incidence_and_risk_factors).\nThese conditions are worsened by malnourishment and by the inability to\neat or enjoy food. By stimulating the appetite, cannabis can help\npatients feel better and recover sooner. Cannabis is also associated\nwith improving\ndepression\nand\nanxiety.\nPatients who feel better, have an improved quality of life and can cope\nbetter with their critical illness.\n\nPatients should talk with their medical marijuana provider to see if\nthey could benefit from the appetite-stimulating properties of cannabis\nand to identify the best delivery option for their condition and\nsymptoms.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/e7240ee4d8051626eaaed3fd7cb9a1e4/14b42/f4015d1fcb571240495a451d19a20eb7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e7240ee4d8051626eaaed3fd7cb9a1e4/f836f/f4015d1fcb571240495a451d19a20eb7.jpg 200w,\n/static/e7240ee4d8051626eaaed3fd7cb9a1e4/2244e/f4015d1fcb571240495a451d19a20eb7.jpg 400w,\n/static/e7240ee4d8051626eaaed3fd7cb9a1e4/14b42/f4015d1fcb571240495a451d19a20eb7.jpg 800w,\n/static/e7240ee4d8051626eaaed3fd7cb9a1e4/47498/f4015d1fcb571240495a451d19a20eb7.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e7240ee4d8051626eaaed3fd7cb9a1e4/58556/f4015d1fcb571240495a451d19a20eb7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e7240ee4d8051626eaaed3fd7cb9a1e4/61e93/f4015d1fcb571240495a451d19a20eb7.webp 200w,\n/static/e7240ee4d8051626eaaed3fd7cb9a1e4/1f5c5/f4015d1fcb571240495a451d19a20eb7.webp 400w,\n/static/e7240ee4d8051626eaaed3fd7cb9a1e4/58556/f4015d1fcb571240495a451d19a20eb7.webp 800w,\n/static/e7240ee4d8051626eaaed3fd7cb9a1e4/99238/f4015d1fcb571240495a451d19a20eb7.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1959-markdown","title":"Cancer, Cannabis Oil, and the United Kingdom","slug":"cancer-cannabis-oil-and-the-united-kingdom","content":"There is a growing body of evidence that cannabis can help alleviate the\npain of cancer, reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, and even reduce\ncertain cancerous tumors. Despite this and other evidence that medical\nmarijuana is beneficial for a number of other diseases, the United\nKingdom continues to ban medical marijuana and criminalize the\npossession, use, and growth of cannabis.\n\nCancer in the United Kingdom\n----------------------------\n\nAs it is in many nations of the world, cancer is the leading cause of death in the United Kingdom, accounting\nfor 29 percent of all deaths in 2012. According to [Cancer Research\nUK](http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics),\nmore than 330,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year, and about\n162,000 people die from it. The 10-year survival rate is 50 percent, and\ncancers of the breast, lung, prostate, and bowels account for more than\nhalf of yearly cancer diagnoses.\n\nTreatment traditionally consists of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation\ntherapy, or a combination of all three. Other types of treatment include\nimmunotherapy and hormone therapy. But traditional treatments don't\nalways work, and the side effects can be debilitating. Some of these\nside effects include:\n\n-   Nausea\n-   Vomiting\n-   Fatigue\n-   Loss of appetite\n-   Loss of hair\n\nIn addition, a cancer diagnosis and the accompanying treatment have been\nassociated with mental health disorders, such as [depression and\nanxiety](http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2014/10/03/JCO.2014.56.0086.abstract).\n\nCannabis and Cancer\n-------------------\n\nCannabis has been used to treat many illnesses and conditions for\nthousands of years, despite the lack of scientific evidence for its use.\n[England](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000026)\nhas a rich history of medicinal cannabis use. In 1621, Robert Burton\npublished *The Anatomy of Melancholy*, in which he supported the use of\ncannabis for treating depression. Thirty years later, Nicholas Culpeper\nrecommended hemp extract for treating headache, gout, and arthritis. In\nthe 1800s, Dr. William O'Shaughnessy promoted the use of cannabis for\nmuscle spasms, menstrual cramps, rheumatism, and seizures. Queen\nVictoria herself is anecdotally reported to have used cannabis to\nrelieve menstrual cramps. Despite cannabis's extensive history, the\nscientific basis was lacking.\n\nResearch into the effects of cannabis on cancer began in earnest about\n100 years later. In 1974, researchers at the [Medical College of\nVirginia](http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/55/3/597) found that\ncannabis slowed the growth of cancerous tumors in mice.\n\nIn the past 20 years other research has found that cannabis can:\n\n-   Reduce [nausea and\n    vomiting](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165951/)\n    associated with chemotherapy\n-   Reduce pain and inflammation of\n    [chemotherapy](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5596a4413264380006220000/kicking-cancer-and-chemotherapy-symptoms-with-cannabis)\n-   Reduce [cancer\n    pain](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5596a4413264380006220000/kicking-cancer-and-chemotherapy-symptoms-with-cannabis)\n-   Improve\n    [appetite](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5596a4413264380006220000/kicking-cancer-and-chemotherapy-symptoms-with-cannabis)\n-   Shrink\n    [brain](http://www.nature.com/bjc/journal/v95/n2/abs/6603236a.html)\n    and [breast](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22776349) cancer\n    tumors\n\nEven the [National Institute on Drug\nAbuse](https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana-medicine)\nin the United States has revised its publication on marijuana by\nrecognizing the positive effects of cannabis for some cancer patients.\n\nWhere the UK Stands on Cannabis\n-------------------------------\n\nIn 1928, the use, growth, and possession of marijuana became illegal in\nthe UK under the [Dangerous Drugs\nAct](http://moj.gov.jm/sites/default/files/laws/The%20Dangerous%20Drugs%20Act.pdf).\nThis occurred despite lack of evidence that cannabis was, in fact,\ndangerous. Cannabis is currently listed as a [class B\nsubstance](https://www.gov.uk/penalties-drug-possession-dealing),\nmeaning that its possession can result in a fine and/or five years in\nprison, and its cultivation can results in a fine and/or 14 years in\nprison.\n\nIn 2010, the oromucosal spray\n[Sativex](http://www.nhs.uk/ipgmedia/national/multiple%20sclerosis%20trust/assets/sativex.pdf)\nwas licensed in the UK for treating multiple sclerosis spasticity. This\nmedication is derived from two strains of cannabis and contains both\ndelta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinoids\nthat have been associated with many of the medical effects currently\nbeing studied. The use of Sativex is restricted only to multiple\nsclerosis patients who are not responding to traditional treatments or\nwho cannot tolerate the side effects of traditional treatment, and the\ncost of Sativex in the UK remains high and out of reach for many\npatients. Despite this relaxing of the cannabis ban, the use of cannabis\nfor treating cancer still remains illegal.\n\nBud Buddies\n-----------\n\nFrom 2002 to 2005, a grassroots organization, [Bud\nBuddies](http://www.cannabiscure.info/files/bud_buddies.htm), supplied\nill patients with medical marijuana for free. This organization had\nresearched the benefits of medical marijuana from around the globe and\nfelt it was their mission to help those in need. Although they were\nforced to close in 2007, they continue their work on developing a\nhigh-quality cannabis oil, albeit in Spain, and to promote legislative\nchange in the UK through *Project Storm*. This\n[documentary](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58X5KhW80pw) features\nadvanced cancer patients in the UK who have come to rely on cannabis for\ntreatment and symptom relief.\n\nCannabis Oil in the UK\n----------------------\n\nIt is currently illegal for anyone in the UK to possess cannabis\nproducts, including cannabis oil. [Cannabis\noil](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55b7e6426264330006310000/methods-of-administering-medical-marijuana)\nis concentrated oil extracted from the cannabis plant. Depending on the\nratio of THC to CBD, the oil can cause the high feeling of marijuana.\nWhile some continue to advocate smoking cannabis for the faster onset of\neffects, smoking is not always beneficial to those with cancer or those\nundergoing chemotherapy. Cannabis oil provides a healthier method of\ndelivery. It can be taken via an oral syringe, in a pill capsule form,\nor dropped under the tongue. For some, it can be added to food or drink.\n\nAccording to *Project Storm*, cancer patients continue to seek cannabis\nfor their illness, even with the knowledge that they could be arrested.\nSome have learned how to extract the oil themselves and grow their own\ncannabis plants. Some seek relief from black market suppliers, and some\nrely on overseas shipping from countries where medical marijuana is\nlegal.\n\n\"Reefer Madness\" seems to be alive and well in the UK. Despite the\ngrowing body of evidence that cannabis and medical marijuana can provide relief to those\nsuffering from cancer, numerous countries legalizing medical marijuana,\nand the pleas of many in the UK's medical community, the UK continues to\ntreat cannabis as a dangerous drug.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/canonsnapper/302415829/in/photolist-sHXG2-9hBNtE-qGLLPP-qMpv14-5i77ha-qMpA4R-q83hG2-q7PGW1-qMpvr4-q83fsc-dYJSqj-5ibr59-qMnFD4-AnCnk-q7PNHS-qMpykR-r2wZqm-r4Fpsg-ceuMxE-r2x2cC-qMfgyU-qMnFjr-r2uwLE-4Uuen3-r2x3Rj-qLnNnG-r2wZ4E-q7PKqE-q7PHio-qMgLf1-qMnDP2-q7PMZC-q7PEeh-r4QoYM-qMfpRL-r4KwUd-qMgK9o-q7PJwW-q7PK9s-qMgMmQ-qMgDc3-eeq4Kq-eeq4F7-r1WbKK-5kBtyt-6nXDCP-bjdiYt-5KTb1K-92Kj1t-6FUAXd)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/14b42/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.jpg","srcSet":"/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/f836f/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.jpg 200w,\n/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/2244e/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.jpg 400w,\n/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/14b42/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.jpg 800w,\n/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/47498/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/58556/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/61e93/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.webp 200w,\n/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/1f5c5/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.webp 400w,\n/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/58556/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.webp 800w,\n/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/99238/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2006-markdown","title":"Marinol Versus Cannabis: Which Is More Effective?","slug":"marinol-versus-cannabis-which-is-more-effective","content":"Cannabis and Marinol are both possible treatments for the side effects\r\nof chemotherapy and the symptoms of AIDS. Each option has its own\r\nbenefits and drawbacks. However, cannabis may be a more effective\r\ntreatment for many patients, as it has extra therapeutic properties\r\ncompared to Marinol.\r\n\r\nWhat is Marinol?\r\n----------------\r\n\r\nMarinol is a synthetic form of THC, one of the main psychoactive\r\ncomponents of cannabis. In May 1985, the FDA approved Marinol as a\r\nprescription medication for the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused\r\nby chemotherapy. It can also [stimulate\r\nappetite](http://www.drugs.com/marinol.html), which led to the FDA\r\nextending the approval to AIDS patients suffering from anorexia and\r\nweight loss.\r\n\r\nHow Does Marinol Differ From Cannabis?\r\n--------------------------------------\r\n\r\nThe active ingredient of Marinol is dronabinol, which is a synthetic\r\nform of THC. Marijuana contains many active compounds in addition to\r\nTHC. These include cannabidol (CBD), cannabinol, cannabichromine,\r\ncannabigerol, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenols, and various oils.\r\nResearch has identified [66 naturally occurring chemical\r\ncompounds](http://norml.org/component/zoo/category/marinol-vs-natural-cannabis)\r\nin cannabis, many of which are known as cannabinoids.\r\n\r\nCBD has many potentially beneficial effects, which are not provided by\r\nMarinol. CBD has anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory\r\nproperties. It also reduces anxiety and tackles psychosis, as well as\r\n[suppressing the growth of\r\ntumors](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10700234) in some situations.\r\n\r\nCannabinol is also an anticonvulsant, while cannabichromine acts as an\r\nantidepressant. Both these compounds can reduce inflammation, as can\r\nmany of the flavonoids, oils, and phenols found in cannabis.\r\n\r\nIs Cannabis or Marinol More Effective?\r\n--------------------------------------\r\n\r\nBoth cannabis and Marinol bring benefits to some people. However,\r\nMarinol has some key downsides compared to marijuana. Firstly, Marinol\r\nis more expensive than medical marijuana, which puts it out of reach of\r\nmany patients. More importantly, Marinol also causes unwanted side\r\neffects for many users, while offering only limited benefits compared to\r\nthe natural plant. The [side effects of\r\nMarinol](http://www.drugs.com/sfx/marinol-side-effects.html) include\r\ndrowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, clumsiness and trouble thinking\r\nclearly.\r\n\r\nTHC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis. Therefore, users of\r\nMarinol, which is a pure synthetic form of THC, often experience a\r\n\"high\" feeling when taking the drug. While feeling high is also a\r\nwell-known effect of taking cannabis, the other cannabinoids in\r\nmarijuana temper the effects of the THC, reducing negative psychological\r\nside effects such as anxiety. Therefore, the psychological experience is\r\noften better for people who take natural marijuana than for those who\r\ntake synthetic THC.\r\n\r\nThe other benefit of marijuana is that patients can\r\n[consume](http://www.prweb.com/releases/-medical-marijuana-/-information-san-francisc/prweb9700402.htm)\r\nit in a variety of ways, including inhalation, oral ingestion,\r\nvaporization, or in a cream or oil. In contrast, Marinol is only\r\ncurrently available in the form of gelatin capsules, which come in\r\ndosages of 2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg. Each oral pill can take up to an hour\r\nto have an effect, which means that it can be difficult for patients to\r\ndetermine the right dosage. Vaporization of medical marijuana has an\r\nimmediate effect, helping patients to get quick relief from their\r\nsymptoms without the risk of taking a dose that is too strong. The fact\r\nthat the drug doesn't have to be swallowed is also an important benefit\r\nfor patients who are struggling with nausea or vomiting.\r\n\r\nThe oral administration of Marinol poses further problems. After passing\r\nthrough the digestive system, Marinol absorbs into the bloodstream and\r\npasses to the liver. The liver metabolizes Marinol into a plethora of\r\nother chemicals, including\r\n[11-hydroxy-THC](http://norml.org/component/zoo/category/marinol-vs-natural-cannabis),\r\nwhich is four or five times as strong as natural THC. This could explain\r\nwhy so many Marinol users report that its psychoactive effects are much\r\ngreater than those of natural cannabis. The lack of CBD, which reduces\r\nanxiety, could also contribute to the problem.\r\n\r\nWhat is Marinol Used For?\r\n-------------------------\r\n\r\nThe\r\n[FDA](http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/05n0479/05N-0479-emc0004-04.pdf)\r\nhas approved Marinol as a treatment for lack of appetite and weight loss\r\nin patients with AIDS. The drug is also approved as a treatment for\r\nnausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, but only for cancer patients\r\nwho have not responded to conventional anti-nausea treatments.\r\n\r\nThere are many situations in which the FDA advises against the use of\r\nMarinol. For example, Marinol must be used with caution in patients who\r\nhave heart disorders, as well as those with depression, mania,\r\nschizophrenia or a history of substance abuse. There are also possible\r\ninteractions with many other drugs, including alcohol and\r\nbenzodiazepines, which can make Marinol unsuitable for some patients.\r\n\r\nMarinol or Marijuana?\r\n---------------------\r\n\r\nThere is increasing evidence that marijuana is a more effective\r\ntreatment than Marinol for a range of conditions, including the side\r\neffects of chemotherapy and the symptoms of AIDS. The other compounds in\r\nmarijuana, such as cannabidol, cannabinol, and terpenoids, offer\r\nbenefits that extend far beyond those offered by THC, including pain\r\nrelief and a decrease in anxiety. Cancer and AIDS patients often\r\nexperience pain, in addition to the nausea and anorexia that THC can\r\ntreat.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the most important argument for using marijuana rather than\r\nMarinol is that the natural plant often causes far fewer side effects,\r\nparticularly psychoactive side effects such as anxiety. FDA approval for\r\nmedical marijuana could allow sufferers of cancer and AIDS to benefit\r\nfrom the entourage effect of cannabis, where the various compounds in\r\ncannabis work together to create an overall beneficial effect.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/965cd62d0e9f5ac7ac0d21bf36e4ef7d/14b42/6fdb01f8ef089b281702ea464a70efb1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/965cd62d0e9f5ac7ac0d21bf36e4ef7d/f836f/6fdb01f8ef089b281702ea464a70efb1.jpg 200w,\n/static/965cd62d0e9f5ac7ac0d21bf36e4ef7d/2244e/6fdb01f8ef089b281702ea464a70efb1.jpg 400w,\n/static/965cd62d0e9f5ac7ac0d21bf36e4ef7d/14b42/6fdb01f8ef089b281702ea464a70efb1.jpg 800w,\n/static/965cd62d0e9f5ac7ac0d21bf36e4ef7d/47498/6fdb01f8ef089b281702ea464a70efb1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/965cd62d0e9f5ac7ac0d21bf36e4ef7d/58556/6fdb01f8ef089b281702ea464a70efb1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/965cd62d0e9f5ac7ac0d21bf36e4ef7d/61e93/6fdb01f8ef089b281702ea464a70efb1.webp 200w,\n/static/965cd62d0e9f5ac7ac0d21bf36e4ef7d/1f5c5/6fdb01f8ef089b281702ea464a70efb1.webp 400w,\n/static/965cd62d0e9f5ac7ac0d21bf36e4ef7d/58556/6fdb01f8ef089b281702ea464a70efb1.webp 800w,\n/static/965cd62d0e9f5ac7ac0d21bf36e4ef7d/99238/6fdb01f8ef089b281702ea464a70efb1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1904-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana Helps Treat Undesired Effects of Chemotherapy","slug":"medical-marijuana-helps-treat-undesired-effects-of-chemotherapy","content":"Too Bad Former President Carter Won't Have Easy Access to it\r\n------------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nAccording to the National Cancer Institute, there'll be an [estimated\r\n1,658,370 new cases of cancer in\r\n2015](http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/what-is-cancer/statistics)\r\nalone. The World Health Organization even has a grimmer number: new\r\ncases of cancer will rise to about [22 million in the next two\r\ndecades](http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/). Cancer\r\nhas become one of the most burdensome diseases to ever plague modern\r\nsociety.\r\n\r\nIn August 2015, former President Jimmy Carter announced that he has\r\nbecome one of the latest people to face the burden of this disease and\r\nthe subsequent horrors associated with its therapy. The [CNN\r\narticle](http://edition.cnn.com/2015/08/20/health/carter-melanoma-treatment/)\r\nnotes that the former president had a surgery last May to remove a\r\n\"small mass\" on his liver, only to find out after several tests that the\r\nmass turned out to be Stage IV melanoma, a type of cancer that develops\r\nin the cells that produce the skin pigment, melanin.\r\n\r\nThis news came on the heels of another [news\r\narticle](http://www.newsweek.com/2015/07/31/keep-toke-alive-356032.html)\r\nthat details the benefits of medical marijuana to people who are facing\r\nthe horrors of chemotherapy. Not exactly the kind of therapy former\r\nPresident Carter opted for. However, the benefits of medical cannabis\r\nare worth emphasizing, given the range of undesirable side effects of\r\ncancer therapies, particularly chemotherapy.\r\n\r\nPerhaps one of the most popular applications of medical marijuana is its\r\nuse in reducing nausea and vomiting, a common side effect of\r\nchemotherapy. In the US, two drugs based on marijuana compounds have\r\nbeen approved for medical use. The first is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC),\r\nan active cannabis chemical that takes on a capsule form in Dronabinol\r\n(Marinol®). This drug has been approved by the FDA since 1985 to treat\r\nnausea and vomiting. Interestingly, Dronabinol also stimulate appetite,\r\nhelping you improve your food intake and maintain a healthy body weight,\r\nwhich allows you to function better and tolerate the effects of therapy.\r\nSimilarly, Nabilone (Cesamet®), a synthetic cannabinoid, is also used to\r\ntreat nausea and vomiting when no other drugs work.\r\n\r\nAnother common application of medical marijuana is in its use to relieve\r\npain. The evidence that supports its beneficial effects on a wide range\r\nof pain disorders is well established. Thus, if you're feeling cancer\r\npain, medical cannabis could be a welcomed part of your treatment\r\nregimen. In fact, a [research published in\r\n2008](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18095921) done by Dr. Mellar\r\nDavis, Director of Research of the Harry R. Horvitz Center for\r\nPalliative Medicine, assessed Nabilone's efficacy in treating nausea and\r\nvomiting as well as in relieving pain by reviewing available treatment\r\ntrials and other published literature on the subject. The research shows\r\nthat while the drug is not as effective in acute pain, it has benefits\r\nin alleviating neuropathic pain.\r\n\r\nFurther, a new drug, Nabiximols, a mouth spray that contains equal\r\namount of cannabidiol (CBD) and THC, has been used in many countries to\r\ntreat neuropathic pain. Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany are a\r\nfew of the developed countries that approved the use of this drug in the\r\ntreatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) spasticity.\r\n\r\nCancer and chemotherapy will also take its toll on your mood. Many\r\npatients report taking the downward spiral to anxiety and depression,\r\nwhich makes cannabis a good antidote because of its anti-anxiety and\r\nantidepressant properties. In a\r\n[study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079847/) headed by\r\nMateus Bergamaschi from the University of Sao Paulo, it is found that\r\nCBD reduces the anxiety of participants subjected to a simulated public\r\nspeaking test. The clinical trial of this study involved 12 participants\r\nwith social anxiety disorder (SAD), who received 600 mg CBD; 12\r\nparticipants with SAD who received placebo; and 12 participants without\r\nSAD were used as healthy control.\r\n\r\nA team from the University of Mississippi, headed by Abir T. El-Alfy,\r\nalso conducted another [study in\r\n2010](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866040/), which\r\nsought to assess the antidepressant-like effect of a form of THC and\r\nother cannabinoids on mice. The study's findings reported that\r\nphytocannabinoids exhibit antidepressant-like effects in animal models.\r\n\r\nWhile numerous studies provide evidence in the efficacy of medical\r\nmarijuana in alleviating the undesired side effects of chemotherapy, the\r\nreal controversy lies in its benefit in treating cancer itself. So far,\r\nthe medical community is divided on this issue; but current studies\r\nabound to establish the cancer-fighting activity of cannabis. A [2009\r\nstudy](http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279571.php) conducted by\r\na research team at Complutense University and University of Anglea in\r\nthe UK, headed by Dr. Peter McCormick, induced human breast tumors on\r\nmice to find out if THC will inhibit the growth of the tumor. The\r\nfindings show that THC exhibited anti-cancer properties.\r\n\r\nThere's wealth of scientific data and anecdotal evidence supporting the\r\nuse of medical cannabis in treating cancer-related symptoms and common\r\nside effects of chemotherapy. Furthermore, there's an explosion of\r\nfurther scientific studies geared towards providing evidence that\r\nmedical marijuana may be the wonder drug that many cancer patients have\r\nbeen waiting for.\r\n\r\nBack in 1979, former President Jimmy Carter ruffled some feathers\r\nfollowing his controversial stance in decriminalizing medical marijuana,\r\nwhich makes it even more regrettable that he won't have easy access to\r\nit while undergoing cancer therapy. This is because while Haleigh's Hope\r\nAct, Georgia's medical cannabis law, was enacted recently, it falls\r\nshort for many patients with debilitating conditions. Granted, the law\r\nmay be a step in the right direction, but patients from Georgia,\r\nincluding the former president, will still have to go through hurdles to\r\naccess medical cannabis.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/alendrathril/4255030518/in/photolist-7u19k9-eZyu3-hn1Q1R-eZytL-kLFxF-8pgMt6-zq4yYU-5EcFEA-5hxUac-7Yp6Mc-HeRGf-5ENwNp-abrxk6-4H3wr7-tLKbN-sDhcWy-bgyqyV-66nzGu-9Nr2sh-EPxi1-kH1GK-9pBrBH-9pEtA5-82oXTD-pLgzWT-tKbd3-Gj9AL-DkFRZ-9t9B1E-5FZKcV-57NxRi-5G51dy-5ENxea-eZytu-w5781-izfEG-6qW8Qh-55fz2o-HH3dx-gAHok1-5ENwCz-eZyvh-6qRXbi-9Jzx7S-rGNdor-5EpCj9-ciNADq-9RNtHp-5ESPWN-9KisF)\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/14b42/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/f836f/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.jpg 200w,\n/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/2244e/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.jpg 400w,\n/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/14b42/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.jpg 800w,\n/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/16310/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/58556/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/61e93/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.webp 200w,\n/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/1f5c5/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.webp 400w,\n/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/58556/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.webp 800w,\n/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/cc834/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1947-markdown","title":"Can CBD Oil Provide Pain Relief for Your Pet? ","slug":"can-cbd-oil-provide-pain-relief-for-your-pet","content":"Do pets and marijuana sounds like an alarming combination? At the very least it sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. As we learn more about the healing cannabinoids found within both the marijuana and hemp plant, perhaps it's time to consider a CBD-infused treat for your sick pet. Julianna Carella, founder of edibles companies [Auntie Dolores](http://auntiedolores.com/) and [Treatibles](http://www.treatibles.com/) believes you should. Treatibles makes use of [CBD (cannabidiol) oil](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cbd-oil-breaking-the-stereotypes-of-cannabis) extracted from the hemp plant and is non-psychoactive to your pet. For a dog that is in pain, or an owner who would like an alternative to some of the harsh medications that are prescribed by vets, Treatibles offers a safe, viable alternative.\r\n\r\nCBD oil has recently received a lot of attention due to its effectiveness in easing the symptoms of a wide range of difficult-to-control conditions, including nausea, inflammation, seizures and anxiety, among others. Carella has heard from pet owners that they have seen “a reduction in chronic pain and less separation anxiety,” when their pets have been given Treatibles.\r\n\r\nWhen asked about the success of her product, Carella commented:\r\n\r\n>“It has actually been quite overwhelming how great the response has been. One of the first testimonials that came in at the beginning of this year came from a woman who was about to put her dog down because the animal was in a lot of pain. She gave her dog Treatibles and her dog’s demeanor changed for the better, was moving with a lot more ease, had less pain, and ultimately she cancelled the appointment to put her dog down. She called me in tears to tell me her story, which led to some media exposure. It was after this that the product started to fly off the shelves.”\r\n\r\nTreatibles is Carella’s second company, which follows the huge success of her San Francisco brand Auntie Dolores, a trusted provider of gourmet cannabis-infused edibles for humans. Asked why she chose to make a product for pets, Carella said:\r\n \r\n>“I am very interested in making products for families. Since CBD is non-psychoactive, and it offers such profound health benefits, I wanted to try a product line for animals. All animals, except insects, have an endocannabinoid system, which is built to receive the cannabinoids from the cannabis and hemp plants. It can be deduced that all animals, including our pets, could receive the positive effects from CBD.” \r\n\r\nThere is still a lot of stigma surrounding the use of cannabis, and some people worry that giving their animal CBD will get their pet stoned. This shouldn’t be a concern as CBD is non-psychoactive for both humans and pets. In fact, CBD is an antidote to the ‘high’ one feels after ingesting THC, meaning that ingesting CBD will lessen the psychoactive effects from THC. This is useful if your pet happens to eat a THC-laden edible or eats a joint off the street, which happened to one of my friend’s dog last year. Carella explained that “CBD can help your pet by counteracting the psychoactivity felt from the THC if they happen to ingest it accidentally.” \r\n\r\nJulianna talked about the negative connotations surrounding cannabis and pets:\r\n\r\n>“Treatibles grew slowly initially because there was some controversy. People were worried that we were giving pot to animals.  There was a lot of education necessary for people to learn the difference between CBD and THC and how these products were safe for pets. After people started to use our product and see the benefits, it started taking off and people started sending in testimonials and talking about us on social media.”\r\n\r\nInitially, Treatibles did contain some THC, although it wasn’t enough to get an animal high. Carella said “We included just enough THC to cause an entourage effect, which is the synergy that happens when different elements of the whole plant work together. In a perfect world, an 18:1 CBD to THC ratio is the perfect formula, but we are unable to ship that over state lines.” Treatibles now offers a purely CBD product although Carella indicates “there is still a synergy that occurs as there is more than just CBD within the high-quality hemp oil. Our proprietary formula includes multiple non-psychoactive cannabinoids”\r\n\r\n[Treatibles is always lab tested](http://www.treatibles.com/#!thc-vs-cbd/cd9c), which is important in the mostly unregulated world of cannabis and Carella stands behind the consistency and safety of her product. Each Treatibles pet treat is infused with 1mg of CBD (small dog bone size) and Carella recommends one mg of CBD per 10 pounds of dog’s weight. After learning about Treatibles I decided to try the CBD-rich treat with with my own dog, Desmond, a 14-year-old rat terrier who suffers from a severely arthritic shoulder. After eating Treatibles for only a few days Desmond showed great improvement and even seems to have a small smile on his face after eating his treats.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/ee604/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.png","srcSet":"/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/69585/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.png 200w,\n/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/497c6/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.png 400w,\n/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/ee604/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.png 800w,\n/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/3aed7/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.png 1152w","srcWebp":"/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/58556/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/61e93/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.webp 200w,\n/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/1f5c5/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.webp 400w,\n/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/58556/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.webp 800w,\n/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/9246f/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.webp 1152w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1954-markdown","title":"Auntie Dolores: The Forefront of the Gourmet Edibles Movement","slug":"auntie-dolores-the-forefront-of-the-gourmet-edibles-movement","content":"[Auntie Dolores](http://auntiedolores.com/), a gourmet cannabis edibles company, was founded by Julianna Carella in 2008. The idea was hatched in the ever popular Dolores Park in San Francisco during a time when the cannabis industry was still in its infancy. Except for the ubiquitous home made ‘pot brownie’ and the odd gummy bear, Julianna was hard pressed to find other edible choices in the marketplace. Inspired by the gourmet foods movement in her hometown, Julianna surged forward to provide gourmet edibles to a sophisticated crowd of cannabis patients and enthusiasts. Auntie Dolores took off quickly and is now represented by hundreds of dispensaries across California with big plans for future expansion. HelloMD spoke with Julianna to get to know more about her company and the philosophy behind it. \r\n\r\n\r\n**When you launched Auntie Dolores, what were your first products offered?**\r\n>The first unique product that became very popular was the savory pretzel. They are vegan and low glycemic. After the pretzels became popular, we developed our chili lime peanuts and the caramel corn. We’ve always had brownies and cookies, which are a staple in most dispensaries. Yet our brownies are vegan, low glycemic, and made with coconut oil and coconut sugar. We wanted to make something that not only tasted great, but was healthier than other products out in the market. We wanted to appeal to a wider clientele with both great flavors and new savory products. At the time we started Auntie Dolores, everything was made with white sugar and white flour and with extremely unhealthy ingredients.\r\n\r\n\r\n**I read on your website that the Latin root of Dolores is ‘Dolore’ which means pain. Naming your company Auntie Dolores is meant to represent anti-pain. When you created your company were you thinking about targeting the medicinal community?**\r\n>Absolutely, there are many, many people who are using cannabis as medicine and we wanted to reach those people. However, we also want to appeal to a wide array of people, whether they are using it for pain management, anxiety, epilepsy, or just to feel good.\r\n\r\n**Is it fair to say that you are aiming to create gourmet foods that are also healthy?**\r\n>Yes. The first thing we always start with is the flavor of our foods. Cannabis can usually be tasted so we are interested in finding ingredients that can mask the flavor of cannabis really well. We have found that the savory products do a great job of that. We also include super-foods in our products because it is a way of making edibles an overall healthier experience. \r\n\r\n>Coconut oil, which is a common ingredient for us, and cannabis have a lot of the same health benefits and they work well together. A lot of the super-foods, like cacao for instance, are really good for you and have a strong flavor that helps to mask the cannabis flavor, so that is an example of how we might select an ingredient. Almost all of our products have coconut oil in them. We love coconut oil! \r\n\r\n**It sounds as if you were ahead of the coconut oil movement which is so popular now.**\r\n>Coconut oil used to get a bad wrap as a saturated fat, but it has a lot of health benefits, as we all know now. It also does a great job of extracting cannabinoids because of the high fat content. We use CO2 extracted cannabis oil infused into coconut oil to bring cannabis into our products.\r\n\r\n\r\n**What is good about CO2 extracted cannabis oil?**\r\n>It is so concentrated so you can really achieve a better flavor with that product, because you are using such a small amount. You end up with high potency, without the flavor of cannabis, which is ideal. With CO2 cannabis oil, you’re using a lot less oil because it is so concentrated which creates more consistent potency and an overall better flavor. \r\n\r\n\r\n**Elderly patients are beginning to discover cannabis as a form of medicine for a variety of ailments. How do you educate  a less experienced patient population on how to use your products effectively and safely?
**\r\n>Over the years we have gained insight into the elderly community and how they use our products. For instance, I recently heard from an elderly woman who told me that she eats one caramel corn a night right before bed to help her sleep. A lot of elderly patients choose to use our products for arthritis, and they tend to only need one or two savory crackers at a time because their tolerance is fairly low. \r\n\r\n>Our products are designed so you can eat a little bit or a lot, but it also depends on the person’s tolerance level. The dosage is on the package, each pretzel has 3 mg so you may only need 3 or 4 of those pretzels to give you a 10 mg dosage, which is often enough. You can experience the analgesic effects without feeling high, if you know how to regulate your dosage. I think people who have had difficulty with edibles, who have had a bad experience with them, find our products a lot easier to work with because they can eat 2 pretzels and have the effect they are looking for. It’s important to start slowly as everyone is different but we do state dosages on our packaging very clearly.\r\n\r\n**You have some new CBD (cannabidiol) products coming out, can you tell me a little about that?**\r\n>We have secured a great source for CBD and it took us a long time. Now that we have a consistent source, we are in the process of developing new products. We hope to sell our CBD edibles worldwide. \r\n\r\n**Is the CBD hemp derived?**\r\n>Yes, the CBD we use for our international products is derived from Hemp.  We chose to use hemp-derived CBD so that we can sell this product outside of California, being that it is below the legal THC threshold. That way, if someone is interested in the CBD products, you will perhaps have better access to those products. Also, you can independently mix them with THC if you want. Our 50mg CBD brownie and our 10mg THC brownie combined will create a 5:1 ratio (CBD:THC) or you can take a 100mg THC brownie and our 50mg CBD brownie for a 1:2 ratio (CBD:THC). The brownies are small and low in calories and many patients combine to get the effect they are looking for.  There are many different combinations you can create or you can just have the CBD brownie on its own. \r\n\r\n**Are the hemp derived CBD products as effective as cannabis derived CBD products on the market today?**\r\n>Yes, CBD is CBD. There are a lot of misconceptions about CBD. We have sourced a superior form of CBD that is free of heavy metals and other contaminants. Usually the concentrations of THC in marijuana are going to be hard to take out, but if you start with CBD in hemp, where there is no THC present, it is easier to get a pure CBD product. It is advantageous to have both CBD and THC in a product, but that is not something we can ship it across the country. \r\n\r\n**What is most exciting development within Auntie Dolores right now?**\r\n>We are extremely excited about launching our line of CBD products. We’ve only had the CBD brownie out for a few weeks and the response has been overwhelming. We are also looking forward to when the price of CBD comes down to the price of THC. CBD has a lot of great applications but it can be 4 times as expensive as THC, so we are having to charge so much more for our CBD products. We look forward to the day when we can give access to everyone who wants CBD products at a fair and balanced price point.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.2903225806451613,"src":"/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/33aa5/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/f836f/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.jpg 200w,\n/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/2244e/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.jpg 400w,\n/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/33aa5/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.jpg 768w","srcWebp":"/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/7f8e9/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/61e93/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.webp 200w,\n/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/1f5c5/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.webp 400w,\n/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/7f8e9/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.webp 768w","sizes":"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1928-markdown","title":"Cannabinoids: Chemical Compounds with Huge Therapeutic Potential","slug":"cannabinoids-chemical-compounds-with-huge-therapeutic-potential","content":"The therapeutic properties of the cannabis plant have been known for\r\nmore than [5000\r\nyears](http://www.maps.org/research-archive/mmj/grinspoon_history_cannabis_medicine.pdf).\r\nHowever, it was not until\r\n[1896](http://thecompassionchronicles.com/2013/12/30/cannabinoids-illinois-adams-and-discovering-cannabidiol/)\r\nthat three researchers -- Wood, Spivey and Easterfield -- discovered\r\nthat cannabinoids, natural compounds unique to the plant, were behind\r\nthese effects. Working with the resin of Indian hemp in a laboratory in\r\nBoston, Massachusetts, they isolated and named the first cannabinoid\r\ncompound, known as cannabinol (CBN). Their discovery was one of many\r\nthat led to a paradigm shift in research into human health and disease.\r\n\r\nOne Discovery Leads to Another\r\n------------------------------\r\n\r\nIn 1940, more than four decades after the discovery of CBN, Roger Adams\r\nisolated and identified another cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), while\r\nworking with red oil extract made from Minnesota wild hemp at the\r\nUniversity of Illinois. After Adams's discovery, it was 24 years until\r\nthe next breakthrough in cannabinoid science.\r\n\r\nWorking at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Raphael Mechoulam identified\r\ndelta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the substance responsible for much\r\nof the psychoactive, or mood-altering, effects of cannabis. Since the\r\ndiscovery of THC, there have been rapid advances in the isolation and\r\nidentification of cannabinoids. So far, [over\r\n85](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866040/) unique\r\ncannabinoids have been identified.\r\n\r\nFurther Breakthroughs in Cannabinoid Science\r\n--------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nAs researchers continued to learn more about cannabinoids, it appeared\r\nincreasingly likely that the effects of cannabinoids must be mediated by\r\na family of receptors. It was not until 1988 that the first of these\r\nreceptors, [cannabinoid receptor type\r\n1](http://www.drugscience.org/Petition/C3D.html) (CB1) was revealed by\r\n[Allyn Howlett](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2848184) and William\r\nDevane of St. Louis University Medical School, Missouri.\r\n\r\nSince then, CB1 receptors have been found in large numbers in several\r\nareas of the human brain, including the basal ganglia (affecting motor\r\nactivity), neocortex (thinking), hippocampus (short-term memory),\r\ncerebellum (motor coordination), periaqueductal gray (pain perception),\r\nand hypothalamus and limbic cortex (appetite and sedation).\r\n\r\nThese receptors are also found to a lesser extent in the dorsal horn of\r\nthe spinal cord (affecting pain perception) and on immune cells. A few\r\nyears after the discovery of CB1, a [second\r\nreceptor](http://www.gwpharm.com/Research%20History.aspx), cannabinoid\r\nreceptor type 2 (CB2), was identified by researchers [Munro, Thomas and\r\nAbu-Shaar](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7689702) from the MRC\r\nLaboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, United Kingdom. CB2\r\nreceptors are predominantly found in immune cells and tissues, with the\r\ngreatest density in the spleen. Activation of these receptors reduces\r\ninflammation, a precursor to many diseases.\r\n\r\nDiscovery of a New Molecular Signalling System\r\n----------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nThe discovery of cannabinoid receptors fueled speculation that the body\r\nmust produce compounds that bind to the receptors. The first such\r\ncompound, anandamide (AEA), was isolated by [Raphael\r\nMechoulam](http://www.sciencemag.org/content/258/5090/1946) and his team\r\nat Hebrew University in Jerusalem in 1992.\r\n\r\nA couple of years later, a second compound, 2-arachidonoylglycerol\r\n(2-AG), was discovered and in the following decade several other\r\ncompounds capable of activating the cannabinoid receptors were\r\nidentified. These compounds, together with the receptors, make up the\r\nendocannabinoid system.\r\n\r\nManipulation of the Endocannabinoid System\r\n------------------------------------------\r\n\r\n[Research](http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1361971-overview# a4)\r\nindicated that the [endocannabinoid\r\nsystem](http://norml.org/library/item/introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system)\r\nmediates a number of physiological functions vital for survival. More\r\nimportantly, it suggested that modulating the activity of the\r\nendocannabinoid system using cannabinoids may be the key to treating a\r\nbroad range of diseases and symptoms.\r\n\r\nCurrently, THC and CBD are the two main cannabinoids of medical\r\ninterest.\r\n[THC](http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana-medicine)\r\nhas been found to increase appetite and reduce nausea, and may help\r\ndecrease pain, inflammation, and muscle control problems. CBD may be\r\nuseful in controlling epileptic seizures, reducing pain and\r\ninflammation, and quelling mental illnesses and addictions.\r\n\r\nResearchers Hone Synthetic Cannabinoids\r\n---------------------------------------\r\n\r\nContinued research into the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids led to\r\nthe creation of synthetic cannabinoids -- chemicals created to mimic the\r\neffects of natural cannabinoids. Two THC-based medications,\r\n[dronabinol](http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a607054.html)\r\n(Marinol) and\r\n[nabilone](http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a607048.html)\r\n(Cesamet), showed clinical benefit and were subsequently approved by the\r\nU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention or treatment\r\nof chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Other cannabis-based\r\nmedications are currently in development.\r\n\r\nCombined Approach Offers Greater Hope\r\n-------------------------------------\r\n\r\nResearch has yet to reveal the exact mechanisms by which all of the\r\ncannabinoids in the cannabis family of plants exert their therapeutic\r\neffects, but evidence suggests that these compounds work better together\r\nthan alone: a discovery termed the entourage effect. Support for this\r\neffect derives from comparisons of the effect of the whole cannabis\r\nplant with that of the drug Marinol. When Marinol became available as a\r\nmedicine in the mid-1980s, researchers believed that it would have the\r\nsame effect as the entire cannabis plant. However,\r\n[patients](http://www.coloradonorml.org/information/marijuana/medical/marinol-vs-natural-plant)\r\nprescribed Marinol frequently reported greater psychoactive effects --\r\ncaused, in part, by the lack of CBD, which is believed to modulate the\r\npsychoactivity of the THC.\r\n\r\nAdvocates Call For Overhaul of Marijuana Laws\r\n---------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nThe ability of cannabinoids to work together to treat a variety of\r\nailments while causing minimal adverse side effects has led to calls for\r\nmedical marijuana --the use of the cannabis plant or its basic extracts\r\nfor medical purposes -- to be legalized. [Twenty-three\r\nstates](https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/state-laws-related-to-marijuana)\r\nand Washington, DC, have already passed laws allowing marijuana to be\r\nused for a variety of medical conditions. However, many people are still\r\nunable to obtain, possess or cultivate marijuana for their own medicinal\r\nuse without breaking the law.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/34402227@N03/4968163345)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.2345679012345678,"src":"/static/433d8eeddf29b114224c689e0e82c545/bd8e6/6162c38246fa78235422389aca895d30.jpg","srcSet":"/static/433d8eeddf29b114224c689e0e82c545/f836f/6162c38246fa78235422389aca895d30.jpg 200w,\n/static/433d8eeddf29b114224c689e0e82c545/2244e/6162c38246fa78235422389aca895d30.jpg 400w,\n/static/433d8eeddf29b114224c689e0e82c545/bd8e6/6162c38246fa78235422389aca895d30.jpg 487w","srcWebp":"/static/433d8eeddf29b114224c689e0e82c545/10051/6162c38246fa78235422389aca895d30.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/433d8eeddf29b114224c689e0e82c545/61e93/6162c38246fa78235422389aca895d30.webp 200w,\n/static/433d8eeddf29b114224c689e0e82c545/1f5c5/6162c38246fa78235422389aca895d30.webp 400w,\n/static/433d8eeddf29b114224c689e0e82c545/10051/6162c38246fa78235422389aca895d30.webp 487w","sizes":"(max-width: 487px) 100vw, 487px"}}}}},{"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_1897-markdown","title":"Medical Matchmaking: Cannabis and Anorexia","slug":"medical-matchmaking-cannabis-and-anorexia","content":"Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which people have a distorted\r\nbody image. Sufferers see themselves as overweight, regardless of their\r\nactual weight, and become obsessed with food, eating, and losing weight.\r\nPeople who suffer from anorexia often consume so few calories that they\r\nbecome emaciated and malnourished. Anorexia nervosa itself is treated as\r\na mental illness, and it is often associated with other mental illnesses\r\nsuch as depression and suicide.\r\n\r\nThe consequences of anorexia can be deadly. According to [*U.S. News and\r\nWorld\r\nReport*](http://health.usnews.com/health-conditions/mental-health/eating-disorders/overview# 1),\r\n90 percent of people with anorexia are young women. The disease accounts\r\nfor 86 out of 100,000 deaths among young women aged 15 to 24.\r\n\r\nWhy People With Anorexia Don't Eat\r\n----------------------------------\r\n\r\nOne reason people with anorexia don't eat is thought to be due to an\r\nimbalance in brain chemistry. In a\r\n[study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3971875/pdf/nihms490209.pdf)\r\npublished in the *American Journal of Psychiatry*, researchers found the\r\npart of the brain that associates the taste of food with pleasure is\r\nextremely underactive in women with anorexia. Another\r\n[study](http://www.eurekaselect.com/111826/article) out of Italy reports\r\nthat the endocannabinoid system does not function properly in patients\r\nwith anorexia. The endocannabinoid system is tied to homeostasis -- a\r\nbalance in the body's functions -- within the brain. In patients with\r\nanorexia, however, cannabinoid receptors are dysfunctional in the\r\nportion of the brain that plays in role in food intake.\r\n\r\nCannabis and Appetite\r\n---------------------\r\n\r\nCannabis has been linked to stimulating appetites for thousands of\r\nyears, but only in the 20th century was the connection made to look at\r\nthe chemical composition of cannabis and how it may help people with\r\nanorexia. Studies show that delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main\r\npsychoactive ingredient in cannabis, can successfully stimulate appetite\r\nin both\r\n[cancer](https://medium.com/@HelloMD/managing-cancer-with-cannabis-part-1-94b2262e0816)\r\nand\r\n[AIDS](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/sourcefiles/IOM_Report.pdf)\r\npatients. [Tim C.\r\nKirkham](http://www.liv.ac.uk/psychology-health-and-society/staff/timothy-kirkham/),\r\na PhD and professor of Psychological Science at the University of\r\nLiverpool in England, has published extensively on the neurochemistry of\r\nappetite. He has found that THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the\r\nbrain that are responsible for appetite. The [THC not only improves\r\nappetite](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16148436), but [promotes\r\nthe rewards of\r\neating](http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09540260902782810),\r\nallowing patients to experience the joy of eating again.\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/7a1eb4e5820b6509dd3d1501de36c0cb/14b42/d149e256fcd4afaa8804c19275560aef.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7a1eb4e5820b6509dd3d1501de36c0cb/f836f/d149e256fcd4afaa8804c19275560aef.jpg 200w,\n/static/7a1eb4e5820b6509dd3d1501de36c0cb/2244e/d149e256fcd4afaa8804c19275560aef.jpg 400w,\n/static/7a1eb4e5820b6509dd3d1501de36c0cb/14b42/d149e256fcd4afaa8804c19275560aef.jpg 800w,\n/static/7a1eb4e5820b6509dd3d1501de36c0cb/9842e/d149e256fcd4afaa8804c19275560aef.jpg 900w","srcWebp":"/static/7a1eb4e5820b6509dd3d1501de36c0cb/58556/d149e256fcd4afaa8804c19275560aef.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7a1eb4e5820b6509dd3d1501de36c0cb/61e93/d149e256fcd4afaa8804c19275560aef.webp 200w,\n/static/7a1eb4e5820b6509dd3d1501de36c0cb/1f5c5/d149e256fcd4afaa8804c19275560aef.webp 400w,\n/static/7a1eb4e5820b6509dd3d1501de36c0cb/58556/d149e256fcd4afaa8804c19275560aef.webp 800w,\n/static/7a1eb4e5820b6509dd3d1501de36c0cb/210c1/d149e256fcd4afaa8804c19275560aef.webp 900w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5456,"name":"Loss Of Appetite","slug":"loss-of-appetite","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}