{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/science-and-research/7","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2128-markdown","title":"Why Does Cannabis Make You Feel Good?","slug":"why-does-cannabis-make-you-feel-good","content":"It was long believed that the “high” associated with cannabis was caused by a flood of dopamine released by the consumption of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This theory has been largely discredited, though it's still believed that cannabinoid receptors in the body are closely linked to the body's reward system. Cannabis, when compared to drugs like amphetamines and cocaine, only produces a moderate amount of dopamine. THC does, however, work on the same receptors as our bodies’ naturally occurring, pleasure-inducing endocannabinoid, anandamide. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Cannabis's Connection to Anandamide, the Feel-Good Molecule\r\n\r\nAnandamide is a neurotransmitter that's believed to be the true cause of the euphoria related to cannabis. Anandamide, which is one of the body's natural endocannabinoids, is known to produce joy and happiness. It also plays a role in memory, motivation, pain, appetite and fertility. It's the binding of anandamide with the CB1 receptor that produces the “feel good” effect that is similar to that associated with cannabis usage. \r\n\r\nMeanwhile, a study published in 2014 in the journal *Transitional Medicine* found that [anandamide can even affect the growth of breast cancer cells](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4140423/). The study found that anandamide inhibits pro-angiogenic factors, which provides its anti-tumor efficacy. Anandamide, which is very fragile, also has anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties. \r\n\r\nTHC in cannabis works on the same receptors that anandamide does, allowing it to stimulate happy and euphoric feelings in a similar way. THC works to supplement the body's internally produced anandamide. This is why it can help boost people's moods. Cannabis, however, doesn't always have joy-producing effects on people. Some folks may experience negative effects from using cannabis—this effect is also linked to anandamide. \r\n\r\n### Why Do Some Folks Feel Anxious After Using Cannabis?\r\n\r\nFAAH, also known as fatty acid amide hydrolase, is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that deactivates anandamide. People are genetically predisposed to produce more or less FAAH, which changes the levels of anandamide in their body.\r\n\r\nFolks with less FAAH, who naturally have more anandamide, tend to have more anxiety-producing effects from cannabis. This is because their increased levels of anandamide quicken the biphasic effects of cannabis. Since they already have higher levels of anandamide binding to their CB1 receptors, they can easily be overwhelmed by smaller levels of THC, which binds to the same receptors. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [WHEN MARIJUANA MAKES YOU FEEL ANXIOUS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59a6d4c3d651df274bd05e93/when-marijuana-makes-you-feel-anxious)\r\n\r\n### Anandamide, Chocolate and the Runner's High\r\n\r\nCannabis isn't the only thing that can stimulate anandamide and boost your mood. Chocolate, which contains theobromine, is believed to cause the brain to produce more anandamide. Theobromine is a relaxant that is related to caffeine that is believed to stimulate anandamide production in the body. Chocolate also contains molecules that slow the breakdown of anandamide. The stimulation of anandamide is believed to be one of the main reasons why chocolate is one of the most commonly craved foods. Other foods, including truffles, parsley, tea and celery, also contain anandamide or stimulate its production. Exercise also can produce anandamide. The “runner's high” associated with working out is actually related to increased anandamide production, rather than just by a flood of endorphins as previously thought.\r\n\r\n_____________________________________________________________________\r\n\r\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/ee604/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.png","srcSet":"/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/69585/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.png 200w,\n/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/497c6/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.png 400w,\n/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/ee604/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.png 800w,\n/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/4c5c8/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.png 1004w","srcWebp":"/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/58556/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/61e93/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.webp 200w,\n/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/1f5c5/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.webp 400w,\n/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/58556/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.webp 800w,\n/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/eddbc/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.webp 1004w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1985-markdown","title":"Research Shows Marijuana is Not a Gateway Drug","slug":"research-shows-marijuana-is-not-a-gateway-drug","content":"### 40 Year Study on Marijuana & Alcohol\r\n\r\nRice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy recently released a [40 year study](http://www.bakerinstitute.org/bennett-charts/) that showed a wide range of data on drug and alcohol usage. The study was made up of government data that was collected starting in 1975, which was then compiled with the help of Brian C. Bennett. \r\n\r\nBennett, a former career analyst and now on the faculty of the University of Virginia, transferred information from yearly surveys into concise charts that allowed for easy data analysis. The data came from The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which involved the annual interviews of 70,000 people ages twelve years and older. 50,000 teens were also interviewed with annual follow ups to monitor use in that group more closely. \r\n\r\n### Rates of Cannabis Use\r\n\r\nThe study found that in between the years of 1979 and 2014, the number of people twelve years old and older who used marijuana in a lifetime rose from 28% to 44.2%. The number of people who used marijuana in the last year, however, decreased from 16% to 13.2%, as did the number of people who had used marijuana in the last month, which decreased from 13% to 8.4%. These numbers show low levels of frequent use of marijuana, as well as a general decrease in semi-consistent marijuana usage. Though marijuana was tried more often by people, they used it less often on average than people did in 1979. \r\n\r\n### Rates of Alcohol Use\r\n\r\nThe rates of alcohol use in those twelve years old and older has decreased slightly in all three categories between the years of 1979 and 2014, but overall usage of alcohol is much higher than that of marijuana. The number of people who had used alcohol in their lifetime went from 89% to 82.1% between 1979 and 2014, the number of people who used alcohol in the last year went down from 72% to 66.6%, and the number of people who used alcohol in the last month went from 63% to 52.7%. \r\n\r\n### Higher Rate of Alcohol Usage\r\n\r\nThe difference between these two accounts shows an undeniably higher use of alcohol than marijuana. The rate of monthly alcohol use is almost six times higher than that of monthly marijuana usage. The study also found that illegal substances, a category that marijuana is considered to be a part of in this study, made up less than 20% of substance abuse disorders, where alcohol made up the rest. \r\n\r\nAcross all of the years of the study alcohol is the most overwhelmingly used and abused substance. [Over 10,000 people died](https://www.weedhorn.com/study-shows-alcohol-is-worse-than-marijuana-1977814847.html) from alcohol related issues in the last year, compared to zero deaths related to cannabis usage. \r\n\r\n### Marijuana is NOT the Gateway Drug\r\n\r\nThe director of the Baker Institute for Public Policy, William Martin, said that, “Marijuana's reputation as a 'gateway' drug is not supported, even for more marijuana use. More than half of respondents under 60 have used it during their lifetime, but fewer than 10 percent use it regularly.” This study is just one of the many that have disproved the idea of the “gateway” theory. \r\n\r\nA study released in January of this year in the Journal of School Health showed that alcohol was overwhelmingly the first drug used by teens, between alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco. The study, which was conducted by Texas A&M and the University of Florida, used data from the Monitoring the Future survey. The survey interviewed 2,800 12th graders from across the country and 54% of them used alcohol before any other drug, compared to only 10% who used marijuana first. The study also found that the earlier teens used alcohol, the more likely they were to try other drugs and use them more frequently. \r\n\r\n### Alcohol IS the Gateway Drug\r\n\r\nA 2008 study out of the American School Health Association also looked at the Monitoring the Future data and ranked it on the Guttman Scale, which is a way to order survey responses to create a binary outcome. The study conclusion claimed that, “results from the Guttman Scale indicated that alcohol represented the ‘gateway’ drug, leading to the use of tobacco, marijuana, and other illicit substances.” The study also stressed the importance of school drug education resources being focused on alcohol, rather than being spread equally across all drugs.\r\n\r\n### Cannabis Use Remains Stable\r\n\r\nThe [Issue Brief ](http://www.bakerinstitute.org/media/files/research_document/8b79cbd3/BI-Brief-080116-DRUG_Charts.pdf) released by the Baker Institute, associated with the publication of the Rice University study, noted that while marijuana is still the most widely used “illegal” drug, there have been no major spikes in the states of Colorado and Washington where cannabis has been legalized. Though more people have used marijuana in their lifetime, the percentage of people who use marijuana consistently is much lower than those who have used it overall, and is much lower than those who use alcohol consistently. \r\n\r\nThis lines up with the words of Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper who said, “It seems like the people that were smoking before are mainly the people that are smoking now.” Marijuana usages have not seen the major increase that people against the legalization of cannabis predicted they would see with legalization. \r\n\r\n### Alcohol Associated with More Substance Abuse\r\n\r\nThe Baker Institute study still counts cannabis as an illegal product and does not differentiate between medical and recreational use. This study, in the association with many others, definitively dismisses the idea that marijuana could be considered a gateway drug. By the numbers alone, alcohol use dramatically higher than cannabis use and the majority of teens try alcohol before any other drug. \r\n\r\nAll of this data shows that if any drug is a gateway to other drug usage, it is alcohol. It is important to note that this study does show an interesting trend of decreased use of both cannabis and alcohol, but alcohol usage is still very high and is associated with high levels of substance abuse.\r\n\r\nDo you have questions about about cannabis? Ask a question on [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/ feature). A doctor or member of our community will answer.\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","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/294363f66e0a30217ea972c8d712e60b/14b42/7222424242f98e607484f872c0820512.jpg","srcSet":"/static/294363f66e0a30217ea972c8d712e60b/f836f/7222424242f98e607484f872c0820512.jpg 200w,\n/static/294363f66e0a30217ea972c8d712e60b/2244e/7222424242f98e607484f872c0820512.jpg 400w,\n/static/294363f66e0a30217ea972c8d712e60b/14b42/7222424242f98e607484f872c0820512.jpg 800w,\n/static/294363f66e0a30217ea972c8d712e60b/47498/7222424242f98e607484f872c0820512.jpg 1200w,\n/static/294363f66e0a30217ea972c8d712e60b/54ac5/7222424242f98e607484f872c0820512.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/294363f66e0a30217ea972c8d712e60b/58556/7222424242f98e607484f872c0820512.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/294363f66e0a30217ea972c8d712e60b/61e93/7222424242f98e607484f872c0820512.webp 200w,\n/static/294363f66e0a30217ea972c8d712e60b/1f5c5/7222424242f98e607484f872c0820512.webp 400w,\n/static/294363f66e0a30217ea972c8d712e60b/58556/7222424242f98e607484f872c0820512.webp 800w,\n/static/294363f66e0a30217ea972c8d712e60b/99238/7222424242f98e607484f872c0820512.webp 1200w,\n/static/294363f66e0a30217ea972c8d712e60b/5e0b8/7222424242f98e607484f872c0820512.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2098-markdown","title":"New Clinical Trial Researches Cannabis Effects on Autism","slug":"new-clinical-trial-researches-cannabis-effects-on-autism","content":"### Israel Starts Clinical Trial\r\n\r\nResearchers in Israel are [formulating a study](http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/science/.premium-1.739199) to test if CBD could be used to help people with autism. The study will be headed by Dr. Adi Eran, the head of the pediatrics neurology department at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. Dr. Eran has already obtained authorization from the Israel Health Ministry and is currently gathering the other needed authorizations to conduct this study, as well as gathering subjects for the study. \r\n\r\n### Is CBD Oil the Key?\r\n\r\nThe cannabis and autism study will consist of 120 autistic individuals ranging from ages 4 to 30 who will be split into a test group and a placebo group. The test group will ingest a CBD oil, while the other group will receive a placebo. After the test period, the effects of the CBD oil will be recorded. The study will then be halted for one month, after which the groups will reverse and the former placebo group will receive a dose of CBD oil. At no point in the study will the patients or their families know if they are in the group receiving CBD oil or the placebo. The study will focus on changes in the behavioral symptoms of the patients, including their physical aggression and their anxiety levels. \r\n\r\nThis study will be the first clinical study of cannabis’ effect on autism, though there is already some anecdotal evidence for how marijuana has helped people with autism. Tikes Olam, an Israeli medical cannabis provider, is currently providing cannabis oil to 10 autistic people between the ages of 8 and 22. Nurse Naama Saban says that the CBD oil has helped the patients to become significantly calmer and less violent. [30% of people](https://www.greenrushdaily.com/2016/09/07/can-cannabis-treat-autism/) with autism also have epilepsy, and CBD heavy medical cannabis has already proven to be extremely beneficial for seizures. The researchers are hopeful that cannabis will provide new hope for patients with autism and their families. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about this article? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. \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.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/90b6e62d63627c14c3f0f8dcb378edef/14b42/e76240b34512809a970a9ce9556192ad.jpg","srcSet":"/static/90b6e62d63627c14c3f0f8dcb378edef/f836f/e76240b34512809a970a9ce9556192ad.jpg 200w,\n/static/90b6e62d63627c14c3f0f8dcb378edef/2244e/e76240b34512809a970a9ce9556192ad.jpg 400w,\n/static/90b6e62d63627c14c3f0f8dcb378edef/14b42/e76240b34512809a970a9ce9556192ad.jpg 800w,\n/static/90b6e62d63627c14c3f0f8dcb378edef/47498/e76240b34512809a970a9ce9556192ad.jpg 1200w,\n/static/90b6e62d63627c14c3f0f8dcb378edef/54ac5/e76240b34512809a970a9ce9556192ad.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/90b6e62d63627c14c3f0f8dcb378edef/58556/e76240b34512809a970a9ce9556192ad.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/90b6e62d63627c14c3f0f8dcb378edef/61e93/e76240b34512809a970a9ce9556192ad.webp 200w,\n/static/90b6e62d63627c14c3f0f8dcb378edef/1f5c5/e76240b34512809a970a9ce9556192ad.webp 400w,\n/static/90b6e62d63627c14c3f0f8dcb378edef/58556/e76240b34512809a970a9ce9556192ad.webp 800w,\n/static/90b6e62d63627c14c3f0f8dcb378edef/99238/e76240b34512809a970a9ce9556192ad.webp 1200w,\n/static/90b6e62d63627c14c3f0f8dcb378edef/5e0b8/e76240b34512809a970a9ce9556192ad.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1984-markdown","title":"Marijuana Treats Pain in Men Most Effectively","slug":"marijuana-treats-pain-in-men-most-effectively","content":"### Marijuana is More Effective with Men than Women\r\n\r\nA [study](http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/medical-marijuana-appears-more-effective-relieving-men-pain-women-1576997) conducted by Columbia University Medical Center found that marijuana may be more effective at treating pain in men than in women. The study, which was published online in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, involved the analysis from two double-blinded placebo controlled studies. The study focused on the analgesic effects of cannabis in 42 recreational cannabis smokers. Participants in the study were given a specific amount of marijuana or placebo to smoke. The participants were then immersed in an ice bath until they couldn't stand the pain anymore, they then followed up the experience by answering a short questionnaire. \r\n\r\n### Males Experience Far Less Pain\r\n\r\nThe male participants who smoked cannabis reported significant decreases in pain sensitivity and a higher pain tolerance. Females who had smoked cannabis during the study, however, did not experience a significant decrease in pain sensitivity, though they did experience a small increase in pain tolerance. Both men and women who smoked cannabis during the study, compared to those who smoked the placebo, reported equal levels of how “intoxicated” they felt despite the varying results in pain reducing effects. \r\n\r\n### Are the Results Accurate?\r\n\r\nA HelloMD [survey](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/download-our-medical-marijuana-patient-study) found that only 36% of medical marijuana users are women, compared to 64% who are men. The survey also found that pain was the second most common reason, after anxiety, for patients to use medical cannabis. A Journal of Pain [study](http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/women-feel-pain-more-intensely/) from 2012 also found that women tend to feel pain more strongly than men do. All of these statistics lead to the question: Could the smaller number of women using medical cannabis possibly have something to do with the less positive results experienced by women as compared to the more positive results experienced by men, who make up the majority of cannabis users? \r\n### More Research is Needed\r\n\r\nBetween the statistical information and the study by CUMC, there's a lot of room for further investigation into how cannabis affects genders differently. Other factors such as different cannabis delivery methods or types of pain could also change the outcome of the study. Since women appear to need to ingest higher levels of cannabis to control pain, this could lead to the emergence of more female specific products. We are already seeing this trend in the form of menstrual pain specific products, that are targeted to work with the body chemistry of women and more directly target the source of their pain. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about this article? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer.\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","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/14b42/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/f836f/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.jpg 200w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/2244e/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.jpg 400w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/14b42/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.jpg 800w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/47498/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/49d90/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.jpg 1240w","srcWebp":"/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/58556/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/61e93/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.webp 200w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/1f5c5/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.webp 400w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/58556/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.webp 800w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/99238/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.webp 1200w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/8e669/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.webp 1240w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2232-markdown","title":"Cannabis Shown to Reduce Sleep Apnea","slug":"cannabis-shown-to-reduce-sleep-apnea","content":"### What is Sleep Apnea?\r\n\r\nSleep apnea is a condition that causes people to have pauses and shallow breaths while they are sleeping. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a minute or more. 12 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea and cases can range from mild to severe. Sleep apnea is a chronic condition which leads to poor sleep and other longer term health problems, such as serious heart conditions and high blood pressure. People with sleep apnea are also at higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and metabolic disorders. Lastly, sleep apnea left untreated can make restorative sleep impossible, so most people with sleep apnea experience daytime fatigue, drowsiness and irritability.\r\n\r\nThe current treatment protocol for sleep apnea is surgery or a CPAP machine. A CPAP machine, also known as a continuous positive airway pressure machine, is a face mask that is used to regulate breathing and reduce breathing pauses. The CPAP machine is effective when used nightly, but it is also bulky, somewhat uncomfortable and often leaves facial imprints. \r\n\r\n### Can Cannabis Help?\r\n\r\nA [2002 study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12071539) at the University of Illinois showed that cannabis has the potential to help patients with sleep apnea. The study used animal models of sleep apnea and tested the effects of various cannabinoids on breathing during sleep. The study found that THC and oleamide, two cannabinoids found in marijuana, were able to stabilize respiration during all stages of sleep.\r\n\r\n### Synthetic Cannabinoids Reduce Symptoms \r\n\r\nDronabinol, a synthetic cannabinoid which is typically used to treat nausea associated with chemotherapy, might be the next step for helping people with sleep apnea. Dronabinol has already been approved by the FDA once, but it would need to be approved once more to be able to be prescribed for sleep apnea. Dronabinol has been shown to help open up the airways, allowing for better airflow and decreased sleep apnea. \r\n\r\nA [2013 human trial](http://www.truthonpot.com/2013/02/16/medical-marijuana-a-treatment-for-sleep-apnea/) showed the efficacy of Dronabinol for sleep apnea. Seventeen subjects were monitored over a three week period and participants were given varying doses (either 2.5, 5, or 10 mg) of Dronabinol before they went to sleep. The subjects were then monitored to see how Dronabinol effected their sleep apnea. Subjects in the study experienced a 32% overall reduction in sleep apnea. Though this is not as high of a reduction in sleep apnea as is experienced with a CPAP machine, researchers concluded that higher doses are more likely to produce even more positive results. \r\n\r\nAnother clinical trial is currently being conducted by Respine Rx Pharmaceuticals, formerly known as Cortex Pharmaceuticals Inc. The trial is in its second phase of testing the results that Dronabinol has on sleep apnea. The first study that Respine Rx Pharmaceuticals conducted had a positive outcome, so this test is being conducted to hopefully reinforce their previous findings. The study currently being conducted includes 120 patients and is a placebo controlled clinical trial. The trial is expected to be completed by the end of the year, hopefully putting an FDA approved medication on the shelf by 2017. Though these studies are being conducted with synthetic cannabinoids, we can see that they are consistent with previous findings using natural marijuana. Patients who dislike using CPAP machines or are looking for an alternative in helping decreasing their sleep apnea symptoms could find relief by using medical cannabis. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about this article? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer.\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.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/e1f18c221df03a77c67794fd572a6e57/14b42/8957a8d639470a92e2feb44b067d6089.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e1f18c221df03a77c67794fd572a6e57/f836f/8957a8d639470a92e2feb44b067d6089.jpg 200w,\n/static/e1f18c221df03a77c67794fd572a6e57/2244e/8957a8d639470a92e2feb44b067d6089.jpg 400w,\n/static/e1f18c221df03a77c67794fd572a6e57/14b42/8957a8d639470a92e2feb44b067d6089.jpg 800w,\n/static/e1f18c221df03a77c67794fd572a6e57/47498/8957a8d639470a92e2feb44b067d6089.jpg 1200w,\n/static/e1f18c221df03a77c67794fd572a6e57/54ac5/8957a8d639470a92e2feb44b067d6089.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/e1f18c221df03a77c67794fd572a6e57/58556/8957a8d639470a92e2feb44b067d6089.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e1f18c221df03a77c67794fd572a6e57/61e93/8957a8d639470a92e2feb44b067d6089.webp 200w,\n/static/e1f18c221df03a77c67794fd572a6e57/1f5c5/8957a8d639470a92e2feb44b067d6089.webp 400w,\n/static/e1f18c221df03a77c67794fd572a6e57/58556/8957a8d639470a92e2feb44b067d6089.webp 800w,\n/static/e1f18c221df03a77c67794fd572a6e57/99238/8957a8d639470a92e2feb44b067d6089.webp 1200w,\n/static/e1f18c221df03a77c67794fd572a6e57/5e0b8/8957a8d639470a92e2feb44b067d6089.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2158-markdown","title":"Endocannabinoid System & Habit Forming","slug":"endocannabinoid-system-and-habit-forming","content":"### How the Endocannabinoid System Relates to Our Habits\r\n\r\nA recent study published in _Neuron_, a prominent neuroscience journal, showed a promising connection between habit forming and the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The research was led by Christina Gremel, an assistant professor of physiology at the University of California San Diego. The study showed that endocannabinoids, neurochemicals in our body that are similar to cannabinoids found in cannabis, allow for habit to take control of our body's action. This redirects our body from a goal-directed action to a habit, which we have preformed many times, such as brushing our teeth. It was already known that the ECS played a role in many parts of our bodies inner workings, but this study shows a new breakthrough in how important the endocannabinoid system is to our overall body function. \r\n\r\n### Orbital Frontal Cortex & Habit or Goal-Directed Action\r\n\r\nEarlier research by Gremel focused on the orbital frontal cortex (OFC), which is important for relaying information related to goal-directed action. When researchers increased the number of output neurons in the OFC using optogenetics, flashes of light that turn on and off receptors in the brain, they found that goal-directed action increased. When they decreased neuron outputs, the OFC was subdued and habit took over. This previous research served as a base for the understanding of how the OFC is connected to habit and goal-directed action, which was an important component in the study that showed the connection between the ECS and habit formation.\r\n\r\n### The Endocannabinoid System and Habit Formation\r\n\r\nThe study related to the ECS was conducted using trained mice, which pushed a lever for a food reward. They placed the mice in two different environments, one that was goal-directed and one that was habitual. The mice were able to switch between the two environments with relative ease, much like a human can switch between habitual action and a new task they set out to do. For example, the difference between the habit of getting home or the goal-directed action of getting to a new location not previously known. The researchers hypothesized that cannabinoids may be responsible for quieting the OFC, because they're known to reduce neuron activity in general, allowing habit to take over in the brain. \r\n\r\nTo test this hypothesis, researchers deleted the CB1 receptor in the orbital frontal cortex-to-striatum pathway. Mice missing the CB1 receptors weren't able to form habits, showing the critical connection between the ECS and the neurochemicals that travel along the pathway. It can be concluded from this study that without the ECS stimulated by internal cannabinoids, the consequences could be great, because they couldn't form habits.\r\n\r\n“We need a balance between habitual and goal-directed actions. For everyday function, we need to be able to make routine actions quickly and efficiently, and habits serve this purpose,” said lead researcher Gremel. “However, we also encounter changing circumstances, and need the capacity to ‘break habits’ and perform a goal-directed action based on updated information. When we can’t, there can be devastating consequences.”\r\n\r\nThis study could prompt exploration into a new therapeutic use for marijuana for people with OCD or addiction problems. If the endocannabinoid system is deeply rooted in habit forming, and being able to break from habits based on a goal-directed action, it could aid in decreasing over-reliance on a particular habit. The body's own endocannabinoid system may need to be treated in some way to restore the ability to shift from habits to goal-directed action. \r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/patricksavalle/9117978909/in/photolist-eTJ2sV-pzrtM8-hzDFXw-zHZNob-hzDvmR-r8EjBC-AoqtoW-nShRRP-q9g9fG-qM2oUL-rypYCT-hw9SCx-bwrdqi-iHnwCf-pKQRmF-ACJdCQ-c6gErf-pbhqCB-ndE9T1-hw9ZV1-9mcPgh-ADQ8i9-ADQeTy-oTN878-c2aXWU-aMZ8qp-c6a5fq-8cgqdh-ACJgYN-ADQaSY-zJ9f42-q7FZcA-zHZMes-qHeAdF-qdWLSN-qsKcw1-pJ4zEP-AoqiBb-nm3aYa-icvBja-Gyvo55-icvahc-icvaKB-qQ8S14-mmv9ta-ai7hLR-pb1F5v-pUhKDK-bnCSKK-ai7gQa)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/7a12497232ae98a177bc01367b4885da/ee604/b24ba8b12aa4065ebc83dbd7b7729713.png","srcSet":"/static/7a12497232ae98a177bc01367b4885da/69585/b24ba8b12aa4065ebc83dbd7b7729713.png 200w,\n/static/7a12497232ae98a177bc01367b4885da/497c6/b24ba8b12aa4065ebc83dbd7b7729713.png 400w,\n/static/7a12497232ae98a177bc01367b4885da/ee604/b24ba8b12aa4065ebc83dbd7b7729713.png 800w,\n/static/7a12497232ae98a177bc01367b4885da/3b2e7/b24ba8b12aa4065ebc83dbd7b7729713.png 1034w","srcWebp":"/static/7a12497232ae98a177bc01367b4885da/58556/b24ba8b12aa4065ebc83dbd7b7729713.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7a12497232ae98a177bc01367b4885da/61e93/b24ba8b12aa4065ebc83dbd7b7729713.webp 200w,\n/static/7a12497232ae98a177bc01367b4885da/1f5c5/b24ba8b12aa4065ebc83dbd7b7729713.webp 400w,\n/static/7a12497232ae98a177bc01367b4885da/58556/b24ba8b12aa4065ebc83dbd7b7729713.webp 800w,\n/static/7a12497232ae98a177bc01367b4885da/bfd1f/b24ba8b12aa4065ebc83dbd7b7729713.webp 1034w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2119-markdown","title":"Whole Plant Medicine & the Entourage Effect","slug":"whole-plant-medicine-and-the-entourage-effect","content":"Alicia Rose is the Founder of [HerbaBuena](http://herbabuena.com/) a California based collective that  provides a sophisticated, personalized approach as well as the finest cannabis-based medicine. HerbaBuena is well known for their social events which allow its members to gather and learn about the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and the products that suit them best. This week, Alicia discusses the philosophy behind creating products with the whole plant and why the entourage effect is important.\r\n\r\n**The Entourage Effect - Why It Matters**\r\n\r\nCannabis contains more than 400 compounds, 80 of which are currently categorized as cannabinoids, and all of which act synergistically together to create an “entourage effect” – or an effect that when used together magnifies the therapeutic benefits of the individual components. Better said, the medicinal impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts. The innate plant intelligence of cannabis as a healing herb is unparalleled, likely due to the sheer number of compounds working together to create a therapeutic effect.\r\n \r\nHerbaBuena Elixirs for example, are crafted to maintain whole plant intelligence, through solution-specific, synergistic herbal blends as functional medicine. And our cultivation projects focus on strains with balanced cannabinoid profiles – such as Cannatonic Rich CBD.\r\n\r\n**Whole Cannabis Flower vs. Hemp**\r\n\r\nStudies have shown that 100 milligrams of single-molecule CBD is not equivalent to 100 milligrams of a CBD-rich whole plant cannabis extract. As part of our own anecdotal evidence, we’ve seen that not all CBD is created equal, and that the compound derived from industrial hemp doesn’t have the same efficacy for patients as whole flower cannabis sativa extract. This is why all our CBD products are flower based.\r\n \r\n**Primary Cannabinoids**\r\n\r\nStudies show that the combined effect of these compounds working together is greater than that if they’re used alone. In light of this, our hope is to continue working with geneticists and chemists to develop cannabinoid-specific plants – to offer a more consistent and targeted effect, without compromising the benefit of the entourage effect of the whole plant spectrum. Here’s a list of the primary cannabinoids found in modern day cannabis.\r\n \r\n**THC:** One of the only psychoactive compounds, it offers a euphoric effect that can get us out of our bodies and into our mind, whereby the greatest healing can occur. It has also been shown to relieve pain, reduce vomiting and nausea, suppress muscle spasms, stimulate appetite, and is known to be the pre-cursor to the bioavailability of CBD.\r\n \r\n**THCA:** The raw, pre-heated (pre-decarboxylated) form of THC has been shown to reduce inflammation, inhibit cancer cell and tumor growth, suppress muscle spasms, and potentially to balance the ESC without the psychoactive effect. Found in things like kief and raw juice.\r\n \r\n**CBD:** Has been shown to relieve pain, reduces inflammation, slow bacterial growth, reduce blood sugar levels, reduce seizures and convulsions, reduce risk of artery blockage, inhibit growth of cancer cells and tumors, treat psoriasis, moderates psychosis, suppress muscle spasms, relieve anxiety, promote bone growth, modulate immune system function, reduce small intestine contractions, and protect against nervous system degeneration. It is also an antidote to the effects of THC.\r\n \r\n**CBN:** Has been shown to relieve pain, provide a sedative effect for sleep and suppress muscle spasms\r\n \r\n**CBG:** Has been shown to slow bacterial growth, reduce inflammation, inhibit cancer cell and tumor growth.\r\n \r\n**THCv:** Has been shown to suppress appetite, help with weight loss, reduce seizures and convulsions and promote bone growth. We’re working on cultivating stable strains of flowers from which we can extract this powerful compound.\r\n\r\nIf you are interested in attending one of [HerbaBuena's](http://herbabuena.com/) social events, take a look at their [online social calendar](http://herbabuena.com/the-social-club/).\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.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/edbd7c1dde1f2c388ce8558e8315c6c6/ee604/e38370a6cb3cc2c75afd541c6e6094f6.png","srcSet":"/static/edbd7c1dde1f2c388ce8558e8315c6c6/69585/e38370a6cb3cc2c75afd541c6e6094f6.png 200w,\n/static/edbd7c1dde1f2c388ce8558e8315c6c6/497c6/e38370a6cb3cc2c75afd541c6e6094f6.png 400w,\n/static/edbd7c1dde1f2c388ce8558e8315c6c6/ee604/e38370a6cb3cc2c75afd541c6e6094f6.png 800w,\n/static/edbd7c1dde1f2c388ce8558e8315c6c6/f3583/e38370a6cb3cc2c75afd541c6e6094f6.png 1200w,\n/static/edbd7c1dde1f2c388ce8558e8315c6c6/f90fa/e38370a6cb3cc2c75afd541c6e6094f6.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/edbd7c1dde1f2c388ce8558e8315c6c6/58556/e38370a6cb3cc2c75afd541c6e6094f6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/edbd7c1dde1f2c388ce8558e8315c6c6/61e93/e38370a6cb3cc2c75afd541c6e6094f6.webp 200w,\n/static/edbd7c1dde1f2c388ce8558e8315c6c6/1f5c5/e38370a6cb3cc2c75afd541c6e6094f6.webp 400w,\n/static/edbd7c1dde1f2c388ce8558e8315c6c6/58556/e38370a6cb3cc2c75afd541c6e6094f6.webp 800w,\n/static/edbd7c1dde1f2c388ce8558e8315c6c6/99238/e38370a6cb3cc2c75afd541c6e6094f6.webp 1200w,\n/static/edbd7c1dde1f2c388ce8558e8315c6c6/5e0b8/e38370a6cb3cc2c75afd541c6e6094f6.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2197-markdown","title":"What Is It About Mangoes and Marijuana?","slug":"what-is-it-about-mangoes-and-marijuana","content":"The number of ways to incorporate medical marijuana into your daily\nmedical regimen is almost as vast as the number of conditions cannabis\ncan beneficially impact. From\n[glaucoma](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b5a47c4a1805500087db9c4/3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-glaucoma-answered)\nto symptoms related to\n[HIV/AIDS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55aec80f3837390006020000/how-medical-marijuana-alleviates-symptoms-of-hivaids),\nand from\n[inflammation](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5c804a40eb14100009da227e/easing-acute-inflammation-with-cannabis-terpenes)\nto\n[depression](https://www.hellomd.com/learn/depression)\nand\n[anxiety](https://www.hellomd.com/learn/anxiety),\nthe applications for medical marijuana span the entire healthcare field.\nAnd nearly as numerous as the ways to use marijuana are the strains\navailable - and the other foods or substances cannabis can be paired or\nmixed with for optimum efficacy. One newly popular pairing is between\nmedical cannabis and a tasty-but-somewhat-obscure fruit: the tropical\nmango.\n\n### All About the Mango\n\nNever tried a mango? You're in good company. Although this fruit is\nconsidered to be one of the more luscious of the tropical fruits, it's a\nmore recent addition to most diets. As it's become more widely\navailable, it's also grown exponentially in popularity. The mango\n[originates in India](http://www.mango.org/en/About-Mangos/Mango-Facts),\nand healers there have used the various parts of the mango for centuries\nin Eastern remedies.\n\nLike most fruits, mangoes are low in calories and chock full of\nnutritional value, particularly in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. And beyond\neating a mango all by itself, you can also add this fruit to chutneys,\nsalsas, fruit cocktails, fruity deserts or as juice in a drink. All by\nitself, mangoes are beneficial to your health. When mixed with cannabis,\nyou can enjoy a double dose of benefit.\n\n### Why Could Mango Go Well With Cannabis?\n\nMany cannabis pairings evolve around a compound that enhances both\nadditions. Mango and cannabis are no different. Both contain\n[terpenes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terpene) - an organic compound\nfound in many types of plants. Marijuana and mangoes specifically play\nhost to [myrcene](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrcene) terpenes, which\nrepresent the scents associated with these and other natural substances.\nIn particular, terpenes are found where CBD and THC are in the plant\nmakeup of cannabis. These\n[terpenes](http://www.marijuana.com/blog/news/2012/07/mango-smoothies-increase-that-marijuana-high/)\nare responsible for slipping THC past the blood/brain barrier faster.\nInterestingly, mangos share these compounds with cannabis. That means\nthat when mangoes and cannabis are combined, they may be able to deliver\na one-two punch against your ailments.\n\nThink about it this way. When you eat a mango, as you would eat any\nother fruit, its components are dumped into your bloodstream not long\nafter the food reaches your stomach. In the case of mangoes and\nmarijuana being used in close timing with one another, the terpenes\nreleased from the mango into your bloodstream meet up with the myrcene\nterpenes from the THC in marijuana. And in addition to faster\nbioavailability, this double punch extends the efficacy of both as well.\n\nOne way in which the mango and marijuana combination that is\nparticularly important is in how fast your body feels the impact. By\ndoubling the availability of the beneficial properties, you can begin to\nexperience relief faster. And with many disorders - particularly those\nrelated to pain and inflammation - this added speed can be an added\nblessing.\n\n### Scientific Study of Mango and Marijuana Use\n\nUnfortunately, marijuana has not yet been\n[rescheduled](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5702d2cac43fac000c00006d/when-marijuana-is-rescheduled-by-the-feds)\nas a Schedule I controlled substance by the federal government.\nFurthermore, less than half of the states in the US have legalized\nmarijuana. Not only does this situation mean that many patients\ndesperate for relief are left without any access to cannabis, but it\nalso means that research - and important research dollars - are\nextraordinarily hampered. So while millions of patients can attest\nanecdotally to the impact of THC and CBD, and while limited studies show\npromise in its use, the science behind cannabis needs far more attention\nthan it's gotten thus far.\n\nEven with a lack in funding and research, previously conducted studies\ndo show promise. Consider findings about reduction in pain from\n[cancer](http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/cannabis-pdq)\nstudies, the relief of muscle stiffness in [multiple\nsclerosis](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22791906) studies and the\napproval of marijuana byproducts for use in [FDA-approved\nmedications](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22791906) like\nDronabinal and Nabilone.\n\nThough no direct studies have been conducting comparing the effects of\nmarijuana and mangoes, some limited conclusions may be drawn. Of\nparticular interest is a [Texas A&M\nstudy](http://nfs.tamu.edu/2014/05/28/research-studies-show-mango-may-help-prevent-breast-cancer/)\nabout mangoes and breast cancer where researchers studied the\nanti-inflammatory properties of mangoes. As\n[marijuana](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/) is\nalso considered to have anti-inflammatory properties, this gives a\nconvincing data point about how the combination of cannabis and mangoes\ncould be beneficial to some patients. Like other combinations, however,\ndifferent patients may experience far different results.\n\n### Going Forward With Mangoes - And Marijuana\n\nIt's important to discuss how medical marijuana may be beneficial as a\npart of your healthcare routine with your primary practitioner.\nUnfortunately, if you live in one of the [27 states that has yet to\nlegalize\nmarijuana](http://www.governing.com/gov-data/state-marijuana-laws-map-medical-recreational.html),\nyour hands many be tied. If you live in a state considering passing new\nmarijuana legislation, you can get involved in local efforts to support\nthe passage of relevant bills. You may also seek out practitioners in\nnearby states where marijuana use is already legal. Doing so may run you\nafoul of your local laws, however, so proceed at your own risk whenever\nyou have marijuana on your person in a state where it is illegal.\n\nIf you already do live in a state where marijuana use is legal, you can\nwork with your own practitioner or a specialist who is more\nknowledgeable about medical cannabis. What has been your experience so\nfar with medical marijuana? Have you had the opportunity to try mangoes\nand get even more value from your complementary therapies?\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtravels/2522828363/in/photolist-8hcpSe-7hxbJ-8hfEb5-4QePcP-4Qj4fh-4Qj33N-kLV4xH-kKmJW6-aa3PG-8gKj9z-yjnsZ-cCVLKo-oqJuHk-aoPv4c-pXCbh-4QW9YK-4sUnX-8mFMMj-CY8iHX-5o1xtP)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4492753623188406,"src":"/static/9147c4dbe9103e847962f679385bb4fd/e2e7f/1ceea37d3d7d287c8e2b1c186920965f.png","srcSet":"/static/9147c4dbe9103e847962f679385bb4fd/69585/1ceea37d3d7d287c8e2b1c186920965f.png 200w,\n/static/9147c4dbe9103e847962f679385bb4fd/497c6/1ceea37d3d7d287c8e2b1c186920965f.png 400w,\n/static/9147c4dbe9103e847962f679385bb4fd/e2e7f/1ceea37d3d7d287c8e2b1c186920965f.png 675w","srcWebp":"/static/9147c4dbe9103e847962f679385bb4fd/761da/1ceea37d3d7d287c8e2b1c186920965f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9147c4dbe9103e847962f679385bb4fd/61e93/1ceea37d3d7d287c8e2b1c186920965f.webp 200w,\n/static/9147c4dbe9103e847962f679385bb4fd/1f5c5/1ceea37d3d7d287c8e2b1c186920965f.webp 400w,\n/static/9147c4dbe9103e847962f679385bb4fd/761da/1ceea37d3d7d287c8e2b1c186920965f.webp 675w","sizes":"(max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2162-markdown","title":"Marijuana Is Safer Than Alcohol and Tobacco, Study Finds","slug":"marijuana-is-safer-than-alcohol-and-tobacco-study-finds","content":"Over the past 20 years, 23 states and the District of Columbia have\n[legalized marijuana for medical\nuse](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5596acc23436650006020000/does-medical-marijuana-work).\nDespite these changes to state laws, opponents continue to argue that\nmarijuana causes more harm than good. A [new\nstudy](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4311234/) refutes\ntheir claims and shows that marijuana is safer than alcohol and tobacco,\nand researchers and policymakers may have overestimated the risks\nassociated with its use.\n\n**Researchers Use Novel Approach to Compare Mortality Risks**\n\nResearch conducted by Dirk Lachenmeier and Jürgen Rehm, and published in\nScientific Reports in January 2015, investigated the mortality risk\nassociated with seven substances by comparing the lethal dose of each\nsubstance with the typical amount used. This ratio, referred to as the\nmargin of exposure (MOE), was used to determine the risk of dying from\nan overdose of each of the substances.\n\nThe MOE is a novel method for comparing the mortality risk of different\nsubstances. Introduced by the [European Food Safety Authority in\n2005](http://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/scientific_output/files/main_documents/282.pdf)\nas an approach for assessing the risk of toxic compounds, it had only\never been used in the addiction field for evaluating substances in\nalcoholic beverages. Previous attempts to compare the dangers of\nsubstances of abuse were based largely on anecdotal, rather than\nscientific, evidence, which meant that policymakers had to rely on\neducated guesses and survey data from developed nations when making\nlegislative decisions. Only in the past decade have researchers begun to\nuse robust scientific techniques to classify the mortality risks of\nparticular substances of abuse. However, many of these approaches were\nbased on expert panel judgments on harm indicators, such as intoxication\nand physical and psychological dependence.\n\n**Evidence for Marijuana's Safety Grows**\n\nLachenmeier and Rehm's research revealed that, of all the substances\nanalyzed, alcohol posed the highest mortality risk at an individual\nlevel, followed by heroin, cocaine, tobacco, ecstasy, methamphetamine\nand marijuana. Alcohol was found to be about 114 times more deadly than\nmarijuana, which was the only substance that was classified as having a\nlow mortality risk. The researchers' classifications were based solely\non the substances themselves and did not take into account environmental\nrisk factors, such as the sharing of contaminated needles by intravenous\ndrug users. Previous studies, including a [comparison of the toxicity of\ncommonly abused\nsubstances](https://rgable.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/toxicity-addiction-offprint2.pdf)\npublished in the journal Addiction in June 2004, ranked marijuana as\nsafer than alcohol and tobacco, but it was not known that the\ndiscrepancy between their mortality risks was this large.\n\n**Researchers Call for Changes to Federal Marijuana Laws**\n\nDespite their known health risks, alcohol and tobacco are exempted from\nthe Controlled Substances Act due to cultural and economic reasons.\nAlcohol and tobacco have been acceptable substances in U.S. culture\nsince well before the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, and they are two of\nthe [most widely used\nsubstances](http://www.samhsa.gov/data/NSDUH/2012SummNatFindDetTables/NationalFindings/NSDUHresults2012.htm)\nnationally. The researchers believe that the risks of alcohol and\ntobacco may have been underestimated in the past, and are urging federal\ngovernment to focus their efforts more on mitigating the harmful effects\nof alcohol and tobacco than on other substances, such as marijuana.\n\nIn contrast, the risks of marijuana may have been overestimated. For the\nmortality endpoint alone, the findings showed marijuana's MOE to be\nabove safety thresholds at the individual and population levels. There\nhas never been a case of a cannabis overdose death. This lends weight to\nthe argument that marijuana should be removed from Schedule I of the\nControlled Substances Act, a category reserved for the most dangerous\nsubstances.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4705882352941178,"src":"/static/1e6e891ecfc3b981e2b927b710be93ea/ee604/e07fe2f5dbd6c2648e5d4f794c19fe35.png","srcSet":"/static/1e6e891ecfc3b981e2b927b710be93ea/69585/e07fe2f5dbd6c2648e5d4f794c19fe35.png 200w,\n/static/1e6e891ecfc3b981e2b927b710be93ea/497c6/e07fe2f5dbd6c2648e5d4f794c19fe35.png 400w,\n/static/1e6e891ecfc3b981e2b927b710be93ea/ee604/e07fe2f5dbd6c2648e5d4f794c19fe35.png 800w,\n/static/1e6e891ecfc3b981e2b927b710be93ea/74c9e/e07fe2f5dbd6c2648e5d4f794c19fe35.png 955w","srcWebp":"/static/1e6e891ecfc3b981e2b927b710be93ea/58556/e07fe2f5dbd6c2648e5d4f794c19fe35.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1e6e891ecfc3b981e2b927b710be93ea/61e93/e07fe2f5dbd6c2648e5d4f794c19fe35.webp 200w,\n/static/1e6e891ecfc3b981e2b927b710be93ea/1f5c5/e07fe2f5dbd6c2648e5d4f794c19fe35.webp 400w,\n/static/1e6e891ecfc3b981e2b927b710be93ea/58556/e07fe2f5dbd6c2648e5d4f794c19fe35.webp 800w,\n/static/1e6e891ecfc3b981e2b927b710be93ea/3d99a/e07fe2f5dbd6c2648e5d4f794c19fe35.webp 955w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"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_2061-markdown","title":"Does Smoking Marijuana Make You Stupid?","slug":"does-smoking-marijuana-make-you-stupid","content":"It's a misconception that smoking marijuana makes you stupid or, in\nother words, that marijuana causes your IQ to decline. While this\nmisconception has been around for a long time, studies from prestigious\ninstitutions such as [Duke\nUniversity](http://www.pnas.org/content/109/40/E2657.abstract) that\npoint out a correlation only serve to further scare off people who could\nbenefit from marijuana. The reality is that reputable studies show\nlittle likelihood of a connection between smoking marijuana and a\ndecreased IQ, although they indicate other possible links to IQ\ndeclines.\n\n**Recent Studies**\n\nFlaws in the Duke University study quickly came to light. For example,\nthe study's findings were too preliminary to indicate a general truth,\nas only 38 of the 1,037 study participants used marijuana to the point\nthat they were diagnosed as addicted. The study also did not account for\nother [possible\nconnections](http://healthland.time.com/2012/08/28/does-weekly-marijuana-use-by-teens-really-cause-a-drop-in-iq/)\nto IQ declines such as trauma, abuse, and healthy or unhealthy family\nrelationships. In fact, a [follow-up\nstudy](http://www.pnas.org/content/110/11/4251.abstract) in 2012 pointed\nout that the Duke University study made no attempt whatsoever to look at\nthe implications of factors such as socioeconomic status, alcohol use\nand mental issues on IQ decline.\n\nTwo studies published in January 2016 indicate that there's no\nconnection between IQ and smoking marijuana. One study examined [2,235\nBritish children, aged 8 to\n16](http://jop.sagepub.com/content/30/2/159), while the other study\ncompared pairs of teenage American identical twins. One twin in each\npair smoked marijuana, while the other did not.\n\nThe twins study, which is actually a combination of [two twins\nstudies](http://www.pnas.org/content/113/5/E500.abstract), showed that\nthere was no noticeably different cognitive level between one twin and\nthe other. This held true no matter how heavy a cannabis smoker one twin\nwas. In order to qualify as a marijuana user, a twin had to have used\nmarijuana at least 30 times to date or every day for more than six\nmonths. Both types of siblings, smokers and nonsmokers, lost an average\nof four IQ points during the study. These results are powerful because\nthe DNA and similar upbringings of twins are a control for factors such\nas socioeconomic status. Interestingly, the study points toward the\nconclusion that middle-school children who are intellectually\nunder-challenged may be more likely to seek out marijuana. However, it's\nimportant to keep in mind that the twins self-reported their marijuana\nuse and IQ scores.\n\nThe study of British children controlled for extraneous factors and\nshowed that marijuana use prior to age 15 had no predictive effect on IQ\nor educational performance. In this study, about 25 percent of the\nchildren said they had tried marijuana at least one time, and almost 3.5\npercent had used it 50 times or more. Those who used marijuana heavily\ndemonstrated lower IQ scores and poorer educational performance, but\nafter researchers controlled for other variables, the marijuana\nassociation went away.\n\n**Positive Effects of Marijuana**\n\nThese study results are good news because marijuana has proven to be\nextremely helpful. For instance, it helps people better cope with pain\nranging from [chronic pain to menstrual\ncramps](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56cc9cf4bcf7810008000018/consuming-marijuana-every-day-the-pros-and-cons).\nIt also helps control blood sugar and weight gain, and sparks creativity\nin many people. It helps with [anxiety and\nstress](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-for-anxiety-and-stress-disorders)\nand even with PTSD. In cancer patients, marijuana not only alleviates\npain, it [increases\nappetite](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55b14a863330370006050000/loss-of-appetite-from-cancer)\nand [combats\nnausea](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55a5842c6636300006510000/marijuana-shows-promise-as-a-treatment-for-chemotherapy-induced-nausea).\n\n**Negative Effects of Marijuana**\n\nAs with any substance, marijuana does come with some negative effects.\nPeople who smoke it may have respiratory issues such as wheezing and\nchronic bronchitis. Marijuana smoke may also damage the lungs, and for\nthe above two reasons, many people who use marijuana every day choose\nvaporizers or edibles.\n\n**Perception of Marijuana and IQ: Then vs. Now**\n\nIn the United States in the 1980s and 1990s, anti-drug ads pointed to\nso-called negative effects of marijuana: laziness, stupidity and lack of\ngood judgment. Whenever marijuana smokers were shown in movies, they\ncommonly took the form of incoherent stoners with endless appetites.\nPerceptions are now changing, as marijuana gains legal and social\nacceptance. For example, nearly 70 percent of Americans believe [that\nalcohol is more\nharmful](http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/04/14/6-facts-about-marijuana/)\nto a person than marijuana is, and more Americans support widespread\nlegalization than are against it. [Medical\nmarijuana](http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx)\nis legal in about half of U.S. states, and marijuana use is legal to a\ncertain non-medical extent in several states as well. And, of course,\nstudy after study shows that people need not worry about hurting their\nIQ if they smoke marijuana.\n\n**What Does Lead to IQ Decline?**\n\nSo, if marijuana doesn't lead to IQ decline, what does? One answer may\ncome in the form of a mix of factors, such as socioeconomic status,\nmental illness, alcohol, hard drugs and other influences touched on by\nmarijuana studies. For example, the British study indicated that teenage\nmarijuana users are more likely to have had problems in childhood and to\nbe cigarette and alcohol users.\n\nRather than decrease IQ, marijuana use for many people helps them\nstretch their mental and physical muscles. For example, it makes them\nhappier and less anxious, putting them in a more creative mood. It\ndecreases their pain levels, enabling them to exercise when they\npreviously wouldn't have been able to. In turn, that exercise promotes\nblood circulation, and that's great news for a healthy brain and a\nhealthy body. So, from one perspective, marijuana actually boosts\nintelligence, albeit in an indirect way.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3157894736842106,"src":"/static/0f91e8baf2720305a2c709d7949b5c02/ee604/3f42c7f3a77cb78da51efd1583bad40d.png","srcSet":"/static/0f91e8baf2720305a2c709d7949b5c02/69585/3f42c7f3a77cb78da51efd1583bad40d.png 200w,\n/static/0f91e8baf2720305a2c709d7949b5c02/497c6/3f42c7f3a77cb78da51efd1583bad40d.png 400w,\n/static/0f91e8baf2720305a2c709d7949b5c02/ee604/3f42c7f3a77cb78da51efd1583bad40d.png 800w,\n/static/0f91e8baf2720305a2c709d7949b5c02/ea5e2/3f42c7f3a77cb78da51efd1583bad40d.png 986w","srcWebp":"/static/0f91e8baf2720305a2c709d7949b5c02/58556/3f42c7f3a77cb78da51efd1583bad40d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0f91e8baf2720305a2c709d7949b5c02/61e93/3f42c7f3a77cb78da51efd1583bad40d.webp 200w,\n/static/0f91e8baf2720305a2c709d7949b5c02/1f5c5/3f42c7f3a77cb78da51efd1583bad40d.webp 400w,\n/static/0f91e8baf2720305a2c709d7949b5c02/58556/3f42c7f3a77cb78da51efd1583bad40d.webp 800w,\n/static/0f91e8baf2720305a2c709d7949b5c02/457e0/3f42c7f3a77cb78da51efd1583bad40d.webp 986w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2044-markdown","title":"Can Marijuana Help Solve the Heroin & Prescription Opioid Crisis?","slug":"can-marijuana-help-solve-the-heroin-and-prescription-opioid-crisis","content":"Heroin and prescription opioid addiction is hitting record numbers in the U.S. We largely treat these addictions with more opiates like methadone and Suboxone. But The Open Neurology Journal cites studies saying medical marijuana helps with chronic pain, but can also control nausea and vomiting.\n\nHeroin and prescription opioid [addiction to drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin is hitting record\nnumbers in the United States](http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/10/30/us/31heroin-deaths.html?_r=1). The medical community has largely attempted to treat these addictions—as well as counter the negative effects of opiate withdrawal—with more opioids such as methadone and Suboxone.  \n\nBut an article published in _The Open Neurology Journal_ mentions [numerous studies that found medical marijuana not only helps with chronic pain management, but can also control nausea and vomiting](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358713/)—typical withdrawal symptoms when stopping the use of heroin and opiates. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Opioid Overdoses in Every State\n\nThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study about the epidemic of drug overdose deaths in America, and the statistics were startling. Every state has been affected and almost every county in the country has seen an [increase in drug overdose deaths](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/heroin-overdose-deaths-double-in-u-s/). Between 2012 and 2014, the number of heroin overdoses doubled in the U.S. The increase is attributed to addiction to narcotic painkillers.\n\nThese numbers aren't just affecting certain areas. [New Hampshire, West Virginia and other states with large blue-collar worker populations have also experienced record numbers of rising opiate addiction](http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/01/07/us/drug-overdose-deaths-in-the-us.html). Workplace injuries have also been contributing to increasing opioid addiction in the working class.\n\nThe rise in deaths mirrors levels of the HIV epidemic at its height in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2014, [opioid use accounted for 61% of\ndeaths in the U.S.](http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/01/07/us/drug-overdose-deaths-in-the-us.html) In order to stem the tide of prescription drug abuse, new legislation has been introduced in an attempt to control prescribing practices. However, as [prescription painkillers became less available, addicts turned to heroin](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/11/health/prescription-painkillers-seen-as-a-gateway-to-heroin.html).\n\n### How Narcotic Addiction Affects the Brain & Body\n\nDrug addiction alters the physical composition of the brain. Narcotic addiction, in particular, rewires the circuits in the brain responsible for reward, consequence determination and mood. With this change in wiring, the brain is no longer capable of functioning without the help of the opioid drug. If the addicted person tries to abstain from heroin or other prescription opioids, they experience symptoms of opiate withdrawal such as:\n\n* anxiety and agitation\n* body aches\n* chills\n* craving the drug\n* vomiting\n* diarrhea\n* nausea\n\nThese opioid withdrawal symptoms can increase in severity, lasting a few hours to a few days. And, if the addiction began as a result of using drugs for chronic pain, withdrawal symptoms can worsen as the pain from the condition plus the pain of withdrawal intensify. \n\n### Prescription Attempts at Recovery from Opiate Addiction & Withdrawal\n\n[The common medical practice for treating opioid addiction is to prescribe more drugs](https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/breaking-an-addiction-to-painkillers-treatment-overvew#1) to mask the opiate withdrawal symptoms. \n\nAfter the initial withdrawal period ends, maintenance drugs are prescribed. Methadone, naltrexone, Suboxone and other medications are used to deter abuse, but none of them completely end the addiction process, keep withdrawal symptoms from occurring, or heal the connections in the brain.\n\n### How Medical Marijuana Can Help End the Cycle of Opioid Addiction\n\nWhile most of the methadone-based treatments prescribed in the treatment of heroin and opiate addiction can produce the same kinds of highs—as well as addictions—created by the drugs themselves, cannabis can treat addiction without the resulting euphoric feelings. Of the 400 or more chemical compounds in cannabis, only tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produces a high. Many forms of cannabis can be grown and processed without this factor, which makes marijuana even safer to treat addiction than other drugs are.\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS AS AN EXIT DRUG FOR THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59f0d5d6453ba8000f3478d6/cannabis-an-exit-drug-for-the-opioid-epidemic)\n\nIn addition, the body contains the [endocannabinoid system (ECS), a natural system for healing itself through decreasing inflammation and pain while increasing immunity](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5751cbd970410e000b00003a/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system). It works in a very similar way to the cannabinoids in medical marijuana.\n\nThrough proper use, cannabis supports the ECS and can actually rewire the brain, unlike methadone treatments which merely block chemical transmission while it's in use. This means that once the person stops taking methadone, the brain hasn't healed and will still seek satisfaction through cravings for heroin or other opiates. Cannabis, on the other hand, changes the composition of the brain so the cravings are no longer present.\n\nNot only does the use of medical marijuana promote the body's natural healing systems, it helps correct the underlying disease. Instead of masking or creating side effects, medical marijuana can be a real solution in combatting the problem of heroin and opiate addiction—and subsequently, opiate withdrawal.\n\nPhoto credit: [Wil Taylor](https://www.flickr.com/photos/subsetsum/3731217400/in/photolist-6FHsWu-9jkyup-nbdfPZ-5jpRT6-856TZo-cQay4s-aLtXLx-5APYay-vCqoHd-vCyVYH-eTpA1X-whPxFy-gAdTrV-qKZk9-7MhkvW-hNn9e-9uLbiZ-N65ak-f1uFuv-eaVHvf-4dacbb-4DyRuj-3PEmnc-bmQdtg-ev2AR5-635Ju-osGDv4-3Sdoa-dp5X6i-akWZuQ-yA6b-7ZvsBd-8QoWTf-f1tdQ9-cWsdNy-6yLQZz-cHhoMy-8FBhKR-8WrAcv-ar8jW-9xD73c-9uK5fi-6NFKz2-bytook-9i77ZQ-9skioK-eYbToQ-7e7VkF-4tuPZN-9sVyYA)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/ee604/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png","srcSet":"/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/69585/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png 200w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/497c6/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png 400w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/ee604/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png 800w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/f3583/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png 1200w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/646b6/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png 1266w","srcWebp":"/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/58556/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/61e93/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp 200w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/1f5c5/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp 400w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/58556/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp 800w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/99238/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp 1200w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/9b0b5/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp 1266w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":72,"numPages":9,"currentPage":7,"id":5724,"name":"Science & Research","slug":"science-and-research","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}