{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/science-and-research/8","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2025-markdown","title":"What is the Entourage Effect?","slug":"what-is-the-entourage-effect","content":"While medical researchers have identified more than [480 components in\r\ncannabis](http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/11/health/gupta-marijuana-entourage/),\r\nincluding 66 compounds unique to the plant, scientists have yet to\r\ndetermine exactly how these chemical components work together to produce\r\ndifferent reactions. One concept, termed the \"entourage effect,\"\r\ntheorizes that some cannabis compounds, which have no effect in\r\nisolation, affect the human body only when combined with other\r\ncomponents.\r\n\r\n**Synergy vs. the Entourage Effect**\r\n\r\nBefore the entourage effect gained prominence in medical circles, many\r\nresearchers discussed [the effect of\r\nsynergy](http://www.totalhealthmagazine.com/Herbal-Medicine/Beyond-Synergy%E2%80%94the-Entourage-Effect-in-Nutrition-Herbalism.html)\r\nin herbal medicines and dietary supplements. For components within an\r\nherbal medicine to achieve synergy, the effects of two or more\r\ncomponents must become magnified when combined. Synergisms also explain\r\nwhy vitamins in isolation are less beneficial than eating fruits and\r\nvegetables that contain a wide variety of vitamins and antioxidants.\r\n\r\nThe entourage effect is a related, but different, concept. For the\r\nentourage effect to occur, isolated components must have no noticeable\r\nbenefit in curing the condition under examination. However, when\r\ncombined with other components that also have no discernible benefit,\r\nthere must be a palpable advantage to using the composite.\r\n\r\nResearchers believe that the entourage effect explains why cannabis can\r\nbe so effective when treating certain conditions while synthetic\r\nformulations of only THC or CBD medications may only achieve limited\r\nsuccess in some patients. Evidence suggests that although certain\r\ncannabinoids may appear to be inert, they may produce tangible benefits\r\nwhen mixed with other compounds.\r\n\r\n**How the Entourage Effect Impacts Medication Formulation**\r\n\r\nWhen patients reported that cannabis consumption eased the weight loss\r\ncaused by AIDS or the adverse affects of chemotherapy, medical\r\nresearchers analyzed the plant to determine what caused these benefits.\r\nResearch credited the cannabinoid THC for these benefits, so\r\npharmaceutical companies isolated the THC to create drugs to address\r\nAIDs and chemotherapy symptoms. However, patients who used these\r\n[THC-only\r\ndrugs](http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/2015/01/medicinal-cannabis)\r\nreported greater psychotropic side effects when compared to ingesting\r\ncannabis.\r\n\r\nFurther research into cannabis uncovered that the cannabinoid CBD,\r\nblended with other cannabinoids, reduced the hallucinatory effects of\r\nTHC. Therefore, THC-only drugs eliminated the benefit of the rest of the\r\ncannabinoids. The Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam named this observed\r\nphenomenon the entourage effect.\r\n\r\nPharmaceutical companies used the concept of the entourage effect to\r\nreformulate their THC-only medications to include an equal measurement\r\nof CBD. The resulting formulations achieved a greater therapeutic\r\nbenefit while reducing the adverse reactions of THC-only medications.\r\n\r\nThe entourage effect also impacts the work of scientists who want to\r\n[breed certain strains of\r\ncannabis](http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v525/n7570_supp/full/525S6a.html)\r\nto treat specific health problems. Breeding these cannabis strains to\r\nincrease specific cannabinoids that may treat common ailments may result\r\nin new plants that can better treat patients with fewer side effects.\r\nHowever, such new strains also may create an imbalance within the\r\ndifferent cannabis compounds that eliminate known benefits.\r\n\r\n**Whole Plant Medicinal Use: Barriers and Origins**\r\n\r\nFor people who have observed or experienced the entourage effect in\r\ncannabis, it may be difficult to understand why some doctors hesitate to\r\nrecommend botanical cannabis use and prefer medications with only THC or\r\nCBD cannabinoids. Many medical professionals prefer to prescribe a\r\nsingle compound used to treat a specific problem, disease or ailment\r\nbecause Western medical philosophy endorses this type of\r\nisolated-treatment medicine. While this approach may unintentionally\r\neliminate the entourage effect of cannabis, doctors support this\r\nphilosophy because it also serves to minimize adverse side effects.\r\n\r\nHowever, to effectively use botanical cannabis, some researchers argue\r\nthat doctors should reject the idea of creating a single potent drug to\r\ntreat an isolated problem. Instead, these researchers believe that\r\ndoctors should return to a philosophy of treating multiple possible\r\nproblems with a low dosage of a single, wide-range medication. These\r\nscientists, including noted cannabis researcher Vincenzo Di Marzo, also\r\nbelieve that [some cancers and other diseases may come from an imbalance\r\nof some natural\r\nsystems](http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/2015/01/medicinal-cannabis)\r\nwithin the human body.\r\n\r\nThis concept of poly-pharmacology remains in practice in traditional\r\nChinese medicine. Instead of using a single herb to treat a specific\r\nproblem, practitioners prescribe a combination of herbs called herbal\r\nformulas. The combinations of these herbs, some of which may have no\r\ndiscernible benefit on their own, are well-known to have many benefits\r\nfrom numerous past studies. Experts carefully combine the herbs to\r\ncreate the necessary treatment for a combination of related health\r\nproblems.\r\n\r\n**Known Instances of the Entourage Effect in Cannabis**\r\n\r\nWhile the effect of CBD on THC is the most notable illustration of the\r\nentourage effect, research also indicates that [cannabinoids and\r\nterpenes may also\r\ncombine](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x/pdf)\r\nto achieve greater therapeutic advantages. Studies indicate that certain\r\nterpenes may impact the blood-brain barrier, which may explain why\r\ncertain cannabinoids have greater efficacy when they do not operate in\r\nisolation.\r\n\r\nIn the whole-plant cannabis versus synthetic-cannabis medication debate,\r\nall researchers agree that the entourage effect is still not a concept\r\nthat they fully understand. Further research into exactly how THC, CBD\r\nand other important cannabis compounds work will allow scientists to\r\nmake better recommendations for how to use cannabis compounds to treat\r\nvarious diseases and ailments. With nearly 500 different cannabis\r\ncomponents to explore, the field of whole-plant and\r\nsynthetic-cannabinoid medications is wide open for new and exciting\r\ndevelopments.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/wheatfields/2074121298/in/photolist-4ahq13-9cgKf-79zW3r-d4VuPJ-AtFDzK-pqhzaG-998tw4-4LhphD-ixJ3oL-5uLDAd-X8tR1-4adqtr-4ads8H-8swLhf-X47Pc-95LerV-6axMb-8sLuuq-8VBLCx-9Ge2nu-fuRSHd-4mKc6X-zj9M1S-4NvAzX-8VUnfd-7Z7dwD-7STQ1K-jHXBe-9Atkcr-5KVEaV-5EyWGV-79zXev-q7W8Qp-586np6-4aZTX7-qdfpkk-ooKL5j-9jpQKH-5uGh1x-RAuCj-63aMz3-586mZz-586mP2-rcmPQL-oH1n1i-r3uTa3-mL5Enn-7ZejvR-Agbbn9-AgaUTT)\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5267175572519085,"src":"/static/30a869a99ff2da1f7d4d8dbaa4798fd0/ee604/d1766b6511dc373bc43c72bbf2b842a5.png","srcSet":"/static/30a869a99ff2da1f7d4d8dbaa4798fd0/69585/d1766b6511dc373bc43c72bbf2b842a5.png 200w,\n/static/30a869a99ff2da1f7d4d8dbaa4798fd0/497c6/d1766b6511dc373bc43c72bbf2b842a5.png 400w,\n/static/30a869a99ff2da1f7d4d8dbaa4798fd0/ee604/d1766b6511dc373bc43c72bbf2b842a5.png 800w,\n/static/30a869a99ff2da1f7d4d8dbaa4798fd0/30c15/d1766b6511dc373bc43c72bbf2b842a5.png 936w","srcWebp":"/static/30a869a99ff2da1f7d4d8dbaa4798fd0/58556/d1766b6511dc373bc43c72bbf2b842a5.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/30a869a99ff2da1f7d4d8dbaa4798fd0/61e93/d1766b6511dc373bc43c72bbf2b842a5.webp 200w,\n/static/30a869a99ff2da1f7d4d8dbaa4798fd0/1f5c5/d1766b6511dc373bc43c72bbf2b842a5.webp 400w,\n/static/30a869a99ff2da1f7d4d8dbaa4798fd0/58556/d1766b6511dc373bc43c72bbf2b842a5.webp 800w,\n/static/30a869a99ff2da1f7d4d8dbaa4798fd0/5d27d/d1766b6511dc373bc43c72bbf2b842a5.webp 936w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2002-markdown","title":"Does Marijuana Kill Brain Cells?","slug":"does-marijuana-kill-brain-cells","content":"We've all heard the refrain \"marijuana makes you stupid\" or \"cannabis kills brain cells,\" and at some point or another, many of us have wondered if it's true. But the truth is cannabis is a complex substance and many of its benefits are just now being uncovered.\n\nWhile some evidence to shows that excessive cannabis consumption can lead to difficulties with [learning and attention\nspan](https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn8839-long-term-marijuana-use-may-fog-the-brain/), there's a great deal of information that proves cannabis can help—rather than hurt—the brain. Instead of killing brain cells, cannabis may actually stimulate the production of new ones. It can also block some of the negative effects of cognitive stress and protect consumers from various forms of dementia. Indeed, marijuana may actually benefit the human brain much more than researchers previously thought. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Marijuana Can Help Create New Brain Cells \n\nUntil recently, it was thought that new brain cells stopped forming after a certain point in our lives. However, today, it's clear that our brains never truly stop growing. This process of brain cell creation is called [neurogenesis](http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Neurogenesis.aspx)—and it takes place throughout our lives. Many things can stimulate neurogenesis, and marijuana is one of them.\n\nAccording to an Italian study published in a 2013 issue of _Neurochemistry\nInternational_, there's a unique chemical contained in cannabis known as\ncannabichromene (CBC). CBC actually boosts the functionality and\navailability of developing brain cells. The study found that, [in\naddition to helping preserve the health of the brain by stimulating the growth of new brain cells](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197018613002106), CBC can also help protect against various cognitive disorders, such as depression.\n\n### Marijuana Can Protect the Brain From Stress\n\nStress is a major factor in [nearly all chronic\ndiseases](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071009164122.htm)—too much of it can easily have a negative impact on your health. Research has shown that, because stress actually [re-wires the way that the brain works](https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201402/chronic-stress-can-damage-brain-structure-and-connectivity), over time excessive stress is a significant risk factor for conditions such as depression and anxiety. Cannabis is anecdotally known as an effective stress reliever, and now scientists in Israel have found that certain chemical compounds within the plant can actually protect the brain from the effects of stress.\n\n\nAccording to the authors of a 2012 study published in the prominent journal _Neuropsychopharmacology_, [the cannabinoids that occur naturally in marijuana have the potential to protect the brain from certain stress-induced disorders]( http://www.nature.com/npp/journal/v38/n8/full/npp201351a.html). While researchers still aren't sure exactly how cannabis is able to do this, the study indicated that doses of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) improved short-term memory and learning capacity within study participants. Chronic stress is something many adults contend with, and this research is helping medical professionals understand what a powerful treatment marijuana may be for the harmful effects of excess stress.\n\n### In One Study, Marijuana Killed Brain Cells That Were Cancerous \n\nWhile brain cancer is relatively rare, the thought alone is terrifying to many people. Luckily for people who consume cannabis, research from a team of Spanish scientists has shown that [THC may shrink brain\ntumors](http://www.worldhealth.net/news/thc_initiates_brain_cancer_cells_to_dest/).\n\nThe study, which was conducted by Guillermo Velasco and his Complutense University colleagues, used mice inflicted with human tumors as study subjects. The researchers found that when the mice were administered with THC, the size of their tumors shrank significantly.\nThe study also included two human subjects with an aggressive type of brain cancer. After a 26- and 30-day treatment with THC, researchers found that THC was actually able to eliminate these subjects' cancer cells while leaving healthy brain tissue intact-so it seems that in some cases, marijuana does kill brain cells. \n\nWhile more research is needed to fully solidify the anti-cancer properties of marijuana, it's clear that cannabis may one day become a primary go-to for healthy, non-toxic brain cancer treatment.\n\n### Marijuana May Protect and Restore Brain Cells \n\nAlzheimer's\ndisease is a particularly aggressive form of dementia that robs people of their memory, cognitive abilities and behavioral patterns. It's currently the most common form of dementia known to doctors and doesn't have a cure. Though marijuana is not often associated with increasing memory, research published in _Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B_ has shown\nthat [cannabinoids contained within marijuana can help the brain restore damaged cells](http://www.worldhealth.net/news/marijuana-may-boost-brain-performance/), which can mitigate the effects of conditions such as Huntington's disease, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.\n\nA well-known\n[anti-inflammatory](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/medical-marijuana-as-an-aid-against-inflammation), marijuana exerts these restorative effects by slowing or decreasing the brain inflammation often associated with these conditions. This, combined with the fact that cannabinoids actually act as powerful antioxidants in the brain, renders marijuana a highly promising treatment for difficult cognitive disorders.\n\n### Evidence Suggests That Marijuana Doesn't Kill Brain Cells  \n\nWhile opponents of cannabis are quick to point out that marijuana damages the brain, many studies are now [debunking the myth that marijuana kills brain cells.](http://www.jneurosci.org/content/35/4/1505.abstract)  In fact, the cannabinoids found within marijuana may actually help rebuild them. From assisting in neurogenesis to protecting against cognitive decline and chronic stress, marijuana is a complex compound that offers a whole host of well-noted benefits. \n\nPhoto Credit: [Michael](https://www.flickr.com/photos/86939600@N00/459978059/in/photolist-ca34Fu-GDvsc-qVzNcB-bybf8L-oTqBrE-577kBi-7FXyDR-577km2-2db1o-2daTb-2db1m-577kPV-2db1n-2daXh-2db1q-2db1p-2daRh-2daRi-2daT6-2daV8-2daVa-2db2H-2daXd-2daRd-2db1k-2daXc-2shyzK-ohYVb-CMBfoB-ohYVc-fSnnQA-6v1Lr7-dNPx66-64nRA6-2daT8-2daXe-2daT7-2daRg-2daRe-2daRf-2daV9-2daXf-2daT9-2daVb-2daV7-2daTa-2daXg-2daVc-4ZPhnC-ohYVo)\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/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":1.4705882352941178,"src":"/static/7e6171afa3384a0aa84be47b9f31da35/ee604/6ec2a3847e6764ce63dc1737de5b3e0f.png","srcSet":"/static/7e6171afa3384a0aa84be47b9f31da35/69585/6ec2a3847e6764ce63dc1737de5b3e0f.png 200w,\n/static/7e6171afa3384a0aa84be47b9f31da35/497c6/6ec2a3847e6764ce63dc1737de5b3e0f.png 400w,\n/static/7e6171afa3384a0aa84be47b9f31da35/ee604/6ec2a3847e6764ce63dc1737de5b3e0f.png 800w,\n/static/7e6171afa3384a0aa84be47b9f31da35/2f01b/6ec2a3847e6764ce63dc1737de5b3e0f.png 1001w","srcWebp":"/static/7e6171afa3384a0aa84be47b9f31da35/58556/6ec2a3847e6764ce63dc1737de5b3e0f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7e6171afa3384a0aa84be47b9f31da35/61e93/6ec2a3847e6764ce63dc1737de5b3e0f.webp 200w,\n/static/7e6171afa3384a0aa84be47b9f31da35/1f5c5/6ec2a3847e6764ce63dc1737de5b3e0f.webp 400w,\n/static/7e6171afa3384a0aa84be47b9f31da35/58556/6ec2a3847e6764ce63dc1737de5b3e0f.webp 800w,\n/static/7e6171afa3384a0aa84be47b9f31da35/177b8/6ec2a3847e6764ce63dc1737de5b3e0f.webp 1001w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2036-markdown","title":"Does Caffeine Improve Your Marijuana High?","slug":"does-caffeine-improve-your-marijuana-high","content":"For years, coffee and marijuana have gone together like Bonnie and\r\nClyde. Cannabis aficionados around the world have enjoyed sitting down\r\nfor a nice drag and a cup of joe at the same time -- believing that one\r\nwould inevitably enhance the other. So what's the connection between\r\nthese two things? Does drinking coffee actually enhance the effects of a\r\ncannabis high?\r\n\r\n**Caffeine and the Brain**\r\n\r\nCaffeine is the most popular drug in the world. Currently, [85 percent\r\nof the U.S. population](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24189158)\r\ndrinks a caffeinated beverage, such as tea, soda or coffee, every day.\r\nFound in everything from black coffee to root beer, caffeine is\r\nvirtually everywhere. What's more, people have been using the powerful\r\nstimulant for [hundreds of\r\nyears](http://www.toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Caffeine) to combat\r\nafternoon crashes and make waking up a little easier.\r\n\r\nContrary to what most people think, though, coffee doesn't actually\r\n*provide* energy. Instead, the chemicals found in coffee simply [block\r\nreceptors in the human\r\nbrain](http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/285194.php) from being\r\naffected by adenosine, the chemical that makes us feel tired. In this\r\nway, coffee gives the people who love it the strength to power through\r\nthe day.\r\n\r\n**Cannabis and the Brain**\r\n\r\nCannabis contains a complex system of cannabinoids, chemical compounds\r\nproduced by the cannabis flower that offer a wide array of medicinal\r\nuses. One of the most well-known cannabinoids goes by the name of\r\ntetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC is a psychoactive compound that bears\r\na close resemblance to anandamide, which is a naturally occurring\r\ntransmitter in the human brain. When cannabis is consumed, it interrupts\r\nthe brain's normal neural process to streamline thought and [enhance\r\ncreativity](https://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~issues/articles/18.2_Talise_J_Marijuana_1.html).\r\n\r\n**The Monkey Study**\r\n\r\nIn a [2011 study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3115444/)\r\nconducted by a branch of the National Institutes of Health known as the\r\nIntegrative Neurobiology Section of the National Institute on Drug\r\nAbuse, squirrel monkeys were granted free access to a lever that would\r\ngive them a hit of THC when pulled. They were also given access to a\r\nlever that dispensed MSX-3, a powerful form of caffeine. At first, the\r\nmonkeys in the study mixed and matched THC with the MSX-3. As the study\r\nprogressed, however, researchers noticed that the monkeys were using the\r\nTHC lever less and less as their concentrations of MSX-3 went up. In\r\nlight of this, researchers concluded that higher levels of caffeine in\r\nthe body interacted with THC in a way that allowed monkeys to consume\r\nless THC while still enjoying the same effect.\r\n\r\nIn addition to validating the connection between coffee and cannabis\r\nthat aficionados have known about for years, the study also found that\r\nwhen the monkeys consumed large amounts of caffeine in concert with high\r\nconcentrations of THC, they experienced more addictive symptoms, making\r\nit [more difficult for them to quit\r\nTHC](http://www.medicaldaily.com/drinking-coffee-and-smoking-pot-caffeine-dosage-impacts-marijuanas-effects-337848).\r\nWhile this data is limited to findings from animal studies, it's\r\npossible that this addictive behavior may be present in humans as well.\r\n\r\n**The Outcome**\r\n\r\nCurrently, the monkey study is currently the best body of data\r\nscientists have surrounding the topic of caffeine and cannabis. From it,\r\nresearchers deduced that while the chemicals in caffeine don't actually\r\ninteract with THC to *improve* a cannabis high, they can prolong it.\r\n\r\nWhen consumed together, coffee supplements the effect cannabis has on\r\nthe brain, thus prolonging the chemical high produced by the\r\npsychoactive compounds contained in cannabis. Because cannabis and\r\ncaffeine both trigger the reward centers of the brain, consuming them in\r\nconcert can be a very pleasant experience. Cannabis users should be\r\naware, however, that while marijuana addiction is very rare, it's\r\npossible that maintaining a heavy caffeine-and-cannabis routine can make\r\nit harder to put cannabis aside down the road.\r\n\r\nAs a side note. Some people are predicting that the marijuana market in the US will reach $60B; which is about 5 times larger than the market for coffee in the US (at $11B).\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/lupilis/8694008393/in/photolist-efg4Nr-9HjXYk-cB9YT9-CrJLGj-jddJoG-9yZmz6-9soRP4-eoQpwC-zpb9zz-9gREcB-fFTHCY-doygR6-dX3FvQ-8bYveY-oQxenm-naooin-df7q4x-ovHESs-jPCwG6-cbsvrd-ftX57f-gPyc64-e3bumP-jt85Yw-vQmKM-7Z7cAA-9hnXzF-b9Re3D-r3fNji-jGdpjR-dBJjYL-f5GS8Y-auuNAC-gm6wjo-duwZBF-e63s1h-cKCGJw-bndTkP-bwmawk-pq8z6t-qECPTE-cAZreS-oXsSR4-m3zrMt-RJEzr-duy4cH-nNWvAm-9WdE1E-dKyz98-csyXC5)\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4285714285714286,"src":"/static/45673ff6da1781ee1a12100c71def50e/ee604/b7de0c4be4eeed247f0a8592fc5bf2e7.png","srcSet":"/static/45673ff6da1781ee1a12100c71def50e/69585/b7de0c4be4eeed247f0a8592fc5bf2e7.png 200w,\n/static/45673ff6da1781ee1a12100c71def50e/497c6/b7de0c4be4eeed247f0a8592fc5bf2e7.png 400w,\n/static/45673ff6da1781ee1a12100c71def50e/ee604/b7de0c4be4eeed247f0a8592fc5bf2e7.png 800w,\n/static/45673ff6da1781ee1a12100c71def50e/5ff0a/b7de0c4be4eeed247f0a8592fc5bf2e7.png 940w","srcWebp":"/static/45673ff6da1781ee1a12100c71def50e/58556/b7de0c4be4eeed247f0a8592fc5bf2e7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/45673ff6da1781ee1a12100c71def50e/61e93/b7de0c4be4eeed247f0a8592fc5bf2e7.webp 200w,\n/static/45673ff6da1781ee1a12100c71def50e/1f5c5/b7de0c4be4eeed247f0a8592fc5bf2e7.webp 400w,\n/static/45673ff6da1781ee1a12100c71def50e/58556/b7de0c4be4eeed247f0a8592fc5bf2e7.webp 800w,\n/static/45673ff6da1781ee1a12100c71def50e/01a89/b7de0c4be4eeed247f0a8592fc5bf2e7.webp 940w","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_2037-markdown","title":"Does Marijuana Help or Hurt People With Bipolar Disorder?","slug":"does-marijuana-help-or-hurt-people-with-bipolar-disorder","content":"Cannabis is used to manage so many conditions that it's only natural to wonder if it can help people with bipolar disorder. The answer, however, is still unclear. While some people have said it helps them manage their bipolar disorder symptoms, research suggests that cannabis use can make certain symptoms worsen. The question then becomes: What does this mean for people diagnosed with bipolar disorder?\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### After Consuming Cannabis, Patients With Bipolar Disorder Have More Mania & Depression \n\nIn 2015, the U.K.'s Lancaster University conducted a study that concluded that [cannabis use exacerbates or worsens some bipolar symptoms](http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0118916). In\nparticular, it claimed that depression and mania increased due to the consumption of cannabis. This finding has surprised many people, in light of the fact that some doctors have recommended medical marijuana to their patients with bipolar disorder due to the plant’s ability to help support cognitive functioning.\n\nDuring the study, 24 people with bipolar disorder consumed cannabis at least three times per week and then recorded their mood in a diary. Called the experience sampling method, or ESM, its intended to reduce the risk of memory bias, which can happen when patients report their mood at a later date.\n\nRELATED: [BIPOLAR DISORDER: IS MARIJUANA A NATURAL MOOD STABILIZER?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c10d093166350006110000/bipolar-disorder-is-marijuana-a-natural-mood-stabilizer)\n\n### Bipolar Disorder Patients Took Cannabis When Experiencing Positive Feelings\n\nBefore the researchers drew any conclusions, they analyzed the participants’ diary entries, taking into account age, sex and the use of other types of drugs. The results showed that the use of cannabis often led to more positive feelings, but were accompanied by more manic and depressive symptoms.\n\nIt should be noted that the bipolar disorder study participants used marijuana when they were experiencing positive emotions, not right after a depressive or manic episode. This suggests that their cannabis consumption wasn’t due to any self-medicating type of behavior.\n\n### Marijuana Study on Folks With Bipolar Disorder Is Flawed\n\nAs with a number of studies, people should take the findings with a grain of salt, because there are some possible flaws in this study. For example, the sample size of this study was very small: only 24 people. As well, there was a lack of diversity among the participants; they were all from the U.K., so there's no telling if their background possibly influenced the findings.\n\nIn addition, the people who participated in the study weren’t in the middle of a manic or depressive episode. It's possible the findings could be different if they were.\n\nAlso, those who were studied were only able to report their cannabis ingestion methods with the use of three categories: resin, skunk and grass. The study didn’t take into account the possibility that different doses and methods of cannabis delivery could have different results.\n\nRELATED: [WORD TO THE WISE: CANNABIS AFFECTS EVERYONE DIFFERENTLY](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a99f05df24d1300077ccb71/word-to-the-wise-cannabis-affects-everyone-differently)\n\nAnother possible problem is that the researchers involved the study may have interpreted the diary entries with a subjective lens—meaning, they weren’t objective. Their own biases could have influenced their conclusions.\n\nLastly, this study had no control group. This makes it impossible to know if people who don’t have bipolar disorder could have the same—or different—results when consuming cannabis.\n\n### The Jury’s Still Out on Whether Marijuana Is Bad for Bipolar Disorder\n\nConsidering that this study's findings may be skewed and therefore inaccurate, we can’t know for sure whether marijuana hurts—or helps—people with bipolar disorder. In the end, people who’ve noticed positive effects with cannabis on bipolar disorder symptoms should continue using it. Those who’ve noticed no change or negative effects when consuming marijuana can move on to other options for reducing symptoms of bipolar disorder.\n\nIn the meantime, anyone interested in the relationship between bipolar disorder and marijuana use can look forward to seeing more definitive answers once a larger, more accurate study is completed.\n\nPhoto credit: [Bill Strain](https://www.flickr.com/photos/billstrain/)\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":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/68a74/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.png","srcSet":"/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/69585/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.png 200w,\n/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/497c6/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.png 400w,\n/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/68a74/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.png 637w","srcWebp":"/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/26da7/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/61e93/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.webp 200w,\n/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/1f5c5/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.webp 400w,\n/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/26da7/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.webp 637w","sizes":"(max-width: 637px) 100vw, 637px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1998-markdown","title":"CBD (Cannabidiol): The Medicine of the Future","slug":"cbd-cannabidiol-the-medicine-of-the-future","content":"If you're anything like me, you've probably spent a fair deal of time\nhoping that the medical establishment would begin transitioning to more\nuser-friendly, safer drugs. So many of the medicines doctors prescribe\ntoday are damaging or downright dangerous, and it's easy to wonder if\nthe results are worth the price consumers pay - both financially and\nphysically.\n\nToday, however, it looks like there's light at the end of that tunnel.\nIt comes in the form of cannabidiol (CBD), and all evidence points to\nthe fact that it may well be the medicine of the future.\n\n**CBD 101: What You Need to Know**\n\nWithin the cannabis plant, there are more than 60 chemical compounds\ncalled\n[cannabinoids](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55da2ff26430380006690000/cannabinoids-chemical-compounds-with-huge-therapeutic-potential),\nincluding cannabidiol. These cannabinoids work within the body to\nactivate the cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system. While\nall of these cannabinoids offer benefits of their own, recent research\nhas shown that\n[cannabidiol](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55e12afb6539390006040000/cbd-oil-breaking-the-stereotypes-of-cannabis)\nmay present more health benefits than any single manufactured drug\nthat's being prescribed today.\n\nCannabidiol is present in the cannabis plant in high levels. In fact,\nit's the second-most abundant cannabinoid in the entire herb, which is\nfortunate because doctors are now singing the praises of CBD for\ntreating everything from [autoimmune\ndiseases](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/560c73fa62373500064d0000/cannabinoids-and-the-immune-system)\nand diabetes to\n[arthritis](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5822789665e8fd000cc74ebc/cannabis-soothes-arthritis-pain),\n[nausea](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55b7eb226264330006320000/the-next-step-for-nausea-treatment-medical-marijuana),\n[digestive\ndisorders](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/561d5de53233340006be0000/cannabis-shows-promise-in-treating-crohns-disease-and-colitis)\nand much more.\n\nCBD has also been suggested to possess neuroprotective effects, which\nmakes it a fantastic potential treatment for people at high risk of\nrecurring head injuries (like NFL players).\n\nThanks to the medicinal value of CBD, this unique little compound could\nbecome big news in the medical world sooner rather than later.\n\n**CBD and THC**\n\nUntil recently, medical professionals believed that THC was a byproduct\nof CBD. But today we know that THC and CBD are separate compounds that,\nwhen subjected to heat or extraction processes, undergo extensive\nchanges that make them psychoactive.\n\nBecause CBD can be used without the psychoactive effects of THC, the\ncompound is an exciting alternative for patients who are attempting to\ndo away with their current medication in favor of something safer, more\neasily accessible, and with far fewer side effects.\n\n**CBD and Cancer**\n\nCBD is the main compound that gives cannabis its soothing, relaxing\neffect. Because of this, CBD has emerged as a powerful treatment for\nanxiety disorders, epilepsy, eating disorders and pain. Some scientists\nare even evaluating the compound with regard to potential treatment\noptions for cancer patients - and CBD has already [proven\npromising](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22506672)!\n\nWithin the last several years, a scientist with San Francisco's Pacific\nMedical Center named Dr. Sean McAllister discovered that CBD can\nactually restrict the growth of cancer cells throughout the body, thus\nslowing tumor growth and providing more time for cancer patients to\nexplore treatment options.\n\nWhen Dr. McAllister studied the effect of CBD on [breast cancer\npatients](http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/can-cannabidiol-cbd-fight-metastatic-cancer-according-to-the-latest-research-the-answer-is-yes-170681736.html),\nhe found that the administration of CBD actually decreased the number of\ncancer cells present. Plus, since CBD is completely nontoxic, applying\nthe compound didn't present any unwanted side effects for the patients\nin question.\n\n**CBD and Diabetes**\n\nIn addition to showing promise for cancer treatment, CBD has also given\nhope in the world of diabetes treatment. In a study conducted by Marc\nFeldman at the Imperial College of London, CBD was administered to mice\nsuffering from genetic type-1 diabetes, which generally begins to affect\nthe mice around 14 weeks of age.\n\nBut when one group of mice was treated with CBD during the first seven\nweeks of their lives, only 30 percent showed diabetic symptoms at the\nregular time of onset. From these results, Feldman concluded that the\nadministration of CBD is actually capable of preventing the onset of\ndiabetes in mice - a development which is, needless to say, incredibly\nexciting for the human population.\n\n**CBD and Inflammation**\n\nWhen it's not treating cancer or diabetes, CBD is busy being a\nformidable opponent for inflammation. CBD has been tested by dozens of\nscientists worldwide and has consistently been shown to reduce the\nsymptoms associated with inflammation from gastrointestinal disorders\nand even arthritis.\n\nIn fact, numerous lab studies have found that the correct doses of CBD\ncan reduce symptoms of inflammation [up to 50\npercent](http://www.beyondthc.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Mechoulam-on-CBD.pdf)\nin lab mice.\n\n**The Future of CBD**\n\nOver the last several years, consumers of medical marijuana have\ndisplayed a marked preference for high-THC indica strains which often\nprovide an intense psychoactive experience. Because of this, CBD-rich\nstrains have fallen out of popularity; today, it's tough to find strains\nwith more than 1 percent CBD.\n\nFortunately, some growers have recognized the medicinal and recreational\nimportance of CBD-rich\nstrains,\nwhich are making a comeback around the country. Strains such as\n[Charlotte's\nWeb](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5b903761404e830001078772) and\nHarlequin have been shown to possess a multitude of medical benefits,\nand new strains are being developed on a regular basis.\n\nIt's clear that CBD offers a whole host of health benefits, and the\nresearch into this exciting compound will continue in the coming years.\nAs it stands now, I'm optimistic about the future of CBD and all of the\nincredible treatment options it presents us with.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/29792566@N08/5495492674/in/photolist-9nBQvG-aEupdX-nwkaeT-7bbt8P-6Y8XS9-dfh569-n22tcJ-k8XFWc-dHmSPx-dfh6af-8rJoxs-91uSk-7bfhgo-5rD8x2-dfh1QJ-dfgZRC-NQ2J7-aEygTo-aEursa-aEt3Yb-dfgYNC-qGJaSk-8Mm8rb-dfh5BS-9nyNFR-n4Vas8-dfh2SS-dfh4Cj-dfh252-6Y8Xr3-3u1CEx-dfh2Uv-aEyeXL-JfJQV-7AvwPK-9nyNDi-9nyNEt-JfCNA-p4ctsX-4wv3L-9nBQDf-bEKqPs-dfgZaZ-8mhi7P-bcBUSV-6L1qcA-9hprca-n1ZE4D-9KY9Wj-a3rZWA)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3513513513513513,"src":"/static/349ebbb1c8d7351225dd919d8d926856/ee604/7b47cc7b76d805dd2d47e0c48ba7a931.png","srcSet":"/static/349ebbb1c8d7351225dd919d8d926856/69585/7b47cc7b76d805dd2d47e0c48ba7a931.png 200w,\n/static/349ebbb1c8d7351225dd919d8d926856/497c6/7b47cc7b76d805dd2d47e0c48ba7a931.png 400w,\n/static/349ebbb1c8d7351225dd919d8d926856/ee604/7b47cc7b76d805dd2d47e0c48ba7a931.png 800w,\n/static/349ebbb1c8d7351225dd919d8d926856/dff58/7b47cc7b76d805dd2d47e0c48ba7a931.png 944w","srcWebp":"/static/349ebbb1c8d7351225dd919d8d926856/58556/7b47cc7b76d805dd2d47e0c48ba7a931.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/349ebbb1c8d7351225dd919d8d926856/61e93/7b47cc7b76d805dd2d47e0c48ba7a931.webp 200w,\n/static/349ebbb1c8d7351225dd919d8d926856/1f5c5/7b47cc7b76d805dd2d47e0c48ba7a931.webp 400w,\n/static/349ebbb1c8d7351225dd919d8d926856/58556/7b47cc7b76d805dd2d47e0c48ba7a931.webp 800w,\n/static/349ebbb1c8d7351225dd919d8d926856/2bbfb/7b47cc7b76d805dd2d47e0c48ba7a931.webp 944w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2055-markdown","title":"Is Your Endocannabinoid System in Balance?","slug":"is-your-endocannabinoid-system-in-balance","content":"You balance your work with your family life, fatty foods with healthy ones, stress with\r\nhappiness. But what about your endocannabinoid system? The\r\nendocannabinoid system is a pivotal body system that impacts a multitude\r\nof other health factors and, when it's improperly balanced, it can have\r\na negative impact on your overall health. Here's what you need to know:\r\n\r\n**What Is the Endocannabinoid System?**\r\n\r\nThe endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of a selection of highly\r\nspecialized lipids and receptors within the brain. The system acts on\r\nthe nervous system to produce things like hunger, pain, responses to\r\nstress, memory building, inflammation and muscle control. The ECS also\r\nhas a direct impact on things like sleep, muscle control, energy and\r\nmood.\r\n\r\n**Cannabinoid Receptors 101**\r\n\r\nThe ECS relies on a series of cannabinoid receptors to support its\r\nfunction. These receptors are actually cell membrane receptors that are\r\nshaped like an \"S.\" Each receptor has seven parts that are designed to\r\npermeate cell membranes, where they couple with G-proteins.\r\n\r\nThis coupling is what produces a sensation response within the human\r\nbrain. The compounds that couple with cannabinoid receptors are known as\r\n\"lipophilic,\" or \"fat-loving.\" These compounds include such naturally\r\nsynthesized compounds as endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids (these are\r\nplant-derived compounds such as Cannabidiol, which comes from cannabis)\r\nand synthetic cannabinoids.\r\n\r\nCannabinoid receptors are broken into two separate groups: CB1 and CB2.\r\nThese groups are quite distinctly different, although they do share some\r\nsimilar traits. CB1 receptors, for example, are located predominantly in\r\nthe brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, body fat, muscle tissue, bones and\r\nheart. These receptors are responsible for processing the psychoactive\r\ntraits of THC. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are located primarily\r\nin the immune system and bloodstream, and in lesser amounts in the gut,\r\nmuscle, bone, nervous system and liver. These receptors provide pain\r\nrelief.\r\n\r\n**Endocannabinoid Receptors and the Balance of the ECS**\r\n\r\nWhen we talk about the balance of the ECS, we're talking about the\r\npresence and activity of CB1 versus CB2 within the body. In this case,\r\nhowever, \"balance\" doesn't mean a 50/50 split between CB1 and CB2.\r\nInstead, optimal health can be achieved when people have slightly higher\r\nlevels of CB2 than they do CB1. This is because [research has\r\nshown](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3267552/) that people\r\nwith high levels of CB1 suffer from conditions associated with stress\r\nand anxiety, such as paranoia, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting, pain\r\nand improper immune function.\r\n\r\nA high level of CB2, on the other hand, is associated with positive\r\neffects, such as decreased inflammation, rapid tissue reconstruction and\r\nhealing, higher metabolic function, healthier levels of insulin, and\r\nhealthy energy levels.\r\n\r\nIn light of this, researchers have been working to produce effective CB1\r\nblockers that can decrease the negative impacts of excess CB1 while\r\nhighlighting the positive aspects of CB2, such as increased metabolic\r\nfunction. These products aim to improve the symptoms associated with\r\nconditions like metabolic syndrome (such as elevated blood pressure and\r\nblood sugar, high levels of body fat, and high cholesterol levels),\r\nwhich is known to increase the likelihood of stroke, diabetes and\r\nvarious forms of heart disease.\r\n\r\nWhile more research is needed on the topic of CB1 blockers, preliminary\r\ndata has already shown that lowering CB1 levels in the body can help to\r\nreduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lower blood sugar, and aid\r\nin abdominal fat loss, which results in a decreased risk for conditions\r\nlike type II diabetes and heart disease.\r\n\r\n**Balancing the ECS**\r\n\r\nBefore you write it off completely, it's important to remember that CB1\r\ndoes serve an important purpose. Recent research has suggested that\r\nmaintaining the correct levels of CB1 within the body protects against\r\ndepressive symptoms and helps [lower stress in\r\nrodents](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3808114/). This\r\nproves the importance of maintaining balance in the ECS.\r\n\r\nOne of the most astounding functions of the ECS is that it helps control\r\nand enhance the function of the integumentary system, which includes\r\nhair and human skin cells. When the ECS is balanced, negative skin cell\r\ngrowth and various forms of inflammation immediately decline. Because of\r\nthis, targeted manipulation of ECS balance has been posed as a treatment\r\noption for people suffering from painful or dangerous skin conditions\r\nsuch as acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and systemic sclerosis.\r\n\r\nIn addition to exploring CB1 blockers to help maintain a balance between\r\nCB1 and CB2 within the human brain, scientists are also studying the\r\nimpact of diet. Currently, there is evidence that [ample intake of\r\nomega-3s and\r\nomega-6s](http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v40/n1/full/ijo2015135a.html)\r\ncan support the proper function of cannabinoid receptors within the\r\nbrain.\r\n\r\n**Perfect Balance Leads to Enhanced Function**\r\n\r\nBalancing the ECS is a delicate process but, when done correctly, it can\r\nhave a marked positive effect on lives. People with excessively high CB1\r\nlevels often struggle with things like inflammation, increased risk of\r\nheart disease, obesity and diabetes. If CB1 is inhibited too much,\r\nhowever, it leads to conditions like infertility, depression and\r\ndecreased immune function. At the same time, when CB2 levels are too\r\nhigh, decreased immune function and impaired tissue healing are the\r\nresults.\r\n\r\nIn light of these findings, it's clear that, to obtain optimal health,\r\npeople must focus more strongly on building and maintaining the proper\r\nbalance between CB1 and CB2 through the responsible use of CB1 blockers\r\nand proper diet.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/ionelpop/3497683677/in/photolist-6k5xuZ-aCxyQp-5s4UHq-6mALK4-6LSHuE-6NhXom-6A2H4j-7rSMrd-gqWG4G-cKkK7J-r27bTR-e7Ccs-5EXdWc-iLSRKW-6t3oND-NaD7c-9VF398-4i23w4-7qLrMY-99JBcD-4RuyQh-4Cn1S6-9AWcjM-jj8Tr-4b6B4P-6hTeA5-7GzQ2Q-4FBdtH-8es7qz-ggmxG-7ffDWk-969QLS-aTwPdT-6uAL8c-dRn1y-35tLLb-4kNKhg-9Mo2MP-exre5x-5BSWy3-966AkK-4P99b4-6JaZCt-5bF8ZX-8JA2Ux-5cY2fx-yVcAM-cSrFwG-cf4ZGG-9C5REj)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5267175572519085,"src":"/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/ee604/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.png","srcSet":"/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/69585/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.png 200w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/497c6/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.png 400w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/ee604/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.png 800w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/f3583/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.png 1200w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/df997/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.png 1204w","srcWebp":"/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/58556/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/61e93/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.webp 200w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/1f5c5/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.webp 400w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/58556/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.webp 800w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/99238/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.webp 1200w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/91ab5/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.webp 1204w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2017-markdown","title":"Marijuana, Cannabinoids and Homeostasis: A Balancing Act","slug":"marijuana-cannabinoids-and-homeostasis-a-balancing-act","content":"Like a tightrope walker, the human body seeks balance. Your body\nhas developed a highly honed ability to achieve an internal state of\nequilibrium, referred to as homeostasis. This system of checks and\nbalances to keep you functioning on an even keel is influenced by the\nendocannabinoid system. Both internal (endogenous) and external\ncannabinoids (those found in marijuana) affect the cannabinoid system,\nwhich means they have a role in this balancing act.\n\n**Homeostatic Acts**\n\nDeep within the brain just above the brain stem is a cluster of nerve\ncells called the\n[hypothalamus](http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/hypothalamus).\nThis structure is involved in the endocrine (hormone) system and helps\nregulate key processes such as:\n\n-   Body temperature\n-   Appetite\n-   Thirst\n-   Heart rate\n-   Blood pressure\n-   Sleep cycles\n\nAll of these processes are essential to maintaining homeostasis, both of\nthe body as a whole and of specific systems such as the circulatory or\nrespiratory system. The hypothalamus acts as a central command post,\nrecognizing changes in the environment and releasing hormones and\nneurotransmitters, chemicals that allow communication between the\nvarious cells and structures of the body, to counteract the change or\ninitiate a reaction. Here's an example: Your body prefers an even 98.6\ndegrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for organ and system\nfunctioning. When you exercise, your body temperature goes up. To combat\nthe exercise-induced temperature spike, your hypothalamus stimulates the\nmillions of\n[eccrine](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6773238/)\nor sweat glands in the skin. The resulting sweat helps cool the body,\npreventing your core temperature from getting too high. Other\nhomeostatic responses to exercise include flushing, which is the result\nof dilated blood vessels that also help reduce body temperature, and\nincreased breathing and heart rate to keep oxygen levels at optimum\nlevels. All these responses are intended to return the body to balance.\n\n**Endocannabinoid System and Homeostasis**\n\nThe [endocannabinoid\nsystem](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj9oa7F6dbKAhUGwiYKHbqDCWYQFggsMAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beyondthc.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F07%2FeCBSystemLee.pdf&usg=AFQjCNEIJus1VNAylo0XhdEg7s2F8SJ-lw&sig2)\nconsists of cannabinoid receptors located throughout the central and\nperipheral nervous system and immune system. These receptors bind to\nboth endocannabinoids and external cannabinoids, such as\nΔ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).\n\nThe hypothalamus contains cannabinoid receptors, and\n[research](http://benthamscience.com/journals/endocrine-metabolic-and-immune-disorders-drug-targets/volume/8/issue/3/page/220/)\nshows that the endocannabinoids that bind to these receptors help\nregulate homeostasis. Disruptions in this process, through illness,\ninjury or medication, can affect homeostasis.\n\n**Homeostatic Disease**\n\nMost homeostatic responses are nonconscious acts; you are not aware of\nthem; they just occur. Think about your car's engine. When the engine is\nworking, and you get to your destination without mishap, you probably\ndon't think about the oil in the car. But without that oil, or if the\noil is old and contaminated, the engine grinds, systems fail, and your\ntrip is halted. Similarly, when the homeostatic process in your body is\ninterrupted due to illness, medication or injury, balance is prevented.\n\nThere are a number of [diseases and\nconditions](https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Anatomy_and_Physiology/Book%3A_Anatomy_and_Physiology_(Boundless)/1%3A_Introduction_to_Anatomy_and_Physiology/1.3%3A_Homeostasis/1.3B%3A_Disease_as_Homeostatic_Imbalance#:~:text=Diseases%20that%20result%20from%20a,have%20become%20resistant%20to%20insulin.)\ncaused by homeostasis imbalance, including:\n\n-   Diabetes and hypo- and hyperglycemia\n-   Obesity\n-   High blood pressure\n-   Arthritis\n-   Dehydration\n-   Gout\n-   Osteoporosis\n-   Thyroid disorders, such as goiter\n-   Endocrine disorders\n\nIn diabetes, for instance, the balance between blood glucose levels and\ninsulin production is off. Medical intervention is needed in the form of\ninsulin pills or injections to restore balance and prevent organ damage\nand death.\n\nAge is another factor that affects homeostasis. Let's face it; things\ndon't always work as well as we get older, including on the cellular\nlevel.\nAccording to [Dr. Robert\nMelamede](http://www.unitedpatientsgroup.com/blog/2014/11/11/what-is-homeostasis-and-how-can-cannabis-help/),\nretired chairman of the Biology Department at the University of\nColorado, Colorado Springs, \"cannabinoid deficiency has been implicated\nin a number of age-related illnesses.\"\n\nSome age-related illnesses are also homeostatic in origin, such as\nosteoporosis and arthritis. Other conditions may result in homeostatic\nsymptoms because they disrupt the normal cannabinoid cycle. In patients\nwith chronic pain, for example, heart rate, blood pressure and\ndepression are elevated and sleep is disturbed. These\n[symptoms](https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/spring11/articles/spring11pg5-6.html)\nare the result of overreaction of the cannabinoid system in response to\nthe constant pain stimulus. The cycle of stimulation and cannabinoid\ntrigger does not stop, and balance cannot be achieved.\n\n**Cannabis for Restoring Balance**\n\nCannabinoids from cannabis have the ability to bind to cannabinoid\nreceptors and restore balance. Let's look at the patients with chronic\npain. THC is not only an\n[analgesic](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430692/), it\nalso blocks the pain from stimulating the cannabinoid receptors that are\ntriggering the increased heart rate, blood pressure, mood effects and\nsleep deprivation.\n\nCannabis has been shown to offer health benefits in treating a number of\nconditions associated with homeostatic imbalance, including:\n\n-  Arthritis\n-   Lupus\n-   Depression\n-   Fibromyalgia\n-   Appetite disorders\n-   Diabetes\n-   Crohn's\n    Disease\n\nResearchers are also looking at the effects of cannabis on\n[schizophrenia](https://domnitamaria.ro/upload/docs_listing/Cannabinoids%20in%20Neurologic%20and%20Mental%20Disease%20[2015][UnitedVRG].pdf#)\nand [obesity](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12052044).\nSchizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that may be due to an\nunbalanced dopamine cycle in the brain. Obesity is a metabolic disease\nin which food intake surpasses energy needs, and it has reached epidemic\nproportions, affecting more than\n[one-third](http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html) of all adults in\nthe United States. Again, due to an absence of homeostasis.\n\nAristotle once said that \"nature abhors a vacuum.\" Nature also abhors\nimbalance, and like the tightrope walker, we need to be able to restore\nbalance for ultimate functioning and performance. Using cannabis may\nhelp us walk that health tightrope.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/nathaninsandiego/7452309120/in/photolist-cmx2Sh-bgejxn-cmx46w-ayZfDd-rxJ8Vg-eS8LBw-2yt3AY-2EXJM-9vjbXU-rS1DCP-8g9Kt-pBR5tz-pxsRDA-ywmaio-yPJEhv-76jCRP-61J6di-cmx5iY-o2Kh1Q-8zbzLN-7RrS1t-bhYXPv-7BNtcb-6mfw7S-4r8Qy8-pxtBg4-dQ3vrW-8eK9cc-bAmTjy-yoUz1L-9rqHj-pMPfgJ-pPZ4Nd-ceZih5-JQnRf-pPF3AP-pPUL9r-aJcQBr-cEMKxq-uM6QC-eUoCgk-c8xRud-49CaBd-6QHb7t-pxvwcL-e69A5W-CtHPqw-2BVqb3-66TZw7-AhQic)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4184397163120568,"src":"/static/25712c985d226c3082aa727d074a32e9/ee604/861b909e12ad23825e54c01305bf2d55.png","srcSet":"/static/25712c985d226c3082aa727d074a32e9/69585/861b909e12ad23825e54c01305bf2d55.png 200w,\n/static/25712c985d226c3082aa727d074a32e9/497c6/861b909e12ad23825e54c01305bf2d55.png 400w,\n/static/25712c985d226c3082aa727d074a32e9/ee604/861b909e12ad23825e54c01305bf2d55.png 800w,\n/static/25712c985d226c3082aa727d074a32e9/93f09/861b909e12ad23825e54c01305bf2d55.png 1147w","srcWebp":"/static/25712c985d226c3082aa727d074a32e9/58556/861b909e12ad23825e54c01305bf2d55.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/25712c985d226c3082aa727d074a32e9/61e93/861b909e12ad23825e54c01305bf2d55.webp 200w,\n/static/25712c985d226c3082aa727d074a32e9/1f5c5/861b909e12ad23825e54c01305bf2d55.webp 400w,\n/static/25712c985d226c3082aa727d074a32e9/58556/861b909e12ad23825e54c01305bf2d55.webp 800w,\n/static/25712c985d226c3082aa727d074a32e9/65bbe/861b909e12ad23825e54c01305bf2d55.webp 1147w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1956-markdown","title":"Organic or Synthetic CBD - Which is Best? ","slug":"organic-or-synthetic-cbd-which-is-best","content":"Why Whole Plant Cannabidiol is Superior for Medical Treatments\n--------------------------------------------------------------\n\nEarlier this year, an Israeli study entitled \"[Overcoming the Bell-Shaped\nDose-Response of Cannabidiol by Using Cannabis Extract Enriched in\nCannabidiol](http://scholar.google.com/scholar_url?url=http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperDownload.aspx%3FpaperID%3D53912&hl=en&sa=X&scisig=AAGBfm1y6XXRXwo9CW0MRmgYs79NkUitlg&nossl=1&oi=scholaralrt)\"\nwas published in the journal *Pharmacology & Pharmacy.* This study\nproved that for clinical use, whole plant CBD-rich cannabis extracts and\nproducts are significantly more effective and therapeutic than synthetic\nsingle-molecule CBD. As a result of its findings, this study put to bed\nthe stereotyped notion that \"crude\" CBD compounds are low-quality and\nless effective than their pure, synthetic counterparts.\n\nThe findings of this study have major implications for\nphytopharmaceutical and medical marijuana industries and may produce\ntreatments that can help patients cope with painful and difficult\ninflammatory diseases.\n\nWhat is CBD?\n------------\n\nCBD, both whole plant and synthetic varieties, is a compound derived\nfrom cannabis that offers considerable medical\nbenefit\nwithout making patients feel \"high.\" This is because CBD-rich cannabis\nstrains are not psychoactive or are *less* psychoactive than their\nTHC-dominant counterparts. This makes them effective and appealing\ntreatment options for patients suffering from inflammatory\ndiseases.\npain,\nseizures,\nor\nanxiety.\n\nMany studies have been conducted on the clinical uses of CBD, and\ncurrently, the compound is being evaluated as a treatment option for\neverything from\narthritis,\nmigraines\nand\ndiabetes\nto\nPTSD,\ndepression\nepilepsy\nand chronic\npain.\nAdditionally, CBD has been shown to have considerable\nanti-cancer\nproperties as well as significant neuroprotective and neurogenic\ncapabilities, which may expand its therapeutic uses in the future.\n\nThe Israeli Study and the Bell-Shaped Curve\n-------------------------------------------\n\nThe Israeli study set out to compare the therapeutic benefits of\nCBD-rich cannabis extracts and single-molecule CBD. To begin this\nprocess, the researchers consulted preclinical studies from the last 15\nyears. The team quickly discovered that when single-molecule synthetic\nCBD was administered orally or in injection form to a patient suffering\nfrom a condition like inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), multiple\nsclerosis (MS), diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, the treatment produced\na bell-shaped curve between dose and response. This means that, after a\ncertain dosage amount, the impact of CBD ceased to be therapeutic. The\ntherapeutic dosage window for synthetic CBD was very limited and there\nwere no positive effects noted in patients when single-molecule CBD was\ngiven in higher or lower doses. This trait of single-molecule CBD limits\nits usefulness and makes it difficult to utilize effectively in a\nclinical setting.\n\nThe Clinical Difference Between Whole Plant and Synthetic CBD\n-------------------------------------------------------------\n\nAfter discovering the bell-shaped pattern created by single-molecule\nCBD, the Israeli team set out to learn more about the treatment\ndifferences between single-molecule CBD and whole plant extract rich in\nCBD. To do this, they located a CBD-rich cannabis strain that had very\nlittle THC (this strain was similar to California's ACDC strain, which\nhas long been favored by\ngrowers\nfor its high CBD content) and administered both the whole plant and\nsynthetic varieties to mice. Upon doing this, the researchers confirmed\nthat when single-molecule CBD was administered, it produced a\nbell-shaped curve with a very narrow zone for therapeutic\nadministration. The whole plant CBD extract, however, had a much\ndifferent effect.\n\nUnlike the single-molecule CBD, the whole plant CBD-rich extract\nproduced a direct and immediate reduction in pain, inflammation and\n[TNFa production](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15761843), which is\na protein that plays a significant role in inflammation. These results\nproved that CBD-rich cannabis extract is actually more effective at\nreducing inflammation than commercial painkillers. In fact, when the\nresearchers tested whole plant CBD and aspirin side-by-side, they found\nthat the whole plant CBD-rich extract produced a much more pronounced\nanti-inflammatory effect than aspirin.\n\nAdditionally, unlike purified CBD, CBD-rich extract displayed a direct\ncorrelation between dose and effectiveness. Whole plant CBD extract\nexhibited increased therapeutic responses in accordance with increasing\ndoses, which makes this treatment option attractive and applicable to\npatients in a clinical setting. Finally, the researchers discovered that\nthe amount of CBD-rich extract required to produce a therapeutic effect\nin patients was much smaller than the amount of pure CBD required to\nproduce the same therapeutic effect. These finding indicate how CBD-rich\nextract can be used more sparingly in patients suffering from\nuncomfortable conditions.\n\nThe Future of Whole Plant CBD\n-----------------------------\n\nCBD-rich extract has a direct dose-response reaction, low administration\nrequirements and profound anti-inflammatory properties. Using these\nresults, the Israeli researchers determined that CBD-rich extract is\nsuperior to single-molecule CBD for treatment of conditions that involve\ninflammation and pain. Although the exact reason for this increased\neffectiveness requires further study, researchers currently believe it\nmay be due to an interaction between the CBD itself and\nphytocannabinioids and non-cannabinoid compounds. Although further\nclinical trials are required to better understand the treatment\napplications of CBD-rich extract, it is clear that whole plant CBD has\nthe potential to change or compliment the treatment options for many\ncommon conditions that were previously treated by synthetic drugs alone.\nBecause of this, CBD-rich extract gives patients a powerful tool to\nreclaim their well being. In addition to offering a lower dose of\ntreatment than single-molecule CBD, CBD-rich extract also produces fewer\nadverse effects and has the potential to leave patients feeling better,\ndespite their health difficulties and painful conditions.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/0590c50cbc4f0fdbfca5623ec1079ac4/14b42/3f9b9dab7bcd94fe30d3d1177b026d24.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0590c50cbc4f0fdbfca5623ec1079ac4/f836f/3f9b9dab7bcd94fe30d3d1177b026d24.jpg 200w,\n/static/0590c50cbc4f0fdbfca5623ec1079ac4/2244e/3f9b9dab7bcd94fe30d3d1177b026d24.jpg 400w,\n/static/0590c50cbc4f0fdbfca5623ec1079ac4/14b42/3f9b9dab7bcd94fe30d3d1177b026d24.jpg 800w,\n/static/0590c50cbc4f0fdbfca5623ec1079ac4/47498/3f9b9dab7bcd94fe30d3d1177b026d24.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0590c50cbc4f0fdbfca5623ec1079ac4/58556/3f9b9dab7bcd94fe30d3d1177b026d24.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0590c50cbc4f0fdbfca5623ec1079ac4/61e93/3f9b9dab7bcd94fe30d3d1177b026d24.webp 200w,\n/static/0590c50cbc4f0fdbfca5623ec1079ac4/1f5c5/3f9b9dab7bcd94fe30d3d1177b026d24.webp 400w,\n/static/0590c50cbc4f0fdbfca5623ec1079ac4/58556/3f9b9dab7bcd94fe30d3d1177b026d24.webp 800w,\n/static/0590c50cbc4f0fdbfca5623ec1079ac4/99238/3f9b9dab7bcd94fe30d3d1177b026d24.webp 1200w","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_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_1911-markdown","title":"The Cannabis and Pregnancy Debate","slug":"the-cannabis-and-pregnancy-debate","content":"When it comes to having a baby, moms want to do everything right.\r\nPregnancy causes women to think more about their diets, their daily\r\nexercise levels, their hydration and their sleep patterns, but what\r\nabout moms who used cannabis before they became pregnant? The subject of\r\n[cannabis and\r\npregnancy](https://www.leafly.com/news/health/cannabis-and-pregnancy-the-debates)\r\nis a touchy topic that has given way to an ongoing debate. As it stands\r\nnow, there are two very different schools of thought on the matter.\r\n\r\nCannabis Use During Pregnancy May Affect Fetal Brain Development\r\n----------------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nDuring pregnancy, a fetus is highly susceptible to the nutrients or\r\ncompounds that enter a mother's body. There is evidence to suggest that\r\na pregnant woman's diet [affects her baby's future\r\ntastes](http://www.npr.org/2011/08/08/139033757/babys-palate-and-food-memories-shaped-before-birth)\r\nand that environmental toxins [can affect or\r\ndelay](https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/assets/docs_a_e/child_development_and_environmental_toxins_508.pdf)\r\nthe overall development of the fetus. It stands to reason, then, that\r\ncannabis use during pregnancy may also affect fetal development. As it\r\nturns out, individuals who believe this are indeed correct: cannabis use\r\nduring pregnancy does seem to hinder the development of the fetal brain.\r\n\r\nA [recent\r\nstudy](http://emboj.embopress.org/content/early/2014/01/27/embj.201386035)\r\nthat was prominently published in the well-known *EMBO Journal*\r\ndiscovered that active compounds in THC actually change the way nerve\r\ncells in the fetal brain interact with one another. Specifically, the\r\nstudy found that the presence of THC in the fetal brain affected 35\r\ndifferent proteins and inhibited certain neuroreceptors. Although the\r\nlong-term affects of these changes are still unknown, most researchers\r\nbelieve that the presence of THC in the fetal brain may eventually lead\r\nto neuropsychiatric illness and increased brain stress.\r\n\r\nCannabis Use During Pregnancy May Not Affect Fetal Brain Development\r\n--------------------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nWith the previous results in mind, it's time to flip the table.\r\nAccording to a [1980s study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8121737)\r\nconducted on Jamacian newborns, babies that are exposed to THC in utero\r\nshowed no cognitive difference at one day postpartum than babies that\r\nhad not been exposed to THC. In order to make the aforementioned study\r\nas well-rounded and extensive as possible, researchers measured\r\nalertness, motor skills, irritability levels, and orientation in both\r\nsets of babies and found no difference.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the researchers followed up with both sets of babies at\r\none month postpartum and found that the babies who had been exposed to\r\nTHC in utero were actually performing on a higher level in physiological\r\nstability tests than their unexposed counterparts. What's more, the\r\nexposed babies were more alert, displayed lower levels of irritability\r\nand were ranked as being more enjoyable to work with by researchers.\r\n\r\nCannabis and Pregnancy: the Verdict\r\n-----------------------------------\r\n\r\nAs evidenced by these two blatantly contradictory studies, it's clear\r\nthat more research needs to be conducted on the subject of cannabis and\r\npregnancy. Due to the somewhat controversial nature of the topic,\r\nresearchers are often hesitant to undertake studies that address\r\ncannabis use in pregnant women. The fact remains, however, that medical\r\nmarijuana is becoming a popular treatment option for a variety of\r\ndiseases and conditions; and, although it is gaining mainstream\r\nnotoriety right now, it's actually been in use for thousands of years.\r\n\r\nWith any luck, the future will bring plenty of well-researched studies\r\nthat provide solid answers regarding the topic of whether it is safe to\r\nuse cannabis during pregnancy. For now, it's important for mothers to\r\nconsult with their doctors and use their own best judgment.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/126592019@N05/15747976465)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/50b00ca7718df9198041edc3b7d4bef7/14b42/d85eeab8ea8ba53b6d6eaba700610e18.jpg","srcSet":"/static/50b00ca7718df9198041edc3b7d4bef7/f836f/d85eeab8ea8ba53b6d6eaba700610e18.jpg 200w,\n/static/50b00ca7718df9198041edc3b7d4bef7/2244e/d85eeab8ea8ba53b6d6eaba700610e18.jpg 400w,\n/static/50b00ca7718df9198041edc3b7d4bef7/14b42/d85eeab8ea8ba53b6d6eaba700610e18.jpg 800w,\n/static/50b00ca7718df9198041edc3b7d4bef7/47498/d85eeab8ea8ba53b6d6eaba700610e18.jpg 1200w,\n/static/50b00ca7718df9198041edc3b7d4bef7/2d613/d85eeab8ea8ba53b6d6eaba700610e18.jpg 1417w","srcWebp":"/static/50b00ca7718df9198041edc3b7d4bef7/58556/d85eeab8ea8ba53b6d6eaba700610e18.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/50b00ca7718df9198041edc3b7d4bef7/61e93/d85eeab8ea8ba53b6d6eaba700610e18.webp 200w,\n/static/50b00ca7718df9198041edc3b7d4bef7/1f5c5/d85eeab8ea8ba53b6d6eaba700610e18.webp 400w,\n/static/50b00ca7718df9198041edc3b7d4bef7/58556/d85eeab8ea8ba53b6d6eaba700610e18.webp 800w,\n/static/50b00ca7718df9198041edc3b7d4bef7/99238/d85eeab8ea8ba53b6d6eaba700610e18.webp 1200w,\n/static/50b00ca7718df9198041edc3b7d4bef7/cbfa0/d85eeab8ea8ba53b6d6eaba700610e18.webp 1417w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":84,"numPages":9,"currentPage":8,"id":5724,"name":"Science & Research","slug":"science-and-research","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}