CBD Provides ‘Long-Lasting Protection’ In Multiple Sclerosis

Research shows cannabidiol could protect neurons from further damage in multiple sclerosis.

TruthOnPot.com – Multiple sclerosis patients are well aware of the potential for marijuana to help when it comes to dealing with symptoms. Since 2005, Sativex – an oral spray made with natural cannabis extract – has passed clinical trials and received approval from over 20 countries for the treatment of MS-related spasticity.

But is it possible for cannabis medicine to actually slow progression of the disease without getting you high? The answer is yes, according to new research out of Spain.

Using cell culture and animal models, scientists at the Cajal Institute found that treatment with cannabidiol (CBD) – one of the major chemicals found in marijuana – reversed many of the inflammatory responses associated with MS and provided “long-lasting protection” against their effects.

In fact, mice treated with CBD for 10 days showed “impaired disease progression” and better motor abilities compared to the untreated group. Writing in the journal Neurobiology of Disease, the researchers concluded that CBD has the potential to slow various aspects of MS.

“This compound can limit the harmful effects of an exacerbated inflammatory response… and prevent the development of secondary and irreversible damage.”

While studies have also found THC to have anti-inflammatory effects, CBD is non-psychoactive. As a result, medicines that contain just THC or even both – such as Sativex and most strains of medical marijuana – are limited in therapeutic potential, according to the authors.

Unfortunately, CBD is difficult to study in humans since it remains illegal in most parts of the world. But with more research (or policy reform), there is hope that one day MS sufferers will have access to this promising, cannabis-based treatment.

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University Study Finds Marijuana May Combat Depression and Lead to Higher Self-Esteem

thejointblog-A comprehensive four-part study conducted at the University of Kentucky has found marijuana to be helpful in reducing the pain associated with social exclusion, and that it may combat against depression, and may lead to higher self-esteem.

“The current research provides the first evidence that marijuana also dampens the negative emotional consequences of social exclusion on negative emotional outcomes,” stated Timothy Deckman of the University of Kentucky in the study.

The four-part study, which included 7040 participants and three methodologies, began with a study using data from the National Comorbidity Study – it found that marijuana consumers who reported being lonely had higher levels of self-worth, as well as overall mental health, compared with non-marijuana users who reported being lonely.

The second study used data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, and found that those who use marijuana relatively frequently and experienced social pain were less likely to experience a serious episode of depression over the course of the past year.

The third study surveyed high school students, examining levels of depression, loneliness and lifetime marijuana consumption. The students were surveyed again two years later. Researchers found that marijuana use predicted lower levels of depression among students who were considered to be lonely.

The final study had participants play a computer game called Cyberball, which wasreprogrammed to consistently ignore the participant, in order to evoke social exclusion. Researchers found that marijuana users had a smaller decrease in self-esteem after the game was finished.

You can find the study published online in Social Psychological and Personality Science byclicking here.

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5-Year Study Shows Cannabis May Help Lose Weight

Marijuana, Blood Sugar: You Think Smoking Pot is Bad for You? Think Again. 5-Year Study Shows Pot May Help Lose Weight and Cure Diabetes! [VIDEO]

(Photo : Reuters) Mary Becker, 21 of Boise, Idaho inhales hash oil during 420Fest at the Luxe Nightclub in Seattle, Washington April 20, 2013. In November 2012, voters approved legalizing the recreational use of marijuana in the state of Washington for adults over 21.

A new study published on the American Journal of Medicine discovered that there exists a correlation between marijuana use and the lack of diabetes. Marijuana users have also been found to have a thinner average waistline.

The research contained data from over 4,600 people in National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 2005 till 2010. 12% of the sample were smoking marijuana.

After adjusting the data to make sure that it is controlled, removing dependent diabetes risk factors of cigarette smoking, alcohol use, income, sex, age, and physical activity, it is shown that the cannabis smokers have an average of 16% reduction in insulin levels, and a 17% lower insulin resistance.

There are approximately 17.4 million cannabis smokers in the United States currently. 26.4 of them, 4.6 million, smokes once a day, or close to once a day. An active chemical in the drug, THC (tetrahydrocanabinol), has recently been approved to be used to treat chemotherapy side effects, nausea, and AIDS-related anorexia.

The regular smokers also had higher levels of good cholesterol HDL in addition to the reduction of Type II diabetes, which, as we all know, is correlated to obesity. On average, the users were 1.5 inches slenderer in their waist.

The data in this study, however, cannot make conclusive deductions of cause and effect, though it does prompt the question, can pot really make someone slimmer?

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Colours in Cannabis

Whenever the subject of colors in cannabis comes up, I’m reminded of the time I was working with a grow partner near Errington in the central Vancouver Island region. We had been growing a variety of strains because we were determining what grew well in the area and had a bunch of clones that had to be tried out.It was a good grow year with plenty of sunny days, though not as much rainfall as we would have liked. As the season neared its end, the nights got colder but the days were still bright and clear and the plants were ripening well; we were doing a selective harvest – taking down the various plants as they finished. The harvest was almost complete and there were only a few more plants to be cut down.

We were working our way through some blackberry bushes towards a Timewarp hybrid when I heard my partners exclaim “Shit! It’s gone”. Having discovered earlier that day we’d had some of our plants ripped off, I rushed towards him, my mind racing with thoughts of poachers. Emerging from the bushes seconds later, I saw what my partner had missed and started laughing as my tension dissolved. Quickly gaining control of my mirth, I pointed out that my partner was standing within a few feet of a beautiful nine- or ten- foot plant. He hadn’t seen it simply because it was purple; the stalk, stems, and every leaf on the plant were purple; “It doesn’t look like cannabis to me,” he said with a sheepish grin.

The colors of cannabis are a highly debated subject with different schools of thought prevailing as to why cannabis displays different hues. Many growers feel that reds, pinks and purples indicate a stronger, more potent bud; others feel that the sight of any other color but green indicates that that plant was grown in a cold climate. Cooler temperature is just one factor in the color of your bud, and while purple bud may be amazingly potent, you’ll find green bud that’s just as amazingly so. Long time growers attest to the exceptional variety of colors attainable in your everyday marijuana crop.

An annual plant, cannabis completes its life cycle within one year, starting as a seed, then germinating, maturing, reproducing, and dying. For a large part of its life, cannabis is green, the color a result of chlorophyll, a chemical significant to the plant’s photosynthesis ability. During the vegetative phase of its life, cannabis will be a shade of green that can be used as a health indicator of the plant.

A healthy plant exudes a vibrant green luster, whereas leaves and stems suffering from nutrient deficiencies change from green to various other colors. Nitrogen deficient plants produce yellow leaves, a sign of diminished chlorophyll production. Plants lacking phosphorous produce small, dark green leaves with purple veins, purple leaf stems, and purple-streaked stocks. When a plant lacks potassium, the leaves turn yellow, then brown and eventually die. Deficiencies in zinc, magnesium and calcium all cause color changes.

While color changes in plants can indicate the state of deficiencies, colour change can also occur in healthy vigorous marijuana plants. Color differences in the leaves of healthy plants are a result of genetic and environmental influences, and also occur as plants near the end of their life cycle. Pistil color changes are influenced by the grow medium’s pH effect on the fragile female cannabis flower.

The beautiful green of the cannabis plant wasn’t the only color present during the vegetative stage, but until the lengthening dark cycle triggers the plant to stop production of the green chlorophyll, we can’t begin to see the yellow and gold color of the carotenoids. It is perfectly natural for cannabis leaves to change colors and die off as the plants reach their “autumn” or finishing stage, showing varying shades of green, yellow, gold and more.

Some plants will turn red and purple as anthocyanins are produced using excess sugars in the leaves and spreading through cell fluids. The pH of the cell fluid determines the color variation, with an acidic fluid producing reddish hues, and an alkaline fluid producing blues. Cellular pH being genetically regulated, each strain has its own unique combination of chlorophyll and carotenoids and potential for anthocyanins production, giving a great splash of color to a diversified grow as nights grow longer and temperature cools. Many strain’s color range is limited exclusively to greens and yellows through the life cycle.

In addition to the autumnal color changes in the leaves, many species show color in their stems when finished in cooler temperatures. Some, like Blackberry from VISC (Vancouver Island Seed Company) and Blueberry, have colored buds in all but the warmest grows; the colors in these buds can change intensity and even hues when subjected to colder nights. While these colors are caused by the same plant components as in the leaves, there is the genetic roll of the die here. Black (see pictures of Black at www.vancouverseed.com) is a phenotype whose bud is always a dark purple in any temperature grow, yet Black hybrids will grow in colors ranging from purple to mauve to white. The purple color seems dependent on receiving a recessive gene from both parents, which allows for greater glucose conversion into anthocyanins, and having a suitable cellular pH. Not related to size or to resin production, bud color is purely aesthetic in value.

While small and slight, the pistil (reproductive flower) of the female cannabis plant, can have an impact far greater than its size on your overall impression of the plant.

Fucking Incredible by VISC is a plant whose pistils can change colors. Certain nutrient formulations with a pH level of 6.8 cause F.I. to produce buds with reddish pink or even magenta pistils, while the same plant grown in a lower pH will develop white pistils.

Marijuana plants aren’t the only examples of flowers that can react to the pH of their medium. The hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) has flowers that change colors – pink in alkaline and blue in acidic. This is a great example of interplaying environmental and genetic influences. While all strains are affected by adjusting the pH of the soil, the few that exhibit coloured pistils as a result are a visual joy in your grow.

It is generally believed that the pH of a plant’s cells is genetically regulated and not influenced by the growing medium’s pH, and the change of colors can be explained by the plants ability to absorb certain elements only in suitable pH soil. In the case of the hydrangea flower, the blue color is the result of the plant’s intake of aluminum, something most garden soils contain, which will not be useable by the hydrangea in alkaline soil.

I have witnessed the amazing array of colors naturally available in this fantastic plant for decades, and am continually amazed by the diversity. I have also seen growers “creating” gold coloured weed by starving their plants, and others trying to change the colors of the bud by watering with Kool-Aid.

As a longtime breeder of cannabis, I am not a scientist and haven’t tried to bring an exhaustive understanding of the biology of plants to this forum. I have, however, brought forward a number of factors and possible influences relating to the variety of colors in cannabis. Genetics, maturity, pH, amount of light, temperature, and even available sugars can influence the color of cannabis. Some of these factors are easily controlled, others seemingly impossible; with knowledge comes ability.

Growing a variety of species in your garden is immensely rewarding in many ways, to which color can be a spectacular addition. While color will not change the plants potency or yields, it is possible to enhance the many colors in your garden naturally enhancing its beauty and the enjoyment of the diversity that cannabis gives us. For me, marijuana is a beautiful species that I will always grow and enjoy, in more ways than one.

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Could cannabis have antipsychotic properties?

In addition to psychoactive chemicals, cannabis contains components that may have a protective effect in mental illness.

When Dr Tim Karl, a senior scientist at NeuRA, says he believes that marijuana has potential as a treatment for schizophrenia, he’s adding fuel to a very contentious fire.

Marijuana – or cannabis, as it is otherwise known – is a controversial substance, particularly in light of evidence that it can trigger the development of schizophrenia in some people.

But cannabis, says Dr Karl, is made up of dozens of chemical components that can have widely varying effects on the brain.

Dr Karl and his team are investigating a component called cannabidiol, or CBD. CBD is thought to reduce the psychoactive effects of the most well-known component of cannabis, THC.

THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main active chemical in cannabis, and is known to increase psychotic symptoms in people with schizophrenia.

"We’re looking at whether CBD just has the capacity to block the effects of THC, or whether it has an independent anti-psychotic effect," says Dr Karl.

"If CBD is shown to have anti-psychotic properties, I believe it could have therapeutic potential."

First hand experience

Dr Karl says his interest in schizophrenia developed in part from working in an emergency psychiatric ward in Germany after he finished high school.

"I saw people who had had psychotic episodes, people who were suicidal. I felt deeply sorry for them because their options were so limited," he says.

Dr Karl saw first-hand the limited effectiveness of the drugs available to those patients in the psychiatric ward – and the need to develop more effective alternatives with fewer side-effects.

The majority of Dr Karl’s work will be done in mice bred to carry a genetic risk factor for schizophrenia, a gene called neuregulin 1These mice are genetically predisposed for schizophrenia(NRG1). These mice are susceptible to the effects of THC in a similar way to people who are genetically predisposed to experiencing psychosis if they use cannabis during adolescence.

The team has already begun looking at the effects of CBD in mice using various strains of cannabis with different THC:CBD ratios.

"This research will tell us whether particular strains of cannabis are more likely than others to induce psychotic-like symptoms, based on their THC:CBD ratio," says Dr Karl.

Dr Karl says this research will clarify whether CBD has a protective effect and therefore potential as an anti-psychotic therapeutic.

They will also gain a better understanding of the risks involved in early cannabis abuse and the interactive nature of genetic and environmental risk factors for schizophrenia.

"I don't believe that my work will cure schizophrenia, but it will give insights into the biological mechanisms of the disorder and might help us develop better treatments," he says.

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Cannabidiol (CBD): Fighting Inflammation & Aggressive Forms of Cancer

Marijuana contains at least 60 known chemicals called cannabinoids, which activate cannabinoid receptors in your body. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the main component responsible for the psychoactive effects, or “high,” marijuana is known for. While THC is known to have some medicinal value, there has been recent investigation into a new cannabinoid that is rumored to have more medicinal benefits than any single pharmaceutical drug on the market.

What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

This cannabinoid is known as Cannabidiol (CBD), and is the second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis. Research done by G.W. Pharmaceuticals suggests that CBD could be used for treating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, diabetes, nausea, bowel disorders, and many other hard-to-control side effects. According to an article from Projectcbd.com, CBD has even demonstrated neuroprotective effects, and its anti-cancer potential is currently being explored.

While it was originally believed that THC is a breakdown product of CBD, it is now known that both THC and CBD are actually metabolites of their decarboxylated acidic forms, THCa and CBDa. These acidic precursors are decarboxylated (essentially dried) by heat or extraction to produce THC and CBD; only then do they become psychoactive. The compound has medicinal benefits without the “high” that some patients do not desire. This makes CBD appealing to patients who are looking for an alternative to their current meds, which often have opiate-like effects.

“After years of growers aiming to boost THC percentages in their crops, many growers have switched to focusing on producing CBD-rich strains because of the increasing demand by medical users.”

Cannabidiol is even known to counteract some of the effects of THC like the “munchies.” Just as THC increases our appetite, CBD suppresses it, which could be ideal for patients watching their figure. CBD just might be a key ingredient in a future weight loss drug, who knows? There is one exception to the theory that CBD suppresses appetite, but it is a blessing as well. Many people who have difficulty eating due to their stress or anxiety can use CBD to get rid of that sick feeling in their chest or stomach, allowing them to eat again once their anxiety subsides.

CBD Used To Treat a Number of Symptoms in Patients

Cannabidiol is what gives cannabis its’ sedative effect, and has been known to ease a number of symptoms from difficult conditions.  There has actually been a substantial amount of experiments done on cannabidiol that has proved its healing powers. Dr. Sean McAllister, a scientist from the Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, made an astounding discovery about CBD. McAllister has been studying cannabinoid compounds for 10 years now in search of new therapeutic interventions for various cancers. He discovered that cannabidiol is a potent inhibitor of cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and tumor growth. Results of his experiments on breast cancer show that the number of cancer cells diminished as more CBD was applied. Essentially, CBD may be a generally effective way to switch off the cancer-causing gene, providing patients with a non-toxic therapy to treat aggressive forms of cancer.

“CBD could be used for treating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, diabetes, nausea, bowel disorders, and many other hard-to-control side effects.”

Raphael Mechoulam of the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, and Faculty of Medicine has been studying cannabinoids for almost 50 years. Mechoulam gave a talk on cannabidiol on the 45^th year of involvement in the field in which he spoke about a number of experiments being done on cannabidiol. He described an experiment that was done in Brazil in which a 200mg/day dosage of CBD was added to the anticonvulsants epilepsy patients were currently taking. Over the course of several months only 1 of the 7 patients showed no improvement; three became seizure-free; one experienced only one or two seizures, and two experienced reduced severity and occurrence of seizures.

CBD Proven to Reduce Inflammation

A colleague of Mechoulam’s, Marc Feldman at Imperial College, London, tested CBD on mice that had a version of rheumatoid arthritis and found that it reduced inflammation by 50% at the right dosage. Cardiologists working with mice at the Hebrew University have found that a dosage of CBD immediately following a heart attack can reduce infarct size by about 66%. Probably one of the most notable studies conducted by Mechoulam was on mice bred to have a version of type-1 diabetes. The diabetes manifests around 14 weeks so the mice were treated for the first 7 weeks of their life, then again in another 7 weeks. He concluded that only 30% had developed diabetes compared to the 90-100% given the placebo. He then repeated the experiment where the CBD wasn’t introduced until 14 weeks when the diabetes first developed. They were then tested at 24 weeks of age and again only 30% of the treated mice were found to have diabetes.

“CBD did not just prevent onset, it blocked the development of diabetes.” - Mechoulam says.

Since CBD is a function of an increase in temperature, cannabis is heat activated in the testing process to get measurements. CBD typically shows up under, or around 1% in most strains. Since most strains have this low percentage it is sometimes hard to find a CBD-rich plant with low THC percentages as to avoid the ‘high’. However, that doesn’t mean that these CBD-rich strains don’t exist. “Cannatonic” is one known popular CBD-rich strain which is known to contain 6.5% CBD by weight, and the same amount of THC, making for one of the most medicinal strains out there. Harlequin, Jamaican Lion and Omrita Rx3 have been tested several times by several labs and are in the neighborhood of 8-9% CBD and 5.5-6% THC —about a 3:2 ratio.

We have only begun to scratch the surface of understanding this miraculous cannabinoid. While significant discoveries have been made about the medicinal benefits of Cannabidiol, there is much left to reveal about this cannabinoid. You can read about recent developments in ProjectCBD.org’sCBDiary, a catch-all column for news generated by patients, doctors, dispensaries, growers, plant breeders, pharmacologists, the industry, the government —all the players— as the CBD story unfolds.

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