#279 Cannabis For Symptom Control By: Kelsey Jungels

#279 Cannabis For Symptom Control

By: Kelsey Jungels

What is Marijuana?

Dry, shredded mix of leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds, usually from Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant

Both are common subspecies of the hemp plant, which is common throughout the world

Contains over 400 chemical compounds

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S.

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana



How is Marijuana used?

SmokedUsing a pipe, bowl, or cigaretteThe effects are rapid

Vaporized Inhaled through a machine that converts active

compounds to an inhalable formThe effects are rapid

Eaten/DrankConsumed through baked goods, candies, drinksThe effects are delayed because it takes time to reach

the brain.

Marijuana’s Immediate Effects

Altered Mood Reduced Anxiety

Cognitive Impairment Sedation/Drowsiness

Altered Perception Sensory Intensification

Impaired coordination/balance Increased heart rate

Hunger Hallucinations (in large doses)

• Effects can vary by strains - Sativa: More euphoria, stress relief- Indica: Relaxation, physical (especially pain) relief- Sativa and Indica often combined, leading to

variable effects

- http://www.healthline.com/health/addiction/marijuana/effects-on-body

http://www.healthline.com/health/addiction/marijuana/effects-on-body


The use of of cannabis (marijuana) for medical purposes has become

legalized in 23 U.S. states and Canada.




Diseases/Conditions Cannabis can provide benefits for:

AIDS/HIV

Alzheimer’s Disease

Arthritis

Asthma/breathing disorders

Cancer/Nausea

Crohn’s

Disease/gastrointestinal disorders

Epilepsy/seizures

Glaucoma

Hepatitis C

Migraines

Multiple

Sclerosis/muscle spasms

Pain

Psychological conditions

Tourette Syndrome

Terminally ill

Side Effects/Risks

Cannabis use can cause:Xerostomia (dry mouth)PalpitationsFlushingNauseaConfusionAnxietyDysphoria (state of unease or dissatisfaction)Acute toxic psychosisRaises the risk of a motor vehicle accident

Marijuana Medical Research Evidence:

Reduces nauseaProvides pain reliefControls muscle pain and spasmsStimulates appetiteReduces tics Reduces convulsions

Types of Medicinal Marijuana:

Botanical Cannabis (plant): “Medical Marijuana”

Synthetic THC medications available for appetite/nausea that is available in the U.S.:Dronabinol (FDAa approved for HIV)Nabilone (FDA approved for cancer)

http://www.medicalmarijuanastrains.com/strain-guide/



Medical Marijuana Is Not FDA Approved:

FDA approval assures that medications are effective, safe, and properly labeled

It is impossible for the FDA to evaluate medical marijuana as a drug since it is a plant, not a manufactured pharmaceutical drug.

Depending on the specific marijuana plant and where it is grown, it can have different concentrations of THC or other key chemical components .

Difficult to know if the medical marijunana is pure. It can possibly be contaminated with pesticides, fungus, or mold.

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm421163.htm



THC Medications are regulated by the FDA:

Can medical marijuana be a better alternative?THC and marijuana both have psychoactive effects

that make you “high”Marijuana can be preferable to THC medications

because there are chemicals in marijuana that moderate THC’s psychoactive effects that are not present in THC medications.

Medical Marijuana is cheaper




There Are Limited Scientific Studies

There are fewer than 20 randomized controlled clinical trials of marijuana that is smoked Low numbers of participants Does not provide the evidence that is needed for a

pharmaceutical to be marketed in the U.S.

Federal Restrictions of Research

Schedule I Controlled SubstanceHigh potential for abuse and a potential gateway

drug No accepted medical use in treatmentUse and possession is considered a federal offense

http://norml.org/component/zoo/category/recent-research-on-medical-marijuana



NIH Regulated Clinical Trials

A Study to Evaluate the Efficiacy of Sativex in Relieving Symptoms of Spasticity Due to Multiple Sclerosis

Comparing the Effects of Smoked and Oral Marijuana in Individuals With HIV/AIDsDone at the New York State Psychiatric Institute in

the U.S.

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01599234






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#279 Cannabis For Symptom Control By: Kelsey Jungels