Many of us look towards the internet to guide us during our research on medical approaches to treat anything from acne to cancer. You have found today, a blog that discusses a very controversial medicinal approach to treating neurological disorders. Some may not realize that we are seeing a new era where the stigma is lifted from the use of cannabis. But, before we dive into the fact or fiction that is associated with Cannabis use and some interesting clips, I would like to take a moment and explain the differences between the strains and some tricky terminology. It is important to know because cannabis has a special effect within our bodies. And knowing this may aid you in your journey and provide you with some “food-for-thought” when approaching your healthcare professional.
Please remember that Cannabis is a Schedule I drug, this means that you can be fined for possession if you do not have the support of a medical practitioner.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!
Cannabis is a flowering plant that includes the 3 species of cannabis that are listed below.
Marijuana. It is also called tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. This product is the from the dried flowers of the cannabis plant. It also is associated with psychoactive effects or what some may call a “high”.
Cannabinol. This also comes from the dried cannabis flower, however, it is considered aged and a biproduct. This form has significantly less THC than marijuana.
Cannabidiol It is also known as CBD. It is an extract that is separated from a cannabis plant, often known as hemp. Hemp is typically grown to produce wax, clothing, rope, and paper.
DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE 3 SPECIES OF CANNABIS?
Cannabis sativa– these species gives the user the feelings of euphoria, sedation, memory and cognition impairments, appetite stimulation and decreased nausea and vomiting. It has a high level of THC.
Cannabis Indica– is responsible and recognized for its ability to reduce pain, provide natural sedation and induces sleep. This species has lower levels of THC but high levels of cannabinol.
Cannabis Ruderalis– while this species is listed, it has been tested and it was deemed by professionals to not provide any purposeful remedies.
Montel Williams, a former naval officer, author, radio and TV talk show host, entrepreneur and wellness advocate, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1999. He has used cannabis products since then to manage his symptoms. Williams is constantly pushing the envelope in the support of cannabis legalization to aid in the treatment of neurological disorders. During this video, Williams states a few comments in regards to cannabis.
Cannabis is Plant based.
TRUE, cannabis is a naturally occurring plant.
US Researchers haven’t completed the right type of research.
FALSE-There are many research articles that have been completed recently. It is difficult for researcher to, first of all, locate willing participants, and secondly, get the approval from the federal governments to use cannabis.
Savitex in US, sublingual, made from real marijuana and is FDA approved.
TRUE, Sativex® (nabiximols) has been developed as a treatment for the relief of symptoms in patients with moderate to severe spasticity due to multiple sclerosis (MS) that has not been adequately treated with currently used therapies.
Has so many medicinal properties.
TRUE, Cannabis can increase hunger , decrease nausea and vomitting. Used for patients with glaucoma, anxiety disorders, neuromuscular disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and seizure disorders to reduce frequency and intensity of seizures.
There are components of the plant that doesnt cause a psychoactive reaction.
TRUE, Cannabidoil (CBD) is a component of the Cannabis plant that does not cause a psychoactive reaction.
RESEARCH SUGGESTS
- Feinstein, Banwell, and Pavisian (2015) completed a study with a placebo group and a group that was being administered cannabis. There results provided insight into the cognitive affects that can occur from cannabis use. They determined that for Multiple Sclerosis patients, that they can have cognitive delays or impairments when compared to a person not using cannabis (Feinstein et al., 2015).
- Reasearch also demosntrated that even with the use of Sativex, that Multiple Sclerosis patients who used the medication also suffered from a decline in cognition. (Feinstein et al., 2015).
This video provides, insight into a family struggling with managing their child’s ability to function without seizure. Remember, you are not only treating one person but treating an entire family as they are affected as well by this disorder. The family discusses a few key points in this video that we will address.
- States that there was a reduction in seizures.
True, however it is without adverse reactions in some.
- Smoked cannabis is the only option.
False, the family titrated and created CBD. There are many options now including CBD or THC, and synthetic drugs. The variations include: edibles, oils, lotions.
- Cannabis is difficult to titrate or find the right dose.
TRUE, hence all of the studies and importance of seeking medical advisement.
- You need a prescription to obtain cannabis.
TRUE. Specific doctors have the training and authorization to write prescriptions for medicinal cannabis.
- Those who want to try cannabis should seek medical assistance.
TRUE, all medications for children should be monitored for adverse reactions and titration (dose) adjustments.
ONE STUDY SUGGESTS
A study that was completed in 2017 on the effects of cannabis in the treatment of seizure disorders produced finding that are in support of cannabis . There was a 50% reduction in seizure activities within the brain (Devinsky et al., 2017). Please keep in mind that there are still associated reactions with the use of cannabis. Reactions such as lethargy, fatigue, pyrexia, decreased appetite, convulsions, somnolence, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur, however, can be lessened by decreasing the dose (Devinsky et al., 2017).
The gentleman in this video is an ex-police officer that has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In the video you can seen that he uses the an oil based cannabis that is rub on his cheek of under his tongue. The video creates a time lapse that allows the viewer to truly understand the impact that it had on the mans tremors and ability to speak. As noted, his friend warns him not to use too much. Keep in mind that Neuromuscular disorders are conditions that affect muscle, impairing its function. The extremities are predominately affected due to damage to the nerve fibers that provide signals to and from the brain and muscles (Lusk & Rutherford Owen, 2017). We will discuss below the key points to this video.
- That it takes minutes for the effects of cannabis to completely eliminate dyskinesia.
True and False. Each individual is different in the ways that cannabis can affect them. And ensuring that they are receiving a therapeutic dose.
- That too much will affect the patients arousal.
This is true for some people. It will again, depend on the dose that has been given and as with other medications it can be adjusted.
- Controls dyskinesia.
True, however, false for levodopa induced dyskinesia.
STUDIES SUGGEST
- It had been explained by Lusk and Rutherford Owen (2017) that medicinal marijuana has reduced muscle spasms and improve pain and discomfort when compared to other forms of treatment.
Lim, See and Lee (2017) reported that there was insufficient evidence and underpowered trials to determine the actual effectiveness of cannabis with Parkinson’s Disease. They also state, there was no significance in the reduction of levodopa-induced dyskinesia for users of cannabis versus non-users (Lim et al., 2017).
Although, research is stating that they haven’t been able to pinpoint the effectiveness of cannabis in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease, it is reported that Parkinson’s Disease patients report an improvement in quality of life (Lim et al., 2017).
References
Devinsky, O., Cross, H., Laux, L., Marsh, E., Miller, I., Nabbout, R., Scheffer, I., Thiele, E., and Wright, S. (2017). Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome. The New England Journal of Medicine. Vol. 376 No. 21, p. 2011-2020. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa1611618
Feinstein, A., Banwell, E., & Pavisian, B. (2015). What to make of cannabis and cognition in MS: In search of clarity amidst the haze. Multiple Sclerosis Journal. Vol. 21, No. 14. 1755-1760. Doi:10.1177/1352458515607652.
Lim, K., See, Y., Lee, J. (2017). A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Medical Cannabis for Psychiatric, Movement and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience, 15 (4), 301-312. Doi:10.9758/cpn.2017.15.4.301.
Lusk, S., Rutherford Owen, T. (2017). The Inclusion of Cannabinoids and Medicinal Marijuana as a Treatment Option for Individuals with Disabilities in Life Care Plans. Journal of Life Care Planning. Vol. 15, No2, 27-24. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317731353_The_Inclusion_of_Cannabinoids_and_Medicinal_Marijuana_as_a_Treatment_Option_for_Individuals_with_Disabilities_in_Life_Care_Plan