Friday, July 29, 2016

Endogenous Cannabinoids: Homemade Cannabinoids Live Inside You

Endocannabinoid System


It comes as a surprise to many people that we have a system in our bodies capable of producing its own cannabinoids without you ever picking up a hemp or cannabis product.  According to the Journal of Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, the discovery of this system occurred some time in the mid-1990s, after scientists found membrane receptors (known as CB receptors) used by the psychoactive compound delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Some scientists thought that THC acted on individual body cells, but this discovery proved that notion wrong. As it is understood now, we wouldn’t actually get “high” from THC in cannabis plants at all if we did not have an endocannabinoid system. Other species in the world cannot get “high” because they lack this feature in their anatomy.
According to the Journal of Comparative Neurology, such a system is common in many creatures including in mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, sea urchins, leeches, mussels, and even the most primitive animal with a nerve network, the Hydra. However, the presence of CB receptors has not been seen in terrestrial invertebrates (or any member of the Ecdysozoa). Surprisingly, no specific bindings of the synthetic CB ligands [(3)H]CP55,940 and [(3)H]SR141716A were found in a panel of insects: Apis mellifera, Drosophila melanogaster, Gerris marginatus, Spodoptera frugiperda, and Zophobas atratus.
Another study confirming the endocannabinoid system in humans was one done on runners in 2003. This study showed that male college students running on a treadmill or cycling on a stationary bike for 50 minutes had their endocannabinoid system activated. This study was among the first evidence to suggest alternative explanations for exercise’s ability to induce analgesia, or “runner’s high,” in people.
Other good preliminary knowledge to have before we dive into endogenous cannabinoids is about the four subtypes of receptors in the endocannabinoid system upon which they can act. We usually only talk about two, but these four types are…
  • CB1 (first cloned around 1990),
  • CB2 (first cloned around 1993),
  • WIN, and
  • abnormal-cannabidiol receptors (abn-CBD) or anandamide receptor.
Some might be yet to be discovered, since truncated forms of the CB1 receptor (like CB1A) have also been found.
Also important is knowing where CB1 and CB2 receptors are generally located. According to an article in the Journal of Current Neuropharmacology, “CB1 receptors are abundant and widely dispersed throughout the brain. Their distribution has been mapped by autoradiographic studies, immunohistochemical techniques, in situ histochemistry, and electrophysiological studies. CB1 receptors have shown particularly high levels of expression in cortex, basal ganglia, hippocampus, and cerebellum and low levels of expression in brainstem nuclei.”  In contrast, CB2 receptors are found mostly on white blood cells and in the spleen.

Endogenous Cannabinoids – What are these chemicals you make?

First thing to know regarding endogenous cannabinoids is that they are synonymous with endocannabinoids. “Endo” simply means “within” or “internal” while “genous” comes from the same root word as “generate” or “genesis” – in other words, “make” or “create.” The words “endogenous cannabinoids” and “endocannabinoids” will be used interchangeably.  Endocannabinoids serve as intercellular “lipid messengers” signaling molecules that are released from one cell and activating the cannabinoid receptors present on other nearby cells. The first endogenous cannabinoid to be isolated and structurally characterized in 1992 was arachidonylethanolamide, commonly known as anandamide, and it was taken from a pig brain.

Anandamide

Fun fact: The name for this chemical comes from the Sanskrit word ananda, which means “bliss.” This study published in the Journal of Neurochemistry shows how anandamide works. Anandamide can bind to membranes in two ways. Either it does this transiently, quickly passing, or it does so when it is “transfected with an expression plasmid carrying the cannabinoid receptor DNA.” Transfection, in biology terms, is a method of introducing genetic material. An expression plasmid can affect the gene expression in cells. The anandamide also inhibits the forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase in the transfected cells.  What all this means is that “anandamide is an endogenous agonist that may serve as a genuine neurotransmitter for the cannabinoid receptor.” Anandamide affects how CB1 receptors do or don’t get activated.
Anandamide is synthesised by the hydrolysis of the precursor N-arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine, which is catalysed by the enzyme phosphodiesterase phospholipase D. After release from the postsynaptic terminal, which is the receiving part of the connection (synapse) between two nerve cells (neurons), anandamide interacts with presynaptic cannabinoid receptors. Deficiencies can have unpleasant results, as this study about neuropathic pain in mice shows. Anandamide plays a role in pain, mood, appetite, and memory and is the most extensively studied endogenous cannabinoid.       

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)

Like anandamide, 2-AG is also an endogenous ligand for CB1 receptors. According to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, it is the most prevalent endogenous cannabinoid ligand in the brain. The study, which observed self-administered injections of squirrel monkeys, also pointed to data suggesting that 2-AG plays a role in drug-taking behaviors. The monkeys were shown to exhibit an addictive behavior when given 2-AG. Its role in the organism overall is still being established, but recent studies show that it plays a role in the regulation of the circulatory system via direct and/or indirect effects on blood vessels and/or heart. It is synthesised by cleavage of an inositol-1,2-diacylglycerol, which is catalysed by phospholipase C.

Virodhamine (OAE)

This endogenous cannabinoid is a CB1 partial agonist but is a CB1 antagonist in vivo (in the body). It was discovered in June of 2002. Virodhamine is arachidonic acid and ethanolamine joined by an ester linkage. In the hippocampus, its concentrations are similar to those of anandamide. In peripheral tissues that express the CB2 receptor, however, it was found in amounts that were 2- to 9-fold higher than anandamide.
At the CB2 receptor, it acts as a full agonist. It sometimes can antagonize other endocannabinoids in vivo; for example, it can inhibit anandamide transport. In a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, it was shown to relax rat mesenteric arteries through endothelial cannabinoid receptors. It can do this to the human pulmonary artery via two mechanisms: It activates the putative endothelial cannabinoid receptor, and it initiates the hydrolysis of virodhamine to arachidonic acid and subsequent production of a vasorelaxant prostanoid through COX.  

In Retrospect: Clearing Up Misinformation

Here are some things you need to understand about how CBD relates to these endogenous cannabinoids. CBD is not itself an endogenous cannabinoid; however, it acts on CB receptors in a similar manner to some endogenous cannabinoids, like OAE. THC and CBD both influence the way that natural endocannabinoids carry out their jobs. Sometimes, they are agonists in one spot and antagonists for another.

In Conclusion..

We hope that this helps clear up some information about the endogenous cannabinoids involved in the endocannabinoid system. It is perhaps commonly thought when hearing about this system that we produce things like CBD in our bodies, but this isn’t quite so. We produce very similar chemicals that do very similar things that also influence how cannabinoids like CBD and THC will interact with our CB receptors or other receptor sites.  Some are ligands for synaptic reactions, and some are agonists/antagonists

We want to know: How has this expanded your perspective on the usefulness of cannabinoids? Leave a comment. In order to understand more about cannabidiol specifically, we have a great resource page on our website that neatly compiles must-know facts so you don’t have to do the arduous digging. Please don’t hesitate to ask us any further questions.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Marijuana is no longer a threat, police say

When the DEA surveyed over 1,000 law enforcement agencies as to what they saw as their biggest drug threats, marijuana came in at the bottom of the list. Furthermore, it was named by only 6 percent of survey respondents.
As far as drug threats go, pot has been declining steadily since the mid-2000s, even as states have moved to legalize medical and recreational marijuana during that time period.
By contrast, nearly 75% of police departments cite heroin and meth as their top drug threat. After rising sharply from 2007 to 2013, abuse of prescription painkillers has subsided considerably in the past two years.


It all points to something that drug policy experts and researchers have known for a long time: compared to other recreational substances, including alcohol, marijuana is really not that harmful (if harmful at all.) It’s probably safer and even more beneficial than many people think.
State and local police agencies also say that marijuana is not a big facilitator of crime. Only 6 percent said that marijuana was the most serious driver of violent crime in their communities in 2015, and 5 percent said it was the biggest contributor to property crime.  This contradicts arguments posed by some high ranking law enforcement officials that marijuana is somehow responsible for an increase in murders in the last year.
Despite this shift in thinking, as well as increasing legalization across the country, arrests for marijuana possession continue.
Though legal in many places, marijuana is by far the most widely used illegal drug and likely affords many law enforcement officers an easy and accessible arrest. But these arrests have serious consequences for the people involved, and they divert time and resources that could be better focused on more serious crimes, like rape and murder.
Add to that that the Department of Justice continues to aggressively pursue and prosecute these cases even in places like California where some use of the plant is legal.
The DEA’s latest drug threat assessment makes a solid argument for smarter policing: If marijuana is so low on the totem pole, while heroin and meth are a big worry, then devote less time and resources to the former and more to the latter. The report states that over 46,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2013. It fails to mention that not a single one of those overdoses was caused by marijuana.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

THC:CBD relieved pain in cancer patients better than opiate pain medicine

This study compared the efficacy of a tetrahydrocannabinol:cannabidiol (THC:CBD) extract, a nonopioid analgesic endocannabinoid system modulator, and a THC extract, with placebo, in relieving pain in patients with advanced cancer. In total, 177 patients with cancer pain, who experienced inadequate analgesia despite chronic opioid dosing, entered a two-week, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. Patients were randomized to THC:CBD extract (n = 60), THC extract (n = 58), or placebo (n = 59). The primary analysis of change from baseline in mean pain Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score was statistically significantly in favor of THC:CBD compared with placebo (improvement of -1.37 vs. -0.69), whereas the THC group showed a nonsignificant change (-1.01 vs. -0.69). Twice as many patients taking THC:CBD showed a reduction of more than 30% from baseline pain NRS score when compared with placebo (23 [43%] vs. 12 [21%]). The associated odds ratio was statistically significant, whereas the number of THC group responders was similar to placebo (12 [23%] vs. 12 [21%]) and did not reach statistical significance. There was no change from baseline in median dose of opioid background medication or mean number of doses of breakthrough medication across treatment groups. No significant group differences were found in the NRS sleep quality or nausea scores or the pain control assessment. However, the results from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Cancer Questionnaire showed a worsening in nausea and vomiting with THC:CBD compared with placebo (P = 0.02), whereas THC had no difference (P = 1.0). Most drug-related adverse events were mild/moderate in severity. This study shows that THC:CBD extract is efficacious for relief of pain in patients with advanced cancer pain not fully relieved by strong opioids.

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Cancer / Oncology Breast Cancer Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs Cannabis reduces tumor growth in study



The main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis - tetrahydrocannabinol - could be used to reduce tumor growth in cancer patients, according to an international research team.

Previous studies have suggested that cannabinoids, of which tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one, have anti-cancer properties. In 2009, researchers at Complutense University in Spain found that THC induced the death of brain cancer cells in a process known as "autophagy."

 
illustration of cancer cells

When human tumors in mice were targeted with doses of THC, the researchers found that two cell receptors were particularly associated with an anti-tumor response.




The researchers found that administering THC to mice with human tumors initiated autophagy and caused the growth of the tumors to decrease. Two human patients with highly aggressive brain tumors who received intracranial administration of THC also showed similar signs of autophagy, upon analysis.

The team behind the new study - co-led by Complutense University and the University of Anglia (UEA) in the UK - claims to have discovered previously unknown "signaling platforms" that allow THC to shrink tumors.

The researchers induced tumors in mice using samples of human breast cancer cells. When the tumors were targeted with doses of THC, the researchers found that two cell receptors were particularly associated with an anti-tumor response.

"THC, the major active component of marijuana, has anti-cancer properties. This compound is known to act through a specific family of cell receptors called cannabinoid receptors," says Dr. Peter McCormick, from UEA's School of Pharmacy.
"We show that these effects are mediated via the joint interaction of CB2 and GPR55 - two members of the cannabinoid receptor family. Our findings help explain some of the well-known but still poorly understood effects of THC at low and high doses on tumor growth."
However, the team is unsure which receptor is the most responsible for the anti-tumor effects.
Dr. McCormick says that there has been a "great deal of interest" in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind how marijuana influences cancer pathology. This has been accompanied by a drive in the pharmaceutical industry to synthesize a medical version of the drug that retains the anti-cancer properties.

"By identifying the receptors involved we have provided an important step towards the future development of therapeutics that can take advantage of the interactions we have discovered to reduce tumor growth," says Dr. McCormick.

Why patients should not 'self-medicate' with marijuana

Cancer patients should not be tempted to self-medicate, Dr. McCormick warns:
"Our research uses an isolated chemical compound and using the correct concentration is vital. Cancer patients should not use cannabis to self-medicate, but I hope that our research will lead to a safe synthetic equivalent being available in the future."
Medical marijuana has been in the news a lot over the past week, with Governor Andrew Cuomo signing the Compassionate Care Act, which makes New York the 23rd state to legalize the medical use of this drug.

Medical News Today also recently reported on how the city of Berkeley in California - which was the first state in the US to allow the medical use of marijuana, back in 1996 - has passed a law that requires the four marijuana dispensaries in the city to provide free medical marijuana to low-income patients who are prescribed this medication.

Meanwhile, Arizona have broadened the range of conditions for which medical marijuana can be prescribed as a treatment. As well as conditions such as cancer, chronic pain and muscle spasms, marijuana can now be prescribed as a form of palliative care for post-traumatic stress disorder.


Friday, July 22, 2016

WIld Weed

Cannabis has been used by humans for thousands of years and during this time many cannabis plants have been taken from their original environment, planted, grown, and cultivated in more controlled environments. With all the cross breeding to make new strains like Purple Dog Shitand Alien OG nowadays, is there such a thing as “wild weed?” The constant crossing of strains to create new strains and increase potency has made it hard to find a pure landrace strain at your local dispensary or anywhere on the market. Fortunately, despite the extreme amount of crossbreeding between strains, cannabis landraces can still be found growing around the world.

Wild marijuana or ditch weed in the US.

Industrial hemp was widely cultivated in the US’s Midwest during the 20th century. This was mostly to support the America’s war efforts in World War II.
Despite industrial hemp factories shutting down the plants previously cultivated for fiber, the hemp plants have naturally re-seeded and now grow wild in states like Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska, Indiana, and Minnesota. There is still wild weed growing all throughout Nebraska.

Foraging for wild weed

The author of “How to Grow Cannabis At Home: A Guide To Indoor Medical Marijuana Growing,” Glenn Panik, has created a guide for finding wild marijuana. He claims it’s not unusual to find cannabis plants thriving from roadsides to mountains.
If you’re gonna go marijuana hunting, you should prepare to look for a variety of leaf shapes and plant sizes. Cannabis can survive with little water and in poor soil.
Urban footpaths abandoned construction sites, and other manmade things that are next to disturbed soil and lots of sun are good places to look for wild weed.
Wild Weed: Does Wild Cannabis Exist?
Opposingly, it’s hard to find wild marijuana in areas with fertile and moist soil. The plants found near man-made areas will not have many buds on them, but you can take them home and cross-breed them with your strains to get better yields that can grow in the local environment.

Be sure to respect the wild marijuana plants you come across. If you’re going to take some, be sure to spread some of the seeds around so that it continues to grow. Plus if you end up liking that strain the next time you go back to where you found it there’ll be plenty new ones blooming.
Also, beware of your local laws on possessing marijuana. If you’re not in a state with legal marijuana in 2016 you may want to hold off on your marijuana foraging adventures, several states may become legal in 2016.

Landrace strains across the globe.

There are still landrace strains, which are cannabis strains that have adapted to the local environment based on geographic location. A landrace strain is a local cannabis strain that adapted to the environment of its geographic location. One example of a landrace is Lamb’s Bread, which was found to grow naturally in Jamaican climate.
Wild Weed: Does Wild Cannabis Exist?
Most other landrace strains have the location they originate within the name. For example, the Hindu Kush and Durban Poison are two strains with names that contain hints to their geographical origin. Finding these strains at dispensaries is uncommon and when you do it’s likely been grown away from the geographic origin, making it a bit less natural. From “ditch weed” in America to landraces in various countries, wild marijuana that grows without being planted, fertilized, or tended to continue to bloom across the world.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

The Story of Daner's Hope

No one could tell this better- here is Elaine Wood telling you about her brother, Daner and his story that sent us on the path of research.




Please, please check us out at http://danershope.com/

Every little bit can help us big make a difference in someone's life. Donate now!

Friday, July 8, 2016

Is There Actually a "Lack of Research" Regarding Medical Marijuana?

Time after time we have heard over and over from some medical professionals that there is no scientific data that suggests the use of marijuana for medical purposes can be safe and effective. This is mostly because there haven’t been many formal research studies conducted in the United States. Stories of improved quality of life from patients suffering from conditions ranging from pain to seizures have gone unqualified by the medical community and labeled as purely anecdotal.

While the anecdotal label may be technically accurate, the lack of research is truly to blame. Marijuana’s classification by the Drug Enforcement Agency has largely prohibited research studies to be conducted. Classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, marijuana is considered by the DEA to be amongst drugs with the highest potential for abuse. For decades, marijuana has been classified with drugs like LSD and heroin. This classification has made research nearly impossible because of restrictions Schedule I drugs carry.
Many have called upon the DEA to reclassify marijuana to a Schedule II drug, which wouldn’t make it legal on a federal level, but would allow for studies to be conducted. Associations including The American Academy of Pediatrics has supported and even requested the Drug Enforcement Agency to reclassify marijuana.

The Huffington Post published a statement in early 2015 from the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizing their support for medical marijuana research.  “The AAP strongly supports research and development of pharmaceutical cannabinoids and supports a review of policies promoting research on the medical use of these compounds,” the AAP statement reads.

While there may not be a lot of research taking place here in the United States, The Marijuana Business Daily reported that we can finally welcome the launch of a new research institute in the Czech Republic. Known as the International Cannabis and Cannabinoid Institute (ICCI), the research center could provide major value to medical cannabis businesses worldwide. A partnership between American and Czech stakeholders has formed allowing this to take place. This partnership includes organizations such as Americans for Safe Access, KOPAC a Czech patient advocacy group, New York-based cannabis investment firm Dioscorides Global Holdings as well as some universities and high-tech companies.

“The main work of the ICCI is to provide scientific instruments to public and private institutions all over the world,” CEO Pavel Kubu said in a statement.
Medical Marijuana hasn’t just become a big industry in the United States, but is becoming a worldwide phenomenon that has captured the interest of people all over the world. Medical marijuana was legalized in the Czech Republic in 2013.


Thursday, July 7, 2016

She's The Second Infant To Receive Cannabis Oil at Aurora's Children's Hospital This Month

She's The Second Infant To Receive Cannabis Oil at Aurora's Children's Hospital This Month                    

Less than two weeks ago we saw a the trending story on Facebook about Baby Amylea who was transferred from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Aurora, Colorado in order to receive Charlotte's Web cannabis oil. Baby Amylea has been transferred out of the NICU and is doing much better according to her mom. Earlier today, a second little precious newborn received her first dose of Charlotte's Web for uncontrollable seizures.




Baby Adeline is only 5 weeks old and has been at Children's Hospital since she was born. Right after her birth she began having seizures, so mom immediately turned to cannabis to treat her baby and is hoping for similar positive results like the improvements made with Amylea.

The first dose of Charlotte's Web was administered less than 12 hours ago. We'll keep you posted on Baby Amylea and Baby Adeline, and ask that you send good vibes to their families.
The family has set up a GoFund me page to help raise money for Adeline's treatment.

State of Clolorado to Become First to Fund Cannabis Research

DENVER -- Colorado became a pioneer in funding research that shows the benefits of medical marijuana Wednesday.

http://kdvr.com/2014/12/17/colorado-becomes-first-state-to-fund-research-to-show-benefits-of-medical-marijuana/#ooid=t0OGRjcjoY5i44lsweWEDBUSn6arFSfZ

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment approved more than $8 million to pay for several research projects.

The money to fund the medical research comes from application fees from medical marijuana patients. Some of them say using the money this way is nothing less than stealing. And now they're suing the Board of Health to stop them.

The Turner family comes before the board to ask for a life-changing vote. "My son has Crohn's disease. I'm sorry," cries Wendy Turner.

She and her family moved to Colorado from Illinois to get medicinal cannabis for their 14-year-old son Coltyn. And it worked. Just 8 months later, he was in remission.

"Our son has made a complete turnaround. A year ago he was in a wheelchair, unable to stand more than a few moments. He can climb mountains now," says Coltyn’s dad, Tom.

Now, they want the board  to approve funding for medical marijuana research to help others--like combat veteran Chris Latona, who deals with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"I need help today. I need help to get through tonight, so I can live through tomorrow and continue my healing," he says.

But others say, while they support research, they don't support using money from medical marijuana patients. "This is a grant that can come from private money. It does not have to come from us," says Phillip Barton, who is opposed to the funding.

"It is appalling. It is shameful and I will do everything as I promised," says funding opponent Kathleen Chippi. That includes suing the state to prevent the funding--on the grounds the money should only be spent to maintain the medical marijuana registry.

But that doesn't stop the board from siding unanimously with families like the Turners, and those who say today's decision will help end the suffering of so many.

"The rest of the country is coming here as refugees. It is up to us to provide the medicine through marijuana," says U.S. Air Force Veteran Greg Duran.

"We have no research like this yet in this country and Colorado is leading the way," says Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient Tony Shaw.

The money will fund the following study programs:
  • Two on PTSD
  • Pediatric epilepsy
  • Irritable bowel sydrome
  • Pain relief for children with brain tumors
  • Comparing cannabis versus oxycodone for pain relief

The  board also has enough money to fund another research program, which it will discuss in about in three months.

Monday, July 4, 2016

Colorado becomes first state to fund research to show benefits of medical marijuana


DENVER -- Colorado became a pioneer in funding research that shows the benefits of medical marijuana Wednesday.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment approved more than $8 million to pay for several research projects.

The money to fund the medical research comes from application fees from medical marijuana patients. Some of them say using the money this way is nothing less than stealing. And now they're suing the Board of Health to stop them.

The Turner family comes before the board to ask for a life-changing vote. "My son has Crohn's disease. I'm sorry," cries Wendy Turner.

She and her family moved to Colorado from Illinois to get medicinal cannabis for their 14-year-old son Coltyn. And it worked. Just 8 months later, he was in remission.

"Our son has made a complete turnaround. A year ago he was in a wheelchair, unable to stand more than a few moments. He can climb mountains now," says Coltyn’s dad, Tom.

Now, they want the board  to approve funding for medical marijuana research to help others--like combat veteran Chris Latona, who deals with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"I need help today. I need help to get through tonight, so I can live through tomorrow and continue my healing," he says.

But others say, while they support research, they don't support using money from medical marijuana patients. "This is a grant that can come from private money. It does not have to come from us," says Phillip Barton, who is opposed to the funding.

"It is appalling. It is shameful and I will do everything as I promised," says funding opponent Kathleen Chippi. That includes suing the state to prevent the funding--on the grounds the money should only be spent to maintain the medical marijuana registry.

But that doesn't stop the board from siding unanimously with families like the Turners, and those who say today's decision will help end the suffering of so many.

"The rest of the country is coming here as refugees. It is up to us to provide the medicine through marijuana," says U.S. Air Force Veteran Greg Duran.

"We have no research like this yet in this country and Colorado is leading the way," says Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient Tony Shaw.

The money will fund the following programs:
  • Two on PTSD
  • Pediatric epilepsy
  • Irritable bowel sydrome
  • Pain relief for children with brain tumors
  • Comparing cannabis versus oxycodone for pain relief

The  board also has enough money to fund another research program, which it will discuss in about in three months.

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Research About Medical Marijuana


Recent stories about children who have had positive outcomes from the marijuana derivative cannabidiol (CBD) give reason for hope and should encourage further studies. Children’s Hospital Colorado supports strong clinical trials and rigorous scientific research, based here and elsewhere, to determine the safety and efficacy of medical marijuana.
Children’s Colorado is committed to participating in high-quality research. We are working with the state and federal government to initiate trials related to marijuana, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has awarded us funds to study marijuana in epilepsy, neuro-oncology and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, we are in the process of working to participate in a FDA-approved double-blind placebo controlled trial of cannabidiol (CBD) in the treatment of epilepsy.


Funding challenges for marijuana research


The research needed cannot occur without funding, and at the present time it is very difficult to obtain federal funding to complete research on medical marijuana due to the designation of marijuana as a DEA Schedule 1 drug. The state of Colorado has recently announced funding to support research on medical marijuana that we hope will enable at least some initial studies on this important topic.

What does Schedule 1 mean?



Marijuana is listed by the Food and Drug Administration under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) – the most restrictive category. The White House states that “the raw marijuana plant, which contains nearly 500 different chemical compounds, has not met the [FDA’s] safety and efficacy standards” to be deemed an FDA-approved drug for medicinal treatment.

Happy Birthday Daner!!

July 2, 1958


          



Yesterday was sad, Daner would have been 58. I miss my brother every day!. I know he is smiling down on Daner's Hope Foundation. He will never be forgotten! Happy Birthday Daner, you are missed and loved deeply!

Love, Elaine

http://www.danershope.org

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Children’s Hospital in Colorado to Conduct 3-Year Study on Cannabis for Epilepsy



AURORA, COLORADO – During this spring, Dr. Kelly Knupp, a pediatric epilepsy specialist, and her colleagues will be conducting a three-year, $500,000 observational study at Children’s Hospital in Aurora, Colorado.


Three-Year Cannabis Study Set To Begin This Spring


There has been a lot of recent buzz surrounding the success of medical marijuana in the treatment of childhood epilepsy. Many parents are claiming that medical marijuana has significantly reduced both their children’s seizures frequency and intensity. Because of this, families with children like Charlotte Figi are making the move to MMJ-friendly states, like Colorado, desperate to find an alternative treatment for their child’s severe epileptic disorders.
“Many of these children have very poorly controlled epilepsy and can be pretty fragile from a medical stand point. I think it is our responsibility as professionals to answer this question.” Dr. Knupp

Currently, there are around 250 children with medical marijuana cards who have Dravet’s Syndrome in the state of Colorado. Out of these 250 children, over 100 of them are patients at Children’s Hospital, even though the hospital is not legally permitted to administer cannabis as a form of treatment.

To help provide light to the subject, Knupp and her colleagues will be conducting a study to help increase the research in regards to cannabis and the effectiveness it has on epileptic patients.

“There’s a lot that’s still unknown. Many of these children have very poorly controlled epilepsy and can be pretty fragile from a medical stand point. I think it is our responsibility as professionals to be able to answer their questions and provide the help they need,” says Dr. Knupp.


$500,000 of State-Funded Grant Money Put To Work


Knupp and her colleagues will be using the $500,000 state-funded grant in order to conduct a three-year observational study. The study is going to consist of analyzing the results from 150 medical marijuana patients who consume cannabis products regularly to reduce or relieve their most serious side effects.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the funding has come from the medical marijuana program’s cash fund. Back in 2013, the state put aside $10 million specifically for medicinal cannabis research projects. It looks as if they are finally putting some of that money to work.

“Most of these families biggest fear is that it won’t work… They’re desperate to have their children better,” says Dr. Knupp


As the study looks to get underway within the next couple of months, the team at the Children’s Hospital knows there will be plenty of eyes awaiting the results. With the large influx of families looking to medicinal marijuana as a last resort for their children, this study could be the much-needed stepping stone to further research in the field.