More Evidence That Inhaled Cannabis Helps Neuropathy Pain

Today's post from the ever-reliable sciencedaily.com (see link below) provides yet more evidence that inhaled cannabis can be one of the few genuinely effective means of quietening neuropathic symptoms. Of course, smoking a joint is also inhaling cannabis (or at least the THC component) but many people quite understandably, can't take the smoking aspect of it and inhaling via vaporizers is for them, a better solution. The argument drags on but the more studies like this one, the more the relevant authorities will be convinced that it doesn't lead to a path of depravity and ruin. Meanwhile, savvy neuropathy patients have known this for years and regularly control their pain by means of inhaled cannabis, with no ill effects. When the moral and law-giving forces catch up we may get sensible legislation rolled out across the world.

Inhaled cannabis shown effective for diabetic neuropathy pain
Date: July 20, 2015 Source: American Pain Society 

Summary:

Inhaled cannabis reduces diabetic neuropathy and the analgesic effect is dose-dependent, new research suggests. Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind study evaluating 16 subjects to assess the efficacy and tolerability of inhaled cannabis for treating pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

FULL STORY

New research reported in The Journal of Pain, published by the American Pain Society, shows that inhaled cannabis reduces diabetic neuropathy and the analgesic effect is dose-dependent.

Researchers at the University of California San Diego conducted a randomized, double-blind study evaluating 16 subjects to assess the efficacy and tolerability of inhaled cannabis for treating pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). They studied the effects of low, medium and high doses of inhaled cannabis on DPN pain and hyperalgesia. Subjects participated in four outpatient treatment sessions, separated by two weeks, in which they were exposed to placebo or three different doses of aerosol 1% THC, the most abundant and psychoactive compound in cannabis. As a drug delivery method for marijuana research, inhalation is preferred because the pharmacokinetics of inhalation are superior to smoking, as peak effects occur quickly and are more easily titrated.

DPN occurs in half of diabetes patients and 15 percent have pain, especially in the feet. Many patients do not achieve satisfactory relief from two FDA-approved treatments. Animal research in models of neuropathic pain suggest that cannabinoids may be effective in reducing pain, but no studies have focused specifically on painful DPN.

"We hypothesized that inhaled cannabis would result in a dose-dependent reduction in spontaneous and evoked pain with a concomitant effect on cognitive function," said lead author Mark S. Wallace, M.D., professor of anesthesiology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine.

Results showed there was a dose-dependent reduction in pain intensity from inhaled cannabis, which the authors noted is consistent with results of other trials of the drug for diverse neuropathic pain syndromes.

"The dose dependent analgesic effect was evident for both spontaneous and evoked pain in the trial subjects, but it was more consistent on spontaneous pain," said Wallace.

The also authors reported that all subjects experienced either euphoria or somnolence, which may limit the acceptability of cannabis as an analgesic. However, in measuring the impact of inhaled cannabis impact on cognition (attention and memory), they found modest effects with no dramatic declines or impairments.

"These findings along with previous studies suggest that cannabis might have analgesic benefit in neuropathic pain syndromes, including treatment-refractory DPN," said Wallace.

Story Source:

The above post is reprinted from materials provided by American Pain Society. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

Journal Reference: 
 
Mark S. Wallace, Thomas D. Marcotte, Anya Umlauf, Ben Gouaux, Joseph H. Atkinson. Efficacy of Inhaled Cannabis on Painful Diabetic Neuropathy. The Journal of Pain, 2015; 16 (7): 616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2015.03.008
 
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150720115147.htm

Will The Pothead Image Ruin The Chances Of Medical Cannabis

Today's post from cbc.ca (see link below) highlights one of the new problems associated with medical cannabis for nerve pain (amongst other conditions) and that is the stigma associated with die-hard cannabis smokers. Conservative thinkers see them as lazy and ineffectual; practically a danger to society! However, as this article suggests: as more and more areas legalise the drug for medical purposes, it may be up to the medical cannabis producers and retail outlets to change the image (however inaccurate) in order to promote the undoubted qualities cannabis can have. There will always be opposition of course; from those who have never tried it and those who fortunately for them, don't need it. It may be a long road ahead but the progress so far is nothing less than astonishing!

Stigma of the lazy pot-smoker hurts medical marijuana users 
By Peter Thurley, for CBC News Posted: Nov 24, 2016 
 
For many users, the high they get is an unwanted side-effect

Medical marijuana is used for, among other things, relieving pain, stimulating appetite, relieving nausea and relaxing patients suffering from PTSD or psychological other trauma. (Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press)

About The Author

Peter Thurley is a Kitchener, Ont. based writing and communications consultant, helping non-profits, small businesses and political action groups effectively engage with stakeholders. A relatively new medical cannabis user, he has written further reflections on the politics of cannabis at peterthurley.ca.

When people hear that someone uses cannabis, they often give a nudge nudge​ wink wink and say, "Lucky you, getting high on weed, eh?"

I usually chuckle and reply that the official scientific name of the plant is "cannabis," and that it is medicine. For me, it's used to dull chronic nerve pain left after an invasive surgery to repair burst bowels and remove a 25-pound desmoid tumour.

It can also be used as an appetite stimulant, it quickly kills nausea and it relaxes anyone who needs to deal with frightening flashbacks of their time in hospital.



Different strains of marijuana are on the menu at a dispensary in Ottawa. (Stu Mills/CBC)

Yet the image of the lazy pot-smoker remains one of the most prevailing stigmas about medical cannabis users, and it was on full display recently during a CBC News interview with former NDP MP Peter Stoffer about cannabis use among veterans.

Veterans allowed too much pot, says former NDP MP Peter Stoffer

​Once the NDP's critic for veterans affairs, Stoffer, who is now the public spokesperson for Nova Scotia-based Trauma Healing Centers, quipped that the 10 grams a day of cannabis allowed under Veterans Affairs Canada rules is "an awful lot of marijuana to give one person." Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr seems to agree, and announced this week that the limit will be scaled back to three grams.

In his interview, Stoffer added that veterans should be subject to a full lifestyle examination before being granted access to cannabis, suggesting that some might be using it simply to get high.

Novelty wears off

The novelty of being a cannabis consumer wears off quickly. For many medical cannabis users, the potential high is an unwanted side-effect.

So it was disappointing to read Stoffer repeat long-debunked myths about medical cannabis users looking for a buzz rather than relief in his thinly veiled comments about "lifestyle monitoring." That's simply not true.

And while the federal government does play a role in how veteran health care dollars are spent, it does not have the right to come between a patient and their doctor — nor should Veterans Affairs Canada be asking questions about a patient's lifestyle, financial status or eating habits, as suggested by Stoffer. They don't do it now, nor should they start. If they don't do it for other prescription medications, why should they do it for cannabis?

Lessons learned about legalized marijuana from Colorado's chief medical officer

As Canada moves towards full legalization, it will be incumbent on the burgeoning cannabis industry to take steps to explain the various ways of consuming cannabis. Extractions, for instance, take much more plant matter to produce than other methods such as smoking or vaporizing.

Indeed, according to Maxim Zavet, CEO at Emblem Cannabis, it may be that veterans are relying increasingly on oils instead of smoking the dried flower — something that requires more plant material and may not contain psychoactive ingredients like THC. Stoffer acknowledged that fact in a follow-up call I had with him, but he held fast to his position, saying, "Everyone knows that 10 grams is a lot."



Cannabis can be consumed in several different ways, like adding cannabis oil to a smoothie, as chef Cody Lindsay does here. (CBC)

Like me, Michael Blais, of Canadian Veterans Advocacy, respects Stoffer and applauds the work he did in the House of Commons. But he also agreed that these long-standing stigmas about medical cannabis must fall, especially for Canada's veterans, who have already given so much for the sake of our nation. "There aren't many of us who have sustained a battle injury," he reminded me.

Cooking with cannabis and what could be on Canada's menu

In 2017, Canada will become the first G7 nation to fully legalize cannabis use, both medically and recreationally. It would be a shame if Stoffer's cannabis myths — relics left over from the failed war on drugs — were to further disadvantage our veterans, right when they need our help the most.


This column is an opinion - for more information about our commentary section please read this editor's blog and our FAQ.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/medical-marijuana-stigma-1.3861027

Can Cannabis Pain Patches Solve Nerve Pain Problems

Today's post from international-highlife.com (see link below)takes another look at medicinal cannabis patches, which are of course, theoretically the ideal treatment for neuropathy sufferers and others who don't want to smoke cannabis, or find the oils too messy when the bottle's nearly empty. It's important to highlight the difference between cannabis patches containing THC and those with CBD as their primary constituent. Many people just don't want to get high or lose control, especially when they're dealing with chronic pain. These people need to look for a high CBD content and a low THC element - you won't get a 'high' feeling from that but you will get optimal analgesic effect. Research has suggested though, that the most effective CBD oil for instance, is that which includes some THC as well as CBD. That may also be the case with trans-dermal patches. The article explains the current state of affairs regarding cannabis patches and their availability and that remains (in 2017) fairly limited. It does leave you wondering why the market for cannabis patches hasn't exploded though. They seem to be the ideal medicinal cannabis vehicle, especially for pain sufferers, who need a long-release system to work best and yet, they aren't being manufactured world-wide as yet. Is this because they are not so effective as first thought, or is it just a question of the right companies finding the right investment to go ahead and market on a wide scale? We have to remember that apart from a few enlightened regions, medicinal cannabis remains somewhat 'off the grid' as far as official approval goes. Time will tell what develops regarding these patches but an interesting read nevertheless.

Next Hype: Cannabis Pain Patches
Seshata Posted 3 weeks ago

One of the hottest new medicinal cannabis products available today is the transdermal pain patch – so what are they, do they work, HOW do they work, and where can I buy one?

 Let’s take a look at the facts!

Right now various media outlets are heavily publicising the cannabis pain patch designed and produced by Cannabis Science, Inc. – a bioscience company based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

But they’re not the first company to produce cannabis pain patches – in fact, another Colorado based company, Mary’s Medicinals, developed a transdermal cannabis patch back in 2013, which is now being distributed to patients in at least six US states!
 
So What Are Cannabis Transdermal Patches?

Cannabis pain patches are simple adhesive squares of medical gauze infused with cannabinoids. They have a porous layer between the skin and the cannabinoids that allows for controlled, sustained release of the cannabinoids into the skin. It’s not exactly clear how Cannabis Science, Inc. or Mary’s Medicinals make their patches – but online research gives us a few clues.

In order for a patch to deliver medicines effectively through the dermis (skin), the medicine is usually dissolved in an alcohol such as isopropyl. Isopropyl alcohol is commonly known as “rubbing alcohol” as it’s often used to help deliver medicines into the bloodstream.

For centuries, doctors and herbalists have made remedies by infusing active ingredients into alcohol to make a tincture, then rubbing it on the skin. Cannabis is one of hundreds of plants that humans have used in this way throughout history!

Makers of cannabis transdermal patches take it a couple of steps further, and put that dissolved cannabinoid tincture onto a square of adhesive medical gauze. But it’s not quite that simple – as well as dissolving the active ingredient in alcohol, it seems that to make a transdermal patch really effective, you have to add a compound that helps get through the barrier of the skin.

A compound that is very commonly used in making transdermal patches is Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Forums suggest that to make a transdermal patch, all that’s needed is a few drops of DMSO, added to the tincture and thoroughly mixed.

If you’re hoping to buy cannabis transdermal patches infused with THC, you’ll need to be a registered medical cannabis patient in a legal US state. But if it’s CBD you need, you’re in luck – you can buy Mary’s Medicinals CBD transdermal patches online!

Transdermal patches are reported to be very effective, and any past safety issues have mostly arisen because the medicines inside the patch are dangerous or even deadly if taken at the wrong dosage.

For example, Johnson and Johnson had to recall their Fentanyl patches in 2009 as the porous layer broke down and released the contents too quickly, causing overdose and even death. But cannabinoids are remarkably safe and non-toxic (especially compared to opioids!), so this is not likely to be an issue!

https://international-highlife.com/next-hype-cannabis-pain-patches/

Cannabis For Chronic Pain A Personal Account

Today's post from americannewsreport.com (see link below) is a personal article talking about whether to take marijuana for chronic neuropathic pain or not. I'm sure many people have been faced with the same dilemmas but it is clear that the political climate is changing in this regard and more and more places are allowing cannabis/marijuana growth for just this very purpose. Science seems to back up the argument for cannabis as an efficient pain relief and when nothing else will help, it's certainly an option. If you are unsure about how to go about this, or of the legality in your own area, it may be worth contacting your doctor or local health authority for advice.
More articles about cannabis/marijuana for neuropathic pain on the alphabetical list to the right of this blog.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA. IS IT TIME?
Posted by Carol Levy THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

A Pained Life: Changing Attitudes about Medical Marijuana
July 17th, 2013 by Carol Levy, Columnist

When I was in my early 20’s, years before the onset of my pain, I was offered a marijuana cigarette. I didn't want it, but the pressure from my friend was so great I finally took it. I puffed on it once. I did not inhale.
I was not sure what effect it might have on me or how it might make me feel. I was afraid of it.
A few years ago, feeling desperate for anything that might help with the pain, I googled “medical marijuana.”

I found a site in Canada. The only requirement was that you send them a note with the name of your medical disorder. The seeds arrived in the mail and I planted them in the laundry room sink.

They were fast growers; within a week or so I had some beautiful plants.I wasn't sure how to use them. I also wasn't sure I had the nerve. It turned out my worry was for naught.

On my way to check on the plants I walked into my living room. My cat Rooty was running around the room, really, really enjoying herself. That was out of character. As soon as I walked into the laundry room I saw why. All of the plants had been eaten down to the root.

It let me off the hook. I no longer needed to make an active decision about trying “pot” for my pain.

I have been sitting on the sidelines on this issue. Although it has disturbed me that, despite proof of the benefits for those with cancer pain, loss of appetite, HIV and other disorders, medical marijuana has remained illegal in most states. Even when I am asked to sign petitions about making it legal I have not done so, not being sure exactly where I stand on the issue.

But then my self-interest came into play.

I have “phantom pain” of my face (anaesthesia dolorosa). This is a neuropathic disorder. It often defies treatment.

A recent study published in The Journal of Pain about vaporized cannabis significant improving neuropathic pain changed my mind. Although I have not become an active advocate, at least not yet, I follow the debate over medical marijuana much more closely. I am more willing to add my name to the petitions for making it legal.

As chronic pain patients, we are under fire from the DEA. Their rules have made it more and more difficult to get the narcotic medications many of us, including me, need. It has also made it harder for some patients to find doctors willing to prescribe them. That makes it even more important that alternative therapies be found.

Marijuana is one of those therapies.

The study is a small one, only 39 subjects, but the researchers found a significant benefit for those patients who have treatment resistant neuropathy. That would be me.

I know there are many reasons and many people who do not want to see medical marijuana legalized. However, for me and many others, it could mean the difference between staying disabled and being more able. Dare I hope, maybe even becoming “able.”

 http://americannewsreport.com/nationalpainreport/a-pained-life-changing-attitudes-about-medical-marijuana-8820892.html

Juicing Cannabis Leaves To Treat Nerve Pain

Today's post is another article from naturalnews.com (see link below) and looks at the benefits of yet another part of the cannabis plant for pain relief (amongst others). This time, instead of having to smoke a joint, or other well-known cannabis uses, the juice from the crushed leaves can be used to produce CBD oil, which it's turning out, has many health benefits in itself. This article discusses how this can benefit pain sufferers and how the so-called cannabidiol (CBD) works. Further research on the internet or YouTube will unearth countless other articles along the same lines, plus tips on how to make it yourself (cheaper than buying it ready prepared). It would be wise to include your home doctor in this process, because it may become part of your overall treatment; however, that isn't always possible (or even wise, considering the law aspects) so doing your own thorough research is essential. Worth a read for neuropathy patients.

Learn about the amazing health benefits of juicing raw cannabis (marijuana) leaves
Friday, May 04, 2012 by: Ethan A. Huff, staff writer
 
(NaturalNews) Contrary to popular belief, the marijuana plant is a whole lot more than just a psychoactive drug that "stoners" use to get high. In raw form, marijuana leaves and buds are actually loaded with a non-psychoactive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer nutrient compound known as cannabidiol (CBD) that is proving to be a miracle "superfood" capable of preventing and reversing a host of chronic illnesses.

Though you may not have heard much about it, the CBD found in the marijuana plant -- marijuana is technically just a vegetable, by the way -- is a highly medicinal substance with unique immune-regulating capabilities. Since the human body already contains a built-in endogenous cannabinoid system, complete with cannabinoid receptors, inputting CBD from marijuana can help normalize the body's functional systems, including cell communication and proper immune function.

The way CBDs work is that they bridge the gap of neurotransmission in the central nervous system, including in the brain, by providing a two-way system of communication that completes a positive "feedback loop," according to Dr. William Courtney, a medical marijuana expert and founder of Cannabis International. As opposed to a one-way transmission, which can promote chronic inflammation of healthy tissue, the unique two-way transmission system engaged by marijuana CBDs mimics the body's own natural two-way communications system.

So individuals whose systems are compromised by autoimmune disorders, cellular dysfunction, chronic inflammation, cancer cells, and various other illnesses can derive a wide range of health-promoting benefits simply by consuming CBDs. And one of the best ways to obtain CBDs is to juice raw marijuana leaves and buds, according to Dr. Courtney, who currently runs a clinic in Luxembourg that provides raw cannabis medicinal services to patients in need.

"CBD works on receptors, and as it turns out, we have cannabinoids in our bodies, endogenous cannabinoids, that turn out to be very effective at regulating immune functions, nerve functions, bone functions," says Dr. Ethan Russo, a Seattle, Wash.-area physician who is also a senior advisor to GW Pharmaceuticals, a British drug company that is utilizing CBDs in a new marijuana mouth spray known as Sativex.

"There's a tendency to discount claims when something appears to be good for everything, but there's a reason this is the case. The endogenous cannabinoid system acts as a modulator in fine-tuning a lot of these systems, and if something is deranged biochemically in a person's body, it may well be that a cannabinoid system can bring things back into balance."

Be sure to check out these amazing videos from Cannabis International that explain more about how raw cannabis, and specifically the CBDs found inside the plant, work to promote health and reverse disease:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa0nLdVJiIg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ4QR2NqgWU

http://www.naturalnews.com/035759_cannabis_juicing_health.html

Non smokers Can Benefit From Cannabis based Neuropathy Relief Too

Non-smokers and ex-smokers have often been put off trying cannabis for the relief of neuropathic pain (the laws of the land are often a discouraging factor too!) because of the potential damage to their lungs. However, using a vaporizer may well be the answer as it apparently delivers the same amount of THC, with the same biological effects, without the inhaling of tobacco, or other toxins normally associated with smoking. As always, assuming that you are able to access regular marijuana, the decision has to be made as to whether the benefits outweigh the risks. This article comes from imarijuana.com (see link below).

Same Level Of THC and Fewer Toxins with Marijuana Vaporizer
Posted on 22 November, 2011 by admin

According to researchers from the University of California San Francisco, a smokeless cannabis-vaporizing device delivers the same level of active therapeutic chemical and produces the same biological effect as smoking cannabis.

Results of a UCSF study that focuses on delivery of the active ingredient delta-9-tertrahydrocannibinol, or THC, are reported in the online issue of the journal “Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.”

“We showed in a recent paper in the journal ‘Neurology’ that smoked cannabis can alleviate the chronic pain caused by HIV-related neuropathy, but a concern was expressed that smoking cannabis was not safe. This study demonstrates an alternative method that gives patients the same effects and allows controlled dosing but without inhalation of the toxic products in smoke,” said study lead author Donald I. Abrams, MD, UCSF professor of clinical medicine.

The team of researchers looked at the effectiveness of a device that heats cannabis to a temperature between 180 and 200 degrees C, just short of combustion, which occurs at 230 degrees C. Eighteen individuals were enrolled as inpatients for six days under supervision in the General Clinical Research Center at San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center. The participants received three different strengths of cannabis on different days by two delivery methods–smoking or vaporization–three times a day, under the study protocol.

THC plasma concentrations were measured along with the exhaled levels of carbon monoxide, or CO, which served as a marker for the many other combustion-generated toxins inhaled when smoking.

“Using CO as an indicator, there was virtually no exposure to harmful combustion products using the vaporizing device. Since it replicates smoking’s efficiency at producing the desired THC effect using smaller amounts of the active ingredient as opposed to pill forms, this device has great potential for improving the therapeutic utility of THC,” said study co-author Neal L. Benowitz, MD, UCSF professor of medicine, psychiatry and biopharmaceutical sciences.

Benowitz added that pills tend to provide patients with more THC than they need for optimal therapeutic effect and increase side effects.

“By a significant majority, patients preferred vaporization to smoking, choosing the route of delivery with the fewest side effects and greatest efficiency,” said Benowitz.

Co-authors include Cheryl A. Jay, MD, UCSF neurology; and Starley B. Shade, MPH; Hector Vizoso, RN; and Mary Ellen Kelly, MPH, UCSF Positive Health Program at San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center.

The study was funded by the University of California’s Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research.
Reference:University of California – San Francisco

http://www.imarijuana.com/tag/smoked-cannabis

Cannabis And HIV What Does The Research Say

 Today's post  from  gaynz.com (see link below) is a short article adding to the information we already have about the various medical uses for cannabis, especially for people living with HIV. Of course this blog is most interested in any concrete information relating to HIV and neuropathic pain. The article takes a dispassionate look at the proven pro's and cons' of the issue.

 

Cannabis and HIV/AIDS: What the Research Says

October 15, 2012


In 2010, there was a useful summary of the role of cannabinoids in HIV/AIDS treatment, mostly in North America. In 2004, the Canadian AIDS Society became the first such NGO to back wider access to cannabinoids for People Living With HIV/AIDS, given their benefits in combatting problems like pain, nausea and appetite loss. According to North American studies, between a quarter to one third of all PLWHAs have used cannabis or cannabinoids for these purposes (c23-37 percent). In Canada, ninety percent of those sampled used it as an appetite stimulant, while seventy percent used it as a painkiller and to combat nausea or vomiting.

Pain is probably the best -researched area of medicinal cannabis derivatives useful effects for PLWHAs. It may originate from headache, both forms of herpes, back pain, throat pain, athralagia, lymphoma, anorectal carcinomas or ancillary side-effects of other preventative techniques like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Its use against peripheral neuropathy ranges from thirty to fifty-five percent. Used for this purpose, cannabis/cannabinoids have no adverse effects on metabolism of antiretroviral medication such as indinavir and ritonovir. In the case of nausea, cannabinoids may be useful if patients do not respond to antiemetics in other contexts. However, there is little specific research data available on these particular effects other than anecdotal references to their benefits. When it comes to weight gain and appetite stimulation, the research indicates that administration of cannabinoids improves appetite and can reverse weight loss, assist food intake and assist sleep. Moreover, it also seems to assist antiretroviral drug compliance.

However, the study’s author cautions that there is lack of standardised measurement of delivery methods within amenable research, whether through cannabis cigarettes, pipes, tobacco/cannabis admixtures, or standardised levels of THC content. There are also difficulties with the small scale of such research samples. However, the research consensus also indicates no negative effects on viral load, CD4/CD8 T-cell levels, or ARV blood plasma levels.

http://www.gaynz.com/blogs/redqueen/?p=1924