View Full Version : What Future for Cannabis?
What Future for Cannabis?
Library: MED
Keywords: CANNABIS THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS
Description: The potential therapeutic effects of cannabis are outlined in a review. The review is published in anticipation of results from randomised trials expected later this year investigating possible benefits of the drug for people with multiple sclerosis. (Lancet Neurology, May-2003)
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WHAT FUTURE FOR CANNABIS?
The potential therapeutic effects of cannabis are outlined in a review in the May issue of THE LANCET NEUROLOGY. The review is published in anticipation of results from randomised trials expected later this year investigating possible benefits of the drug for people with multiple sclerosis. The first cannabis-based medicines are currently being considered for license.
Cannabis is the third most popular recreational drug after alcohol and tobacco. The history, biological/pharmacological effects, and current research investigating its potential therapeutic benefits are outlined by Alan Thompson and David Baker from the Institute of Neurology, London, UK, and colleagues. They comment how-in addition to the research into multiple sclerosis-basic research is enabling the discovery that some cannabis compounds have previously unknown qualities-notably that cannabis could play a role in preventing neurodegeneration with implications for the future management of disorders such as Huntington's, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and motor-neuron diseases
Alan Thompson concludes: "As we learn more about the pharmacological activities of compounds in cannabis and their biological targets outside the cannabinoid system, varieties of cannabis might be tailored to different diseases or used in combination with known drugs. Whatever the future holds, there are many challenges to be overcome before we view cannabinoids as routine medicine in neurological disorders."
Contact: Professor Alan J Thompson, Neurological Outcome Measures Unit, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; T) +44 (0)20 7837 3611 x4152; F) +44 (0)20 7813 6505.
For additional information, including the full text of the Lancet article (for journalists only), contact: Joe Santangelo at THE LANCET: j.santangelo@elsevier.com , or tel: 212-633-3810.
"What Future for Cannabis?
Differing people using it for differing purposes, I'd assume, as so far.
Somehow the idea does not occur to me, to even try to destine its future, as with over 6 billion humans or so, it might be assumed, a lot will use it the way they like, whatever me and many others think about that.
(I could as well ask what future for LSD.
Has been used, will be used.)
"the drug for people with multiple sclerosis."
Hm, I reserve me doubts if that's a good idea.
"are many challenges to be overcome before we view cannabinoids as routine medicine in neurological disorders."
Neuro's and Westie science's often rather bizarre seeming calling orders disorders, here aside, with that WEing around there maybe don't overlook too far some old pothead like me might have rather partially rather distinct opinions on disadvantages of that drug.
While glorifying that it might do this or that,
don't forget "the other side of the coin".
Been using THC when handhealing a bitsy some stuff with someone.
(Magically reprogrammed him he can feel some wrist&hand areas he couldn't since an accident.)
But that was that I took it, not he.
If a woman within the first 12h of the period has pain and emotional problems to do with the hormonal changes there in the period rhythm, and it gets a bit too much, about 2 draws O.K. hash might help to alleviate problems to an extent.
However for people tending towards asthma, it might result for various in an Asthma fit to smoke it.
With eating dosage can be far less well estimated in effects usually.
THC & nicotine smoking with various might also lead to heart racing and problems from that.
Acid
Author Topic: Cannabis may become 'the aspirin of the 21st century'
seneca
Moderator posted Apr 20, 2003 07:06 AM
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Cannabis may become 'the aspirin of the 21st century'
By Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor
19 April 2003
Cannabis, the third most popular recreational drug after alcohol and tobacco, could win a new role as the aspirin of the 21st century, with growing evidence that its compounds may protect the brain against the damaging effects of ageing.
Although the drug distorts perception and affects short-term memory, it may also help prevent degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntingdon's and motor neurone diseases. Scientists at the Institute of Neurology in Queens Square, London, say the "huge potential" of cannabis compounds is emerging, as understanding of its biological and pharmacological properties improves.
Professor Alan Thompson and his colleagues wrote in Lancet Neurology: "Basic research is discovering interesting members of this family of compounds that have previously unknown qualities, the most notable of which is the capacity for neuroprotection."
The results of two trials in patients with multiple sclerosis are expected this summer and the first cannabis-based medicines are being considered for licensing. None of them will have the psychoactive properties of the raw drug when smoked or ingested.
Professor Thompson's team says: "Even if the results of these studies are not as positive as many expect them to be, that we are only just beginning to appreciate the huge therapeutic potential of this family of compounds is clear."
Cannabis was thought to affect the cells like alcohol by seeping through the cell membrane. But in 1990 the first cannabinoid receptor was found, which revolutionised the study of cannabinoid biology. The discovery revealed an endogenous system of cannabinoid receptors, similar to the opioid system, to which the drug bound when it was ingested. Just as endorphins are the body's natural equivalent of heroin, a fatty acid called anandamide (Sanskrit for "inner bliss") is the natural equivalent of cannabis.
The natural system of cannabinoid receptors plays a role in maintaining the balance of chemicals in the brain which regulate the rate at which neurons fire.
By altering this system, scientists believe it may be possible to slow or prevent the process of brain decay. David Baker, lead author of the Lancet review and senior lecturer at the Institute of Neurology, said: "Alzheimer's disease is the result of very slow degeneration caused by the death of nerve cells. We probably don't see symptoms until 30 to 40 per cent of the nerve cells have died. Something regulates this decay and if we could slow it by even a small fraction we might delay by a decade the point where someone loses their memory."
But cannabis is a double-edged sword, with potentially damaging side effects.
"It may be possible to develop drugs that allow selective targeting of different areas of the brain and spinal cord and there may be a way of limiting the negative effects," Dr Baker said.
A study by Dr Baker and colleagues, in which the natural system of cannabinoid receptors was removed in mice, showed that the rate of nerve loss was increased, indicating its role in preserving brain function. The study, which has been accepted for publication in a medical journal, "really clinches the argument", Dr Baker said.
He added: "Cannabis has gone from the drawing board into trials in record time, largely because of patient pressure. Hopefully it will work and be acceptably safe."
20 April 2003 04:03
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health/story.jsp?story=398495
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Cannabis drug set for end-of-year release
by our business staff
GW Pharmaceuticals says its cannabis-based treatment for multiple sclerosis is poised to become a prescription drug
A cannabis-based drug which relieves the symptoms of multiple sclerosis should be available on prescription by the end of the year, it was announced today.
GW Pharmaceuticals said Sativex, which contains extracts from whole cannabis plants, is on track for release subject to approval by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Because it contains the class C drug, Sativex would also require a change in the law, but Home Secretary David Blunkett has indicated he would be willing to make an amendment if the drug was approved.
GW, based in Salisbury, grows 40,000 cannabis plants a year at a secret site.
The drug is administered as a spray in the mouth and works to alleviate pain and relax muscle spasms.
New clinical trials are about to start on the drug after it showed positive results in trials held in November.
It is also being tested for its effectiveness at treating cancer pain and neuropathic pain caused by spinal cord injury.
MS is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults, with around 85,000 sufferers in the UK.
It results from damage to myelin - a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system - which then interferes with messages between the brain and other body parts.
GW, which has about 100 employees in the UK, has sold the marketing rights for Sativex to German healthcare giant Bayer.
It submitted its licence application to the MHRA in March and has indicated that if UK approval is received, it would look at entering the market in Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Announcing its interim results today, GW said it made a net loss after tax of £6.7 million for the six months to March 31.
This compared with a loss of £5.3 million in the same period last year and the £5.9 million loss in the second half of the last financial year.
Research and development expenditure increased to £6.5 million from £5.1 million in the same period last year.
Executive chairman Dr Geoffrey Guy said: "GW's achievements over recent years provide a solid platform for growth.
"We are confident that GW is on track to secure regulatory approvals, commercial partnerships and launches for Sativex around the world."
Shares in the company stood 7p lower at 230.5p in afternoon trade.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,4501-719079,00.html