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Cannabis Extracts Effective For Treating Refractory Nausea Per Clinical Trial

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

Anyone who has battled cancer or has a loved one who has battled cancer knows firsthand how awful it can be. Undergoing chemotherapy treatment is often necessary but is also very difficult for cancer patients to have to endure.

A common side effect of chemotherapy treatments is refractory nausea. Refractory nausea is a condition that occurs when nausea and vomiting don’t respond to treatment. When a cancer patient experiences it, it makes a difficult situation even worse.

According to a recent clinical trial conducted in Australia, the use of plant-derived cannabis extracts is a safe and effective treatment for refractory nausea. Below is more information about the trial via a news release from NORML:

Sydney, Australia: The administration of cannabis extracts containing equal percentages of THC and CBD safely and effectively relieves refractory nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy, according to randomized clinical trial data published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Australian investigators assessed the use of standardized cannabis extracts versus placebo in 147 patients undergoing intravenous chemotherapy. (Australian law permits physicians to prescribe cannabis products to patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.) Participants in the study all suffered from nausea and vomiting despite taking standard antiemetic medications. Patients consumed either extracts or placebo three times a day in addition to their prescription medications.

Compared to placebo, cannabis extracts significantly reduced vomiting frequency and improved patients’ quality of life.

Researchers concluded: “An oral formulation of THC:CBD was an effective adjunct to standard antiemetics for prevention and treatment of refractory CINV, with adverse effects including sedation and dizziness, but no increase in serious adverse events. Our data support the claim that oral THC:CBD is an effective and safe option for the prevention of refractory CINV [chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting].”

In an accompanying editorial, authors opined, “For patients receiving moderate- or high-emetic-risk chemotherapy, THC:CBD may be considered as an option for secondary prophylaxis of CINV for patients who had refractory nausea in a previous cycle despite guideline-concordant treatment.”

Both cannabis and THC are well-established anti-nauseants. An oral formulation of synthetic THC (aka dronabinol) has been FDA-approved in the United States as an antiemetic since 1985.

Full text of the study, “Oral cannabis extract for secondary prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: Final results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase II/III trials,” appears in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

skin-lotion

Canadian Patients Turning To Cannabis To Treat Chronic Skin Condition

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic autoinflammatory skin condition that results in the suffering patient developing painful bumps or boils, tunnels, and abscesses under their skin. The condition is often referred to as ‘acne inversa.’

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for hidradenitis suppurativa. Common treatments include using skin care products such as antiperspirants, antiseptic washes, and retinoids. In severe cases, pain management therapies and medications are also incorporated.

A team of researchers in Canada recently conducted a scientific literature review and found that a growing number of suffering hidradenitis suppurativa patients are turning to medical cannabis products to treat their condition. Below is more information about the review and its findings via a new release from NORML:

Vancouver, Canada: Patients diagnosed with the skin condition Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS aka acne inversa) frequently consume cannabis products and report that they improve their quality of life, according to a literature review published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. HS is a chronic skin condition characterized by the reoccurring formation of small painful lumps under the skin, typically in the armpit and groin.

Researchers affiliated with the University of British Columbia and the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota reviewed data from six studies, encompassing 34,435 patients.

They reported, “Findings show higher cannabis use among HS patients, demonstrating efficacy in pain management, sleep, anxiety relief, itch relief, and improved quality of life.”

The study’s authors concluded: “Cannabis may play a role in analgesia, improved quality of life, pain, itch, and overall mental health in patients with HS and healthcare providers including dermatologists should increase their familiarity in appropriate use of cannabis-related products. … Efforts to reduce the stigma of utilizing cannabis-related products for medical purposes, education, and open discussion about the harms of illicit substances with patients are highly encouraged.”

Full text of the study, “Evaluation of cannabis-related product use among patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A narrative review,” appears in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery.

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Cannabis-Infused Tea Mitigates Fibromyalgia Pain In Italian Patients

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

The cannabis plant is arguably the most dynamic plant on earth, possessing tremendous wellness benefits for suffering patients. Researchers are slowly but surely unlocking the cannabis plant’s full potential, including which delivery methods are best for certain conditions.

One form of cannabis consumption involves drinking it via cannabis-infused tea preparations. Many patients prefer cannabis-infused tea when available because it is a smoke-less cannabis delivery method.

Researchers in Italy recently conducted a clinical trial involving cannabis and fibromyalgia patients. Patients reported decreases in pain after consuming cannabis-infused tea. Below is more information about the trial and its findings via a news release from NORML:

Potenza, Italy: The daily consumption of cannabis-infused tea is associated with decreased pain and improved quality of life in fibromyalgia (FM) patients, according to clinical trial data published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Italian scientists assessed the efficacy of cannabis flower (22 percent THC | 1 percent CBD) steeped in tea in a cohort of 30 patients with refractory FM. Patients consumed the infused tea daily for six months.

Patients’ median pain ratings fell from 8 (on a numerical scale of 1 to 10) to 4 during the trial. Study participants also reported improvements in physical and mental health. None of the patients who completed the trial reported any adverse side effects from cannabis.

The study’s authors concluded: “Cannabinoids may represent an effective alternative to conventional pharmacological therapy for reducing pain and mind disorders in FM subjects. Further investigations like randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed to corroborate these findings.”

Fibromyalgia patients frequently self-report using cannabis to successfully manage symptoms of the disorder. Observational data published last year reported that FM patients who consume medical cannabis preparations reduce their need for prescription opioids.

Full text of the study, “Is a low dose of cannabis effective for treating pain related to fibromyalgia? A pilot study and systematic review,” appears in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. Additional information on cannabis and fibromyalgia is available from NORML’s publication, Clinical Applications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

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Medical Cannabis Mitigates Symptoms Of Autism In Israel Clinical Trial

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

International researchers estimate that roughly 1 out of every 100 children has autism. Autism is often characterized by the patient experiencing some degree of difficulty with social interactions and communication, as well as difficulty with transitioning from one activity to another, focusing, and unusual reactions to sensations.

It is still largely unknown what causes autism. People diagnosed with autism battle the condition for their whole lives, although various treatments and therapies can help with the development, health, well-being, and quality of life of autistic people.

Health experts in Israel recently conducted a clinical trial involving medical cannabis therapies and autistic trial participants. Below is more information about the study and its results via a news release from NORML:

Haifa, Israel: Preparations of CBD-rich cannabis reduce anxiety and other autistic symptoms in children, according to data published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.

Israeli scientists assessed the efficacy of CBD-dominant cannabis extracts in a cohort of 65 children (ages 5-12 years) with autism. Study participants consumed customized doses of cannabis extracts for six months.

Researchers reported: “We observed significant differences in the autistic children’s overall anxiety and in some anxiety subtypes. Significant improvements were observed in RRBI [restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests], including the total score, and specifically in compulsive, ritualistic, and sameness behaviors.”

The study’s authors concluded: “Our study suggests positive implications for CBD-rich cannabis treatment in alleviating anxiety and RRBI symptoms in autistic children. … We strongly recommend further double-blind, placebo-controlled studies using standardized assessments to validate these findings.”

The findings are consistent with those of numerous other studies showing that cannabinoid treatment provides symptom improvements in children with autism. Observational studies have also shown that the use of cannabis can provide benefits to adults with autism.

Full text of the study, “Effects of medical cannabis treatment for autistic children on anxiety and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests: An open-label study,” appears in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. Additional information on cannabinoids and ASD is available from NORML’s publication, Clinical Applications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

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Cannabis-Induced Psychosis Is Rare Without Pre-Existing Conditions Per Meta-Analysis

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

One of the most common talking points for cannabis opponents is that ‘cannabis is bad for human brains.’ Many older cannabis observers will attest that this talking point is as old as cannabis prohibition itself.

Such cannabis opponents will cherry-pick public mental health data and present it out of context to try to ‘prove’ their point. Unfortunately for them, and fortunately for compassion and logical reasoning, proper scientific research demonstrates that cannabis opponents are wrong.

A team of researchers in Switzerland recently conducted a meta-analysis regarding psychosis and cannabis use, controlling for pre-existing mental health conditions. Below is more information about the methodology and results of the analysis via a news release from NORML:

Lausanne, Switzerland: Cannabis consumption rarely triggers episodes of acute psychosis in those who do not have a pre-existing psychiatric disorder, according to the results of a meta-analysis published in the journal Nature: Mental Health.

An international team of researchers from Switzerland and the United Kingdom reviewed the relationship between marijuana use and cannabis-associated psychotic symptoms (CAPS) in 162 studies involving over 210,000 cannabis consumers.

Researchers reported that the risk of psychosis “appears most amplified in vulnerable individuals,” particularly those with “pre-existing mental health problems” such as bipolar disorder. By contrast, they acknowledged, “[N]either young age of onset of cannabis use nor high-frequency use of cannabis or the preferred type of cannabis (strains high in THC, strains high in CBD) was associated with CAPS.”

Overall, they estimated that 0.5 percent of those who consume cannabis may experience a psychotic episode during their lifetime. That percentage mirrors estimates published in a prior study involving 233,000 European marijuana consumers. The authors of that study concluded, “Rates of CAPS as observed here are comparable to rates of other drug-induced psychosis, such as alcohol-associated psychosis (around 0.4 – 0.7 percent).”

The studies’ findings push back against claims that marijuana exposure is a frequent trigger for psychosis and other mental health disorders.

Full text of the study, “Assessing rates and predictors of cannabis-associated psychotic symptoms across observational, experimental, and medical research. Additional information on cannabis and mental health is available from NORML’s white paper, ‘Cannabis, Mental Health, and Context: The Case for Regulation.’

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Canadian Patients Report Cannabis Effectively Treats Musculoskeletal Pain

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

Musculoskeletal pain is a health condition that affects bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and/or muscles. Injuries, particularly ones that involve a fracture, are a common contributor to a patient developing musculoskeletal pain. Arthritis can also cause musculoskeletal pain.

According to international researchers, 1.71 billion people suffer from musculoskeletal conditions globally. Musculoskeletal conditions are reportedly the leading contributor to disability across the planet, with low back pain being the single leading cause of disability.

A team of investigators in Canada conducted a survey asking about musculoskeletal pain and cannabis use, with survey participants reporting that cannabis therapy effectively treats their condition. Below is more information about the survey and its results via a news release from NORML:

Toronto, Canada: More than one in five patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (MSK) report having used cannabis to manage their symptoms and 90 percent of them perceive it to be effective, according to data published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

Canadian researchers surveyed 629 patients with chronic MSK pain. Twenty-three percent acknowledged having used cannabis therapeutically. Over 90 percent of consumers said that it was either “very,” “somewhat,” or “slightly” effective at managing their pain, improving their sleep, and reducing anxiety-related symptoms. More than half (57 percent) perceived cannabis to be more effective than other analgesic medications, and 40 percent acknowledged decreasing their use of traditional pain medications following their use of cannabis.

The study’s authors concluded: “One in five patients presenting to an orthopaedic surgeon with chronic MSK pain are using or have used cannabis with the specific intent to manage their pain, and most report it to be effective. … Future double-blind placebo-controlled trials are required to understand if this reported efficacy is accurate, and what role, if any, cannabis may play in the management of chronic MSK pain.”

Survey data published last month reported that one in four cannabis consumers use it primarily to achieve pain relief.

Full text of the study, “Understanding the epidemiology and perceived efficacy of cannabis use in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain,” appears in the Journal of Cannabis Research. Additional information on cannabis and pain management is available from NORML’s publication, Clinical Applications for Cannabis & Cannabinoids.

CBD cannabis leaf plant

CBD Mitigates Symptoms In Adolescents With Autism In Brazilian Study

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

The cannabis plant contains dozens of cannabinoids, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being arguably the most well-known cannabinoid. Another cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), has grown in popularity in recent years due to its wellness properties.

CBD is being successfully used to treat a number of conditions around the globe, from arthritis to epilepsy. Many medical cannabis products containing CBD are derived from hemp, which is legal in more jurisdictions than non-hemp forms of cannabis.

A team of researchers in Brazil recently conducted a study involving CBD therapies and adolescents with autism. Below are the results of the Brazilian study via a news release from NORML:

Brasilia, Brazil: The administration of CBD-rich cannabis extracts is safe and effective in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to data from an observational study published in the journal Pharmaceuticals.

Brazilian investigators assessed the use of CBD-dominant extracts (CBD to THC ratio: 33 to 1) in a cohort of 30 children (mean age: 11 years) with moderate to severe ASD. Participants consumed cannabis extracts for six-months. Subjects were clinically assessed by their designated physicians. At the end of the treatment period, semi-structured interviews were also conducted with the participants’ parents and caregivers.

Consistent with prior studies, most subjects (70 percent) demonstrated clinical improvements following CBD therapy – particularly with respect to attention and communication skills. Seventy-four percent of subjects either reduced or ceased their use of at least one prescribed medication during the study.

Two-thirds (67 percent) of parents reported improvements in their child’s behavior in six of the 12 categories assessed. No parents reported that their child’s symptoms worsened over the course of the study.

The study’s authors concluded: “In the present study, we show that the benefits of treatment with full-spectrum CBD oil for non-syndromic individuals with ASD are not only noticeable to the clinical eye but are also perceived and experienced by the families and caregivers. In short, the findings corroborate that this treatment, combined with a gradual and individualized dosage regimen, is safe and efficient for broader treatment of central and comorbid symptoms associated with ASD, being able to improve aspects such as social interaction, communication and quality of life.”

The study’s findings are consistent with those of placebo-controlled trial data showing improvements in ASD patients’ symptoms following the use of cannabinoid products. Observational studies have also shown that the use of cannabis can provide benefits in adults with autism.

Full text of the study, “Clinical and family implications of cannabidiol (CBD)-dominant full-spectrum phytocannabinoid extracts in children and adolescents with moderate to severe non-syndromic autism spectrum disorder (ASD): An observational study on neurobehavioral management,” appears in Pharmaceuticals. Additional information on cannabinoids and ASD is available from NORML’s publication, Clinical Applications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

senior elderly osteoarthritis arthritis

Inflammatory Arthritis Patients Report Sustained Relief From Cannabis

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

International researchers estimate that as many as 350 million people around the globe suffer from some form of arthritis. Arthritis is defined as painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints.

Symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as the affected joint(s) being a different color than usual. The affected joint(s) may also not be able to move or stretch as much as it used to.

Researchers in the United Kingdom recently conducted a study examining cannabis use by suffering arthritis patients. Below is more information about the results of the study via a news release from NORML:

London, United Kingdom: Patients with inflammatory arthritis report reduced pain and sustained improvements in their health-related quality of life following their use of medical cannabis preparations, according to observational data published in the journal International Clinical Psychopharmacology.

British researchers assessed the use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) consisting of either flower or oil extracts in 82 patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. (Since 2018, British specialists have been permitted to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Researchers assessed changes in patient-reported outcomes measures at one, three, six, and 12 months.

Patients consistently reported improvements in anxiety, pain, and sleep during the length of the study

The study’s authors concluded: “This study demonstrates an associated improvement in pain severity and other relevant outcomes in individuals prescribed CBMPs for inflammatory arthritis-associated chronic pain. In addition, CBMPs were largely well tolerated by the majority of patients. … [T]hese results provide further support for continued evaluation of CBMPs in this setting.”

Other observational studies assessing the use of cannabis products in patients enrolled in the UK Cannabis Registry have reported them to be effective for those suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, depression, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other afflictions.

Full text of the study, “Assessment of clinical outcomes in patients with inflammatory arthritis: Analysis from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry,” appears in the International Clinical Psychopharmacology. Additional information on cannabis and arthritis is available from NORML’s publication, Clinical Applications for Cannabis & Cannabinoids.

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Cannabis Terpenes Exhibit Anti-Cancer Effects In China Preclinical Trial

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

Anyone who has battled cancer, or loved someone who has battled cancer, will be quick to tell you that it is a very difficult and terrible thing to ever have to endure. According to the Worldwide Cancer Research Fund International, “there were 19,976,499 cancer cases in 2022.”

Trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer are the most commonly diagnosed forms of the serious health condition, followed by breast cancer and colorectum cancer. It is estimated that roughly 1 out of every 10 deaths across the globe every year are cancer-related, and effective treatments are desperately needed.

Researchers in China recently conducted a preclinical cancer research trial involving cannabis terpenes. Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. Below are the results of the trial via a news release from NORML:

Shanghai, China: Hemp oil extracts containing the terpenes β-caryophyllene and α-humulene possess potent analgesic and anti-cancer properties, according to preclinical data published in Fitoterapia: The Journal for the Study of Medicinal Plants.

Chinese scientists assessed the pain-relieving and anti-tumor activities of hemp oil in mice. They reported that the administration of cannabis extracts reduced neuropathic pain and “significantly inhibited” tumor growth.

The study’s authors concluded, “These results reveal that HEO [hemp essential oil] plays a role not only in tumor chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy treatment, but also in anti-tumor treatment which offers key information for new strategies in cancer treatment and provides reference for the medicinal development of hemp.”

Prior studies have similarly determined that cannabis terpenes, including β-caryophyllene and α-humulene, can produce potent analgesic effects in animal models. Cannabinoids possess well-established anti-cancer activities in preclinical models, but their efficacy has rarely been assessed in clinical trials.

Full text of the study, “Chemical compounds, anti-tumor and anti-neuropathic pain effect of hemp essential oil,” appears in Fitoterapia. Additional information on cannabinoids and cancer is available from NORML’s publication, Clinical Applications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids.