Cannabinoids: CBD, CBN, THC. Also HEMP & Marijuana (Cannabis)

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Revision as of 21:21, 13 June 2018 by Theresab (talk | contribs) (adding to cannabinoids article)
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Products from the cannabis plant offer many health benefits of interest to ApoE4 carriers and can enhance a program addressing lifestyle strategies. Cannabis products come in many forms with numerous delivery methods: tablets/capsules, edibles, beverages, vaping oil, dermal lotions/patches, sublingual tinctures, suppositories, and more, no need to smoke a joint. THC is a cannabinoid that is the psychoactive component of marijuana that produces a high. CBD, another cannabinoid, modulates several biological functions and, in the right percentages, can counteract the psychoactive effects of THC. Cannabis products come in various ratios of CBD to THC to best target the effect a person is trying to obtain. Many products with THC produce a high, but some do not, especially those with a high CBD to low THC content. CBD products from hemp do not produce a high.

Cannabis is both hemp and marijuana, each containing a number of cannabinoids

The cited medical benefits of cannabinoids are many but it should be noted that legal constraints and the lack of profit incentive for drug companies, have constrained medical studies. Of the studies that exist, many are indicative of medical benefit, but often conclude further study is needed.

Fully exploiting the medical benefits of cannabis products may be long in coming, if ever. Pharmaceutical companies can’t patent a natural substance unless they turn it into a synthetic chemical first. Doctors in the United States can’t prescribe drugs that aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and doctors rarely recommend therapies that fall outside approved protocols and/or are unfamiliar with nontraditional therapies.

Nevertheless, many studies are encouraging, and there are even more anecdotes citing benefits. For many of us, there’s no time to wait for FDA approval, thus necessitating self-research for potential beneficial therapies. The deeper dive section below provides papers supporting the claims of some of the health benefits of cannabis products/cannabinoids.

There are no known studies that have singled out the ApoE allele to determine the effects of cannabinoids on the endocannabinoid system within ApoE4 carriers. However, cannabinoids have been cited to aid with numerous health issues for the general population, and these are the areas of greatest interest to ApoE4s:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Decreases Amyloid-beta plaque
  • Offers neuroprotection and helps generate new neurons
  • Inflammation
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Stress
  • Sleep
  • Hormonal balance

There are other health conditions where cannabinoids can be beneficial, such as cancer, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Fibromyalgia, epilepsy, and more, but this Wiki article does not attempt to be all encompassing with regard to cannabis, only as it applies to areas of interest to ApoE4 carriers.

A guide to associated terms

To better navigate this subject and to make the best decisions, it helps to understand these common terms.

Cannabis

The plant family that includes both marijuana and hemp.


Marijuana

A cannabis plant that possesses psychoactive qualities (produces a high). Used recreationally for the high and for medicinal purposes.

Marijuana is illegal in all 50 states per federal law. It is recognized as legal for medical purposes (medical marijuana card required) in over half the 50 states. Marijuana is legal for recreational purposes in some states, per state law.

Marijuana comes from two strains: indica and sativa. Sativa strains produce more of a euphoric high, is a mood elevator, and therapeutically relieves stress. Indica strains relax muscles and work as general analgesics (pain relief), also helps with sleep.

Each state has its own unique list of conditions that qualify a person for a medical marijuana card, but the most common medical conditions are:

  • Epilepsy and Seizure disorders - cannabidiol (CBD) has been found to significantly reduce seizure frequency
  • Cancer - a balance of THC or CBD helps with pain, nausea, and appetite loss
  • Multiple Sclerosis – aids with pain, insomnia, inflammation, muscle spasms, abdominal discomfort, and depression,
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS – for appetite loss, nausea, and fatigue
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases (Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS), Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s) – improves cognition and mobility, relieving spasticity and rigid muscles, and more
  • Pain - combining both THC and CBD tend to be most effective
  • Nausea – THC helps, although too much worsens it
  • Cachexia/Wasting Syndrome – especially for THC rich varieties
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – high CBD varieties can aid with anxiety and panic episodes

For more in information, see Most Common Qualifying Conditions for Medical Cannabis

However, research into marijuana for medical application is restricted. The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) considers marijuana a Schedule I drug, the same as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy, thus identifying it as likely to be abused and lacking in medical value. Because of that, researchers need a special license to study it. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved marijuana for medical treatment purposes although it has approved drugs derived from the marijuana plant. Marinol and Casemet are man-made versions of THC used to treat nausea and lack of appetite. Epidiolox is treatment for children’s epilepsy. A 4th drug, Sativex, a cannabis extract containing THC and CBD in a 1-to-1 ratio, is in clinical trials in the U.S. for pain with breast cancer. Sativex is already approved in more than 20 countries to treat muscle spasms from MS and cancer pain.

Even in states where marijuana is legal for recreational purposes, there are laws regarding age of consumption, where it can be consumed, restrictions on driving under the influence, and interstate transport. Employers and landlords may additionally dictate consumption restrictions regardless of state law. States that allow medical marijuana do tend to reciprocally respect medical marijuana cards from other states but transport through non-recognizing states or flying with marijuana is illegal. The U.S Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not allow marijuana or products derived from marijuana on any flights.

Although legal, quality can be a concern. Especially when seeking assistance for medical conditions, it’s important to know that the product being consumed is free of harmful chemicals and toxins. There are no federal regulatory protections. Marijuana is now being grown using many modern day farming methods which includes growing plants in soils devoid of nutrient content and adding chemicals for rapid growth, pest resistance, and ease of harvest. Marijuana cannot be labeled “organic” by the US Department of Agriculture because it is still illegal at the federal level. Testing regulations vary from state to state: State-by-State Guide to Cannabis Testing Regulations Leafly's state-by-state guide to cannabis testing regulations

Third parties have taken on the organic certification role for marijuana. Additionally, independent laboratories that can test for potency/homogeneity and cannabinoid analysis quantitation. They can also test for potentially harmful contaminants, such as Salmonella, E. coli, as well as total yeast and mold quantification. There are poor quality products out there, so buyer beware, but a reputable cannabis company will be able to offer information regarding the research and content of their products.


Hemp

A variety of the cannabis sativa plant that is grown for various commercial and industrial uses. Although marijuana and industrial hemp are both members of the cannabis family and both contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), they are distinct strains. Hemp has a near negligible level of THC. A person cannot get high from the THC content in hemp nor can drug testing cannot detect THC from hemp products. Hemp can be grown to make fabrics, construction materials, biofuels, plastic composites and more. Hemp products for individual consumption include hemp protein powder, hemp seed oil, CBD oil, hemp lotion, hemp hearts, even hemp beer. All can be purchased legally, except for the beer if underage. Just because a product comes from hemp doesn’t mean it has substantive cannabidiol (CBD) or other cannabinoid content.


Cannabinoids

Or more technically correct, phytocannabinoids are the active ingredients found in cannabis (phyto means from a plant). The most prevalent and the most well-understood phytocannabinoids are THC and CBD, but there are over 100 other active cannabinoids in cannabis.

Some cannabinoids and their associated health benefits. Source: https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/article/supplements-articles/how-to-use-cbd-oil/

Cannabinoids are also produced naturally in the body, see endocannabinoids below. While the functions of these cannabinoids within the body are wide-ranging, it is believed that their primary function is to promote homeostasis (a relatively stable state of equilibrium).

THC

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, or more simply and commonly, tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is a cannabinoid. THC is the principal psychoactive component of cannabis, it’s what produces the high. Marijuana of the 1960s typically had a THC content of between 3% to 5%, today THC content has been cited to be as much as 35%.


CBD

Cannabidiol, a cannabinoid. CBD is non-psychoactive, it does not have the intoxicating effects of THC. CBD can actually counteract the psychoactivity of THC and combat unpleasant effects of THC such as paranoia, anxiety, over-excitability, or memory-loss. CBD acts on completely different receptors and enzymes than THC. CBD is associated with a long list of health benefits and is considered the healing component of the cannabis plant.

CBD is found in both marijuana and hemp, although percentages vary widely.

Historically, marijuana was cultivated for THC content, but when CBD was found to have positive benefits, some marijuana strains started being cultivated for CBD content too. Marijuana products are sold with various CBD to THC ratios but can only be sold in dispensaries in states where marijuana is legal for medical and/or recreational purposes. However, these marijuana derived products can be freely and legally researched on the internet before entering a dispensary.