Volume 1

The Biochemical System Controlling the Effects of Cannabis: An Introduction

In every human there are complex biological systems working to keep physiological functions in order. When these biochemical systems are functioning optimally, they maintain optimal mood and help maintain appropriate levels of immunity, proper digestion, regular sleep, and brain function. The housekeeping properties of these systems have an important role in modulating health and disease. […]

Dosing Strategies for Medical Cannabis

The key takeaway from the review article by MacCallum and Russo1 is that there is a space for cannabis in medicine, but more training and educational opportunities are needed. Although cannabidiol (CBD) and delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are well known, many other cannabinoids that contribute to the benefits of cannabis are being discovered daily. Starting with a […]

Cannabidiol in the Management of Comorbid Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Raynaud’s Disease

IntroductionRheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and Raynaud’s disease, are chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases characterized by pain, inflammation, and fatigue.1-3 Treatment presents a clinical challenge for several reasons, including the progressively degenerative nature of autoimmune diseases, the involvement of multiple pain mechanisms, and the adverse side effects of pain medications. Even pain treatments with […]

Cannabis Linked to Reduced Risk for Hospital-Acquired Intestinal Infection

Patients who used cannabis were at significantly reduced risk for hospital-acquired Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) compared with nonusers, according to a large study published in Anaerobe. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 60,000 hospitalizations the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2014 to compare outcomes in patients with and without cannabis use disorder (CUD) as documented in ICD-9-CM codes. […]

Patients With Epilepsy Commonly Use Cannabis

Nearly 9 of 10 patients with epilepsy surveyed at a single epilepsy center in Oregon reported using cannabis for medicinal use, according to data published in Epilepsy & Behavior. Of 39 respondents, 34 (87%) reported using cannabis for the purpose of treating epilepsy, and most strongly agreed (54%) or agreed (28%) that cannabis improved their […]

Tales From the Clinic: Cannabis’ Impact on a Case of PTSD

Kim is a 68-year-old white woman referred to a psychotherapy clinic specializing in treating trauma-related mental health conditions. Kim had no experience with psychotherapy and had only reluctantly decided to seek help. At intake, Kim reported that it had been 13 months since her husband of 43 years committed suicide by hanging. Kim had found […]

Next Generation of Liposomal Delivery for Cannabidiol From a Hemp Extract: A Safety Study

AbstractA human clinical safety study examined the alterations in the blood profiles of 10 healthy adults before and after taking CELLg8™ Hemp—an advanced liposomal cannabinoid preparation standardized for cannabidiol—daily for 30 days. Primary outcome measures were the comprehensive metabolic panel and complete blood count. Results showed that of 340 blood tests administered, 339 improved or […]

Medical Cannabis Intervention Improves Symptoms, Quality of Life Among Skilled Nursing Home Residents

A study recently published by Palace et al. in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, is the first to describe a medical policy and procedure for legally obtaining and using medical cannabis for symptom management in a skilled nursing facility (SNF).1 Although the study was exploratory in nature (N=10), it provides other SNFs […]

Cannabis May Lower Cancer Risk in Crohn’s Disease

Adults hospitalized with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) who reported cannabis use had a lower frequency of colorectal cancer, parenteral nutrition, and anemia compared to nonusers, according to a retrospective analysis reported in the June issue of Annals of Translational Medicine. The study included data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample on 6,002 patients […]

Effects of Marijuana Use on Sexual Function in Women

Currently, there is a huge divide between the resources allocated to sexual health in men and women.1 There are a vast number of erectile dysfunction medications onthe market for men vs only 2 medications approved for low libido in premenopausal women. Interestingly, of the 2 medications for women, 1 must be taken every day, and […]