How safe are medical cannabinoids?
A systematic review found short-term medical cannabinoid use linked to higher rates of non-serious adverse events, particularly dizziness. However, longer-term effects in chronic illness remain unexplored.
Cannabinoids
Articles tagged with Cannabinoids
Medicines derived from cannabis: a review of adverse events
Researchers found an 86% increase in non-serious adverse events among patients treated with cannabinoids, mainly affecting the nervous system. Cannabinoids are used to treat chronic pain and stimulate appetite, but physicians must weigh benefits against possible side effects.
U of Minnesota researcher discovers the starting point of sun-induced skin cancer
A new study from the University of Minnesota has identified a key receptor molecule involved in the development of sun-induced skin cancer. Researchers found that UV light triggers this molecule to change state, allowing it to interact with cannabinoid compounds found in marijuana, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer.
MIT study suggests caution on new anti-obesity drug in kids
A new MIT study found that a class of anti-obesity drugs could interfere with neural development in young children by blocking brain receptors similar to those in marijuana. The research, conducted on mice, suggests caution when using these compounds in kids.
New brain cells implicated in machinery of cannabinoid signaling
Researchers discovered that astrocytes play a crucial role in cannabinoid signaling, interacting with neurons through endocannabinoid-glutamate signaling. This finding may lead to the development of new treatments for cannabinoid-related drug abuse.
The endocannabinoids: Functional roles and therapeutic opportunities
The endocannabinoid system has been found to be involved in various physiological processes, including neuroprotection, anxiety, depression, cancer development, vasodilatation, and bone formation. Research suggests that endocannabinoids may have therapeutic potential for diseases such as hepatic encephalopathy.
How do cannabinoids make us feel that way?
Researchers discovered specific neuronal subpopulations mediate distinct effects of THC, leading to potential therapeutic use for neuronal disorders. The study provides rationale for developing drugs that selectively activate CB1 in specific neuronal subpopulations.
Role seen for cannabis in helping to alleviate allergic skin disease
Research found that administering cannabinoids like THC reduces allergic reactions in mice with contact dermatitis. The study suggests a protective role for the endocannabinoid system in skin allergy and potential therapeutic applications.
Anti-obesity drug may prevent and treat obesity-related liver disease
Rimonabant reduces liver damage markers, decreases pro-inflammatory proteins, and improves lipid profiles in obese rats. It also normalizes levels of adiponectin, a hormone involved in metabolic disorders.
Endogenous cannabinoids linked to fetal brain damage imposed by maternal cannabis use
Endogenous cannabinoids play a crucial role in establishing nerve cell connections, which may be impaired by maternal cannabis use. This discovery bolsters knowledge of normal brain development and sheds light on potential cognitive deficits in offspring.
Synthetic cannabinoid may aid fertility in smokers
A study at the University at Buffalo found that synthetic cannabinoid AM-1346 can improve fertility in male smokers with poor semen quality, doubling fertilizing capacity. Researchers believe a communication imbalance between cannabinoid and cholinergic receptor systems may be responsible for nicotine-induced infertility.
Study shows enzyme builds neurotransmitters via newly discovered pathway
Researchers found a new pathway for building neurotransmitter lipids using enzyme Abh4, which could lead to more selective treatment options for metabolic and central nervous system disorders.
Brain's receptors sensitive to pot may 'open door' in treating drug dependence, brain disorders
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new PET radioligand, [11C]JHU75528, which allows for noninvasive visualization of central cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the human and animal brain. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new medications for treating obesity and drug dependence.
Marijuana-like compounds suppress the immune response
Researchers found that compounds binding to CB2 receptor suppress white blood cell migration, a key step in fighting infections and inflammation. This discovery suggests potential therapeutic applications for cannabinoids in treating inflammatory diseases.
Marijuana compound may help stop diabetic retinopathy
Researchers say cannabidiol, a compound found in marijuana, may protect the eye from growing leaky blood vessels and prevent diabetic retinopathy. Early studies indicate it works as an antioxidant to neutralize toxic superoxides and inhibit destructive systems.
Good news for the medical marijuana movement: pot proliferates brain cells and boosts mood
Researchers have discovered a positive correlation between medical marijuana use and increased adult neurogenesis, a process that can modify behavior. Cannabinoids are believed to play a key role in this process, making them a promising area of study for mental health treatment.
JCI table of contents November, 2005
Researchers found that HIV-1 activates plasmacytoid dendritic cells via Toll-like receptor-viral RNA interactions, which is inversely correlated with successful control of HIV. This mechanism may lead to targeted immunotherapies for HIV.
Brain's own marijuana-like chemicals play key role with stress-induced pain relief
Researchers have discovered a link between stress-induced analgesia and endocannabinoids, finding that natural marijuana-like chemicals in the brain play a key role in pain suppression. A novel inhibitor molecule has been developed to boost the analgesic effect of the specific cannabinoid compound most directly related to pain relief.
Marijuana-like compounds may aid array of debiliating conditions ranging from Parkinson's to pain
Researchers discover marijuana-like compounds can slow disease progression in ALS patients and protect brain cells from Parkinson's damage. THC and cannabidiol treatments delay disease progression by seven days and extend survival by six days in mouse models.
Marijuana-like chemicals in the brain calm neurons, say Stanford researchers
Stanford researchers have found that a group of brain cells release cannabinoids to quiet their own activity, regulating information processing. This discovery may lead to the development of medications that selectively bind and block cannabinoid receptors, potentially treating epilepsy and other conditions.
Marijuana ingredient inhibits VEGF pathway required for brain tumor blood vessels
A study found that cannabinoids significantly lowered VEGF activity in laboratory mice and patients with late-stage glioblastoma, providing a potential new approach to treating this aggressive form of cancer. The research suggests that cannabinoid-based therapies may target the VEGF pathway, offering a novel pharmacological target.
Cannabinoids spell relief in colon inflammation
Max Planck researchers discovered that the body's own cannabinoid receptor acts as a protective system against colon inflammation. The study found that mutant mice lacking this receptor are more prone to inflammatory responses, but treatment with cannabinoids can alleviate inflammation in wild-type animals.
Researchers identify clues about marijuana effects
A study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics reveals how cannabinoids produce hypothermia, a decrease in body temperature. The research suggests that nitric oxide plays a role in regulating cannabinoid-induced hypothermia.
Mixed results for study investigating potential of cannabis treatment for MS
A large-scale trial found no major effect of cannabinoids on spasticity but showed small reductions in walking time and subjective improvements in patients. The study suggests that cannabinoids may be clinically useful in treating MS symptoms, particularly when other treatments fail.
Sperm from marijuana smokers move too fast too early, impairing fertility, UB research shows
A UB research study found that sperm from marijuana smokers exhibit abnormal swimming behavior, moving too fast and too early, which can lead to infertility. The study suggests that THC may be causing improper timing of sperm function or bypassing natural inhibition mechanisms.
Rat study conducted by UGA researchers suggests that cannabis interferes with sustained attention
Researchers found that exposure to synthetic cannabinoids can disrupt attention and performance in tasks requiring sustained focus. The study's findings suggest that cannabis users may experience serious long-term attention problems.
Structure of pain-modulating enzyme described by scientists at the Scripps Research Institute
Researchers have solved the structure of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme that metabolizes endocannabinoids like anandamide, which provide natural pain relief. By inhibiting FAAH, scientists aim to increase the longevity of these molecules, potentially leading to effective and long-lasting pain relief without side effects.
Smoking pot alters more than mood — human immune system affected, USF/UCLA study finds
A USF/UCLA study shows that healthy humans who smoke marijuana alter the expression of marijuana receptors on immune cells in their blood. The findings suggest that cannabinoids might benefit someone with chronic inflammatory disease but not those with a chronic infectious disease like HIV infection.
How the body copes with fear
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry found that the cannabinoid receptor is crucial for erasing fear behavior. In mouse models lacking this receptor, fear behavior evoked by an aversive acoustic sound was significantly reduced compared to normal control mice.
Marijuana receptor gene abnormality in schizophrenia
A study found that certain alleles or genotypes of the CNR1 gene may confer a susceptibility to schizophrenia, especially of the hebephrenic type. The presence of specific polymorphisms in the CNR1 gene was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia.
Cannabis on trial
A one-year pilot study will examine the effects of smoked cannabis on chronic neuropathic pain, with a focus on dosing and side effects. The trial will recruit 32 patients and use four strains of cannabis to assess pain intensity and quality of life.
Marijuana-related compounds may ease multiple sclerosis symptoms
Researchers from Clemson University and UK scientists found that synthetic cannabinoids reduce spasticity and tremor in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. The discovery may lead to treatments without psychoactive side effects.
Brain releases marijuana-like substance in response to pain, study finds
A study by Brown researchers has found that the brain releases a naturally produced cannabinoid called anandamide in response to pain. The substance produces analgesia and may provide a new approach to treating chronic pain, particularly in cases where opiates are ineffective.
Marijuana-Like Compounds May Alter Human Fertility, UB Researchers Show
Human sperm contain receptors for cannabinoids, which can inhibit the acrosome reaction, regulate swimming patterns, and prevent sperm binding to the egg. The study found that marijuana-like compounds can significantly alter these processes, with implications for diagnosis of infertility and understanding human biology.