Sequoiacrone
October 26th, 2008, 11:33 AM
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IACM-Bulletin of 26 October 2008
--------------------------------------------------------
If you are interested to get information on the legal situation for
the medical use of cannabis and cannabinoids in France, Israel,
Sweden and other countries please visit:
http://www.cannabis-med.org/countries/main.htm (http://www.cannabis-med.org/countries/main.htm)
* Germany: Experts unanimously acknowledge the medical value
of dronabinol and cannabis
* Science: According to basic research cannabinoids may restore
the blood-brain barrier in HIV infection
1.
Germany: Experts unanimously acknowledge the medical value of
dronabinol and cannabis
At a 15. October 2008 public hearing of the Health Committee of
the German Parliament all participating experts agreed on the
proven medical value of dronabinol (THC) and cannabis for a
range of illnesses. All medical and legal experts further declared
that the current situation was unsatisfactory for patients. Only the
representative of the health insurance industry insisted that the
medical benefits of a dronabinol therapy remained to be proven
and thus health insurance should not be obligated to pay for such
treatment.
The public hearing was held in response to similar requests by the
parliamentary groups of the Green Party and the "Left", both of
whom demanded regulations that would prompt health insurance
agencies to pay for treatment with THC more often and terminate
criminalization of people who need cannabis for medical reasons
but cannot afford to pay for dronabinol. While the German Society
of Pain Therapists and the German Society for Addiction
Medicine supported these requests, other institutions (German MS
Society, German Association of Physicians) opposed the
permission of doctor-assisted self-medication with uncertified
cannabis medicines. Yet, they did support the therapeutic use of
pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products. Representatives of the
Association of Cannabis for Medicine (ACM) pointed out that the
current system represents a two-class medicine in which the well
off can afford to buy dronabinol in pharmacies whereas most
patients are forced into illegality if they want to benefit from
cannabis products. The current criminalization of patients who
engage in self-medication was not justifiable unless true
alternatives were provided.
Extensive information on the website of the German Bundestag:
http://www.bundestag.de/aktuell/archiv/2008/22381411_kw42_ges (http://www.bundestag.de/aktuell/archiv/2008/22381411_kw42_ges)
undheit/index.html
2.
Science: According to basic research cannabinoids may restore
the blood-brain barrier in HIV infection
According to research by scientists of Beth Israel Deaconess
Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, and Northeastern
University in Boston, USA, cannabinoids that activate cannabinoid
receptors are able to inhibit the transmigration of certain immune
cells (monocytes) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). They also
decreased the permeability of endothel cells of small blood vessels
(microvascular endothelial cells, HBMEC). Authors noted that for
the first time it was demonstrated "that cannabinoid agonists are
able to restore the integrity of HBMEC and the BBB following
insults by HIV-1 Gp120. These studies may lead to better
strategies for treatment modalities targeted to the BBB following
HIV-1 infection of the brain based on cannabinoid
pharmacotherapies."
It is known that HIV-1 infection has significant effect on the
immune system as well as on the nervous system. Breakdown of
the blood-brain barrier is frequently observed in patients with HIV-
associated dementia. Cellular products and viral proteins secreted
by HIV-1 infected cells, such as the HIV-1 Gp120, play important
roles in blood-brain barrier impairment and HIV-associated
dementia development. Microvascular endothelial cells are a
major component of the blood-brain barrier. The researchers used
microvascular endothelial cells and certain nerve cells (human
astrocytes) as a model system for human blood-brain barrier.
(Source: Lu TS, Avraham HK, Seng S, Tachado SD, Koziel H,
Makriyannis A, Avraham S. Cannabinoids Inhibit HIV-1 Gp120-
Mediated Insults in Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells. J
Immunol 2008;181(9):6406-16.)
3.
News in brief
***USA: Anti-drug campaign
Despite investing one billion US-Dollars (about 780 million Euros)
in a massive anti-drug campaign, a controversial new study
suggests that it has failed to have a positive effect on drug use by
youths. A congressionally mandated study released on 15 October
concluded that the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
launched in the late 1990s to encourage young people to stay
away from drugs "is unlikely to have had favorable effects on
youths." In fact, the study's authors assert that anti-drug ads may
have unwittingly delivered the message that other kids were
taking drugs. "Those who came to believe that their peers were
using marijuana were more likely to initiate use themselves," the
authors say. (Source: ABC News of 15 October 2008)
***UK: Classification of cannabis
On 13 October the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, has confirmed
that repeat cannabis offenders will face tougher penalties from 26
January 2009 on. She said, that those caught with cannabis on a
first occasion could still get a cannabis warning, but on a second
occasion are likely face a fine of 80 British Pounds and arrest if
caught for a third time. (Home Office of 13 October 2008,
http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk (http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/))
***Science: Cancer of the intestine
Basic research shows that 17-beta-estradiol induced the formation
of CB1 receptors in human colon cancer cells. The induction of
CB1 receptors was mediated by the estrogen receptor. Authors
noted that the "CB1 receptor can be considered an estrogen-
responsive gene" in colon cancer cells. "Up-regulation of CB1
expression by 17-beta-estradiol is a further mechanism of
estrogens to control colon cancer proliferation." (Source:
Notarnicola M, et al. Scand J Gastroenterol 2008;43(1):66-72.)
***Science: Neuroprotection
The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol elicited its
neuroprotective effects on brain nerve cells by activating
receptors, that are also activated by abnormal cannabidiol, on
microglial cells. Abnormal CBD is a synthetic cannabinoid, that
does not bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, but to other receptors.
(Source: Kreutz S, et al. Glia. 2008 Oct 3. [Electronic publication
ahead of print])
***Science: Pregnancy
A deficiency of CB1 receptors alters normal progesterone and
oestrogen levels and induces preterm birth in mice. Moreover, the
inactivation of the CB1 receptor resulted in aberrant
corticosterone activities prior to birth, suggesting that CB1
regulates labour by interacting with the hormonal system, which is
responsible for the activity of corticosterone. (Source: Wang H, et
al. PLoS ONE 2008;3(10):e3320.)
***Science: Stroke
In animal studies with rats, in which a stroke was induced by
interruption of an artery in the brain, the neuroprotective effects
of the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and
palmitoylethanolamide(PEA) were investigated. An infarct
reduction of up to 35 per cent was observed following injection
with PEA and of up to 26 per cent with AEA. Authors noted that
"both endocannabinoids may have the potential to treat acute
stroke." (Source: Schomacher M, et al. Brain Res. 2008 Sep 18.
[Electronic publication ahead of print])
4.
ONE YEAR AGO:
- Science: Cannabis extract effective without development of
tolerance in 2-year trial
- Science: Pain-reducing effects of smoked cannabis were dose-
dependent in experimental pain in healthy subjects
TWO YEARS AGO:
- Italy/Switzerland: Governments plan legal use of cannabis for
medicinal purposes
- Science: THC reduces spasticity in patients with spinal cord
injury
- The Netherlands: Patient with multiple sclerosis may grow
cannabis for personal use
- Spain/Science: A pilot study with Sativex showed positive
effects in 65 per cent of patients with chronic diseases
- Science: THC reduces stomach cramping after eating according
to a clinical study by the Mayo Clinic
(More at the IACM-Bulletin archives: http://www.cannabis (http://www.cannabis/)-
med.org/)
International Association for Cannabis as Medicine (IACM)
Am Mildenweg 6
D-59602 Ruethen
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)2952-9708571
Fax: +49 (0)2952-902651
Email: info@cannabis-med.org (info@cannabis-med.org)
http://www.cannabis-med.org (http://www.cannabis-med.org/)
If you want to be deleted from or added to the IACM-Bulletin
mailing list or if you want to change your e-mail address please
visit
www.cannabis-med.org/english/subscribe.htm (http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/subscribe.htm). You may choose
between different languages (English, German, French, Dutch,
Italian and Spanish).
The articles of the IACM-Bulletin can be printed, translated and
distributed freely for any non-commercial purposes, provided the
original work is properly cited. The source of the IACM-Bulletin
is "IACM, www.cannabis-med.org (http://www.cannabis-med.org/)".
IACM-Bulletin of 26 October 2008
--------------------------------------------------------
If you are interested to get information on the legal situation for
the medical use of cannabis and cannabinoids in France, Israel,
Sweden and other countries please visit:
http://www.cannabis-med.org/countries/main.htm (http://www.cannabis-med.org/countries/main.htm)
* Germany: Experts unanimously acknowledge the medical value
of dronabinol and cannabis
* Science: According to basic research cannabinoids may restore
the blood-brain barrier in HIV infection
1.
Germany: Experts unanimously acknowledge the medical value of
dronabinol and cannabis
At a 15. October 2008 public hearing of the Health Committee of
the German Parliament all participating experts agreed on the
proven medical value of dronabinol (THC) and cannabis for a
range of illnesses. All medical and legal experts further declared
that the current situation was unsatisfactory for patients. Only the
representative of the health insurance industry insisted that the
medical benefits of a dronabinol therapy remained to be proven
and thus health insurance should not be obligated to pay for such
treatment.
The public hearing was held in response to similar requests by the
parliamentary groups of the Green Party and the "Left", both of
whom demanded regulations that would prompt health insurance
agencies to pay for treatment with THC more often and terminate
criminalization of people who need cannabis for medical reasons
but cannot afford to pay for dronabinol. While the German Society
of Pain Therapists and the German Society for Addiction
Medicine supported these requests, other institutions (German MS
Society, German Association of Physicians) opposed the
permission of doctor-assisted self-medication with uncertified
cannabis medicines. Yet, they did support the therapeutic use of
pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products. Representatives of the
Association of Cannabis for Medicine (ACM) pointed out that the
current system represents a two-class medicine in which the well
off can afford to buy dronabinol in pharmacies whereas most
patients are forced into illegality if they want to benefit from
cannabis products. The current criminalization of patients who
engage in self-medication was not justifiable unless true
alternatives were provided.
Extensive information on the website of the German Bundestag:
http://www.bundestag.de/aktuell/archiv/2008/22381411_kw42_ges (http://www.bundestag.de/aktuell/archiv/2008/22381411_kw42_ges)
undheit/index.html
2.
Science: According to basic research cannabinoids may restore
the blood-brain barrier in HIV infection
According to research by scientists of Beth Israel Deaconess
Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, and Northeastern
University in Boston, USA, cannabinoids that activate cannabinoid
receptors are able to inhibit the transmigration of certain immune
cells (monocytes) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). They also
decreased the permeability of endothel cells of small blood vessels
(microvascular endothelial cells, HBMEC). Authors noted that for
the first time it was demonstrated "that cannabinoid agonists are
able to restore the integrity of HBMEC and the BBB following
insults by HIV-1 Gp120. These studies may lead to better
strategies for treatment modalities targeted to the BBB following
HIV-1 infection of the brain based on cannabinoid
pharmacotherapies."
It is known that HIV-1 infection has significant effect on the
immune system as well as on the nervous system. Breakdown of
the blood-brain barrier is frequently observed in patients with HIV-
associated dementia. Cellular products and viral proteins secreted
by HIV-1 infected cells, such as the HIV-1 Gp120, play important
roles in blood-brain barrier impairment and HIV-associated
dementia development. Microvascular endothelial cells are a
major component of the blood-brain barrier. The researchers used
microvascular endothelial cells and certain nerve cells (human
astrocytes) as a model system for human blood-brain barrier.
(Source: Lu TS, Avraham HK, Seng S, Tachado SD, Koziel H,
Makriyannis A, Avraham S. Cannabinoids Inhibit HIV-1 Gp120-
Mediated Insults in Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells. J
Immunol 2008;181(9):6406-16.)
3.
News in brief
***USA: Anti-drug campaign
Despite investing one billion US-Dollars (about 780 million Euros)
in a massive anti-drug campaign, a controversial new study
suggests that it has failed to have a positive effect on drug use by
youths. A congressionally mandated study released on 15 October
concluded that the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
launched in the late 1990s to encourage young people to stay
away from drugs "is unlikely to have had favorable effects on
youths." In fact, the study's authors assert that anti-drug ads may
have unwittingly delivered the message that other kids were
taking drugs. "Those who came to believe that their peers were
using marijuana were more likely to initiate use themselves," the
authors say. (Source: ABC News of 15 October 2008)
***UK: Classification of cannabis
On 13 October the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, has confirmed
that repeat cannabis offenders will face tougher penalties from 26
January 2009 on. She said, that those caught with cannabis on a
first occasion could still get a cannabis warning, but on a second
occasion are likely face a fine of 80 British Pounds and arrest if
caught for a third time. (Home Office of 13 October 2008,
http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk (http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/))
***Science: Cancer of the intestine
Basic research shows that 17-beta-estradiol induced the formation
of CB1 receptors in human colon cancer cells. The induction of
CB1 receptors was mediated by the estrogen receptor. Authors
noted that the "CB1 receptor can be considered an estrogen-
responsive gene" in colon cancer cells. "Up-regulation of CB1
expression by 17-beta-estradiol is a further mechanism of
estrogens to control colon cancer proliferation." (Source:
Notarnicola M, et al. Scand J Gastroenterol 2008;43(1):66-72.)
***Science: Neuroprotection
The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol elicited its
neuroprotective effects on brain nerve cells by activating
receptors, that are also activated by abnormal cannabidiol, on
microglial cells. Abnormal CBD is a synthetic cannabinoid, that
does not bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, but to other receptors.
(Source: Kreutz S, et al. Glia. 2008 Oct 3. [Electronic publication
ahead of print])
***Science: Pregnancy
A deficiency of CB1 receptors alters normal progesterone and
oestrogen levels and induces preterm birth in mice. Moreover, the
inactivation of the CB1 receptor resulted in aberrant
corticosterone activities prior to birth, suggesting that CB1
regulates labour by interacting with the hormonal system, which is
responsible for the activity of corticosterone. (Source: Wang H, et
al. PLoS ONE 2008;3(10):e3320.)
***Science: Stroke
In animal studies with rats, in which a stroke was induced by
interruption of an artery in the brain, the neuroprotective effects
of the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and
palmitoylethanolamide(PEA) were investigated. An infarct
reduction of up to 35 per cent was observed following injection
with PEA and of up to 26 per cent with AEA. Authors noted that
"both endocannabinoids may have the potential to treat acute
stroke." (Source: Schomacher M, et al. Brain Res. 2008 Sep 18.
[Electronic publication ahead of print])
4.
ONE YEAR AGO:
- Science: Cannabis extract effective without development of
tolerance in 2-year trial
- Science: Pain-reducing effects of smoked cannabis were dose-
dependent in experimental pain in healthy subjects
TWO YEARS AGO:
- Italy/Switzerland: Governments plan legal use of cannabis for
medicinal purposes
- Science: THC reduces spasticity in patients with spinal cord
injury
- The Netherlands: Patient with multiple sclerosis may grow
cannabis for personal use
- Spain/Science: A pilot study with Sativex showed positive
effects in 65 per cent of patients with chronic diseases
- Science: THC reduces stomach cramping after eating according
to a clinical study by the Mayo Clinic
(More at the IACM-Bulletin archives: http://www.cannabis (http://www.cannabis/)-
med.org/)
International Association for Cannabis as Medicine (IACM)
Am Mildenweg 6
D-59602 Ruethen
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)2952-9708571
Fax: +49 (0)2952-902651
Email: info@cannabis-med.org (info@cannabis-med.org)
http://www.cannabis-med.org (http://www.cannabis-med.org/)
If you want to be deleted from or added to the IACM-Bulletin
mailing list or if you want to change your e-mail address please
visit
www.cannabis-med.org/english/subscribe.htm (http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/subscribe.htm). You may choose
between different languages (English, German, French, Dutch,
Italian and Spanish).
The articles of the IACM-Bulletin can be printed, translated and
distributed freely for any non-commercial purposes, provided the
original work is properly cited. The source of the IACM-Bulletin
is "IACM, www.cannabis-med.org (http://www.cannabis-med.org/)".