Sequoiacrone
November 10th, 2008, 06:29 PM
--------------------------------------------------------
IACM-Bulletin of 9 November 2008
--------------------------------------------------------
A mini-review in CANNABINOIDS by Dr. Kirsten Mueller-Vahl
of the Clinic of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry & Psychotherapy of
the Hannover Medical School, Germany, discusses the association
between cannabinoids and schizophrenia. The article
"Cannabinoids and schizophrenia: where is the link?" is available
on the IACM website at:
http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/home.htm (http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/home.htm)
* USA: Michigan becomes the thirteenth state to legalize the
medical use of cannabis
* Europe/Science: Suspension of the marketing authorisation of
rimonabant and discontinuation of clinical research into
cannabinoid receptor antagonists
* Science: Cannabis extract did not have psychopathological or
cognitive effects on MS patients in clinical study
1.
USA: Michigan becomes the thirteenth state to legalize the
medical use of cannabis
Voters in Michigan overwhelmingly approved a measure on the
medical use of cannabis on 4 November, making it the 13th state
to allow severely ill patients to use the drug for medicinal
purposes. The measure was supported by 63 percent of voters. It
removes state penalties for registered patients to buy, grow and
use small amounts of cannabis. Of the 12 other states with
medical cannabis laws, eight stemmed from ballot initiatives as in
Michigan; four were enacted by state legislatures. Alaska,
Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, New
Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington have
legalized the medical use of cannabis.
While the measure will remove state-level penalties for registered
patients using cannabis, it won't create legal dispensaries for the
drug. Nor will it affect the federal ban on cannabis, which makes
possessing cannabis for any purpose illegal. However, Barak
Obama, the new president, has announced several times during
his campaign for presidency that he would end federal raids on
medical cannabis suppliers in states with their own laws.
More at:
http://www.mlive.com/kzgazette/news/index.ssf/2008/11/voters_ap (http://www.mlive.com/kzgazette/news/index.ssf/2008/11/voters_ap)
prove_medical_marijua.html
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi)-
bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/12/MNKK10FD53.DTL
Results of all ten ballot initiatives on cannabis use of 4 November
2008 at:
http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7742 (http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7742)
(Sources: Associated Press of 5 November 2008, San Francisco
Chronicle of 12 May 2008)
2.
Europe/Science: Recommendation of suspension of the marketing
authorisation of rimonabant and discontinuation of clinical
research into cannabinoid receptor antagonists
The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has recommended the
suspension of the marketing authorisation for Acomplia
(rimonabant), a cannabinoid receptor antagonist developed and
marketed by Sanofi-Aventis. The agency has concluded that the
benefits of rimonabant no longer outweigh its risks and the
marketing authorisation should be suspended across the European
Union. Acomplia has been authorised in the European Union since
June 2006 as a treatment of overweight patients. The EMEA
stated that according to new research there is an approximate
doubling of the risk of psychiatric disorders in obese or overweight
patients taking Acomplia compared to those taking placebo. In
addition, the agency noted, that the effectiveness of Acomplia in
clinical practice is more limited than was expected on the basis of
the clinical trials.
The company Sanofi-Aventis said on 5 November that it is halting
all research on rimonabant and the company Pfizer hours later
said it is ending research on a similar drug. Both drugs work by
blocking cannabinoid-1 receptors, that are activated by
endocannabinoids and THC. If activated they induce an increased
appetite. If blocked they reduce it. A few years ago, many
scientists considered rimonabant as a remarkable medicinal drug,
saying it showed promise in helping people lose weight, control
blood sugar and other aspects of diabetes, lower cholesterol, quit
smoking and stop abusing alcohol, cannabis and cocaine. But
there were also warnings that blocking of the CB1 receptor may
increase the risk for depression and suicide. Sanofi-Aventis said in
a brief statement it was stopping ongoing clinical trials with
rimonabant for all uses, "in light of recent demands by certain
national health authorities."
More at:
http://www.emea.europa.eu/humandocs/PDFs/EPAR/acomplia/53 (http://www.emea.europa.eu/humandocs/PDFs/EPAR/acomplia/53)
777708en.pdf
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FAILED_DIET_DRUGS?S (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FAILED_DIET_DRUGS?S)
ITE=FLTAM&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=news_generic.
htm
(Sources: Press release by the European Medicines Agency of 23
October 2008, Associated Press of 5 November 2008)
3.
Science: Cannabis extract did not have psychopathological or
cognitive effects on MS patients in a clinical study
According to a placebo-controlled clinical study conducted at the
University of Rome, Italy, the cannabis extract Sativex did not
cause psychopathological states or cognitive deficits in patients
with multiple sclerosis. In this 8-week crossover trial 17 patients
received Sativex and placebo for three weeks each.
Scores of investigated variables of psychopathology and cognition
after cannabis and placebo showed no significant differences. A
significant positive correlation was found between THC blood
levels and scores of aggressive behaviour and paranoiac
tendencies. Researchers concluded that "cannabinoid treatment
did not induce psychopathology and did not impair cognition in
cannabis-naïve patients with MS. However, the positive
correlation between blood levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
and psychopathological scores suggests that at dosages higher
than those used in therapeutic settings, interpersonal sensitivity,
aggressiveness, and paranoiac features might arise."
(Source: Aragona M, Onesti E, Tomassini V, Conte A, Gupta S,
Gilio F, Pantano P, Pozzilli C, Inghilleri M. Psychopathological
and cognitive effects of therapeutic cannabinoids in multiple
sclerosis: a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover study. Clin
Neuropharmacol. 2008 Oct 23. [Electronic publication ahead of
print])
4.
News in brief
***USA: Massachusetts
On 4 November 65 percent of voters approved a measure, which
replaces criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce
of cannabis (28.5 grams) by a civil fine of no more than 100
Dollars (about 78 Euros). Massachusetts is the thirteenth state to
decriminalize the personal use and possession of cannabis.
(Source: NORML of 5 November 2008)
***Science: Pain
It was demonstrated in animal studies that pain associated with
bone cancer resulted in a decrease in levels of anandamide in the
skin. This decrease was associated with an increased degradation
of anandamide by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Local
injections of anandamide reduced pain. Researchers concluded
that the "manipulation of peripheral endocannabinoid signalling is a
promising strategy for the management of bone cancer pain."
(Source: Khasabova IA, et al. J Neurosci 2008;28(44):11141-52.)
***Science: Schizophrenia
People who have long-lasting psychotic episodes after cannabis
use may be exhibiting early signs of schizophrenia, researchers of
Aarhus University, Denmark, reported. Between 1994 and 2005,
609 individuals received treatment of a cannabis-induced
psychosis and 6476 received treatment of a schizophrenia
spectrum disorder. Predisposition to both psychiatric disorders
contributed equally to the risk of later treatment because of
schizophrenia and cannabis-induced psychoses. Researchers
concluded from the results of their study that "cannabis-induced
psychosis could be an early sign of schizophrenia rather than a
distinct clinical entity." (Source: Arendt M, et al. Arch Gen
Psychiatry 2008;65(11):1269-74.)
***Science: Weight reduction
According to Italian researchers weight reduction in 49 men
resulted in changes of endocannabinoid blood concentrations.
After one year of lifestyle modification and an average decrease
in body weight of 6.4 kg plasma levels of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol
was decreased by 62 per cent and of anandamide by 7 per cent.
(Source: Di Marzo V, et al. Diabetologia. 2008 Oct 30.
[Electronic publication ahead of print])
5.
ONE YEAR AGO:
- Science: Nabilone reduced chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia
- The Netherlands: The government wants to extent the
availability of cannabis in pharmacies by five years
TWO YEARS AGO:
- USA: Narrow defeat of a measure that would have legalized the
medical use of cannabis in South Dakota
- Science/Canada: GW Pharmaceuticals seeks approval for the
use of Sativex in cancer pain
- Science: Long-term use of a cannabis extract in patients with
multiple sclerosis
(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 9 November 2008
--------------------------------------------------------
A mini-review in CANNABINOIDS by Dr. Kirsten Mueller-Vahl
of the Clinic of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry & Psychotherapy of
the Hannover Medical School, Germany, discusses the association
between cannabinoids and schizophrenia. The article
"Cannabinoids and schizophrenia: where is the link?" is available
on the IACM website at:
http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/home.htm (http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/home.htm)
* USA: Michigan becomes the thirteenth state to legalize the
medical use of cannabis
* Europe/Science: Suspension of the marketing authorisation of
rimonabant and discontinuation of clinical research into
cannabinoid receptor antagonists
* Science: Cannabis extract did not have psychopathological or
cognitive effects on MS patients in clinical study
1.
USA: Michigan becomes the thirteenth state to legalize the
medical use of cannabis
Voters in Michigan overwhelmingly approved a measure on the
medical use of cannabis on 4 November, making it the 13th state
to allow severely ill patients to use the drug for medicinal
purposes. The measure was supported by 63 percent of voters. It
removes state penalties for registered patients to buy, grow and
use small amounts of cannabis. Of the 12 other states with
medical cannabis laws, eight stemmed from ballot initiatives as in
Michigan; four were enacted by state legislatures. Alaska,
Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, New
Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington have
legalized the medical use of cannabis.
While the measure will remove state-level penalties for registered
patients using cannabis, it won't create legal dispensaries for the
drug. Nor will it affect the federal ban on cannabis, which makes
possessing cannabis for any purpose illegal. However, Barak
Obama, the new president, has announced several times during
his campaign for presidency that he would end federal raids on
medical cannabis suppliers in states with their own laws.
More at:
http://www.mlive.com/kzgazette/news/index.ssf/2008/11/voters_ap (http://www.mlive.com/kzgazette/news/index.ssf/2008/11/voters_ap)
prove_medical_marijua.html
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi)-
bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/12/MNKK10FD53.DTL
Results of all ten ballot initiatives on cannabis use of 4 November
2008 at:
http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7742 (http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7742)
(Sources: Associated Press of 5 November 2008, San Francisco
Chronicle of 12 May 2008)
2.
Europe/Science: Recommendation of suspension of the marketing
authorisation of rimonabant and discontinuation of clinical
research into cannabinoid receptor antagonists
The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has recommended the
suspension of the marketing authorisation for Acomplia
(rimonabant), a cannabinoid receptor antagonist developed and
marketed by Sanofi-Aventis. The agency has concluded that the
benefits of rimonabant no longer outweigh its risks and the
marketing authorisation should be suspended across the European
Union. Acomplia has been authorised in the European Union since
June 2006 as a treatment of overweight patients. The EMEA
stated that according to new research there is an approximate
doubling of the risk of psychiatric disorders in obese or overweight
patients taking Acomplia compared to those taking placebo. In
addition, the agency noted, that the effectiveness of Acomplia in
clinical practice is more limited than was expected on the basis of
the clinical trials.
The company Sanofi-Aventis said on 5 November that it is halting
all research on rimonabant and the company Pfizer hours later
said it is ending research on a similar drug. Both drugs work by
blocking cannabinoid-1 receptors, that are activated by
endocannabinoids and THC. If activated they induce an increased
appetite. If blocked they reduce it. A few years ago, many
scientists considered rimonabant as a remarkable medicinal drug,
saying it showed promise in helping people lose weight, control
blood sugar and other aspects of diabetes, lower cholesterol, quit
smoking and stop abusing alcohol, cannabis and cocaine. But
there were also warnings that blocking of the CB1 receptor may
increase the risk for depression and suicide. Sanofi-Aventis said in
a brief statement it was stopping ongoing clinical trials with
rimonabant for all uses, "in light of recent demands by certain
national health authorities."
More at:
http://www.emea.europa.eu/humandocs/PDFs/EPAR/acomplia/53 (http://www.emea.europa.eu/humandocs/PDFs/EPAR/acomplia/53)
777708en.pdf
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FAILED_DIET_DRUGS?S (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FAILED_DIET_DRUGS?S)
ITE=FLTAM&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=news_generic.
htm
(Sources: Press release by the European Medicines Agency of 23
October 2008, Associated Press of 5 November 2008)
3.
Science: Cannabis extract did not have psychopathological or
cognitive effects on MS patients in a clinical study
According to a placebo-controlled clinical study conducted at the
University of Rome, Italy, the cannabis extract Sativex did not
cause psychopathological states or cognitive deficits in patients
with multiple sclerosis. In this 8-week crossover trial 17 patients
received Sativex and placebo for three weeks each.
Scores of investigated variables of psychopathology and cognition
after cannabis and placebo showed no significant differences. A
significant positive correlation was found between THC blood
levels and scores of aggressive behaviour and paranoiac
tendencies. Researchers concluded that "cannabinoid treatment
did not induce psychopathology and did not impair cognition in
cannabis-naïve patients with MS. However, the positive
correlation between blood levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
and psychopathological scores suggests that at dosages higher
than those used in therapeutic settings, interpersonal sensitivity,
aggressiveness, and paranoiac features might arise."
(Source: Aragona M, Onesti E, Tomassini V, Conte A, Gupta S,
Gilio F, Pantano P, Pozzilli C, Inghilleri M. Psychopathological
and cognitive effects of therapeutic cannabinoids in multiple
sclerosis: a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover study. Clin
Neuropharmacol. 2008 Oct 23. [Electronic publication ahead of
print])
4.
News in brief
***USA: Massachusetts
On 4 November 65 percent of voters approved a measure, which
replaces criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce
of cannabis (28.5 grams) by a civil fine of no more than 100
Dollars (about 78 Euros). Massachusetts is the thirteenth state to
decriminalize the personal use and possession of cannabis.
(Source: NORML of 5 November 2008)
***Science: Pain
It was demonstrated in animal studies that pain associated with
bone cancer resulted in a decrease in levels of anandamide in the
skin. This decrease was associated with an increased degradation
of anandamide by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Local
injections of anandamide reduced pain. Researchers concluded
that the "manipulation of peripheral endocannabinoid signalling is a
promising strategy for the management of bone cancer pain."
(Source: Khasabova IA, et al. J Neurosci 2008;28(44):11141-52.)
***Science: Schizophrenia
People who have long-lasting psychotic episodes after cannabis
use may be exhibiting early signs of schizophrenia, researchers of
Aarhus University, Denmark, reported. Between 1994 and 2005,
609 individuals received treatment of a cannabis-induced
psychosis and 6476 received treatment of a schizophrenia
spectrum disorder. Predisposition to both psychiatric disorders
contributed equally to the risk of later treatment because of
schizophrenia and cannabis-induced psychoses. Researchers
concluded from the results of their study that "cannabis-induced
psychosis could be an early sign of schizophrenia rather than a
distinct clinical entity." (Source: Arendt M, et al. Arch Gen
Psychiatry 2008;65(11):1269-74.)
***Science: Weight reduction
According to Italian researchers weight reduction in 49 men
resulted in changes of endocannabinoid blood concentrations.
After one year of lifestyle modification and an average decrease
in body weight of 6.4 kg plasma levels of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol
was decreased by 62 per cent and of anandamide by 7 per cent.
(Source: Di Marzo V, et al. Diabetologia. 2008 Oct 30.
[Electronic publication ahead of print])
5.
ONE YEAR AGO:
- Science: Nabilone reduced chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia
- The Netherlands: The government wants to extent the
availability of cannabis in pharmacies by five years
TWO YEARS AGO:
- USA: Narrow defeat of a measure that would have legalized the
medical use of cannabis in South Dakota
- Science/Canada: GW Pharmaceuticals seeks approval for the
use of Sativex in cancer pain
- Science: Long-term use of a cannabis extract in patients with
multiple sclerosis
(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/)".