Sequoiacrone
December 22nd, 2008, 08:12 PM
--------------------------------------------------------
IACM-Bulletin 12-21-08
A mini-review in CANNABINOIDS by Dr. John McPartland of
the Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine,
University of Vermont, Burlington, USA, discusses
pharmacological effects of tobacco on cannabis. The article
"Adulteration of cannabis with tobacco, calamus, and other
cholinergic compounds" is available on the IACM website at:
http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/home.htm (http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/home.htm)
New website on cannabis and ADHD (attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder):
http://mcforadhd.free.fr (http://mcforadhd.free.fr/)
* Science: THC reduces reflux of acid from the stomach
* Germany: Fagron has an exclusive license for the import of
cannabis to Germany
1.
Science: THC reduces reflux of acid from the stomach
Researchers of the Academic Medical Centre of Amsterdam, the
Netherlands, investigated the effects of THC (dronabinol) on
relaxations of the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscular ring
at the lower end of the oesophagus) and reflux of acid from the
stomach into the oesophagus (gastro-oesophageal reflux) in dogs
and humans. In dogs, dronabinol dose-dependently reduced
relaxations of the lower oesophageal sphincter and acid reflux
rate, which was reversed by a CB1 receptor antagonist
(SR141716A), indicating that this THC effect is mediated by the
CB1 receptor.
Based on these results a placebo-controlled study was conducted
with 18 healthy volunteers, who received either a placebo, 10 mg
dronabinol or 20 mg dronabinol on three occasions. THC
significantly reduced the number of relaxations of the lower
oesophageal sphincter and caused a non-significant reduction of
acid reflux episodes in the first hour after a meal. Gastro-
oesophageal reflux is a condition where the lower oesophageal
sphincter is abnormally relaxed and allows the stomach's acidic
contents to flow back into the oesophagus. This may cause
oesophagitis, an inflammation of the inner lining of the
oesophagus.
(Source: Beaumont H, Jensen J, Carlsson A, Ruth M, Lehmann
A, Boeckxstaens GE. Effect of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, a
cannabinoid receptor agonist, on the triggering of transient lower
oesophageal sphincter relaxations in dogs and humans. Br J
Pharmacol. 2008 Dec 6. [Electronic publication ahead of print])
2.
Germany: Fagron has an exclusive license for the import of
cannabis to Germany
Medical cannabis will be distributed in Germany by Fagron
Germany, a unit of Belgian medical wholesaler Arseus, Arseus
said in a statement. Fagron Germany has an exclusive license for
the import and distribution of medical cannabis in Germany. The
statement says that Fagron Nederland has been active in the
Netherlands's medical cannabis market since 2003. Fagron
Netherlands is responsible for the distribution of cannabis to
Dutch pharmacies.
Use of the plant as a medicine is not legal in Germany. However,
the Federal Institute for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Products
has permitted four people to acquire cannabis from pharmacies.
The exceptions were based on the advice of several doctors and
only after it had been established that no other treatment would
help.
More at:
http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssPharmaceuticals%20 (http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssPharmaceuticals)-
%20Generic%20&%20Specialty/idUSL89274320081208
(Source: Reuters of 8 December 2008)
3.
News in brief
***Science: Multiple sclerosis
A Spanish group of scientists investigated the effects of a
synthetic cannabinoid (WIN55,212-2) on an animal model of
multiple sclerosis. They found that the cannabinoid significantly
inhibited brain adhesion molecules. These molecules regulate the
migration of white blood cells across the blood-brain barrier in
multiple sclerosis. This may explain the anti-inflammatory effect
of THC in multiple sclerosis. (Source: Mestre L, et al. Mol Cell
Neurosci. 2008 Nov 19. [Electronic publication ahead of print])
***Science: Liver transplant
Scientists of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, USA,
investigated the effects of cannabis use on outcome after liver
transplant, especially survival. They included 155 cannabis users
and 1334 patients, who did not use cannabis. Cannabis use had no
significant effect on survival after liver transplant. (Source:
Ranney DN, et al. Am J Transplant. 2008 Nov 27. [Electronic
publication ahead of print])
***USA: New Jersey
Governor Jon S. Corzine said that he supports and would sign a
bill allowing medicinal cannabis use. The state Senate Health
Committee approved a medical cannabis bill by a 6-1 vote on 15
December. The bill now goes to the whole senate. (Source: Press
of Atlantic City of 17 December 2008)
***Science: Damage to the kidneys
The non-psychotropic cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) was shown
to reduce the damage to the kidneys induced by cisplatin in an
animal study. Cisplatin is used in chemotherapies against cancer.
CBD attenuated oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death in
the kidney, and improved renal function. Researchers concluded
that "cannabidiol may represent a promising new protective
strategy against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity." (Source: Pan H,
et al. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2008 Dec 12. [Electronic publication
ahead of print])
***Science: Periodontitis
According to a study with rats cannabidiol decreased bone
resorption by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines during
experimental periodontitis. (Source: Napimoga MH, et al. Int
Immunopharmacol. 2008 Dec 11. [Electronic publication ahead of
print])
***Science: Cancer of the liver
Researchers of the University of Palermo, Italy, demonstrated
that a synthetic cannabinoid (WIN55,212-2) caused programmed
cell death in liver cancer cells. This may indicate a therapeutic
potential of cannabinoids in cancer of the liver. (Source: Giuliano
M, et al. Biochimie. 2008 Nov 27. [Electronic publication ahead of
print])
***Science: Lung cancer
A study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in
Lyon, France, investigated the effects of cannabis smoking on
lung cancer risk in 430 patients with lung cancer in Tunisia,
Morocco, and Algeria. All cannabis smokers were also tobacco
users. Cannabis use doubled the risk for lung cancer after
adjustment of other variables. Researchers concluded that
"cannabis smoking may be a risk factor for lung cancer.
However, residual confounding by tobacco smoking or other
potential confounders may explain part of the increased risk."
(Source: Berthiller J, et al. J Thorac Oncol 2008;3(12):1398-403.)
***Science: Urine testing
In a study by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse in
Maryland, USA, 60 regular cannabis users were monitored during
30 days of abstinence and their urine tested on the presents of
THC-COOH. There were considerable fluctuations between days
with a positive urine test and days with a negative test during this
period and not a constant decline in THC-COOH concentrations.
Mean number of days until the first negative test (THC-COOH
below 50 ng/ml in an immunoassay) was 3.2 days and mean
number of days until the last positive test was 15.4 days. (Source:
Goodwin RS, et al. J Anal Toxicol 2008;32(8):562-9.)
***USA: California
The Harborside Health Center, a city-licensed medical cannabis
dispensary, announced that it has begun laboratory analysis of its
cannabis products. All medicinal cannabis products accepted for
distribution to HHC will be tested for safety and potency. (Source:
Press release by Harborside Health Center of 11 December 2008)
***Morocco: Discussion on legalisation
On 3 December the issue of cannabis legalisation was discussed
in the Moroccan television. The main question was if it is possible
to direct the cultivation of cannabis towards therapeutical and
industrial uses. A summary of the discussion is available at:
http://www.encod.org/info/MOROCCO-OPENS-THE-DEBATE (http://www.encod.org/info/MOROCCO-OPENS-THE-DEBATE)-
ON.html (Source: ENCOD)
***Science/Germany: Spice
The new drug spice, which is advertised in the internet as a herbal
mixture for fumigation, but is usually smoked and has effects
similar to cannabis contains the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018
according to an analysis by a Frankfurt laboratory (THC Pharm).
Shortly after the detection of the active principle spice was
prohibited in Austria. (Source: Frankfurter Rundschau, THC
Pharm)
4.
ONE YEAR AGO:
- Science: THC reduces chronic pain in patients who do not get
sufficient pain relief from opioids
- UK: Medicines regulatory agency publishes an information
report on Sativex
- Science: Qualitative similar composition of cannabis and tobacco
smoke
TWO YEARS AGO:
- Switzerland: Parliament adopts the possibility of certificates of
exemption for the medical use of cannabis
- Science: Nabilone improves pain and other symptoms in cancer
patients
(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 12-21-08
A mini-review in CANNABINOIDS by Dr. John McPartland of
the Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine,
University of Vermont, Burlington, USA, discusses
pharmacological effects of tobacco on cannabis. The article
"Adulteration of cannabis with tobacco, calamus, and other
cholinergic compounds" is available on the IACM website at:
http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/home.htm (http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/home.htm)
New website on cannabis and ADHD (attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder):
http://mcforadhd.free.fr (http://mcforadhd.free.fr/)
* Science: THC reduces reflux of acid from the stomach
* Germany: Fagron has an exclusive license for the import of
cannabis to Germany
1.
Science: THC reduces reflux of acid from the stomach
Researchers of the Academic Medical Centre of Amsterdam, the
Netherlands, investigated the effects of THC (dronabinol) on
relaxations of the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscular ring
at the lower end of the oesophagus) and reflux of acid from the
stomach into the oesophagus (gastro-oesophageal reflux) in dogs
and humans. In dogs, dronabinol dose-dependently reduced
relaxations of the lower oesophageal sphincter and acid reflux
rate, which was reversed by a CB1 receptor antagonist
(SR141716A), indicating that this THC effect is mediated by the
CB1 receptor.
Based on these results a placebo-controlled study was conducted
with 18 healthy volunteers, who received either a placebo, 10 mg
dronabinol or 20 mg dronabinol on three occasions. THC
significantly reduced the number of relaxations of the lower
oesophageal sphincter and caused a non-significant reduction of
acid reflux episodes in the first hour after a meal. Gastro-
oesophageal reflux is a condition where the lower oesophageal
sphincter is abnormally relaxed and allows the stomach's acidic
contents to flow back into the oesophagus. This may cause
oesophagitis, an inflammation of the inner lining of the
oesophagus.
(Source: Beaumont H, Jensen J, Carlsson A, Ruth M, Lehmann
A, Boeckxstaens GE. Effect of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, a
cannabinoid receptor agonist, on the triggering of transient lower
oesophageal sphincter relaxations in dogs and humans. Br J
Pharmacol. 2008 Dec 6. [Electronic publication ahead of print])
2.
Germany: Fagron has an exclusive license for the import of
cannabis to Germany
Medical cannabis will be distributed in Germany by Fagron
Germany, a unit of Belgian medical wholesaler Arseus, Arseus
said in a statement. Fagron Germany has an exclusive license for
the import and distribution of medical cannabis in Germany. The
statement says that Fagron Nederland has been active in the
Netherlands's medical cannabis market since 2003. Fagron
Netherlands is responsible for the distribution of cannabis to
Dutch pharmacies.
Use of the plant as a medicine is not legal in Germany. However,
the Federal Institute for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Products
has permitted four people to acquire cannabis from pharmacies.
The exceptions were based on the advice of several doctors and
only after it had been established that no other treatment would
help.
More at:
http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssPharmaceuticals%20 (http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssPharmaceuticals)-
%20Generic%20&%20Specialty/idUSL89274320081208
(Source: Reuters of 8 December 2008)
3.
News in brief
***Science: Multiple sclerosis
A Spanish group of scientists investigated the effects of a
synthetic cannabinoid (WIN55,212-2) on an animal model of
multiple sclerosis. They found that the cannabinoid significantly
inhibited brain adhesion molecules. These molecules regulate the
migration of white blood cells across the blood-brain barrier in
multiple sclerosis. This may explain the anti-inflammatory effect
of THC in multiple sclerosis. (Source: Mestre L, et al. Mol Cell
Neurosci. 2008 Nov 19. [Electronic publication ahead of print])
***Science: Liver transplant
Scientists of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, USA,
investigated the effects of cannabis use on outcome after liver
transplant, especially survival. They included 155 cannabis users
and 1334 patients, who did not use cannabis. Cannabis use had no
significant effect on survival after liver transplant. (Source:
Ranney DN, et al. Am J Transplant. 2008 Nov 27. [Electronic
publication ahead of print])
***USA: New Jersey
Governor Jon S. Corzine said that he supports and would sign a
bill allowing medicinal cannabis use. The state Senate Health
Committee approved a medical cannabis bill by a 6-1 vote on 15
December. The bill now goes to the whole senate. (Source: Press
of Atlantic City of 17 December 2008)
***Science: Damage to the kidneys
The non-psychotropic cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) was shown
to reduce the damage to the kidneys induced by cisplatin in an
animal study. Cisplatin is used in chemotherapies against cancer.
CBD attenuated oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death in
the kidney, and improved renal function. Researchers concluded
that "cannabidiol may represent a promising new protective
strategy against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity." (Source: Pan H,
et al. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2008 Dec 12. [Electronic publication
ahead of print])
***Science: Periodontitis
According to a study with rats cannabidiol decreased bone
resorption by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines during
experimental periodontitis. (Source: Napimoga MH, et al. Int
Immunopharmacol. 2008 Dec 11. [Electronic publication ahead of
print])
***Science: Cancer of the liver
Researchers of the University of Palermo, Italy, demonstrated
that a synthetic cannabinoid (WIN55,212-2) caused programmed
cell death in liver cancer cells. This may indicate a therapeutic
potential of cannabinoids in cancer of the liver. (Source: Giuliano
M, et al. Biochimie. 2008 Nov 27. [Electronic publication ahead of
print])
***Science: Lung cancer
A study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in
Lyon, France, investigated the effects of cannabis smoking on
lung cancer risk in 430 patients with lung cancer in Tunisia,
Morocco, and Algeria. All cannabis smokers were also tobacco
users. Cannabis use doubled the risk for lung cancer after
adjustment of other variables. Researchers concluded that
"cannabis smoking may be a risk factor for lung cancer.
However, residual confounding by tobacco smoking or other
potential confounders may explain part of the increased risk."
(Source: Berthiller J, et al. J Thorac Oncol 2008;3(12):1398-403.)
***Science: Urine testing
In a study by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse in
Maryland, USA, 60 regular cannabis users were monitored during
30 days of abstinence and their urine tested on the presents of
THC-COOH. There were considerable fluctuations between days
with a positive urine test and days with a negative test during this
period and not a constant decline in THC-COOH concentrations.
Mean number of days until the first negative test (THC-COOH
below 50 ng/ml in an immunoassay) was 3.2 days and mean
number of days until the last positive test was 15.4 days. (Source:
Goodwin RS, et al. J Anal Toxicol 2008;32(8):562-9.)
***USA: California
The Harborside Health Center, a city-licensed medical cannabis
dispensary, announced that it has begun laboratory analysis of its
cannabis products. All medicinal cannabis products accepted for
distribution to HHC will be tested for safety and potency. (Source:
Press release by Harborside Health Center of 11 December 2008)
***Morocco: Discussion on legalisation
On 3 December the issue of cannabis legalisation was discussed
in the Moroccan television. The main question was if it is possible
to direct the cultivation of cannabis towards therapeutical and
industrial uses. A summary of the discussion is available at:
http://www.encod.org/info/MOROCCO-OPENS-THE-DEBATE (http://www.encod.org/info/MOROCCO-OPENS-THE-DEBATE)-
ON.html (Source: ENCOD)
***Science/Germany: Spice
The new drug spice, which is advertised in the internet as a herbal
mixture for fumigation, but is usually smoked and has effects
similar to cannabis contains the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018
according to an analysis by a Frankfurt laboratory (THC Pharm).
Shortly after the detection of the active principle spice was
prohibited in Austria. (Source: Frankfurter Rundschau, THC
Pharm)
4.
ONE YEAR AGO:
- Science: THC reduces chronic pain in patients who do not get
sufficient pain relief from opioids
- UK: Medicines regulatory agency publishes an information
report on Sativex
- Science: Qualitative similar composition of cannabis and tobacco
smoke
TWO YEARS AGO:
- Switzerland: Parliament adopts the possibility of certificates of
exemption for the medical use of cannabis
- Science: Nabilone improves pain and other symptoms in cancer
patients
(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/)".