UVSS HEMPOLOGY 101 CLUB
LECTURE SERIES 2007/08

LESSON #16 : CANNABIS AND YOUR HEALTH - Part 2

This article examines harm reduction from a novel perspective. Its central thesis is that harm reduction is not only a social concept, but also a biological one. More specifically, evolution does not make moral distinctions in the selection process, but utilizes a cannabis-based approach to harm reduction in order to promote survival of the fittest. Evidence will be provided from peer-reviewed scientific literature that supports the hypothesis that humans, and all animals, make and use internally produced cannabis-like products (endocannabinoids) as part of the evolutionary harm reduction program. More specifically, endocannabinoids homeostatically regulate all body systems (cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, excretory, immune, nervous, musculo-skeletal, and reproductive).

Therefore, the health of each individual is dependant on this system working appropriately. Evolution has selected the endocannabinoids to homeostatically regulate numerous biological phenomena that can be found in every organized system in the body, and to counteract biochemical imbalances that are characteristic of numerous damaged or diseased states, in particular those associated with aging. Starting from birth, cannabinoids are present in mother's milk, where they initiate the eating process. If the activity of endocannabinoids in the mouse milk is inhibited with a cannabinoid antagonist, the newborn mice die of starvation. As life proceeds, endocannabinoids continuously regulate appetite, body temperature, reproductive activity, and learning capacity.

When a body is physically damaged, the endocannabinoids are called on to reduce inflammation, protect neurons, regulate cardiac rhythms and protect the heart from oxygen deprivation. In humans suffering from colorectal cancer, endocannabinoid levels are elevated in an effort to control the cancer. They help relieve emotional suffering by reducing pain and facilitating movement beyond the fears of unpleasant memories. Robert Melamede, HARM REDUCTION: THE CANNABIS PARADOX, 2005.

Viewing the subject generally, it may be added that the moderate use of these drugs is the rule, and that the excessive use is comparatively exceptional. The moderate use practically produces no ill effects. In all but the most exceptional cases, the injury from habitual moderate use is not appreciable. British Army in India, INDIAN HEMP COMMISSION, 1894.

Discussions on the health effects of cannabis have often been the lynchpin of the other key debate on the legal status of cannabis. Indeed, it has been argued that the scientific investigation and deliberation on the health effects would resolve decisions on whether to legalise or not. The papers in this issue on the legal, social, psychological, pharmacological and therapeutic aspects of cannabis indicate the complexity of the debate which clearly has no simple right or wrong answer.

There is mounting evidence of the adverse physical effects and the psychological effects of cannabis. However, while there is need for an awareness of the negative effects, they are not impressive compared to the adverse effects of tobacco and alcohol misuse. This is not to argue that cannabis should be given the same status as tobacco and alcohol but to recognise a factual comparison. There is a tendency among the proponents of cannabis legalisation to argue that cannabis is devoid of adverse health effects and to ignore the evidence that cannabis itself can induce significant levels of dependence. Micheal Farrell, CANNABIS AND HEALTH, National Addictions Center, London, 2001.

30-35% of the weight of hempseed is oil containing 80% of the unsaturated essential fatty acids (EFA), Linoleic Acid (LA, 55%) and Linolenic Acid (LNA, 21-25%). These are not manufactured by the body and must be supplied by food. The oil also contains about 8% by volume of palmitic, stearic, oleic and arachidic acids. The 80% EFAs in hempseed oil is the highest total percentage amongst the common plants used by man. Flax oil ranks second with 72% EFAs. The EFAs are very sensitive to heat, light and oxygen. For this reason, hempseed oil must be processed and stored carefully (in the cold, dark, and under vacuum) to preserve the potency of the EFAs…EFAs are precursors to the prostaglandin series (PGE 1, 2, & 3). PGE 1 inhibits the production of cholesterol and dilates blood vessels, and it prevents the clotting of blood platelets in arteries…U. Erasmus, author of Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill, states that the proportions of Linoleic Acid (LA) and Linolenic Acid (LNA) in hempseed oil are perfectly balanced to meet human requirements for EFAs, including gamma-linoleic acid (GLA). Unlike flax oil and others, hempseed oil can be used continuously without developing a deficiency or other imbalance of EFAs. Robert Nelson, HEMP AND HEALTH, 1999.