UVSS HEMPOLOGY 101 CLUB
LECTURE SERIES 2007/08

LESSON #5 : CANNABIS RESEARCH - Part 2

During the past 16 years, there have been major advances in what basic science discloses about the potential medical benefits of cannabinoids, the group of compounds related to THC. Many variants are found in the marijuana plant, and other cannabinoids not found in the plant have been chemically synthesized. Sixteen years ago it was still a matter of debate as to whether THC acted non-specifically by affecting the fluidity of cell membranes or whether a specific pathway of action was mediated by a receptor that responded selectively to THC.

Basic science is the wellspring for developing new medications and is particularly important for understanding a drug that has as many effects as marijuana. Even committed advocates of the medical use of marijuana do not claim that all the effects of marijuana are desirable for every medical use. But they do claim that the combination of specific effects of marijuana enhances its medical value. An understanding of those specific effects is what basic science can provide. The multiple effects of marijuana can be singled out and studied with the goals of evaluating the medical value of marijuana and cannabinoids in specific medical conditions, as well as minimizing unwanted side effects. An understanding of the basic mechanisms through which cannabinoids affect physiology permits more strategic development of new drugs and designs for clinical trials that are most likely to yield conclusive results. Institute of Medicine Report, MARIJUANA AND MEDICINE: ASSESSING THE SCIENCE BASE, 1999 - National Academy of Sciences, USA

Since 1995, The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has disbursed over three million dollars to worthy research and educational projects. Medical marijuana has been a major part of MAPS' research efforts. At present, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has a monopoly on the supply of marijuana that can be used in research, provides low-potency material, and only makes it available to projects it approves. MAPS needs its own independent source of supply since NIDA's arbitrary and lengthy review process for providing marijuana essential to research can derail any drug development plan. NIDA has refused to supply marijuana to two MAPS-sponsored protocols that the FDA had already approved. MAPS web page.

This presentation supports the proposition that cannabis has been employed historically for legion complaints in obstetrics and gynaecology. To list briefly, these include treatment of: menstrual irregularity, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, threatened abortion, Hyperemesis gravidarum, childbirth, postpartum hemorrhage, toxaemia, seizures, dysuria, urinary frequency, urinary retention, gonorrhea, menopausal symptoms, and decreased libido and as possible abortifacients.

It is only recently that a physiological basis for these claims has been available with the discovery of the endocannabinoid system. Limited research to date supports these claims in terms of cannabinoids analgesia, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory activities, but requires additional study to ascertain mechanisms and confounding variables. Ethan Russo, CANNABIS TREATMENTS IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY: A HISTORICAL REVIEW, 2002.

Well, along with identifying the receptors for THC, researchers have also elucidated the endogenous ligand (in English: the "key" for the receptor "locks" made naturally in the body). This chemical is called anandamide and is derived from fatty acids (the stuff in butter). Ananamide is involved in numerous physiological processes including pain modulation, control of movement, co-ordination, balance, pleasure sensation, learning, cognition and memory.

The current basic science research is trying to resolve what impacts this receptor-ligand (lock and key) mechanism, hormones or neurotransmitters being the primary targets. Figuring out this mechanism would mean being able to further our knowledge of these incredibly complex systems, with the aim of eventually devising treatments to aid in treating problems in these areas.