Toking for a Cure

Anyone in Mass who voted this past year should remember question 2 on the ballet. Following the example of some of our more forward thinking states like California and Maine, Massachusetts Decriminalized Marijuana and set forth a very pro medical-marijuana agenda. Other then freeing up our judicial system from criminal pot smokers, these pro marijuana laws are also allowing for credible scientific research to be done on a variety of the medicinal effects of marijuana, including but not limited to curing and aiding recovery in cancer victims.

A basic overview of Cannabis Sativa shows that it is represented by over 60 different chemical cannabinoids, most of which have had little to none research done on them. The most common of the cannabinoids are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most abundant and potent chemical, and Cannabidiol which has relatively no potency. These cannabinoids produce a variety of biological processes by mimicking natural ligands that attach to Cannabinoid receptors in animal cells. So far only two receptors Cb1 and Cb2 have been identified in mammalian tissue, Cb1 can be found present in structures ranging from your cerebellum to your adrenal medulla, while Cb2 is found almost exclusively in your immune system.

Emesis and general nausea are both common side effects of most current cancer treatments. To deal with this doctors prescribe anti-emetics, one of which being marijuana. Cb1 receptors are found in areas like dorsal–vagal complex of the brain stem, which is responsible for your vomit reflex. When compared to other anti-emetic pharmaceuticals like ondansetron and aprepitant, almost all patients saw some relief with THC synthesized chemicals while only half saw any relief with the currently prescribed anti-emetics.

Controlling vomiting once food is ingested is one problem that must be solved for dealing with chemotherapy in cancer patients. However, an almost more vexing problem is the lack of appetite that those afflicted endure. Cachexia (unwanted weight loss) is a serious problem that is estimated to account for up to 20% of cancer related deaths. The appetite stimulating (munchies) effect of THC can be attributed to the presence of Cb1 receptors in the hypothalamus, which controls food intake. Aids patients that have been administered THC as appetite inducers have shown positive signs of an increased appetite. On the flip side, those who were prescribed other appetite inducers often showed marked symptoms of depression that goes along with decreased energy expenditure and increased energy intake, which was not present in those treated with THC, which also acts in energy preservation.

Amongst those listed, THC is also being studied in pain inhibition, anti-anxiety, prevention of muscle weakness, and most surprisingly the inhibition of tumor cells. Yes, pot is now being studied in ridding people of tumors. I could rant more on actual scientific data already researched but that would pale in comparison to the amount of research that has yet to be done.

http://www.nature.com.silk.library.umass.edu:2048/nrc/journal/v3/n10/full/nrc1188.html

Nicholas Cline (B-5)