#279 Cannabis For Symptom Control By: Kelsey Jungels

What is Marijuana? Dry, shredded mix of leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds, usually from Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant Both are common subspecies of the hemp plant, which is common throughout the world Contains over 400 chemical compounds Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S.

How is Marijuana used? Smoked Using a pipe, bowl, or cigarette The effects are rapid Vaporized Inhaled through a machine that converts active compounds to an inhalable form The effects are rapid Eaten/Drank Consumed through baked goods, candies, drinks The effects are delayed because it takes time to reach the brain.

Marijuana’s Immediate Effects Altered MoodReduced Anxiety Cognitive ImpairmentSedation/Drowsiness Altered PerceptionSensory Intensification Impaired coordination/balanceIncreased heart rate HungerHallucinations (in large doses) Effects can vary by strains - Sativa: More euphoria, stress relief - Indica: Relaxation, physical (especially pain) relief -Sativa and Indica often combined, leading to variable effects -

The use of of cannabis (marijuana) for medical purposes has become legalized in 23 U.S. states and Canada.

Diseases/Conditions Cannabis can provide benefits for: AIDS/HIV Alzheimer’s Disease Arthritis Asthma/breathin g disorders Cancer/Nausea Crohn’s Disease/gastroint estinal disorders Epilepsy/seizures Glaucoma Hepatitis C Migraines Multiple Sclerosis/muscle spasms Pain Psychological conditions Tourette Syndrome Terminally ill

Side Effects/Risks Cannabis use can cause: Xerostomia (dry mouth) Palpitations Flushing Nausea Confusion Anxiety Dysphoria (state of unease or dissatisfaction) Acute toxic psychosis Raises the risk of a motor vehicle accident

Marijuana Medical Research Evidence: Reduces nausea Provides pain relief Controls muscle pain and spasms Stimulates appetite Reduces tics Reduces convulsions

Types of Medicinal Marijuana: Botanical Cannabis (plant): “Medical Marijuana” Synthetic THC medications available for appetite/nausea that is available in the U.S.: Dronabinol (FDAa approved for HIV) Nabilone (FDA approved for cancer)

Medical Marijuana Is Not FDA Approved: FDA approval assures that medications are effective, safe, and properly labeled It is impossible for the FDA to evaluate medical marijuana as a drug since it is a plant, not a manufactured pharmaceutical drug. Depending on the specific marijuana plant and where it is grown, it can have different concentrations of THC or other key chemical components. Difficult to know if the medical marijunana is pure. It can possibly be contaminated with pesticides, fungus, or mold.

THC Medications are regulated by the FDA: Can medical marijuana be a better alternative? THC and marijuana both have psychoactive effects that make you “high” Marijuana can be preferable to THC medications because there are chemicals in marijuana that moderate THC’s psychoactive effects that are not present in THC medications. Medical Marijuana is cheaper

There Are Limited Scientific Studies There are fewer than 20 randomized controlled clinical trials of marijuana that is smoked Low numbers of participants Does not provide the evidence that is needed for a pharmaceutical to be marketed in the U.S.

Federal Restrictions of Research Schedule I Controlled Substance High potential for abuse and a potential gateway drug No accepted medical use in treatment Use and possession is considered a federal offense

NIH Regulated Clinical Trials A Study to Evaluate the Efficiacy of Sativex in Relieving Symptoms of Spasticity Due to Multiple Sclerosis Comparing the Effects of Smoked and Oral Marijuana in Individuals With HIV/AIDs Done at the New York State Psychiatric Institute in the U.S.

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