medical marijuana tinctures

7/29/2019 Medical Marijuana Tinctures

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Medical Marijuana Tinctures: Whatis a cannabis tincture, and how is it

used?7

Medical Marijuana TincturesMarijuana tinctures are herbal preparations, that are made by extracting plant compounds,

using ethanol alcohol. Most tinctures are prepared with a commercial-grade, consumable

liquor, ranging from 80-180 proof, or 40-90% ethanol content, with the final preparation

being between 25-90% alcohol.

Medical marijuana tinctures are commonly made using 151 proof alcohol. The higher the

ethanol content of the alcohol used, the more cannabinoids (and other compounds), will be

extracted making a more potent final product. For example, not only will a cannabis

tincture made with 80 proof (40% Alc. by Vol.)Vodka have less alcohol content, but it will

also pick up less active ingredients from the marijuana during the cannabis-tincture

making process, than a tincture prepared with 151 proof (75.5% Alc) Rum, or 190 proof

grain alcohol. A tincture should be prepared with with a spirit that contains the highest

ethanol content available for optimum results.

Using Marijuana TincturesTinctures are typically administered by placing a few drops to a dropper or 2 full of the

final infused product under the tongue. Since the alcohol draws the other extracted

constituents into the bloodstream fairly rapidly, it usually only takes a few minutes to feel

some effect. Some patients claim almost-instant effects, while others claim up-to 15 minutes

until cannabis tinctures begin to kick-in. Dosage is adjusted, simply by waiting 15-20

minutes before judging effect, then adding a few more drops if needed. If dosage is too

strong, simply wait for it to wear off and take a little less next time.

Many people like to add a few drops of their cannabis tincture, to a cup of tea or other

beverage. This is mainly done by those who are looking to mask the taste of the cannabis in

the tincture. When you mix the tincture with another substance and swallow it however, it

will not be absorbed under the tongue but in the stomach, meaning it will take much

longer to feel the desired effects, and they may not be as strong.

The method of administering marijuana tinctures recommended by most, is placing a few

drops under the tongue and simply waiting for it to absorb.

Storing Cannabis Tinctures
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All tinctures should be packaged and stored properly, in order to ensure maximum shelf-life

and efficacy. Since light, air, humidity (or lack of), and temperature can all effect the final

product over-time, it is very important that your marijuana tincture be stored correctly.

Store marijuana tinctures in amber glass bottles, for best results. The dark color of the

glass, helps keep harmful light out of your precious cannabis tincture. Since many of thecompounds in cannabis are sensitive to light, it is best to keep them stored completely away

from it. Storing your final product in a dark-glass bottle, in a cupboard or closet, will help

protect it from loss of potency/quality.

1 oz. Amber-Glass Dropper bottles are the best for storing herbal tinctures in small-

batches.

Making Marijuana TincturesThere are several methods for making marijuana tinctures. The main methods of cannabis

tincture making would be:

Cold Tincture & Hot Tincture

Making a cold-tincture involves leaving the cannabis and alcohol mixture in a cool-dark

place for up to 2 weeks and allowing them to do their thing without heating them. This

leaves more of the active constituents intact, leading to better results according to some.

Making a hot-tincture preparation, involves heating the alcohol and cannabis together in

order to speed up the extraction time. There are several methods or recipes for making a

tincture in this fashion. The hot-tincture method of making marijuana tinctures is also known

as making green dragon.

For more information on cannabis tinctures, or for recipes on making marijuana tincture, or

Green Dragon, check the following links. The material provided by the following sites was

instrumental in writing this article.

http://www.knowmarijuana.com/2010/12/03/unraveling-the-mystery-of-the-tincture/

http://www.medicalmarijuanafaqs.com/2011/07/01/does-medical-marijuana-have-to-be-

smoked/

http://patients4medicalmarijuana.wordpress.com/medical-use-of-cannabis-video/marijuana-

tincture/

http://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/3005.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tincture

http://www.epubs.utah.edu/index.php/ulr/article/viewFile/143/125.

Anorexia
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Anorexia is an acute loss of appetite, often associated with psychological factors.

Various stomach disorders, reactions to medications, and the use of illicit narcotics

such as cocaine or heroin can cause anorexia. Some forms of anorexia are thought to

develop as an exaggerated response to cultural standards of beauty. The potential for

relief of anorexia with the use of cannabis may depend upon psychological factors.

Cannabinoids may have minimal appetite stimulation effect in cases of classic

anorexia nervosa. The overwhelming evidence of hunger-inducing properties of

cannabinoids, particularly the primary ingredient, delta-9 THC, in the physical

condition of appetite loss known as cachexia is well-established.. Synthetic THC pills

called Marinol are indicated for the treatment of anorexia, but physicians may risk

losing their license by writing off-label Marinol prescriptions for patients suffering

from anorexia not caused by the AIDS wasting syndrome or cancer chemotherapy.

An appetite-enhancing effect of THC is observed with daily divided doses totaling 5

mg. When required, the daily dose may be increased to 20 mg. In a long-term study of

94 AIDS patients, the appetite-stimulating effects of THC continued for months,

confirming the appetite enhancement noted in a shorter six-week study. THC doubled

appetite on a visual analogue scale in comparison to placebo. Patients tended to

retain a stable body weight over the course of seven months."

A positive influence on body weight was also reported in 15 patients with

Alzheimers disease who were previously refusing food. Surprisingly, THC also

decreased the observed severity of disturbed behavior. In patients diagnosed with

primary anorexia nervosa there was no measurable cannabinoid effect, presumably

because the underlying pathological mechanism is not loss of appetite.

-- Grotenhermen, Russo. Cannabis and Cannabinoids: Pharmacology, Toxicology, and

Therapeutic Potential . New York: The Hawthorn Integrative Healing Press, 2002,.

Grotenhermen, Review of Therapeutic Effects. Chapter 11, p. 128

Related sections:AIDS, Digestive Disorders, Psychoactivity, Stress Reduction

http://www.cannabismd.net/anorexia/

Tetrahydrocannabinol - THC
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Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active chemical

in cannabis and is one of the oldest hallucinogenic

drugs known. There is evidence that cannabis extracts

were used by the Chinese as a herbal remedy since the

first century AD. Cannabis comes from the flowering

tops and leaves of the hemp plant, Cannabis

sativa (shown in the picture on the right). For centuries

this plant has been widely cultivated around the world

for its fibres, and indeed the word canvas, which is a

material made from woven hemp fibres, takes its name

from cannabis. However, cannabis is more commonly known as the source of

the marijuana drug, although the word marijuana applies both to the whole plant, and

to the resin from it (although this is sometimes also calledhashish).

Cannabis contains approximately 60 different psychoactive chemicals

called cannabinoids, of which the most important one istetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The mode of action of THC is still not properly understood, although it is known that

of the two stereoisomers (mirror images), the (-)-form (the left-handed form of the

molecule) is 10-15 times more potent than the (+)-form.

THC - the active component of cannabis

The cannabinoids belong to a class of chemicals called terpenoids, meaning terpene-

like. These compounds occur as essential oils within many plants and some are

involved in the formation of vitamins, steroids, pigments and odours. The perfume

industry relies on compounds such as these, and they also find a variety of uses in the

food and pharmaceutical industry as flavour and odour improvers. Terpenes can be

linear (such as geraniol orcitronella) or cyclic as in THC. Examples of some othersimple cyclic terpenes are shown below.


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menthol

(peppermint oil)-pinene

(turpentine)

Camphor

(from the camphor tree)

THC as an Illegal Drug

The cannabinoids are basically non-polar molecules, with low

solubility in water, so they are normally self-administered by

smoking. The volatilised fractions are inhaled as a vapour and

give rise to a number of physiological effects. These effectsdepend very much upon the expectations and mood of the user,

the quantity taken, and the possible presence of other drugs

(such as alcohol) in the body. Generally people experience a

pleasurable state of relaxation, with heightened sensory

experiences of taste, sound and colour. Repeated experiments have failed to show any

short term dangers, although it hasn't been proven to be 'safe' in the pharmacological

sense either. THC is non-addictive and there are no withdrawal symptoms. However,

one of the side-effects of its use is to make the user drowsy, with reduced

concentration and short term memory. As a result, it was made illegal in the UK for

recreational use in 1928, although it is still legal in a number of other countries.

Medical Uses

Apart from the recreational uses and abuses, THC does have some medical uses. Its

anti-emetic properties (inhibits vomiting) are particularly useful in the treatment of

cancer patients on chemotherapy. Also, as THC increases the appetite and reduces the

vomit response, it is starting to be used in the treatment of anorexia and other eating

disorders.

References:

Organic Chemistry, Morrison and Boyd (Allyn and Bacon, 1983).

Biochemistry, L. Stryer (W.H. Freeman and Co, San Francisco, 1975).

Molecules, P.W. Atkins (W.H. Freeman and Co, New York, 1987)

http://www.ch.ic.ac.uk/vchemlib/mim/bristol/thc/thc_text.htm
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THC(A) vs. THC: the difference innon-active and active THC

cannabinoids

4

THC(A) vs. THCTHC is the main psychoactive constituent contained in the marijuana plant. While most of

us have heard of THC, and know what it is, many people dont know about its non-

psychoactive pre-curser acid form called THC(A), also known as Tetrahydrocannabinolic

acid (isnt THC(A) a lot easier to say?).

What is THC(A)?THC(A) is actually the bio-synthetic precursor to THC. What this means is, over time and

given the proper environmental conditions THC(A) will actually convert into THC. This

conversion takes place in a couple of different ways and is commonly referred to

as decarboxylation, or decarbing your cannabis.

Properties of THC(A)

Before being converted to it;s psychoactive form, THC(A) still has many therapeutic benefits

while being void of psycho-activity such as aiding in sleep, inhibiting cancer cell growth,

and suppressing muscle spasms as you can see from the chart below.

Properties of THC

THC has many separate properties, once it has been converted from THC(A). It has been

shown to reduce vomiting and nausea, relieve pain, stimulate the appetite, and also

reduces muscle spasms.
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What most people dont realize is, that cannabis actually contains very little THC in its

natural plant form. As a matter of fact, upwards of 80-90% or so of the THC found in

cannabis is actually in the form of THC(A) until it goes through a process known as

decarboxylation. Since decarboxylation instantly takes place while being smoked, the

differences in the THC(A)/THC levels are not as important when dealing with marijuana

that will be smoked.

Topical uses of marijuana

On the other hand, if you are using medical marijuana or an extract to make a topical

application, then you will need to have a better understanding of the differences in THC(A)

and THC, as well as an understanding of what decarboxylation is and how it is achieved.When making medical marijuana preparations such as topicals, capsules, and other forms

of medical marijuana that will not be heated past the decarboxylation threshold of 222

degrees Fahrenheit - it is important to know what THC(A) to THC ratio you need

to achieve for the desired effects. Also important is knowing that by

properly decarboxylating your marijuana, you can dial in the desired amounts of THC(A)

and THC for a custom preparation that holds the benefits of both of these great

cannabinoids.

For example: lets say you want to make a topical that will be a good pain reliever, as well

as having an ability to inhibit cancer-cell growth. In this case you would not want to fullydecarb your starting material, since you would be removing the properties that inhibit

cancer-cell growth. A full-decarb would change the THC(A) to THC with about 95%

+ conversion rate.

If however, you were able to partially decarb your plant material before turning it onto a

topical, you could dial in properties that would otherwise be lost. This would be very
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beneficial in adjusting the efficacy of products being used by patients with more than one

condition or symptom.

With use of the above chart, as well as the information provided in the article I wrote called

decarboxylation, you can begin to get a fuller-understanding of cannabinoids and how to

use them to our advantage. By custom tuning our products to include not only differentcannabinoids, but to also include different versions of the same cannabinoids we will be

able to make recipes that will be perfect for almost any condition that medical marijuana is

therapeutic for.

Custom decarboxylation processes for obtaining a custom ratio

By using custom ranges of temperatures and times to perform decarboxylation, you can fine

tune the amount of THC(A) that is converted into THC for the perfect ratio or blend. This

could be very beneficial in making products that have a broad-range of therapeutic benefits.

As we learn more about the inner-workings of one of the worlds oldest herbs (cannabis), we

are coming to the conclusion that marijuana is in fact medicine, and there are many ways touse it that we just have not found yet. By tweaking, experimenting and studying this plant

we will be able to find many more uses for it in the future.http://www.medicalmarijuanafaqs.com/2012/11/20/thca-vs-thc-

cannabinoids/#.UNAT7-RJPqE

Cannabinoids are molecules unique to the cannabis plant. There are over 60 such cannabinoids

in the plant including 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 9-THC Propyl Analogue (THC-V), Cannabidiol (CBD),Cannabidiol Propyl Analogue (CBD-V), Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabichromene (CBC), Cannabichromene PropylAnalogue (CBC-V) and Cannabigerol (CBG).

THC is the cannabinoid that has to date received most attention both from the scientific

community and the general public. However, THC and other cannabinoids have been shown to

have analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anti-convulsant, anti-tremor, anti-psychotic, anti-inflammatory,

anti-emetic and appetite-stimulant properties. Research is ongoing into the neuroprotective and

immunomodulatory effects of cannabinoids.

Below are 3 recent reports of interest:

House of Lords Science & Technology Committee - Ninth Report

Cannabis: The Scientific and Medical Evidence (November 1998)

House of Lords Science & Technology Committee - Second Report

Therapeutic Uses of Cannabis (March 2001)

National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine

Marijuana and Medicine - Assessing the Science Base (1999)

Therapeutic Cannabis Users & the LawThere have recently been a number of high-profile cases involving the prosecution of therapeutic
http://cannabischris.com/2012/10/decarboxylation-of-cannabis/http://www.medicalmarijuanafaqs.com/2012/11/20/thca-vs-thc-cannabinoids/#.UNAT7-RJPqEhttp://www.medicalmarijuanafaqs.com/2012/11/20/thca-vs-thc-cannabinoids/#.UNAT7-RJPqEhttp://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199798/ldselect/ldsctech/151/15101.htmhttp://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199798/ldselect/ldsctech/151/15101.htmhttp://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200001/ldselect/ldsctech/50/5001.htmhttp://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200001/ldselect/ldsctech/50/5001.htmhttp://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/marimed/notice.htmlhttp://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/marimed/notice.htmlhttp://cannabischris.com/2012/10/decarboxylation-of-cannabis/http://www.medicalmarijuanafaqs.com/2012/11/20/thca-vs-thc-cannabinoids/#.UNAT7-RJPqEhttp://www.medicalmarijuanafaqs.com/2012/11/20/thca-vs-thc-cannabinoids/#.UNAT7-RJPqEhttp://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199798/ldselect/ldsctech/151/15101.htmhttp://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199798/ldselect/ldsctech/151/15101.htmhttp://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200001/ldselect/ldsctech/50/5001.htmhttp://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200001/ldselect/ldsctech/50/5001.htmhttp://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/marimed/notice.htmlhttp://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/marimed/notice.html


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users of cannabis: the memorandum by the Alliance for Cannabis Therapeutics (ACT) (p. 26) has

highlighted a number of them. The decision to prosecute, taken by the Crown Prosecution

Service (CPS), does not seem to be consistent from region to region. Moreover, in some cases,juries have acquitted therapeutic users who do not deny the offence, but plead therapeutic use in

mitigation; in other cases, defendants have been found guilty and sentenced.

Ministers sought to deny that therapeutic cannabis users were subject to "postcode prosecuting".

They stressed that the number of therapeutic users who were prosecuted was extremely small

when compared to the total of 89,000 cases involving cannabis in 1998.[10] He also said that

the variation in the outcome of cases for therapeutic users was less than for other offences,

including the recreational use of cannabis. The number of cases of therapeutic users of cannabis

being prosecuted is certainly small. Exact statistics are difficult to obtain, however, as the Home

Office does not maintain a record of those prosecuted for cannabis use who claim therapeutic useas a defence.

The Minister further said that he had no intention of changing the current position, whereby the

decision whether or not to prosecute for cannabis-related offences is made locally by the Police

and the CPS. He did, however, emphasise that discretion could be exercised at three levels of the

prosecution process: by the Police; by the CPS; and by the Courts. Guidelines issued by the

Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) on dealing with cannabis offences specifically refer to

therapeutic use, and recommend that a caution is usually appropriate; the CPS guidelines requirethat any prosecution should be in the public interest; and the Court of Appeal issues guidance

that the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use can often be met by a fine.

(Therapeutic Uses of Cannabis - March 2001)

AIDS Wasting SyndromeArthritisBrain Injury/StrokeMultiple SclerosisNausea associated with cancer ChemotherapyAnti-Tumor EffectsAsthmaEpilepsyGlaucomaSchizophreniaMigraineEating DisordersGeneral Pain

AIDS Wasting SyndromeAIDS wasting syndrome, a common and often fatal outcome of HIV infection, is defined as the

involuntary loss of 10 percent of body weight or more that is not attributable to other diseaseprocesses. It is critical for HIV and AIDS patients to maintain a healthy appetite and body weight

to avoid opportunistic infections. Medical cannabis appears to help counter the appetite loss,

nausea, and pain associated with HIV and AIDS and their commonly prescribed medications.Presently, medical organizations specializing in AIDS research are some of strongest advocates

for legalizing medical cannabis, calling it "potentially lifesaving medicine".

Arthritis
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Arthritis refers to any more than 100 inflammatory joint disorders characterized by pain,

swelling, and limited movement. Arthritis involves the inflammation and degeneration of

cartilage and bone that make up the joint. Experts estimate that more than 31 million people inthe United States alone suffer from various degrees of the disease. Common forms of arthritis

are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Emerging evidence implies that cannabis can help

alleviate symptoms of both conditions.

Cannabis' pain reducing properties are well documented and emerging evidence indicates that it

holds anti-inflammatory qualities. Dale Gieringer, author of the paper "Review of Human Studies

on the Medical Use of Marijuana," cites three animal and laboratory studies documenting

cannabis' potential anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, a 1988 study by an British research

team found the cannabinoid CBD (cannabidiol) ameliorated inflammation in mice.

Brain Injury/StrokeEmerging research indicates that cannabinoids possess neuroprotective properties (1,2).

Researchers at the National Institutes for Mental Health (NIMH) demonstrated in 1998 that the

cannabinoids THC and cannabidiol (CBD) are potent anti-oxidants in animals. (3) Doctors rely on

anti-oxidants to protect stroke and head trauma victims from exposure to toxic levels of reactive

molecules, so-called "free radicals", that are produced when the brain's blood supply is cut off.

Head injuries and strokes cause the release of excessive glutamate, often resulting in irreversible

damage to brain cells.

Multiple SclerosisMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease affecting the central nervous system. MS exacerbations

appear to be caused by abnormal immune activity that causes inflammation and the destructionof myelin (the protective covering of nerve fibers) in the brain, brain stem or spinal cord.

Common symptoms of MS include muscle spasms, depression, and incontinence (involuntary loss

of urine) or urinary retention.

In a 1998 review article published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Review, Drs. Linda Growing et

al. observed that the distribution of cannabinoid receptors in the brain suggests that they may

play a role in movement control. The authors hypothesized that cannabinoids might modify the

autoimmune cause of the disease. If so, it is possible that cannabis may both relieve symptomsof MS and retard its progression.

Nausea associated with cancer chemotherapyA large body of clinical research exists concerning the use of cannabis and cannabinoids for

chemotherapy- induced nausea and vomiting. A review of the medical literature reveals at least

31 human clinical trials examining the effects of cannabis or synthetic cannabinoids on nausea,

not including several U.S. state trails that took place between 1978 and 1986. In reviewing this

literature, Hall et al. concluded that " THC [delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol] is superior to placebo, andequivalent in effectiveness to other widely-used anti-emetic drugs, in its capacity to reduce the nausea and

vomiting caused by some chemotherapy regimens in some cancer patients" .

Anti-Tumor EffectsEmerging research indicates that cannabinoids may help protect against the development of

certain types of tumors. Most recently, a Spanish research team reported in Nature that

injections of synthetic THC eradicated malignant brain tumors - so-called gliomas - in one-third

of treated rats, and prolonged life in another third by as much as six weeks. Team leader ManuelGuzman called the results "remarkable" and speculated that they "may provide a new

therapeutic approach for the treatment of malignant gliomas". An accompanying commentary


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remarked that this was the first convincing study to demonstrate that cannabis-based treatment

may combat cancer. Other journals have also recently reported on cannabinoids' anti-tumoral

potential.

Asthma

Asthma is a breathing disorder caused by inflammation and swelling of the small airways(bronchioles) that afflicts some 10 million Americans, killing more than 4,000 annually. When the

bronchioles become inflamed, swollen, and filled with mucus, the airways constrict and patients

have difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks are typically treated with "bronchodilators," drugs that

relax and open the bronchioles, or anti-inflammatory steroids to reduce swelling.

The Australian National Task Force on Cannabis determined, "Smoked cannabis, and to a lesser

extent oral THC, have an acute bronchodilatory effect in both normal persons and persons with asthma".A

handful of human studies demonstrate this effect, including one that showed smoking even low

THC cannabis produced bronchodilation nearly equivalent to a clinical dose of isoproterenol. The

House of Lords 1998 "Ninth Report" on cannabis acknowledged that cannabinoids seemed to

work as effectively as conventional asthma drug treatments. Experiments using oral THC

produced a smaller bronchodilator effect after a substantial delay, and proved to be a bronchial

irritant when administered as an aerosol.

EpilepsyEpilepsy is a common neurological disorder that afflicts nearly 2.5 million Americans. Patients

suffering from epilepsy experience periodic, recurrent seizures triggered by the misfiring ofcertain brain cells. These seizures occur in various forms, ranging from mild to severe

convulsions and loss of consciousness. Standard treatment for epilepsy involves anti-

convulsants. While there are several studies and references by the Institute of Medicine, House

of Lords Science and Technology Committee, Australian National Task Force on Cannabis, and

others regarding cannabis' anti-convulsant properties, there are few human studies specific to

epilepsy.

A double blind controlled study on the effects of the marijuana compound cannabidiol (CBD) onepilepsy yielded favorable results. "Fifteen patients suffering from secondary generalized epilepsy

with temporal focus were randomly divided into two groups. Each patient received, in a double-

blind procedure, 200-300 mg daily of CBD or placebo. All patients and volunteers tolerated

CBD very well and no signs of toxicity or serious side effects were detected on examination. Four

of the eight CBD subjects remained almost free of convulsive crises throughout the experiment

and three other patients demonstrated partial improvement on their clinical condition".

GlaucomaGlaucoma is a disorder that results from an imbalance of pressure within the eye. The condition

is characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) that progressively impairs vision and

may lead to permanent blindness. Glaucoma remains second leading cause of blindness in theUnited States.

The aim of glaucoma treatment is to reduce interocular pressure. Several human studies

demonstrate that inhaled cannabis lowers IOP in subjects with normal IOP and glaucoma. Some

animal studies indicate that cannabis can also be effective when administered topically (e.g. as

an eye drop.) Two of the eight legal U.S. medical marijuana patients have used government

cannabis to effectively maintain their eyesight for more than a decade.

Migraine


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Migraine is a type of episodic, recurrent, severe headache lasting hours to days. Migraine is

typically accompanied sensitivity to light, intolerance to loud noises, and nausea or vomiting.

Surveys indicate that 15 to 25 percent of women and five to 10 percent of men suffer frommigraine.

A century ago, physicians commonly prescribed cannabis for migraine. Famed physician William

Osler wrote that it was "probably the most satisfactory remedy" for migraine in his textbook, The

Principles and Practice of Medicine.

Some patients and physicians are once again showing interest in examining cannabis' potential

to treat symptoms of migraine. A recent article in the medical journal Pain (Journal of the

Association for the Study of Pain) concluded that "cannabis delivered in the form of a

marijuana cigarette, or 'joint,' presents the hypothetical potential for quick, effective, parenteral[non-orally administered] treatment of acute migraine." The author called cannabis a "far safer

alternative" than many prescription anti-migraine drugs, and reported that a large percentage of

migraine sufferers fail to respond or cannot tolerate standard therapies.

SchizophreniaCannabis' impact on patients suffering from schizophrenia is not well understood and often

disputed. The Australian National Task Force on Cannabis cites anecdotal clinical evidence that

"schizophrenic patients who use cannabis and other drugs experience exacerbations of

symptoms, and have a worse clinical course, with more frequent psychotic episodes than thosewho do not". However, the researchers admit that "very few well controlled studies" have

documented this relationship.

In his book Marihuana The Forbidden Medicine, Dr. Lester Grinspoon (with James Bakalar) cites a

pair of studies that found schizophrenic patients who used cannabis responded better to the

disease than nonusers. One study reported that patients who smoked marijuana had "fewer

delusions and, above all, fewer of the so-called negative symptoms, which include apathy,

limited speech, and emotional unresponsiveness." The other study concluded that those who

used cannabis had a "lower rate of hospital admissions than those who used no drugs at all. The

paticipants said that cannabis helped them with anxiety, depression, and insomnia." Grinspoon

also notes that in his own clinical experience, schizophrenics who regularly use cannabisgenerally regard it as helpful.

Eating DisordersSurvey data beginning in 1970 demonstrated a strong relationship between inhaling marijuana

and increased appetite. This data also found a majority of cannabis users reporting that

"marijuana made them enjoy eating very much and that they consequently ate a lot more.")

Cannabis is also documented to enhance the sensory appeal of foods.

Several human trials have established cannabis' ability to stimulate food intake and weight gain

in healthy volunteers. Dr. Leo Hollister of the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto,California presided over two separate experiments that found "total food intake, as well as

reports of hunger and appetite, are increased after oral administration of marihuana." A latertrial of 27 cannabis smokers and ten controls concluded that marijuana smokers ate more and

gained more weight than non-smokers after 21 days in a hospital research ward. The cannabis-

smoking group immediately began eating less after ceasing their marijuana use.

General PainPain is a sensation of physical discomfort, mental anguish, or suffering caused by aggravation of

the sensory nerves. It remains the most common symptom for which patients seek therapeutic


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relief. Cannabis has historically been used as an analgesic, and was commonly prescribed by

physicians in England and America in the 19th and 20th centuries. Many researchers now believe

that cannabinoids hold promise as safe and effective pain reducers with no physical-dependence-inducing properties.

Authors of the 1999 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, "Marijuana as Medicine: Assessing the

Science Base," describe three types of pain that may be ameliorated by cannabinoids: somatic

pain, visceral pain, and neuropathic pain. Researchers appear most interested in examining

cannabis' ability to relieve neuropathic pain, which results from injury to nerves, peripheral

receptors, or the central nervous system, because it is often resistant to standard opioids.

http://www.skunked.co.uk/articles/medicinal-marijuana.htm

Medical marijuana usesThere are many known therapeutic uses for medical marijuana. Throughout historymarijuana, also called cannabis, has been used for almost everything from common aches

and pains to more serious conditions and ailments like cancer and other diseases.

Topical uses of marijuana:Medical marijuana will help treat many conditions when used topically including: rough or

dry skin, arthritis, eczema, headaches, migraines, insect bites, scrapes, burns, sore-achy

muscles, psoriasis, pain, rashes, rheumatism, inflammation, sunburns, stiff-muscles,

tendonitis, and many other uses that the big pharmaceutical companies wouldnt want you

to know about.

via Medical marijuana, herbal balms and cannabis topicals Cannabis Chris.

Medical Marijuana for PainMarijuana is used to treat many different kinds of pain. Pain associated with inflammation

may be remedied with use of a medical marijuana topical, and pain that is internal or more

significant, may be helped by internally ingesting marijuana. Medical marijuana may be

ingested by smoking, vaporizing, or even eating it. Eating medical marijuana in the form of a

homemade capsule, or even in a baked good such as the classic marijuana brownies, is a

great way to treat many chronic forms of pain without smoking.

Medical Marijuana for AsthmaWhen an asthma attack kicks in the bronchial tubes are involuntarily contracted and the

airways are partly cut-off from the air supply. This causes a sudden loss of breath and an

inability to breath properly. Obviously, the inability to breath properly is a very serious

condition one which may also cause panic, worsening the overall severity.
http://www.skunked.co.uk/articles/medicinal-marijuana.htmhttp://cannabischris.com/2012/05/medical-marijuana-herbal-balms-and-cannabis-topicals/http://www.skunked.co.uk/articles/medicinal-marijuana.htmhttp://cannabischris.com/2012/05/medical-marijuana-herbal-balms-and-cannabis-topicals/


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Medical marijuana is known to act as a bronchodiolator, which means that it opens up the

airways allowing easier breathing as it relaxes the bronchial tubes. This effect is usually felt

instantaneously after inhaling active cannabis compounds containing THC. This may be

achieved by either smoking or vaporizing, with vaporizing being the better obvious choice.

Not only will marijuana help reduce or eliminate the spasms and loss of breath, butcompounds within marijuana are known to reduce mucous production. Reducing mucous

production has an obious drying effect, making it even easier to breath since there is less

blockage in the airway.

via: http://www.medicalmarijuanafaqs.com/2012/04/05/cannabis-causes-cottonmouth/

Marijuana is also known as an anti-inflammatory which may help reduce swelling in the

mucous membranes even furthering the overall effects.

Asthma is the shortness of breath and wheezing caused by spasms of the bronchial tubes,

overproduction of mucus, and swelling of the mucous membranes. Asthma kills more than

4,000 Americans each year.Clinical research shows that THC acts as a bronchial dilator, clearing blocked air

passageways and allowing free breathing. (sic)

via Medical Marijuana Asthma.

Medical Marijuana for CancerMany cancer patients have turned to medical marijuana for its appitite stimulating and

antiemetic (anti-nausea) effects.

As of lately, even more research is coming out showing direct anti-tumor effects of some

forms of medical marijuana, especially in concentrated extract forms.

All over the internet, and in medical marijuana communities across the country, people have

reported using a highly concentrated form of all-natural cannabis extracts to treat cancer

and other serious diseases with great results. These cannabis extracts are the natural

essential oils produced by the cannabis plant. If you do a few searches on the internet for

cannabis oil, RSO, or hemp oil, + cannabis, you should find a few of these stories.

Other uses for medical marijuanaMedical marijuana has many other uses. People use marijuana to help them relax when

they are too tense, and to calm-down when they are overly anxious or having an anxiety

attack. Some people use marijuana for migraine headaches and others for cramps and

muscle aches.

The more we do research on the cannabis plant the more we are finding many other

conditions that are treatable with it.

No matter what the reason a person has to use medical marijuana, the one thing that

always seems to be a common factor is marijuana makes people feel better!

other sources:
http://www.medicalmarijuanafaqs.com/2012/04/05/cannabis-causes-cottonmouth/#.UGUlOJiHLrohttp://www.cannabismd.net/asthma/http://www.medicalmarijuanafaqs.com/2012/04/05/cannabis-causes-cottonmouth/#.UGUlOJiHLrohttp://www.cannabismd.net/asthma/


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Marijuana and Asthma

http://www.rxmarijuana.com/lisa.htm

http://www.medicalmarijuanafaqs.com/2012/09/28/uses-medical-

marijuana/#.UNAV8-RJPqE

CBD

90. Mechoulam R, Peters M, Murillo-Rodriguez E, Hanus LO (2007). "Cannabidiolrecent

advances". Chemistry & Biodiversity4 (8): 167892. doi:10.1002/cbdv.200790147.PMID17712814.

91. ^Grlie, L (1976). "A comparative study on some chemical and biological characteristics of various

samples of cannabis resin". Bulletin on Narcotics14: 3746.10. Morgan, Celia J. A.; Curran, H. Valerie (2008)."Effects of cannabidiol on schizophrenia-like symptoms in people

who use cannabis".British Journal of Psychiatry192 (4): 306307.doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.107.046649. PMID18378995

30. Ligresti A, Moriello AS, Starowicz K, et al. (2006). "Antitumor activity of plant cannabinoids with emphasis on the effect of

cannabidiol on human breast carcinoma". J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.318 (3): 1375

87.doi:10.1124/jpet.106.105247.PMID16728591.

caryo

Gertsch J, Leonti M, Raduner S, et al. (July 2008)."Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid".Proceedings of the National

Academy of Sciences of the United States of America105 (26): 9099104.

Glenn Tinseth, "Hop Aroma and Flavor", January/February 1993, Brewing Techniques.

Accessed July 21, 2010.

CBN

Mahadevan A, Siegel C, Martin BR, Abood ME, Beletskaya I, Razdan RK (October 2000). "Novel cannabinol

probes for CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry43 (20): 377885.

Effects

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY:Appetite and Cancer-Associated

Anorexia: A Review

M. P. Davis, R. Dreicer, D. Walsh, R. Lagman, and S. B. LeGrand

J. Clin. Oncol., April 15, 2004; 22(8): 1510 - 1517.
http://www.knowmarijuana.com/2011/05/11/marijuana-and-asthma/http://www.rxmarijuana.com/lisa.htmhttp://www.medicalmarijuanafaqs.com/2012/09/28/uses-medical-marijuana/#.UNAV8-RJPqEhttp://www.medicalmarijuanafaqs.com/2012/09/28/uses-medical-marijuana/#.UNAV8-RJPqEhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_object_identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1002%2Fcbdv.200790147http://dx.doi.org/10.1002%2Fcbdv.200790147http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PubMed_Identifierhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PubMed_Identifierhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17712814http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis#cite_ref-Grlie_1976_91-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis#cite_ref-Grlie_1976_91-0http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/192/4/306http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/192/4/306http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/192/4/306http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/192/4/306http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Journal_of_Psychiatryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Journal_of_Psychiatryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Journal_of_Psychiatryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_object_identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1192%2Fbjp.bp.107.046649http://dx.doi.org/10.1192%2Fbjp.bp.107.046649http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PubMed_Identifierhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PubMed_Identifierhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18378995http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_object_identifierhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_object_identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1124%2Fjpet.106.105247http://dx.doi.org/10.1124%2Fjpet.106.105247http://dx.doi.org/10.1124%2Fjpet.106.105247http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PubMed_Identifierhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PubMed_Identifierhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PubMed_Identifierhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16728591http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2449371/http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2449371/http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2449371/http://realbeer.com/hops/aroma.htmlhttp://www.knowmarijuana.com/2011/05/11/marijuana-and-asthma/http://www.rxmarijuana.com/lisa.htmhttp://www.medicalmarijuanafaqs.com/2012/09/28/uses-medical-marijuana/#.UNAV8-RJPqEhttp://www.medicalmarijuanafaqs.com/2012/09/28/uses-medical-marijuana/#.UNAV8-RJPqEhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_object_identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1002%2Fcbdv.200790147http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PubMed_Identifierhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17712814http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis#cite_ref-Grlie_1976_91-0http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/192/4/306http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/192/4/306http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Journal_of_Psychiatryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_object_identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1192%2Fbjp.bp.107.046649http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PubMed_Identifierhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18378995http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_object_identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1124%2Fjpet.106.105247http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PubMed_Identifierhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16728591http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2449371/http://realbeer.com/hops/aroma.html

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