Get a Clue - Weed

Details: Published: 01 May 2023; Hits: 887

Research Reveals…Of the 30 melatonin gummy brands meeting the inclusion criteria, 4 were unavailable for purchase and 1 did not contain “melatonin” on the actual label; therefore, 25 products were analyzed. One product did not contain detectable levels of melatonin but did contain 31.3 mg of CBD. In the remaining products, the quantity of melatonin ranged from 1.3 mg to 13.1 mg per serving size (Table). In products that contained melatonin, the actual quantity of melatonin ranged from 74% to 347% of the labeled quantity. Twenty-two of 25 products (88%) were inaccurately labeled, and only 3 products (12%) contained a quantity of melatonin that was within ±10% of the declared quantity. Five products declared CBD as an ingredient, and the quantity of CBD ranged from 10.6 mg to 31.3 mg per serving. The actual quantity of CBD ranged from 104% to 118% of the labeled quantity. Serotonin was not detected in any product.

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(Non-clinically trialled and harmful Cannabinoid products are being unleashed into communities because of the ‘vote for medicine’ model – Next to no science – no credibility – no care for harms done!)

Details: Published: 12 April 2023; Hits: 989

Marijuana Is Not the Solution for PTSD — Evidence shows it does not treat PTSD in the long-term, and may worsen symptoms

A growing number of states have identified post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as an approved condition for medical marijuana. According to Colorado's Medical Marijuana Registryopens in a new tab or window, there are 70,533 patients as of February 2023 with an active medical marijuana registration in the state, and 10,734 of them indicate PTSD as the reason they are using medical marijuana. This is despite the lack ofopens in a new tab or window any high-quality, randomized, controlled studies proving that marijuana helps PTSD in the long-term. Because of this lack of evidence, the American Psychiatric Association adopted a policyopens in a new tab or window in 2019 opposed to using medical cannabis treatment for PTSD.

While many people find that cannabis seems to initially help PTSD symptoms, it likely does this by providing some temporary relief, numbing the individual and disconnecting them from the traumatic emotions. However, to keep the symptoms at bay, the individual often needs to use daily, sometimes multiple times a day, which can then set them up for significant consequences associated with daily cannabis use, such as cannabis use disorder (CUD), psychotic symptoms, cognitive problems, suicidal ideation, worsening depression and anxiety, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

Outcomes of Marijuana Use for PTSD: A Review of the Literature

The problems with regular cannabis use in those with PTSD were demonstrated by a 2020 studyopens in a new tab or window from Canada in which anonymous data was obtained from a phone app, Strainprint. In the study, 404 medical cannabis users, self-identified as having PTSD, used the app to track symptoms of intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, irritability, and anxiety. The users would then indicate the strain of cannabis they were about to use and the effects on their symptoms. The results indicated that acute cannabis intoxication provided temporary relief from intrusions, flashbacks, irritability, and anxiety. However, baseline PTSD symptom ratings did not change over time, and the researchers detected evidence that people used higher doses over time to manage anxiety, indicating the development of tolerance to the drug. They concluded that while these results indicate that cannabis may reduce PTSD symptoms in the short-term, it may not be an effective long-term remedy for the disorder.

There have been an increasing number of studies demonstrating that the use of marijuana can worsen PTSD over time. An observational studyopens in a new tab or window assessed 2,276 veterans treated in VA PTSD treatment programs at the time of intake and then again 4 months after discharge. They found that those who had been using marijuana prior to the program but stopped had the lowest level of PTSD symptoms 4 months post-discharge, and second lowest were those who never used marijuana. Those who started using marijuana again after the treatment program had the highest levels of violent behavior, alcohol use, and PTSD symptoms.

A more recent studyopens in a new tab or window using the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS) data on 4,069 U.S. military veterans from around the country found that frequent cannabis use worsens PTSD symptoms in veterans. Those who used cannabis frequently were roughly twice as likely to screen positive for co-occurring major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and suicidal ideation. They also showed small-to-moderate decrements in cognitive functioning.

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Details: Published: 04 April 2023; Hits: 909

Potential birth defects, cancer and addiction – just name a few!
Cannabinoids Exacerbate Alcohol Teratogenesis by a CB1-Hedgehog Interaction
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52336-w

Abstract: We tested whether cannabinoids (CBs) potentiate alcohol-induced birth defects in mice and zebrafish, and explored the underlying pathogenic mechanisms on Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signalling. The CBs, Ä9-THC, cannabidiol, HU-210, and CP 55,940 caused alcohol-like effects on craniofacial and brain development, phenocopying Shh mutations. Combined exposure to even low doses of alcohol with THC, HU-210, or CP 55,940 caused a greater incidence of birth defects, particularly of the eyes, than did either treatment alone. Consistent with the hypothesis that these defects are caused by deficient Shh, we found that CBs reduced Shh signalling by inhibiting Smoothened (Smo), while Shh mRNA or a CB1 receptor antagonist attenuated CB-induced birth defects. Proximity ligation experiments identified novel CB1-Smo heteromers, suggesting allosteric CB1-Smo interactions. In addition to raising concerns about the safety of cannabinoid and alcohol exposure during early embryonic development, this study establishes a novel link between two distinct signaling pathways and has widespread implications for development, as well as diseases such as addiction and cancer.

(Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31690747/ )

Details: Published: 29 March 2023; Hits: 1012

Genotoxicity and Neurotoxicity of Cannabis: 66th CND – Vienna UN 2023: These brief but evidence-based and thoroughly researched presentations are but a ‘taster’ for the mounting evidence relating to the genotoxicity and neurotoxicity of todays highly engineered cannabis. The compelling data referred to in these UNODC CND Civil Society presentations are not to be underestimated. The concerns around this emerging research are nothing short of alarming. Policy maker, politicians and the public need to be made fully aware of these emerging and intergenerational harms.
Presentations by

Professors G Hulse – Edith Cowan University & University of West Australia
Professor A.S. Reece – Edith Cowan University & University of West Australia
Professor John W. Toumbourou – Deakin University
Hulse-Reece-Toumbourou – single video

Video Presentations Playlist

Download Research Presentation Powerpoint File (Large Download)

Details: Published: 22 March 2023; Hits: 1009

Decriminalizing any drug facilitates and increase in use – This metric is all but universal. Legalizing any drug gives it societies highest stamp of approval and protects possessors and users of this drug from any judicial educative process. The mantra becomes ‘I have a right to do this, because it is legal’.

No jurisdiction, including the over-quoted and under investigated ‘Portugal Model’, has seen drug use decrease under these models.

One does not need a degree in any of the social sciences to understand that the increased use of psychotropic toxins and their mood, psychological and behavioural modifying capacities also leads to a litany of passive and active harms – everything from a-motivational and unproductive lethargy to extreme violence.

The environmental wrecking ball that is illegal cannabis grows is almost incalculable, and the human trafficking that accompanies these enterprises is shocking.

Of course, we will disappear down a rabbit hole of dysfunction when we begin to look at the other associated criminal, social, familial, health and mental health harms of addictive substances.

The cost of the production, use and inevitable harmful outcomes of a product that has essentially only one end – the altering of mind and mood, is staggering.
And it is invariably the non-drug using public that bears the lion’s share of the fiscal and social burden of these pernicious behaviours.
See also