Recent Discoveries in the Effects of Marijuana

The effects of marijuana have been a subject of extensive scientific research in recent years. The 2018 Farm Bill classified hemp and CBD as agricultural crops, paving the way for new research and applications. This article explores some of the latest findings on the benefits of marijuana, from pain relief and mental health to substance abuse reduction and pet treatment.

Hemp and CBD

In December 2018, the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, officially reclassifying hemp and CBD away from drug scheduling. It allows the Department of Agriculture to manage it as a crop and interstate commerce of hemp and hemp products, including CBD. This change has opened new avenues for the research and commercial use of these substances.

Autism

Studies in 2018 have shed new light on the relationship between THC and CBD and autism. A study conducted in Israel found that 61 out of 60 children showed improved symptoms after taking 20:1 CBD:THC pills. Anxiety was reduced in 39 subjects, and communication between parents and children improved in 47 cases. Further research, including a larger double-blind placebo-controlled study, aims to provide more insights into the potential benefits of cannabinoids for autism.

Cancer

New research has shown that a synthetic cannabinoid compound called ST-403, synthesized by the University of Washington, is over 300 times more effective at killing cancer cells than THC. The compound works by disrupting microtubule formation during mitosis, preventing cancer cell replication and triggering cell death. Additional studies on CP55940 have shown that it is moderately effective at killing brain cancer cells. The National Cancer Institute has confirmed that these molecules differ significantly from other compounds they have tested.

Depression

Cannabinoids, including CBD, CBG, and terpenes such as limonene, linalool, phellandrene, and myrcene, have been found to be potent antidepressants. A 2018 study showed that a single dose of CBD could significantly reduce depression behaviors in animal models, lasting for a full week. This finding suggests that marijuana could be a promising treatment for depression.

Low Libido and Sexual Stimulus

Research into the effects of marijuana on sex drive has been limited. A study by St. Louis University surveyed hundreds of women and found that 65% reported marijuana as sex-enhancing, while 23% reported no change and 9% offered no opinion. Another study by Stanford University analyzed over 30,000 samples from the National Survey of Family Growth and found that marijuana consumers reported increased frequency of sex, with men reporting 22 more and women reporting 34 more sex acts, compared to abstainers. Frequency of consumption positively correlated with sexual activity.

Pain Relief

The elderly have particularly benefited from pain relief through medical marijuana. A 2018 study of 900 elderly Israeli patients found that 93% reported cannabis improved their symptoms, with pain levels dropping from an average of 8 to 4 on a 10-point scale. This significant improvement indicates the potential of marijuana in chronic pain management.

Substance Abuse

CBD has been shown to reduce substance abuse disorders for various substances, including morphine, heroin, methamphetamine, and opioids. Studies have demonstrated that CBD reduces the motivation of rats to self-administer methamphetamine and relapse. Dr. Francis D’Ambrosio, a medical doctor from California, has successfully treated over 10,000 patients with opioid, heroin, benzodiazepine, and alcohol addiction using medical marijuana.

Pets

The first clinical study looking at the effects of hemp-based CBD on arthritic dogs was published in 2018. Dosing 16 dogs at 2 mg of CBD per kg of body weight, researchers from Cornell University found a significant decrease in pain and improved mobility in over 80 of the dogs. As of January 1, 2019, California passed a new bill allowing veterinarians to recommend medical cannabis products for their clients' pets. However, the legality remains unclear in other states.

Breastfeeding

New research by Dr. Teresa Baker and Dr. Thomas Hale from April 2018 examined the effects of THC on breast milk. The study involved 8 mothers who were occasional users of marijuana and 1 who was a chronic user. Following a 23.18 mg THC dosage, the study found that the baby would receive 2.5 times the maternal THC dose, which is approximately 0.0001 mg or 100 ng. This is not enough to have any significant effect. Furthermore, THC levels in breast milk drop drastically after 1 hour and are largely gone after 4 hours.

Keywords: cannabis, marijuana, medical marijuana