Some conditions are reimbursed by the regional health system. For all others, doctors are required to make decisions based on published scientific evidence. The purpose of this article is to clarify these issues.
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Index
- 1. Clinical uses of medical cannabis: recommendations from the Ministry of Health
- 2. When is medical cannabis reimbursable?
- 2.1 Multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury (muscle pain and spasticity)
- 2.2 Chronic neuropathic pain (fibromyalgia or other conditions for which treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone-based medications, or opioids has proven ineffective)
- 2.3 Nausea and vomiting (anti-emetic and anti-motion sickness effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, anti-HIV treatments)
- 2.4 Appetite and weight regulation (appetite stimulant in cases of cachexia, anorexia, loss of appetite in cancer or AIDS patients and anorexia nervosa)
- 2.5 Intraocular pressure (hypotensive effect in glaucoma)
- 2.6 Involuntary body and facial movements (in Tourette syndrome)
- 3. Medical cannabis in Italian regions
- 4. Cannabis and neurodegenerative diseases
- 5. Cannabis and epilepsy
- 6. Cannabis and eye diseases
- 7. Cannabis in dermatology
- 8. Cannabis and cardiovascular diseases
- 9. Cannabis and metabolic disorders
- 10. Cannabis and gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases
- 11. Cannabis and cancer patients
- 12. Cannabis and bone disorders
- 13. Cannabis and sleep disorders
- 14. Psychiatric patients: the pros and cons of medical cannabis therapy
- 14.1 The cons
- 14.1.1 Schizophrenia
- 14.1.2 Anxiety and depression
- 14.2 The pros
- 14.2.1 Anxiety and post-traumatic stress
- 14.2.2 CBD and psychosis
- 15. A final note..
- 16. References
1. Clinical uses of medical cannabis: recommendations from the Ministry of Health
The Ministry states that “the medical use of cannabis cannot be considered an appropriate therapy, but rather a symptomatic treatment.”
If we are talking about paid cannabis, medical cannabis (MC) can be prescribed for any disease for which there is a minimum of accredited scientific literature.
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2. When is medical cannabis reimbursable?
Multiple sclerosis, cancer pain and chronic, cachexia (in anorexia, HIV, chemotherapy), vomiting and loss of appetite due to chemotherapy, glaucoma. If we are talking about cannabis from the regional health system (SSR), the answer is “only for therapeutic indications that the Region has accredited as recognized.” Currently, the recognized uses (other than therapeutic) for free SSR prescription according to the ministerial decree 9/11/2015 are as follows: , tourettes. The medical use of cannabis in the above conditions is recommended only if “standard treatments have not produced the desired effects, or have caused intolerable side effects, or require dose increases that may lead to side effects.”
Currently, each Italian region has legislated independently on the reimbursability of cannabis. For more information on the regulations in force in your region, consult the General Guide to medical cannabis and reimbursement region by region or check the section How to hire and read about Cannabiscience where the legal situation of cannabis is analyzed region by region.
The symptoms for which the Ministry reports the use of MC are as follows:
2.1 Multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury (muscle pain and spasticity)
As evidenced by numerous clinical studies, cannabinoids can help manage the main symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Pertwee, R.G., Pryce, G. and Baker, D. (2014). Cannabis and multiple sclerosis. In Handbook of Cannabis: edited by Roger G. Pertwee. New York: Oxford University Press.
We explored the topic in a dedicated article: “Cannabis and multiple sclerosis: analysis of clinical trials”
In particular, MC is effective in treating bladder incontinence, muscle stiffness, spasticity, chronic pain and neuropathic quality of sleep. Freeman, R.M., Adekanmi, O., Waterfield, M., Waterfield, A.E., Wright, D. and Zajicek, J. (2006). The effect of cannabis on urge incontinence in patients with multiple sclerosis: a… Continue reading; Wade, D. T., Makela, P., Robson, P., House, H. and Bateman, C. (2004). Do cannabis-based medicinal extracts have general or specific effects on symptoms of multiple sclerosis? A double-blind,… Continue reading; Zajicek, J., Fox, P., Sanders, H., Wright, D., Vickery, J., Nunn, A., & Thompson, A. (2003). Cannabinoids for the treatment of spasticity and other symptoms related to multiple sclerosis (CAMS)… Continue reading
2.2 Chronic neuropathic pain (fibromyalgia or other conditions where treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone-based medications or opioids has proven ineffective)
The most promising phytocannabinoids is the one Cannabis has been used to treat chronic pain for thousands of years. Burns, T.L., and Ineck, J.R. (2006). Cannabinoid analgesia as a new potential therapeutic option in the treatment of chronic pain. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 40 (2), 251-260. doi:10.1345/aph.1g217 Preclinical data from well-characterized animal models suffering from refractory pathological pain indicate that one of the analgesics. Pertwee, R.G., Costa, B. and Comelli, F. (2014). Pain, In Handbook of Cannabis: edited by Roger G. Pertwee. New York: Oxford University Press. So far, the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis have been primarily observed in studies on neuropathic painTHC) can . Neuropathic pain is common, difficult to treat, and therapeutic options are limited. Therefore, even modest effects can be significant for patients. Professor Luongo explored the topic in this article by his signature: “Pain and endocannabinoids: word to the neuropharmacologist” Tetrahydrocannabinol (relieve neuropathy Williams,CBD) prevents J., Haller, V.L., Stevens, D.L., and Welch, S.P. (2008). Decrease in basal endogenous opioid levels in diabetic rodents: Effects on morphine and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol… Continue reading, while cannabidiol (peripheral neuropathies in diabetic patients. Toth, C.C., Jedrzejewski, N.M., Ellis, C.L., and Frey, W.H. (2010). Cannabinoid-induced modulation of neuropathic pain and microglial accumulation in a type I diabetic mouse model… Continue reading
Patient preference studies indicate that the side effects of cannabinoids are better tolerated than opioid medications. Furthermore, much research shows that even low doses of THC can enhance the analgesic effects of morphine and codeine. Combined therapy with opioids and cannabinoids produces lasting pain relief effects in both acute and chronic pain models, at low enough dosages to be free of substantial side effects thus avoiding inducing those biochemical neuronal changes that would lead to tolerance. Welch, S.P., and Stevens, D.L. (1992). Antinociceptive activity of cannabinoids administered intrathecally alone and in combination with morphine in mice. Journal of Pharmacology and… Continue reading; Welch, S. P., Thomas, C., & Patrick, G. S. (1995). Modulation of cannabinoid-induced antinociception after intracerebroventricular versus intrathecal administration in mice: possible mechanisms… Continue reading; Cichewicz, D. L. (2003). Modulation of Oral Morphine Antinociceptive Tolerance and Naloxone-Prompted Withdrawal Signs by Oral Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental… Continue reading; Cichewicz, D.L., & McCarthy, E.A. (2003). Antinociceptive synergy between delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and opioids after oral administration. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental… Continue reading
CBD is actually not effective against acute pain, but it is effective against pathological pain (such as neuropathic). CBD has powerful analgesic activity against On the other hand, studies measuring the effects of isolated CBD in acute pain (postoperative for example) do not demonstrate beneficial effects. Sanders, J., Jackson, D.M., and Starmer, G.A. (1979). Interactions between cannabinoids in the antagonism of the abdominal constriction response in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berlin),… Continue reading; Sofia, R.D., Vassar, H.B., & Knobloch, L.C. (1975). Comparative analgesic activity of various natural cannabinoids in mice and rats. Psychopharmacology, 40 (4), 285-295… Continue reading The inflammatory conditions Costa, B., Colleoni, M., Conti, S., Parolaro, D., Franke, C., Trovato, A. E. and Giagnoni, G. (2004). Oral anti-inflammatory activity of cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, in… Continue reading and can be used in medicine to treat chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Costa, B., Found, A. E., Comelli, F., Giagnoni, G., and Colleoni, M. (2007). Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, is an effective therapeutic agent orally in the treatment of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain in rats. European Journal of Pharmacology, 556 (1-3), 75-83. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.11.006
The cannabigerol (CBG) is a minor cannabinoid with analgesic properties against inflammatory pain; it works by increasing endocannabinoid tone (by decreasing the reuptake of anandamide, allowing this endocannabinoid to act longer) and by synergistically enhancing the analgesic effects of THC. Ligresti, A. (2006). Antitumoral Activity of Plant Cannabinoids with Emphasis on the Effect of Cannabidiol on Human Breast Carcinoma. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 318 (3),… Continue reading; Pertwee, R.G. (2009). Emerging strategies to exploit cannabinoid receptor agonists as drugs. British Journal of Pharmacology, 156 (3), 397-411. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2008.00048.x
These properties are also found in cannabichromene (CBC), which also enhances the analgesic effects of THC and powerfully blocks the reuptake of anandamide. Davis, W.G., and Hatoum, N.-É. (1983). Neurobehavioral actions of cannabichromene and interactions with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. General Pharmacology: The Vascular System, 14 (2), 247-252… Continue reading; De Petrocellis, L., Ligresti, A., Moriello, A. S., Allarà, M., Need, T., Petrosino, S.,… Di Marzo, V. (2011). Effects of cannabinoids and cannabinoid-enriched cannabis extracts on TRP channels and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163 (7), 1479-1494.
Pain and endocannabinoids: word to the neuropharmacologist
Would you like to deepen your knowledge on this subject?
2.3 Nausea and vomiting (anti-emetic and anti-motion sickness effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, anti-HIV treatments)
THC works effectively against nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing One of the first recognized medicinal benefits of cannabis is its usefulness in combating nausea and vomiting. Pertwee, R.G. (2014). Effect of phytocannabinoids on nausea and vomiting. In Handbook of Cannabis: edited by Roger G. Pertwee. New York: Oxford University Press. chemotherapyCBD, on the other hand, produces biphasic effects (in isolated form): at low doses, it suppresses the nausea reflex induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but at high doses does not provide beneficial effects and may worsen the condition. Cotter, J. (2009). Efficacy of Raw Marijuana and Synthetic Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol as Treatment for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Literature Review. Oncology Nursing… Continue reading; Rock, E. M., Goodwin, J. M., Limebeer, C. L., Breuer, A., Pertwee, R. G., Mechoulam, R., & Parker, L.A. (2011). Interaction between non-psychotropic cannabinoids in marijuana: effect of cannabigerol (CBG) on the anti-nausea or anti-emetic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in rats and mango. Psychopharmacology, 215 (3), 505-512. doi:10.1007/s00213-010-2157-4
When tested in combined formulation, THC and CBD (e.g., in the Sativex spray mixture), reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy compared to those who used a placebo (as shown in a double-blind clinical study). Duran, M., Pérez, E., Abanades, S., Vidal, X., Saura, C., Majem, M.,… Capellà, D. (2010). Preliminary efficacy and safety of a standardized oromucosal cannabis extract in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Other non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids such as CBDA, THCA, THCV, CBDV, and CBG are also very effective in producing similar anti-emetic effects. Pertwee, R.G. (2014). Effect of phytocannabinoids on nausea and vomiting. In Handbook of Cannabis: edited by Roger G. Pertwee. New York: Oxford University Press.
2.4 Appetite and weight regulation (appetite stimulant in cases of cachexia, anorexia, loss of appetite in cancer or AIDS patients and anorexia nervosa)
The ability of cannabis to stimulate appetite, particularly for tasty foods, has been documented since 300 BC. Abel EL (1975) Cannabis: effects on hunger and thirst. Behavioral Biology 15, 255—281.
The hyperphagic action of THC (and its degradation product Cannabinol or CBN) is mediated by the stimulation of cannabinoid receptors CB1, which promote caloric intake by amplifying the pleasure of food, and is evident in the decrease of the interval between the onset of a new meal. Pertwee, R.G., Cristino, L., and Di Marzo, V. (2014). Established and emerging concepts of cannabinoid action on food intake and their potential application to the treatment of anorexia and… Continue reading
In other words, phytocannabinoids, by stimulating CB1 cannabinoid receptors, generate a series of biochemical changes in our body that lead us to remember how good we feel when we eat and, therefore, how interesting it would be not to wait for the next meal and to have a snack first.
The appetite-stimulating therapeutic use of THC and cannabis has been studied for many decades, particularly concerning cachexia associated with cancer, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and anorexia nervosa.
Cachexia is a term derived from the Greek word “kakos” (bad) and “hexis” (state), and describes the progressive loss of body fat and muscle massAnorexia, on the other hand, is the loss of desire to eat despite caloric deprivation, and, unlike anorexia nervosa, is frequently observed in patients with advanced chronic diseases following many debilitating chronic illnesses. Pertwee, R.G., Cristino, L., and Di Marzo, V. (2014). Established and emerging concepts of cannabinoid action on food intake and their potential application to the treatment of anorexia and… Continue reading.
It is also possible that patients lose their pleasure or interest in food due to changes in taste perceptionaccompanied by a decrease in taste and smell perception generated by chemotherapy, or by developing aversions to tastes following nausea or vomiting associated with a series of radical treatments. Wickham RS, Rehwaldt M, Kefer C, Shott S, Abbas K, Glynn-Tucker E, Potter C, Blendowski C. Taste changes experienced by patients receiving chemotherapy. In Oncology Nursing Forum May 1999 (Vol. 26,… Continue reading; Walsh, D., Donnelly, S., & Rybicki, L. (2000). Symptoms of advanced cancer: relationship with age, sex, and performance status in 1,000 patients. Supportive Care in Cancer, 8 (3), 175-179… Continue reading Debilitation in the elderly.
Cannabinoid preparations stimulate appetite by increasing food appeal or reducing negative effects on eating habits caused by other therapeutic interventions. Pertwee, R.G., Cristino, L., and Di Marzo, V. (2014). Established and emerging concepts of cannabinoid action on food intake and their potential application to the treatment of anorexia and… Continue reading
To further the conversation on hedonistic hunger regulation, you can refer to the article signed by Dr. Turc, neurogastroenterologist: “The endocannabinoid system in the gastrointestinal tract”
THCV and CBD, on the other hand, having an opposite effect on CB1 receptors, decrease food consumptionanorexia nervosa, it is assumed that the endocannabinoid system is not regulated and that a combination with CBD may help . To treat cachexia or anorexia, preparations containing CBD and THC should therefore maintain a higher proportion of THC to allow for activation of CB1 receptors (and not 1:1, like Sativex). In the case of the reduce anxiety associated with the act of eating itself. Pertwee, R.G., Cristino, L., and Di Marzo, V. (2014). Established and emerging concepts of cannabinoid action on food intake and their potential application to the treatment of anorexia and… Continue reading
2.5 Intraocular pressure (hypotensive effect in glaucoma)
As early as 1971, a decrease of 25 to 30% in intraocular pressure due to cannabis smoking Hepler, R. S. (1971) was reported. Marijuana smoking and intraocular pressure. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 217 (10), 1392. doi:10.1001/jama.1971.03190100074024, confirmed by other studies conducted in patients with glaucomaneuroprotective properties of cannabinoids . Green, K.S., and Roth, M. (1982). Ocular effects of topical administration of 9-tetrahydrocannabinol in humans. Archives of Ophthalmology, 100 (2), 265-267. doi:10.1001/archopht.1982.01030030267006 Furthermore, many studies have documented the effects in the retina. Pertwee, R.G., Xu, H. and Azuara-Blanco, A. (2014). Phytocannabinoids in degenerative and inflammatory diseases of the retina: glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and… Continue reading
To minimize systemic effects and possible side effects and maximize the dose at the site of action, a topical administration in the eye would be ideal for this type of pathology. To obtain these types of preparations, microemulsions and cyclodextrins enhance the penetration of cannabinoids through the cornea, which is one of the main obstacles (being lipophilic molecules, with difficulty overcoming the hydrophilic tear film).
Read more: Eye drops with cannabidiol (CBD): a new frontier for eye pain
2.6 Involuntary body and facial movements (in Tourette syndrome)
Oral doses of Dronabinol (synthetic THC) in patients with Tourette syndrome have been shown to reduce the frequency of tics over a period of 6 weeks. These results have been confirmed by another more recent clinical study. Müller-Vahl, K. R. (2015). Cannabinoids and Tourette syndrome. Cannabinoids in Neurological and Mental Diseases, 227-245. doi:101016/b978-0-12-417041-4.00010-2
3. Medical cannabis in Italian regions
Cannabis can be reimbursed, but despite the previously mentioned DM decree 9/11/2015, the pathologies for which reimbursement is recognized vary from region to region, which autonomously regulates pathologies, pharmaceutical forms, and sometimes methods of prescription.
For a complete and in-depth view of this subject, read “How to obtain medical cannabis?” signed by Dr. Mark Ternelli.
4. Cannabis and neurodegenerative diseases
Scientific knowledge supports the use of phytocannabinoids for the treatment of acute and chronic neurodegenerations These.
cerebral ischemia and traumatic brain injury are the two main causes of acute neurodegeneration for which medicinal cannabis seems to be beneficial, as well as five types of chronic neurodegenerations: multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), for which there is also data in addition to laboratory studies resulting from clinical use. J. Geldenhuys, W., and J. Van der Schyf, C. (2013). Rationally designed multi-target agents against neurodegenerative diseases. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 20 (13), 1662-1672… Continue reading
Solid scientific evidence demonstrates the neuroprotective effects of phytocannabinoids. Numerous clinical studies indicate the cytoprotective effects of cannabinoids not only on neurons but also on glia and against different types of trauma. Fernandez-Ruiz, J., De Lago, E., Gomez-Ruiz, M., Garcia, C., Sagredo, O. and Garcia-Arencibia, M. (2014). Neurodegenerative disorders other than multiple sclerosis. In Handbook of Cannabis:… Continue reading
The neuroprotective effects are equivalent to those of cytotoxicity drugs (such as glutamate receptor antagonists), calcium channel blockers (nimodipine), antioxidants (coenzyme Q10), anti-inflammatories (minocycline), or other neuroprotective drugs used in individual treatments. Sarne Y, Mechoulam R. Cannabinoids: between neuroprotection and neurotoxicity. Current Drug Targets – CNS and Neurological Disorders. December 1, 2005; 4 (6):677-84.
phytocannabinoids combine all these properties and this is an important aspect for neurodegenerative diseases, where neuronal damage is the consequence of the progressive combination of various cytotoxic events: mitochondrial degeneration, inflammation, and oxidative stress. J. Geldenhuys, W., and J. Van der Schyf, C. (2013). Rationally designed multi-target agents against neurodegenerative diseases. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 20 (13), 1662-1672… Continue reading
5. Cannabis and epilepsy
The use of the cannabis plant to control seizures is one of the oldest uses of this plant. The first scientific publication on this subject for the Western world was written by William O’Shaughnessy in 1840 and demonstrates the use of hemp tincture to treat seizures in an infant. O’Shaughnessy, W.B. (1843). On the preparations of Indian hemp, or Gunjah: cannabis indicates their effects on the healthy animal system, and their utility in the treatment of tetanus and other… Continue reading
In 1890, the personal physician of Queen Victoria, Dr. J.R. Reynolds, described cannabis as:
“The most useful agent I know for treating violent seizures.”
Dr. J.R. Reynolds (1890), personal physician of Queen Victoria
Since 1967, numerous medical reports have been collected on the use of this plant in epilepsy, where patients have succeeded in abolishing all previously resistant petit mal and grand mal seizures to anticonvulsants. Pertwee, R.G., Williams, C.M., Jones, N.A., and Whalley, B.J. (2014). Cannabis and epilepsy. In Handbook of Cannabis: edited by Roger G. Pertwee. New York: Oxford University Press.
The underlying molecular and etiological diversity of the different forms of epilepsy, individual comorbidities, variability in the composition of cannabis used, differences in treatment administration methods, and possible concomitant use of prescribed or illicit drugs hinder definitive clinical conclusions.
CBD is definitely a more reliable anticonvulsant molecule than THC, and it presents relevant clinical beneficial effects in drug-resistant epileptic children. Furthermore, unlike traditional anticonvulsants, CBD is better tolerated in children and does not induce motor or neurotoxic side effectsDravet syndrome and . Jones, N.A., Glyn, S.E., Akiyama, S., Hill, T.D., Hill, A.J., Weston, S.E.,… Williams, C.M. (2012). Cannabidiol exerts anticonvulsant effects in animal models of temporal lobe and… Continue reading Epidiolex is a CBD syrup formulated by the pharmaceutical company GW Pharmaceuticals and recently approved for the Lennox-Gastaut (very aggressive forms of epilepsy in children and adolescents). Devinsky, Orrin et al. “Effect of cannabidiol on seizures in Lennox—Gastaut syndrome.” New England Journal of Medicine 378.20 (2018): 1888-1897; Tzadok, M., Uliel-Siboni, S., Linder, I., Kramer, U., Epstein, O., Menascu, S., Ben-Zeev, B. (2016). Medical cannabis enriched with CBD for intractable pediatric epilepsy. Seizure, 35, 41-44… Continue reading
CBDV, THCV, and THCA, minor phytocannabinoids, seem to offer even more efficacy than CBD as an anticonvulsant, although there are currently no clinical studies that have directly compared these phytocannabinoids. Pertwee, R.G., Williams, C.M., Jones, N.A., and Whalley, B.J. (2014). Cannabis and epilepsy. In Handbook of Cannabis: edited by Roger G. Pertwee. New York: Oxford University Press.
6. Cannabis and eye diseases
Oxidative stress (free radicals) and inflammation are two major determining factors of eye diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and uveitis. In the first three cases, oxidative stress is considered the trigger, while inflammatory responses are secondary to oxidative damage and contribute to increased neuronal death; uveitis, on the other hand, is a disease dominated by inflammation.
Cannabinoids, thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and their neuroprotective properties, seem to be an interesting tool to combat these pathologies. In particular, CBD could serve as a basis for developing drugs capable of countering these degenerations that threaten vision. Pertwee, R.G., Xu, H. and Azuara-Blanco, A. (2014). Phytocannabinoids in degenerative and inflammatory diseases of the retina: glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and… Continue reading
7. Cannabis in dermatology
Although clinical trials have not yet been conducted directly on psoriasis, the antiproliferative effects of cannabinoids and anandamide on keratinocytes (skin cells) suggest that the endocannabinoid system is involved in the etiology of psoriasis. Pertwee, R.G., Oddi, S. and Maccarone, M. (2014). Phytocannabinoids and skin disorders. In Handbook of Cannabis: edited by Roger G. Pertwee. New York: Oxford University Press.
Phytocannabinoids such as THC, CBN, CBD, and CBG inhibit the growth of a human keratinocyte cell line in cases of hyperproliferation (just like in psoriasis). Wilkinson, J.D., and Williamson, E.M. (2007). Cannabinoids inhibit human keratinocyte proliferation by a non-CB1/CB2 mechanism and have potential therapeutic value in the treatment of… Continue reading
Other studies have confirmed the ability of phytocannabinoids to inhibit epidermal proliferation of skin cells. Paradisi, A., Pasquariello, N., Barcaroli, D., and Maccarrone, M. (2007). Anandamide regulates keratinocyte differentiation by inducing DNA methylation in a CB1 receptor-dependent manner. Journal… Continue reading
Regarding melanoma, studies conducted in 2006 revealed that cannabinoid receptor activators reduce growth, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis of human melanoma in vitro and in vivo, thus revealing the potential beneficial effects of the endocannabinoid system in this type of cancer. Blázquez, C., Carracedo, A., Barrado, L., Real, P.J., Fernández-Luna, J.L., Velasco, G., Guzmán, M. (2006). Cannabinoid receptors as new targets for melanoma treatment. FASEB Journal… Continue reading
Finally, the topical application of Adelmidrol, a PEA (endocannabinoid) analogue, has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating atopic dermatitis by reducing mast cell activation and related inflammatory effects. Cerrato, S., Brazis, P., Della Valle, M., Miolo, A., and Puigdemont, A. (2010). Effects of palmitoylethanolamide on the immunological release of histamine, PGD2, and TNFα by canine skin mast cells… Continue reading
To learn more about this topic, we invite you to read: “Dermatological diseases and the endocannabinoid system: a new potential target”
8. Cannabis and cardiovascular diseases
Preclinical studies have accumulated enough scientific evidence to assert that phytocannabinoids may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, and liver and kidney diseases.
In particular, cannabidiol (CBD) would be beneficial in protecting against damage caused by myocardial ischemia, heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, neonatal strokes, and to help recover cognitive functions following these traumas or as a result of neonatal hypoxia. Durst, R., Danenberg, H., Gallily, R., Mechoulam, R., Meir, K., Grad, E., Lotan, C. (2007). Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, protects against myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury… Continue reading; Walsh, S.K., Hepburn, C.Y., Kane, K.A., & Wainwright, C.L. (2010). Acute administration of cannabidiol in vivo suppresses ischemia-induced cardiac arrhythmias and reduces infarct size when… Continue reading
For more information on this use of cannabis, we recommend reading “Cannabis and cardiovascular diseases: what you need to know”
9. Cannabis and metabolic disorders
Numerous pieces of evidence, both preclinical and clinical, suggest that, among other things, the activation of CB1 receptors contributes to the development of diabetes and its main complications; the use of cannabinoids that activate CB1 receptors (such as THC) should be very weighed in diabetic patients and in diabetes complications, including neuropathic pain resulting from diabetes. Horváth, B., Mukhopadhyay, P., Haskó, G., and Pacher, P. (2012). The endocannabinoid system and plant-derived cannabinoids in diabetes and diabetic complications. The American Journal of… Continue reading
On the other hand, CBD seems to demonstrate excellent therapeutic potential for these diseases. CBD has been studied in type I diabetes, which showed that it would reduce the incidence of autoimmune diabetes. Weiss, L., Zeira, M., Reich, S., Har-Noy, M., Mechoulam, R., Slavin, S. and Gallily, R. (2006). Cannabidiol reduces the incidence of diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice. Autoimmunity, 39 (2), 143-151… Continue reading CBD administered after the first symptoms of hereditary diabetes also stops the progression of the disease in