Abstract Context Studies generally focus on one type of chronic condition and the effect of medical cannabis (MC) on symptoms; little is known about the perceptions and engagement of patients living with chronic conditions regarding the use of MC. Objectives This scoping review aims to explore: (1) what are the dimensions addressed in studies on MC that deal with patients' perceptions of MC? and (2) how have patients been engaged in developing these studies and their methodologies? Through these objectives, we have identified areas for improving future research. Methods We searched five databases and applied exclusion criteria to select relevant articles. A thematic analysis...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Purpose: Twenty-nine states have bypassed federal regulations by legalizing marijuana (MJ) either medicinally, recreationally or both. The FDA states that there is no empirical evidence that MJ is effective to treat these disorders. With over a billion individuals living with a disability across the globe, it is crucial to fully research the efficaciousness and safety of medical MJ to treat this population. The purpose to present the results of a scoping review of studies focused on the levels of evidence currently available on medical MJ’s efficacy in treatment across a large range of disabilities. Methods: Databases were...

Abstract Study design Systematic review. Objectives To evaluate the impact of cannabinoids on neurobehavioral outcomes in preclinical models of nontraumatic and traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), with the aim of determining suitability for clinical trials involving SCI patients. Methods A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE and Embase databases, following registration with PROPSERO (CRD42019149671). Studies evaluating the impact of cannabinoids (agonists or antagonists) on neurobehavioral outcomes in preclinical models of nontraumatic and traumatic SCI were included. Data extracted from relevant studies, included sample characteristics, injury model, neurobehavioural outcomes assessed and study results. PRISMA guidelines were followed and the SYRCLE checklist was used to assess...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Background: People with spinal cord injuries (SCI) commonly experience pain and spasticity; limitations of current treatments have generated interest in cannabis as a possible therapy. Objectives: We conducted this systematic review to: 1) examine usage patterns and reasons for cannabinoid use, and 2) determine the treatment efficacy and safety of cannabinoid use in people with SCI. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases were queried for keywords related to SCI and cannabinoids. Results: 7,232 studies were screened, and 34 were included in this systematic review. Though...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Context This scoping review examines the current research on the effect of cannabis upon pain intensity in spinal cord injury (SCI) pain. Chronic pain is a significant secondary condition following SCI, and traditional treatments (e.g. opioids, NSAIDs) are often criticized for providing inadequate relief. As a result, there is increasing interest in and use of cannabis and cannabinoid-based medications as an alternative means of pain control. Objective The purpose of this review was to examine the scientific evidence on the effect of cannabis/cannabinoids upon pain intensity in SCI by mapping the current literature. Methods Two...

Please use this link to access publication Abstract The treatment of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) remains challenging as the neuron regeneration is impaired by irregular cavity and apoptosis. An injectable in situ gelling hydrogel is therefore developed for the local delivery of cannabidiol (CBD) through a novel method based on polyelectrolyte (PEC) interaction of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and chitosan (CS). It can be injected into the spinal cord cavity with a 26-gauge syringe before gelation, and gelled after 110 ± 10 s. Of note, the in-situ forming hydrogel has mechanical properties similar to spinal cord. Moreover, the CBD-loaded hydrogels sustain delivery of CBD for up to 72 h, resulting in...

Abstract Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotomimetic phytocannabinoid found in the Cannabis plant, has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for psychostimulant use disorders. In recent work, we demonstrated that CBD is able to attenuate the expression of locomotor sensitization and the enhanced metabolic activity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) generated by the combination of cocaine and caffeine. CDB interacts directly or indirectly with several molecular targets, so the underlying mechanisms of its beneficial effects are hard to determine. Here we used high-throughput RNA-sequencing in mice’s NAc after a sensitization protocol with combined cocaine plus caffeine and a CBD pre-treatment, to identify the major pathways and genes involved...

Please use this link to access this publication: https://journals.lww.com/jbjsreviews/abstract/2023/11000/unlocking_the_healing_potential__cannabinoids_in.4.aspx Abstract » Cannabinoids, such as D9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, interact with endocannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system and immune system, potentially offering pain relief. The entourage effect, resulting from the interaction of multiple cannabis components, may enhance therapeutic impact and efficacy, making them promising candidates for exploring pain relief in spine operations, known to be among the most painful operative procedures. » The use of cannabinoids in pain management requires careful consideration of safety, including their cognitive and psychomotor effects, potential cardiovascular risks, risk of dependence, mental health implications, and drug interactions. » Few studies have...

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non­psychoactive constituent of cannabis, has been reported to induce neuroprotective effects in several experimental models of brain injury. We aimed at investigating whether this drug could also improve locomotor recovery of rats submitted to spinal cord cryoinjury. Rats were distributed into five experimental groups. Animals were submitted to laminectomy in vertebral segment T10 followed or not by application of liquid nitrogen for 5 s into the spinal cord at the same level to cause cryoinjury. The animals received injections of vehicle or CBD (20 mg/kg) immediately before, 3 h after and daily for 6 days after surgery. The Basso, Beattie, and...

The goal of the current investigation was to evaluate the mechanisms through which administration of a selective cannabinoid-2 (CB2) agonist (O-1966) modifies inflammatory responses and helps to improve function following spinal cord injury. A comparison of motor function, autonomic function, and inflammatory responses was made between animals treated with O-1966 (5 mg/kg IP) and animals treated with vehicle 1 h and 24 h following contusion injury to the spinal cord. Motor function was significantly improved in the treated animals at each time point during the 14 days of evaluation. The percentage of animals able to spontaneously void their bladder was also greater over the...