Abstract Background Up-to-date information regarding the scope and impact of cannabinoid use among persons with MS (PwMS) is necessary to guide clinical practice and cannabinoid research. Objectives To assess utilization patterns and perceived impact of cannabinoid use among a national cohort of PwMS. Methods Data collected were part of a nationwide survey to characterize pain in PwMS. Items included questions about current/recent cannabinoid use, reasons for use, preferred THC/CBD formulations, and perceived benefits/side effects. PROMIS short-forms assessed symptom severity. Pain phenotype was assessed with the painDETECT questionnaire and FMSurvey Criteria Questionnaires. Results Among n = 1,027 respondents, 42% endorsed recent cannabinoid use, of which 18% endorsed...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive update of the different known components of the endogenous cannabinoid system and the mechanisms of action, as it applies to analgesia. Recent Findings Following the discovery of the endogenous cannabinoid system in the early 1990s and the subsequent characterization of the cannabinoid receptor, there has been a renewed interest in cannabinoid research. Recent work has demonstrated its efficacy as a pharmacologic agent. There is limited evidence in the literature about the understanding of the endocannabinoid system and its role in the treatment...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Introduction: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a disorder of cyclic and recurrent nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain associated with high-frequency and extended-duration marijuana use. Standard antiemetic therapy is often ineffective; however, capsaicin, an agonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), has shown promise in treating CHS. Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis evaluated the safety and efficacy of topical capsaicin for patients presenting with CHS. The primary outcome was to assess if utilization of capsaicin for ED management of CHS decreased ED length of stay (LOS) as compared to a visit without capsaicin. Secondary outcomes included a...

ABSTRACT The recent announcement of marijuana legalization in Canada spiked many discussions about potential health benefits of Cannabis sativa. Cannabinoids are active chemical compounds produced by cannabis, and their numerous effects on the human body are primarily exerted through interactions with cannabinoid receptor types 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2). Cannabinoids are broadly classified as endo-, phyto-, and synthetic cannabinoids. In this review, we will describe the activity of cannabinoids on the cellular level, comprehensively summarize the activity of all groups of cannabinoids on various cancers and propose several potential mechanisms of action of cannabinoids on cancer cells.

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM), a metabolic disorder is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide across developed as well as developing nations. Hyperglycemia is the core feature of the type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), following insulin deficiency and impaired insulin secretion or sensitivity leads insulin resistance (IR), respectively. Genetic and environmental factors attributed to the pathogenesis of DM and various therapeutic strategies are available for the prevention and treatment of T2DM. Among the numerous therapeutic approaches, the health effects of dietary/nutraceutical approach due to the presence of bioactive constituents, popularly termed phytochemicals are receiving special interest for...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Introduction Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a burdensome adverse event frequently associated with chemotherapy treatment of cancer. Evidence suggests that cannabinoid CB2 receptors are present in brainstem neurons, and thus, there may exist a role for cannabinoids to counter CINV. The aim of this paper is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of oral cannabinoids compared with other treatments as documented in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods A literature search was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE up until December 31, 2018; Embase Classic and Embase up until 2018 week...

Abstract Background Cannabis use is on the rise. Several cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, secondary to chronic cannabis intoxication, have been described worldwide, but few cases have described this entity in pregnant women. Case presentation We describe a 29-year-old pregnant patient that had consumed cannabis and experienced uncontrolled vomiting. The use of hot baths, the rapid improvement in symptoms, and results of complementary examinations suggested a diagnosis of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The patient could return home, and she continued her pregnancy and childbirth without peculiarities. Conclusion Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of vomiting in pregnancy. Consumption of cannabis must...

Abstract Importance  Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), commonly known as K2, spice, or fake weed, are cheap, artificially manufactured recreational drugs that have emerged as a major public health threat in various regions of the US. Objective  To describe the clinical manifestations of SC intoxication. Design, Setting, and Participants  This case series assessed adults admitted to the intensive care unit from 2014 to 2016 with acute life-threatening complications of SC use. Data analysis was completed in October 2016. Exposures  Use of SCs such as K2, spice, or other synthetic versions of cannabinoids. Main Outcomes and Measures  Data collected included patient demographic data, medical history, presenting symptoms, physical findings, laboratory and imaging data, and intensive...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract The endogenous opioid and cannabinoid receptor systems are widely distributed and co-localized throughout central and peripheral nervous system regions. A large body of preclinical evidence suggests that there are functional interactions between these two systems that may be leveraged to address various health conditions. Numerous animal studies have shown that cannabinoid agonists (e.g., delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ9-THC]) enhance the analgesic effects of µ-opioid analgesics as evidenced by decreasing the opioid dose required for analgesia (i.e., opioid sparing) and extending the duration of the opioid analgesia. In contrast, controlled human laboratory studies and clinical trials have not demonstrated robust analgesic or opioid-sparing effects from opioid-cannabinoid combinations....