Letters
From a Washington Psychiatrist
alensalerian @gmail.com phone: 698 742 8063
Alen J Salerian MD
Date: August 1, 2019
Number:1
CANNABIS
Cannabis use is a global challenge
with benefits and harm,
although dogma and
prejudice continue to misrepresent cannabis
biology .
In essence , governmental policies
treat herbs and molecules associated
with cannabis as a single entity
and misrepresent cannabis
subtypes with unique molecular structure
and biological effects . The main psychoactive components in cannabis, 9-
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) AND CBD ( Cannabidiol ) are distinct substances with different psychoactive influences.
Of significance THC has been shown to have euphoric properties but it may also induce cognitive impairment and
psychotic symptoms.
Surprisingly, CBD may have
antipsychotic properties and may
counteract cognitive impairment associated with
Cannabis or THC use. These
effects represent the opposite influence of THC and CBD on brain function and more specifically on brain activity
patterns in key brain regions (prefrontal cortex, hippo campus and striatum) implicated in the
pathophysiology of diverse mental
disorders i.e. psychosis, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder , anxiety
etc.
Who May Benefit from CBD?
Anyone who uses THC or marijuana
on a regular basis.
Anyone who uses Xanax, Valium,
wine or whiskey to relax.
People with anxiety , stress ,insomnia
, rejection sensitivity, not able to let go
recent or past misfortunes , low level fear of catastrophes, susceptible to trauma+drama+
crises regardless of why , external influences or
directly or indirectly self
inflicted.
References
1. Iseger T A, Bossong
MG, 2015, A systematic review of the antipsychotic properties of
cannabidiol in humans. Schizophrenia research.
Volume 162, issues one– three, Pages 153 – 161.
2. Schubart C D, Sommer I E C, Fusar-Poli P, deWitte l, Kahn
RS ,Boks MPM, 2014, Cannabidiol is there potential treatment for psychosis.
European neuropsychopharmacology ,Volume
24, issue 1, Pages 51 – 64.
3. Thompsen K R,Callesen M B , Feldstein Ewing S W , 2017 Recommendation to
reconsider examining cannabis subtypes together due to opposing effects on brain cognition and behavior. Neuroscience
and Behavioral Reviews, volume 80 Pages
156 – 158.
4. Andre CM, Houseman JF, Guerriero G, 2016,
cannabis sativa: the plant of the thousand and one Love
molecules. Frontiers in Plant Science.7:19.