cannabis

                                        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.