Current research on Cannabis?

June 27, 2003

I have enjoyed reading the posts in this forum, and read with interest

the articles referring to breathing problems. I have asthma, and so

naturally anything breathing related interests me. I also have issues

with pain, especially in my feet and ankles. As I was looking through

the articles on cmtnews.com , I found an interesting article in

drugs/vitamins about the infamous Cannabis plant, and was curious to see

if anyone had heard of recent information on it's medicinal use with CMT

and Neuromuscular diseases. The part I found most interesting was this

bit:

" CBD is not psychoactive but has significant anticonvulsant, sedative,

and other pharmacological activity likely to interact with THC. At least

two “internal” compounds manufactured in our body have been identified

as cannabinoids. There are likely more. The roles of these internal

cannabinoids have been only partially clarified but available evidence

suggests they function as nerve messengers and may modulate nerve

transmission. Signaling by the cannabinoid system appears to represent a

mechanism by which nerves can communicate backwards across synapses to

modulate their inputs. Cannabinoids appear to allow nerves to adjust the

frequency of their input, much like adjusting the volume on your

television. This may be the mechanism by which they help control pain

and spasticity. "

I also found it interesting that there were several references to the

" low toxicity " and " neuroprotective " effects of the drug. That's a far

cry from the usual information that I've heard all my life. Anyway, I'd

be interested to know more, if anyone knows.

Thanks Again for all the great posts, and links!

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