Shrinks In Sneakers

Tag: endocannabinoid

  • 🧪 Exciting Breakthrough in Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment!

    🧪 Exciting Breakthrough in Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment!

    A recent Phase 2b clinical trial has shown that PP-01, an investigational therapy by PleoPharma, significantly reduces cannabis withdrawal symptoms in individuals with Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). The study demonstrated a clear dose-response relationship, with the highest dose yielding clinically meaningful results (p=0.02). Importantly, PP-01 was well-tolerated with no safety concerns.

    Recognizing the urgent need for effective treatments, the FDA has granted Fast Track designation to PP-01, expediting its development and review process. This brings hope to the approximately 19.2 million Americans affected by CUD, as there are currently no FDA-approved medications for cannabis withdrawal.

    PP-01 works by targeting suppressed CB1 receptors and neurotransmitter dysregulation in the brain’s reward pathway, offering a novel approach to mitigating withdrawal symptoms. As it enters Phase 3 trials, PP-01 holds promise as a first-in-class treatment for those seeking to overcome cannabis dependence.

  • 🚨 New Study: Cannabis Use Disorder Linked to 3X Higher Mortality in Hospital & ER Patients

    🚨 New Study: Cannabis Use Disorder Linked to 3X Higher Mortality in Hospital & ER Patients

    A major new study has uncovered a staggering risk: Patients diagnosed with Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) in hospitals or ERs had nearly THREE TIMES the mortality rate over the next five years compared to those without the disorder.

    🔎 Key Findings:

    🛑 Patients with CUD had a significantly higher risk of death within five years.

    🛑 Cannabis use was associated with worse health outcomes, even after adjusting for other factors.

    🛑 Findings challenge the assumption that cannabis is a “harmless” substance.

    đź’ˇ Why This Matters:

    As cannabis use becomes more common and legalized, we can’t ignore the potential long-term health consequences—especially in vulnerable populations. This study raises urgent questions about how cannabis impacts physical and mental health in the long run.

    📢 What do you think? Should we be taking Cannabis Use Disorder more seriously in medical settings? Drop your thoughts below! 👇

    đź”— https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2829914

    #Cannabis #PublicHealth #Addiction #ER #Medicine #addictionmedicine #addiction #cannabisusedisorder #addictionpsychiatry #medical #doctor #medication #marijuana

  • Clearing the Smoke: What We Know About Cannabis for Mental Health Treatment

    Clearing the Smoke: What We Know About Cannabis for Mental Health Treatment

    Research into the therapeutic potential of cannabis for mental health disorders has grown in recent years, with mixed findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

    Anxiety Disorders

    • CBD (Cannabidiol) has shown promise in reducing anxiety symptoms in RCTs, particularly for social anxiety disorder (SAD). For instance, a small RCT found that a single dose of 300 mg of CBD reduced anxiety levels in participants undergoing a simulated public speaking test.
    • Some RCTs suggest that CBD may be anxiolytic without causing impairment or euphoria, making it preferable for anxiety compared to THC-dominant cannabis products, which may exacerbate anxiety in some users.

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    • RCTs exploring THC and CBD combinations in PTSD have had mixed outcomes. Some studies indicate that THC may reduce nightmares and improve sleep in PTSD patients, though these findings are generally based on small sample sizes and short-term trials.
    • A recent RCT with a synthetic cannabinoid (nabilone) reported some symptom improvement in PTSD-related insomnia and nightmares. However, larger trials with longer follow-ups are necessary to clarify the efficacy and safety for PTSD.

    Depression

    • Few RCTs show consistent evidence supporting cannabis (CBD or THC) as an effective treatment for major depressive disorder. Some trials indicate that CBD may have antidepressant-like effects, possibly due to serotonin receptor activity, but more robust and long-term studies are needed.
    • Concerns persist over THC’s potential to exacerbate depressive symptoms, particularly with regular or heavy use.

    Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders

    • THC-dominant products have been associated with increased risk of psychosis and exacerbation of symptoms in people predisposed to psychotic disorders. This has led to caution against THC use in people with schizophrenia.
    • CBD has shown promise as an adjunctive treatment in some RCTs, with findings suggesting that it may have antipsychotic effects without the psychoactive effects of THC. For example, an RCT found that CBD reduced psychotic symptoms and improved cognitive function when added to standard antipsychotic treatment, though the effects were modest.

    Bipolar Disorder

    • Evidence from RCTs on the use of cannabis in bipolar disorder is sparse and generally negative. Some trials indicate that THC may worsen manic and depressive symptoms in bipolar patients, and there is little to no support for cannabis as a treatment for bipolar depression.

    Sleep Disorders

    • Some RCTs have evaluated cannabinoids for sleep disturbances, with CBD showing potential for improving sleep quality. However, THC may reduce REM sleep, which could impact sleep architecture negatively over time.
    • For PTSD-related insomnia, cannabinoids like nabilone have shown some benefit, but the effects on sleep in general populations remain uncertain.

    Limitations

    • Sample Sizes and Duration: Many RCTs are small and short-term, limiting the generalizability and understanding of long-term effects.
    • Dosing and Formulations: Variability in cannabinoid content (THC vs. CBD), formulations (edibles, oils, vapes), and dosages across studies makes comparison challenging.
    • Side Effects: Both CBD and THC can have side effects, though THC’s psychoactive properties can lead to cognitive impairment, addiction potential, and negative impact on mood in some patients.

    While CBD shows some promise in anxiety, PTSD, and psychotic disorders, RCT evidence for other mental health conditions remains inconclusive or even negative, especially with THC. Further large-scale, long-term RCTs are needed to establish the efficacy and safety profile of cannabis-based treatments in mental health.

  • ADHD and Cannabis Use Disorder: Key Facts You Shouldn’t Ignore

    ADHD and Cannabis Use Disorder: Key Facts You Shouldn’t Ignore

    1. Prevalence and Patterns of Use

    People with ADHD have been shown to use cannabis at higher rates than those without ADHD. Studies indicate that adolescents and adults with ADHD are more likely to use cannabis, and they may start using it at a younger age. This may be due to self-medication attempts, as people with ADHD often report using cannabis to help with symptoms like impulsivity, anxiety, and sleep difficulties which seems like a bad idea to me but lets look at the reasons.

    2. Cannabis as a Self-Medication Attempt

    Some people with ADHD use cannabis in an attempt to self-manage their symptoms. Anecdotally, users report feeling more focused, relaxed, and less anxious, though the scientific evidence on cannabis’s effectiveness for ADHD symptom management is not robust. Studies show that while some ADHD symptoms like restlessness might feel alleviated short-term, long-term outcomes often do not show sustained benefit, and impairment can increase over time.

    3. Impact on ADHD Symptoms

    Research on cannabis’s effect on ADHD symptoms is mixed:

    • Impulsivity and Attention: Cannabis can impair attention, memory, and executive functioning, which are already areas of struggle for individuals with ADHD. Heavy cannabis use is associated with poorer performance on tasks measuring these cognitive domains.
    • Cognitive Function: Longitudinal studies have shown that chronic cannabis use can worsen cognitive functions over time, especially if use begins in adolescence. These cognitive impacts may compound ADHD-related deficits.
    • Motivation and Goal-Directed Behavior: Cannabis can affect motivation and goal-directed behavior, which can exacerbate some ADHD symptoms, particularly in individuals who already struggle with organization and task completion.

    4. ADHD as a Risk Factor for Cannabis Use Disorder

    Studies suggest that people with ADHD may be more prone to developing cannabis use disorder (CUD) compared to the general population. Traits like impulsivity and sensation-seeking, common in ADHD, may increase vulnerability to addiction. Additionally, the reinforcing effects of cannabis (e.g., reduction in perceived anxiety) may lead to increased use and dependency in those with ADHD.

    5. Genetic and Neurobiological Factors

    There is some evidence suggesting that the overlap between cannabis use and ADHD may have a genetic or neurobiological basis:

    • Genetic Overlap: Studies have found that genes linked to ADHD, particularly those affecting dopamine function, are also implicated in substance use disorders, including cannabis use disorder.
    • Endocannabinoid System: ADHD and cannabis use affect dopamine and endocannabinoid systems. Some research posits that dysregulation in these systems might underlie both the propensity for ADHD and substance use, but this remains an area for further research.

    6. Cannabis and Medication Interactions

    For those with ADHD taking stimulant medications, cannabis use can interfere with treatment. THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, can interact with medications like methylphenidate or amphetamine-based treatments, potentially reducing their effectiveness or exacerbating side effects like anxiety and heart palpitations.

    7. Longitudinal and Population Studies

    Long-term studies generally show that early and heavy cannabis use is associated with worse outcomes for individuals with ADHD. These include lower academic achievement, increased rates of unemployment, and higher incidences of mental health issues, especially when cannabis use starts in adolescence.

    Summary

    While some people with ADHD report short-term symptom relief with cannabis, research shows that heavy, frequent use tends to worsen cognitive deficits associated with ADHD over time. Additionally, ADHD may predispose individuals to higher rates of cannabis use and a greater risk of developing cannabis use disorder. While cannabis might seem beneficial for symptom relief in the short term, its long-term use is generally not supported as an effective management strategy for ADHD.