"Dronabinol, a synthetic form of the cannabis compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), shows efficacy in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, possibly representing a first pharmacologic approach to the tough-to-treat, but potentially serious, condition." Summary here. Full study originally published in the January 2018 issue of Sleep.
Research: Pharmacological management of chronic neuropathic pain, Canadian Pain Society
The Canadian Pain Society has advanced cannabinoid therapy from a fourth-line (2007) to the third-line (2014) recommendation, citing the following evidence:
- Since 2006, seven high quality studies investigated cannabinoid therapy in neuropathic pain, and all but one of these studies had positive results.
- Mucosal spray of 50/50 mixture of THC/CBD provided significant pain relief for patients with multiple sclerosis.
- One trial found that nabilone was effective for pain relief in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy, with improved sleep and overall quality of life.
- There is increasing evidence of the benefits of cannabinoid therapy in managing neuropathic pain: overall NNT of 3.4.
Research: Smoked cannabis for chronic neuropathic pain, Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ)
This peer reviewed 2010 study supports the claim that smoked cannabis reduces pain, improves mood and helps sleep.
WHO report finds no public health risks or abuse potential for CBD: Forbes
A 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) report has found no adverse health outcomes but rather several medical applications for cannabidiol, a.k.a. CBD, despite U.S. federal policy on this cannabinoid chemical. Read full article.
Research: Cannabidiol (CBD) Pre-Review Report, World Health Organization (Nov 2017)
Recent World Health Organization report finds that the main ingredient in medical cannabis is non-addictive and non-toxic.
Can marijuana ease the opioid epidemic? Pew Charitable Trust
- A recent PEW Charitable Trust article explores the relationship between medical marijuana and opioid reduction in New York State. Read full article.
Research: State medical marijuana laws linked to lower prescription overdose deaths, Johns Hopkins University (2014)
- A 2014 study from researchers at Johns Hopkins University finds that U.S. states with medical marijuana laws have 25% fewer opioid deaths when compared with states that do not have medical marijuana laws.
Research: Cannabinoids used in sequence with chemotherapy are a more effective treatment for cancer, International Journal of Oncology (May 2017)
- A 2017 study on cells from researchers at St. George’s University in London and published in the International Journal of Oncology suggests that using cannabinoids alongside chemotherapy may be a more effective treatment for killing cancer cells than using chemotherapy alone. Furthermore, this research suggests that using cannabinoids alongside chemotherapy could achieve the same anticancer effect with a lower dose of chemotherapy. Summary here.