Cannabis Medical Dictionary Home

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2008 AT 04:08PM Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The virus is usually contracted through sexual contact, intravenous needle sharing, maternal transmission to newborns, or transfusion of contaminated blood products. AIDS is now considered the worst plague in human history. The United …

Addiction is generally defined as a physical or psychological dependence on a substance, especially alcohol or other drugs, with use of increasing amounts.[1] For the sake of clarification, physical addiction is covered separately from psychological dependence on this website. (See also the section titled Dependence.) Scientific research on cannabinoid compounds has not demonstrated a strong …

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a rapidly progressive neuromuscular disease that destroys both upper and lower motor neurons, ultimately causing death, typically from respiratory failure. The vast majority of ALS is acquired and occurs sporadically. There is not yet a known cure for ALS. ALS patients may present with any number of clinical symptoms, including weakness, …

Specific elements of marijuana can be good for the ageing brain by reducing inflammation and possibly stimulating the formation of new brain cells, according to Ohio State University researchers. The research suggests that the creation of a drug with certain properties similar to those in marijuana might help prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease. The exact …

Analgesia is the medical term for pain relief. Medical research emphasizes the need for increased treatment of chronic and incurable pain. New models of pain clarify understanding. We now know that injured tissue sprouts new nerve fibers with even greater sensitivity to pain, a condition known as hyperalgia. [1] This increased level of sensitivity to …

Anandamide is a natural neurotransmitter found in the brain that binds to the same neuroreceptors as do cannabinoids. [1] [2] Current research suggests that cannabinoids are very similar to anandamide, which regulates mood, memory, pain, movement, and appetite. [3] Although these recent findings are not thoroughly understood, it is clear that cannabis affects the brain …

Antibiotic Properties of cannabis extracts applied to the surface of an infected area have been reported in both historical and modern times. Cannabinoids can kill bacteria that have proven resistant to commonly used antibiotics. In one documented case a researcher inadvertently injured his thumb during a dissection. The penicillin resistant infection became so severe that …

Anxiety Attacks have been reported among some novice cannabis users and also among some Marinol recipients. Three primary causes are cited: A) Some clinical studies have relied on cannabis obtained “on the street” and consumed by persons having no prior experience with the illegal drug, generating a certain amount of anxiety, which seems appropriate, and …

Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint accompanied by pain and swelling. An estimated 97 million Americans suffer from severe arthritis[1] Relieving swelling and inflammation is one of the oldest recorded uses of cannabis. Modern science is currently exploring a newly discovered network of cannabinoid receptor sites located throughout the body. The new understandings of …

Asthma is the shortness of breath and wheezing caused by spasms of the bronchial tubes, overproduction of mucus, and swelling of the mucous membranes. Asthma kills more than 4,000 Americans each year.[1] Clinical research shows that THC acts as a bronchial dilator, clearing blocked air passageways and allowing free breathing.[2], [3] In one study, marijuana, …

Cancer is a broad term that refers to a wide range of cellular diseases typified by the abnormal development of a group of cells. Abnormal cells can eventually disable the host organ leading to severe health problems. Cancerous cells are continually created in the body, but natural regulatory defenses usually counteract the disorganized cellular development …

Many studies indicade that cannabinoids can inhibit tumor development Some of these studies are linked below Pancreatic Cancer Research Molecular Pharmacology Prostate Cancer via Pubmed Cannabinoids and Prostate Cancer Cannabis inhibits prostate cancer growth Lung Cancer and Cannabis Cannabis inhibits Lung Cancer growth http://www.nature.com/onc/journal/v27/n3/abs/1210641a.html http://www.pnas.org/content/95/14/8375.full.pdf+html http://www.molecular-cancer.com/content/9/1/196 http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/early/2006/05/25/jpet.106.105247 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20859676 http://mct.aacrjournals.org/content/10/1/90.abstract http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/308/3/838.abstract http://www.jneurosci.org/content/21/17/6475.abstract http://www.nature.com/bjc/journal/v95/n2/abs/6603236a.html http://kubby.com/Guzman-Cancer-nrc1188.pdf http://norml.org/pdf_files/NORML_Clinical_Applications_Gliomas.pdf http://norml.org/news/2010/06/24/pot-compounds-inhibit-oral-cancers-study-says http://norml.org/pdf_files/NORML_Cannabinoids_Cancer_Hope.pdf …

What is a cannabinoid? There are over 480 natural components found within the Cannabis sativa plant, of which 66 have been classified as “cannabinoids;” chemicals unique to the plant. The most well known and researched of these, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), is the substance primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. The effects of THC are …

Cardiovascular Effects on the heart and blood vessels are marked by a 20-50% increase in the heart rate and a mild decrease in blood pressure, though the documented effects of cannabis on fluid pressure are inconsistent. Pressure within the blood vessels appears to decrease mildly with continued use (mild hypotension), but some research has shown …

What are High CBD Strains Cannabis connoisseurs have long prized potency as one of the main factors that makes a particular strain more desirable than another. Potency has long been popular in an illicit market—when the local selection consisted of the offerings of one illegal dealer versus those of another, many consumers were looking to get more bang for …

Cerebral Effects of cannabis use, such as biochemical addiction and the potential for cerebral damage, have been studied at some length. Current advances have discredited earlier claims and offered new insights into natural cannabinoids found in the brain. Interference with dopamine production is the chemical basis of addiction in the use of alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, …

Chromosome Damage due to administration of cannabinoids has been studied at some length. There is great uncertainty as to the clinical significance of existing test tube studies. Whereas Nahas, a researcher long known for his negative interpretations of cannabinoid research, concluded that, “cannabinoids and marijuana may exert a weak mutagenic effect.” A less biased researcher …

Constipation of intestinal reflexes may be alleviated by the anti-emetic properties of cannabis and synthetic THC tablets. Relief of constipation was one of the original cannabis indications cited by Shen-Nung five thousand years ago. Virtually every historical medical reference since that time has included similar observations. In comparison, opiate narcotics commonly cause very severe constipation …

Contaminants contained in natural cannabis continue to pose a health threat to patients who must obtain their medicine from unscrupulous illicit markets. One popular fear is that illegal marijuana might be intentionally saturated with other illegal drugs. But that possibility is unlikely, because intentional contamination with other illegal substances would not be economically feasible for …

Crohn’s disease is a severe intestinal disorder typified by sluggish digestion that can lead to total failure of GI reflexes. Intestinal bleeding can occur, and in many cases large sections of the intestines are removed in later stages. While cortisone (a steroid) and other noxious drugs may provide symptomatic relief in short-term therapy, there is …

Delirium marked by memory impairment and disorientation has been observed in a few rare cases. These reports invariably originate in countries such as India where high-potency cannabis extracts are taken orally. Eating large quantities of high-potency marijuana, using concentrated cannabis called hashish, or taking multiple doses of synthetic delta-9 THC in tablet form is usually …

Dependence on marijuana by chronic, heavy users, or by persons predisposed to addictive behaviors is a potential development. Although psychological dependency can result in behaviors similar to those found in actual biochemical addiction, cannabis dependency rarely manifests in ways overtly harmful to the subject’s life or life-style. Psychological dependence on any mind-altering substance may be …

Depression diagnosis by American physicians doubled in the 1990s, from 11 million to more than 20.4 million cases, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association .[1] In 2000, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States with more than 28,000 deaths resulting. [2] Antidepressants such as Prozac now account for 45% of …

Diabetes is a condition wherein the body either produces inadequate amounts of insulin or fails to utilize available insulin properly. An estimated 1 million Americans suffer from Type 1 diabetes, which develops in childhood. Another 15 million suffer from Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes, which develops later in life .[1] Symptoms …

Digestive Disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, the effects of cancer chemotherapy treatment, AIDS wasting syndrome, intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ileitis and colitis, spastic bowel, and morning sickness due to pregnancy all have diverse causes, but include common symptoms such as severe nausea and constipation, which are generally relieved by the use of cannabis. The …

Dosing medical cannabis is one of the most controversial and mysterious aspects of this modern herbal medication. Although the medical use of cannabis has been approved in 12 states, marijuana remains illegal for all uses under US federal law. Due to the extensive laws surrounding the federal prohibition, doctors are limited to recommending marijuana when …

Dry Mouth is a common condition associated with inhalation of marijuana smoke, although researchers indicate that smoking methods are not the sole cause of this condition. Salivary flow is shown to be significantly decreased by oral administration of Marinol, synthetic THC in pill form.[1] Water or other liquid beverages bring instant relief. Related sections: Tear Ducts. [1] Mattes, …

Dystonia is a prolonged involuntary muscle spasm that can occur in any muscle of the body. Dystonic conditions are often neurological in origin, but may also be caused by typical antipsychotic medications such as Thorazine. Cannabinoids are reported to be beneficial in controlling many types of spastic disorders. Medical experts in both America and Great …

Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System from Norml.com Dustin Sulak, DOMaine Integrative Healthcare As you read this review of the scientific literature regarding the therapeutic effects of cannabis and cannabinoids, one thing will become quickly evident: cannabis has a profound influence on the human body. This one herb and its variety of therapeutic compounds seem to …

Epilepsy is a recurrent disorder of cerebral function characterized by sudden, brief attacks of altered consciousness, motor activity, or sensory phenomena. Epilepsy includes a broad range of seizure disorders caused by microscopic brain lesions occurring during birth or during traumatic head injury. Epileptics often lead normal lives that are sporadically interrupted by violent seizures. Epilepsy …

Fertility in both female and male humans is not significantly impaired by natural cannabis or isolated cannabinoid compounds. Animal studies have found that extremely high doses of synthetic THC can mildly inhibit ovulation and testosterone production, but that inhibition dissipated with continued administration. Some human studies show mild depression of hormone levels within normal basal …

Gateway theories are among the most prevalent anti-marijuana slogans. Prohibitionists contend that marijuana users graduate to stronger drugs. While it is true that the major portion of heroin users tired marijuana at some point in their life, it does not follow that every marijuana user will eventually become addicted to heroin. Surveys of narcotic abusers …

Glaucoma, the number two cause of blindness in the United States, is characterized by a dangerous increase of the fluid pressure within the eye. Glaucoma patient Robert Randall was the first person to ever receive federal approval for the use of cannabis after pioneering the medical necessity defense in Florida in 1976. [1] Although the …

Hepatitis is characterized by an inflammation of the liver that is caused by viral and toxic contaminants. Patients suffer painful enlargement of the liver and many other symptoms, including fever, chills, vomiting, severe jaundice, fatigue, and death. The deadly Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) accounts for 70% of all chronic hepatitis cases throughout the world. The …

Hypertension is the condition wherein a patient’s blood pressure is deemed to be higher than normal. Hypertension is a contributing factor in many illnesses. The internal pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries and veins, called blood pressure, fluctuates with the rise and fall of physical activity. Normal blood pressure rates …

Many civilizations throughout history have had a powerful dependence on hemp, mankind’s most durable fiber resource. While modern-day proponents of industrial hemp often distance these uses of the plant from the drug called marijuana, the two terms—hemp and marijuana—apply to different uses of the same plant species. A history of marijuana as medicine would be incomplete without …

Immune responses protect the body from disease through the development of various “defense cells,” such as antibodies, macrophages, and T cells. Research of the immunobiological effects of cannabis is widely contradictory. Biased researchers have often interpreted ambiguous evidence according to preconceived theories.[1] Test-tube studies finding cellular suppression of immune responses have been flawed by their …

Incarceration is the only well-proven health hazard associated with cannabis use. American jails are now overflowing with an estimated 1.7 million inmates, the largest per capita prison population in the world. Wore than 60% of those prisoners are drug offenders, many with little or no previous criminal history. Murderers and rapist frequently serve a fraction …

Insomnia, or chronic sleeplessness, is effectively treated with marijuana, and clinical research has verified the usefulness of marijuana in some cases. One study determined that CBD, rather than delta-9 THC, helped some insomniacs sleep better. Human studies show that cannabinoid-induced sleep does not differ much from sleep induced by conventional hypnotics. [i] In contrast to one of …

Intestinal Cramps due to many different disorders are sometimes alleviated with the use of medicinal marijuana, which sometimes relaxes tense muscles throughout the body and especially in the intestinal tract. Related sections: Digestive Disorders.

Intractable hiccups are a severe complication for some AIDS patients, especially in cases of esophageal candidiasis and other esophageal diseases. In 1998, the prestigious British medical journal Lancet published a report by physicians Gilson and Busalacci documenting the case of an AIDS patient who underwent minor surgery that apparently triggered a severe bout of uncontrollable hiccups. The …

Marinol is the brand name for dronabinol, the legally prescribable synthetic THC pill. In 1999, the DEA, FDA and NIDA allowed Marinol to be re-classified from Schedule II to Schedule III. According to the drug manufacturer, “the decision for rescheduling was greatly influenced by the findings done by the Haight Ashbury Free Clinics, which concluded …

Meniere’s Syndrome is a recurrent and usually progressive group of symptoms including deafness, ringing in the ears, and a sensation of pressure in the ears. Nausea and vertigo are reported in severe cases. The cause of this debilitating illness remains unknown, and there are no effective therapies. Cannabis has been used for long-term symptomatic treatment …

Mental Illness, such as major depression and bipolar disorder, can be treated effectively with cannabis in many cases.[1] [2]  Some researchers have attempted to link mental illness to marijuana use, but there is no clinical evidence that cannabis use directly precipitates mental illness in general, or any specific mental disorder. However, it is reasonable to assume cannabis …

Migraine Headaches are severe, debilitating attacks of localize cranial pain often accompanied by distorted vision and gastrointestinal disturbance. Patients may be completely incapacitated for 12  hours or more in a severe attack.  Complete sedation is sometimes required to relieve the excruciating pain.  Although the condition is little understood, migraines are thought to be cause by dilation …

Mortality due to cannabis is nonexistent. Despite political assertions that marijuana is a dangerous drug, there are no cases of death directly caused by cannabis use in the entire history of human civilization. That stunning fact is further elucidated by current studies.             In 1997, the National Drug and Alcohol Research Center in Australia announced that …

Multiple Sclerosis is a progressively degenerative nerve disease that slowly cripples its victims and ultimately leads to death in many cases. The cause of MS remains a mystery, though some theorize that its prevalence in the Pacific Northwest indicates a correlation between MS and a lack of natural sunlight during childhood development.  There is no specific therapy …

Muscle Spasms—sudden, involuntary movements or convulsive muscular contractions—may affect many areas of the body and may be caused by numerous diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and other forms of sclerosis (hardening of tissue or the nervous system), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), cerebral palsy, atopic neurodermititis (chronic hardening of the skin), paraplegia, quadriplegia, cranial …

Neuralgia is a broad term for nerve injuries characterized by sharp pain or other neural symptoms such as convulsive tics and tic dolourex. Spinal injury is one common cause of severe and crippling neuralgia.[i] Cranial nerve damage can also create crippling neuralgic symptoms.[ii] Most forms of neuralgia are usually found to be partially relieved by the use …

Neurodermitis (atopic) is a severe skin disease that is both debilitating and potentially life threatening. There is no cure for the disease. Prescribed therapies are aimed at relieving the irritation of progressively hardening skin tissue. Atopic neurodermitis is on of the conditions relieved by cannabis medications in testimony put before DEA Administrative Law Judge Francis …

Night Sweats affect many people undergoing cancer therapies and may be a side-effect of many types of medications. The use of narcotics can also cause heavy perspiration in some patients. Persistent night sweats interfere with sleep patterns and may adversely affect a patient’s quality of life as well as performance of their immune functions. A …

Nutrition is a subject apart from medical research on the therapeutic effects of cannabis compounds. However, as some patients ingest whole marijuana in brownies or other foods, it bears noting that cannabis seeds are highly nutritious. Essential in fatty acids, B vitamins, and complete proteins found in hemp seeds have served as mankind’s oldest renewable …

Obstetrics, the care of women in childbirth, includes one of the oldest and most well-known medical applications of cannabis. Pregnancy is frequently marked by nausea and vomiting, commonly called “morning sickness.” Marijuana is famous for its anti-nausea and appetite stimulating properties. Increased food consumption is generally thought to provide greater health for both mother and …

Osteoporosis is a degenerative skeletal disease characterized by a deterioration of bone tissue. Patients with osteoporosis are at risk for suffering multiple fractures and other serious disabilities. Approximately 10 million Americans over age 50 suffer from osteoporosis, according to the US Surgeon General’s office, and another 34 million are at risk for developing the disease. …

Paranoia Attacks have been reported clinically and by a small percentage of casual users. A person predisposed to paranoid thinking may be adversely antagonized by the psychoactive properties of cannabis, however, the legal status of the drug is probably he most pervasive factor in development of marijuana-induced paranoia. With the exception of realistic concern for …

The present study was conducted in order to quantify to what extent cannabis consumers may be exposed to pesticide and other chemical residues through inhaled mainstream cannabis smoke. Three different smoking devices were evaluated in order to provide a generalized data set representative of pesticide exposures possible for medical cannabis users. Three different pesticides, bifenthrin, diazinon, and permethrin, along with the plant …

Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, refers to the irritability, emotional tension, anxiety, depression, headaches, and physical discomfort that often occurs several days before the onset of menstruation. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabis use may reduce pain in severe cases of PMS. Menstrual cramps and other symptoms of severe physical discomfort often associated with menstruation have been …

“Pruritus [itching] is caused by a complex process, involving different neurotransmitters, the hormonal system, blood vessels of the skin, psyche, and other systems. Some aspects of this process seem to be influenced by THC and might explain positive effects reported by a number of patients. The immunodulatory action of THC suggests an antiallergic effect.” –Grotenhermen, …

Psychoactivity refers to the mental effects of some medications. Subjective experiences of being “high” on marijuana may seem as varied as the persons who report them, yet there are some commonalities. Typically, the psychoactivity of cannabis is unobtrusive; first-time users frequently fail to notice any difference in their perceptions. With repeated use, the psychoactive effects …

Psychomotor Skills of persons under the influence of cannabis, in particular, the psychomotor skills required to operate a motor vehicle, have been studied more thoroughly than most of the potential medical benefits known to science. As Harvard Professor Lester Grinspoon has pointed out, the government’s continuous attempts to determine the dangers of marijuana impairment have …