cannabisnews.com: Drug Could Block Cannabis High
Drug Could Block Cannabis High
Posted by FoM on April 13, 2001 at 21:48:53 PT
Psychoactive effects of cannabis could be blocked
Source: BBC News
Scientists have found a way to stop cannabis users feeling the key mood changes associated with the drug. Medication produced from this chemical could help relieve any psychological dependence felt by cannabis users trying to stop taking it, the researchers say. Cannabis works by releasing chemicals which can bind to "receptor sites" in the brain, in turn leading to the release of mood-altering chemicals within the organ.
These "cannabinoid receptors" are densely packed in the regions of the brain concerned with learning and memory, attention and control of movement. Dr Marilyn Huestis at the National Institute on Drug Abuse in Baltimore, tested the effects of a chemical developed to block these receptor sites, preventing the cannabinoids from reaching their target. Volunteers were either given the "blocking" chemical, or a dud placebo, and then smoked one marijuana cigarette. Those who had taken the blocking formula showed significantly reduced marijuana effects. Increasing doses of the chemical appeared to have an increasing effect on the sensation associated with cannabis. Other physical effects of cannabis were reduced. Volunteers given the highest dose of the chemical had an increase in heart rate, but only 59% of what might be expected if cannabis alone had been taken. Dr Alan Leshner, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, said: "This research helps point the way toward possible treatment for those addicted to marijuana and perhaps may be useful in finding effective treatments for other disorders related to the cannabinoid system." Controversial theories: The long-term effects of cannabis on the body are still a matter of controversy. While researchers at the NIDA have released studies which they say point to the possibility of physical addiction to the drug, other scientists say that this is impossible. A spokesman for the UK advice group Drugscope said a degree of psychological addiction was present in some users, but no more than this. He said: "Some users find that they rely on cannabis to get them through the day, but there is no physical dependency to the drug. "If this chemical helps release them from this psychological bond, then it might be of some use." Medications already exist to help wean addicts off drugs such as heroin by making them feel desperately ill should they take the drug while the medicine is in their body. Some users find that they rely on cannabis to get them through the day, but there is no physical dependency to the drug. -- Spokesman, DrugscopeNote: The psychoactive effects of cannabis could be blocked.Source: BBC News (UK Web)Published: Friday, 13 April, 2001Copyright: 2001 BBCWebsite: http://news.bbc.co.uk/Feedback: http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/talking_point/Related Articles:Scientists Find Way To Block Effects of Marijuana http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9350.shtmlMedication Can Reduce Effects of Smoked Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9349.shtml
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Comment #19 posted by Dankhank on April 15, 2001 at 19:03:39 PT:
sure ............
http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread9337.shtmlMarijuana-Like Substance in Brain Trigger Appetitehttp://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread9338.shtmlStraight Dope on the Munchies try these, Frustrated, and peace to you and all here ..
HEMP n STUFF
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Comment #18 posted by Frustrated on April 15, 2001 at 10:15:14 PT
"natural" cannabanoids in the brain
I read an article in my regional newspaper on GOOD Friday or saturday that discussed the discovery of "endocannabinoids" in the human brain. The effect that marijuana produces to give one the munchies is---SURPRISE---part of a natural process in the brain [according to this article]where receptor sites in the brain use a similar chemical as the compunds in cannabis to stimulate/control appetite. I am no doctor, and i apologize for not explaining this natural process well, but i question the wisdom of reducing/blocking the effects of cannabis. would this disrupt the already existing natural system/chemicals in the brain? in other words, if you are given chemicals to block the effect of cannabis, how will this affect your appetite {and god knows what else?] perhaps a LOT MORE STUDY is needed first before people jump to "quick fixes" for "drug dependency". sorry also that i cannot remember which newspaper i read this article in...i read 4 a day at least, so i sometimes get confused on where i read what article. but it was interesting food for thought, especially after reading THIS article!!enough mind control already---if we wish to do this to ourselves [and we like it] that's our own d*mn business.Leave us alone "Uncle Sam"!!!!!!FRUSTRATED (w/ our gov't)
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Comment #17 posted by WeeZ L on April 15, 2001 at 00:17:22 PT:
Nothing wrong with the gear
Well i feel that there is nothing wrong with the stuff. I smoke it sometimes but i have it for the pain lifting effects. I have to get a knee reconstruction and it helps alot to take the pain away. Once they crack down on the lightest drug is it possiable that everyone that smokes it will go for the harder drugs?Imean smoking 1 smoke is worse than haveing 2 jointsSMOKE ON AND ENJOY
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Comment #16 posted by freedom fighter on April 15, 2001 at 00:12:02 PT
friends or foes
happy easterTolerance begin with each of usAnd it starts with me.I love you people..Peace on earth\/ff
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Comment #15 posted by zion on April 14, 2001 at 21:40:08 PT
Nice Testimony, GCW!
Thanks for sharing your Easter thoughts! I agree, whole-heartedly. Easter is all about Jesus, the Son of God, who took the sins of mankind upon himself and died so that we could be made clean in the eyes of our Holy Father. I thank Jesus for giving me the greatest gift, eternal salvation, and I give praises to the Christ the Lord, to Jah His Father, and to the Holy Spirit of Truth.Cannabis is a vehicle that facilitates the Holy Spirit. I have found that Holy Spirit often points out sin in my life when cannabis is used. How could such use be contrary to God?I do not think that Jesus "inhaled", but neither do I believe that he condemns its use. It all depends on what your motivations are. If one elevates herb to replace God, then that is idol-worship and gluttony. If one uses herb in moderation and is receptive to the Holy Spirit, then how can such use be anything other than glorifying God?Happy Easter, Cannabisnews. Jesus is Risen!-z
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Comment #14 posted by MikeEEEEE on April 14, 2001 at 20:01:49 PT
Emotional?
Anything that relaxes the mind should have a gr8 effect on the emotional problems modern society has to offer. We're lucky that God/nature has gaven us herbs to sometimes cope.
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Comment #13 posted by The GCW on April 14, 2001 at 16:44:35 PT
to superstoner
Is there any research that shows that it is a fact to help bi-polar, drepression, adhd.Do patients use marijuana as an antidepressant? http://cannabis.net/antidep.htm
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Comment #12 posted by superstoner on April 14, 2001 at 14:42:06 PT
does it help adhd
i feel like cannabis does some good for my mental inbalance but is there any research that shows that it is a fact to help bi-polar, drepression, adhd.ive been tested for all and was told that i have adhd and depression.I dont feel depressed,,, when i smoke a bong.Pot Smokers are peaceful, cops are violent... look at all the cops in my town... cincinnati is in a uproar over it. aint ever seen a riot cause of people smokein pot!MAy the bong be with youSuperStoner
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Comment #11 posted by The GCW on April 14, 2001 at 09:26:08 PT
God-Jesus Christ-The Holy Spirit of Truth!
Through Jesus Christ we get to God. Through the promise of God we can further get the Holy Spirit of Truth. It is like a map, in that we are told that to get to the father that is the way!When we accept God, the Holy Spirit of Truth, & Jesus Christ we can have a personal relationship with God. When we add cannbis with thanksgiving and receive it w/blessings through God, that becomes a BRAINSTORM, LIKE A COMPUTER W/O WIRES, yet may be interpretted as short term memmory loss to those who may have a bad habit of looking at cups and seeing them as half empty. This cup is half full and perhaps it is in fact overflowing w/blessings from God just waiting for us to accept them. I accept them, and Thank God for them. The greatest Blessing God gave to life as we know it is Jesus Christ who died for us and through that occurance gave us THE HOLY SPIRIT OF TRUTH. That is where it spicifically comes from. It is told to us in John 14 and on into 15 I think... I testify that what is said there is WAY GOD AWESOME AND TRUE. That is what we are about to come to... that day when we acknowlede the begining of the indwelling Holy Spirit. May we let God cuddle and comfort us, accepting the Holy Spirit of Truth.
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on April 14, 2001 at 08:09:21 PT
Just a Note
Hi Everyone, Since this is Easter weekend the news will be exceptional slow. I will post news when I find some that is important to post. I'll take this time to get a few things done that I haven't had time to do. I hope everyone has a nice weekend. I have personal obligations too that will take me away for awhile in the next few days but I sure won't neglect Cannabis News.Have a safe and happy holiday! PS: I have received so much email it is impossible for me to respond to each question. I hope people ask questions here because they will stand a much better chance to be answered since I can only get so much done in a day! Thank You everyone for making Cannabis News a nice informative forum to visit!
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Comment #9 posted by Cuzn Buzz on April 14, 2001 at 08:01:16 PT:
THAT'S SICK!
Take the high away from smoking weed?That is one of the sickest things I've heard.Next they'll try to take the scent from flowers, the buzz from bees, and the hot air from politicians.
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Comment #8 posted by Juan Costo on April 14, 2001 at 07:09:50 PT
Fairly balanced coverage
It will be interesting to see if U.S. media pick up on the story -- and if they will provide for opposing views.
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Comment #7 posted by Ethan Russo, MD on April 14, 2001 at 05:50:03 PT:
Cannabis Dependency
CME raises a good point. Please see Marijuana Myths, Marijuana Facts, and "Cannabis: A Breed Apart" in my own Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs. True cannabis dependency is likely very rare.
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Comment #6 posted by The GCW on April 14, 2001 at 05:47:49 PT
for Jeaneous and SWAMPIE
Control it? There is a move to control the seed. Remember when we use to get herb w/ seeds? Now we are all looking for herb w/o seed. It is getting harder to get seed. Seed is worth money. There is special seeds that we will perhaps see get protection rights so you can not obtain seed w/o paying big. We have discounted the seed and there are people on the fringe ready to capitalize on that aspect.Jesus inhale? Many years ago there were alters. They were everywhere and they had fire. They were used for incense, in churches and homes etc. The Herb was used as written and it was inhaled. If there were alters w/ fire in the churches, the only one to not inhale would have been those who did not go into the church etc. Jesus it would seem inhaled. Helps put into perspective Clinton who says he did not inhale. My alter has fire!
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Comment #5 posted by CannabisMythsExposed on April 14, 2001 at 05:26:56 PT
Psychological Dependancy
How many of those deemed "psychologically dependent" are in actual fact medical cannabis patients treating depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety, insomnia and other mood disorders, possibly even unwittingly?Would someone with a Prozac prescription be labeled "psychologically dependent" on mood altering drugs?I'm not happy with this concept of psychological dependance, it seems to ignore the uses of cannabis in mood disorders.Perhaps the good Dr Russo might have some comments on this?
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Comment #4 posted by SWAMPIE on April 13, 2001 at 23:51:50 PT
i agree
that they should be able to isolate the properties of this wonderful herb for certain uses,but I am also a fan of the euphoria that it produces. Sometimes,though,I don't want the buzz,and it would be nice to have the pain-relieving qualities anytime I needed to.I can't take a nap all day!! Those antidepressants are NASTY!!! I love to come home to a cold brew and a little toke.Not every day,but I love it for the sore body,as well as for the buzz;sometimezzzzzzz.......That alone ,the use for relaxation,if you use it responsibly,should be fair grounds to legalize!!!!Not in your car:how many of us have done that?????:home-use is another story.OPEN THE DOOR,IT'S THE POLICE!!!!!! "ONE LID OR TWO???"........BY THE WAY,SINCE THIS EASTER,DID "JESUS DO THE EVIL HERB?"JUST ASKING...PEACE.............SWAMPIE
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Comment #3 posted by Jeaneous on April 13, 2001 at 22:36:08 PT:
Their Way
Since they are finding that there are valid medical uses, now their objective is to control it .... then of course be able to market separate parts of the plant in synthetic form. They gotta get some bucks out of it since is and will be prescribed.
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on April 13, 2001 at 22:34:10 PT
I Agree
GCW I didn't know what you intitials stood for and now I do. I agree with your comment. If you give up the nice relaxed feeling that Cannabis gives a person what a sad world this would be for many people. There would be a surge on anti-depressant drugs and like all man made drugs they can be toxic and unpredictable.
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Comment #1 posted by The GCW on April 13, 2001 at 22:13:02 PT
What if...?
What if I do not want to eliminate the europhoricness of the God given herb, And I wish to accept it the way God perfected it?The Green Collar Worker.
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