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Paternal THC exposure in rats causes long-lasting neurobehavioral effects in the offspring In Summary A recent study has exposed the negative effects of paternal exposure to ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on attentional capabilities of offspring. The data provides evidence that a moderate dose of THC modulates the methylation of sperm in rats which was found to have long-term effects on offspring during the operant attention task. THC exposure did not affect the clinical health of the litter, the number of offspring, sex ratio, birth weight, survival rates, or growth although there was a reported increase in habituation of locomotor activity in adult offspring. As the study provides evidence that paternal exposure to THC can cause deleterious behavioral effects in the offspring this study should be repeated in humans or males who self-report cannabis use and conceive a child should be observed for the health of the next generation. The effect of prenatal exposure to cannabis on birth rates, birth outcomes, and the health of the mother is rather uncertain. Studies focussing on cannabis use during pregnancy are limited and what little has been reported is inconsistent. The featured article now brings to light that both parents may need to be cautious when attempting to conceive or when having unprotected sex as cannabis may affect both germ cells. Currently, governing bodies of obstetricians advise that pregnant mothers cease any cannabis use so if someone who needs cannabis for a medical purpose that improves their quality of life becomes pregnant they need to seek out alternative methods of treatment. Research is needed so that pregnant women can safely continue their medication or so that alternatives can be found so that women do not need to suffer for the duration of their pregnancy and possible breastfeeding period. The study is available for review or download here: View more studies like this in the CED Foundation Archive: http://bit.ly/drcaplan
Correlation of Breath and Blood Δ9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol Concentrations and Release Kinetics Following Controlled Administration of Smoked Cannabis In Summary A recent study has found a method to determine acute ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) intoxication by analyzing THC concentration in exhaled breath. The more common method of analyzing blood concentration of THC or urinalysis is unable to determine whether THC consumption is acute or chronic as concentrations in blood and urine matrices can remain high long after consumption. By standardizing a method to analyze acute intoxication researchers will be able to determine a legal limit of intoxication for driving or other activities, police officers will be able to better regulate driving under the influence, and hospitals will be able to better treat those who come in with intoxication symptoms. This research highlights the importance of standardizing cannabis-induced intoxication levels. People often drive under the influence of alcohol and are frequently the cause of accidents, but have been legally determined to drive as long as their blood-alcohol level is under 0.08. As cannabis is still under-researched and not recognized as a medically beneficial substance by the federal government the standardization of cannabis-intoxication levels has not been formed. As medical marijuana continues to be legalized at state levels local government should take care to implement methods to judge acute intoxication to better protect citizens and allow patients who need to consume cannabis to live their lives as normally as possible. The study is available for review or download here: View more studies like this in the CED Foundation Archive: http://bit.ly/drcaplan
By Lilly Bertone Before we dive deeply into the different terpenes and cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, it’s important to first talk about The Entourage Effect. Along with THC, the cannabis plant produces over 400 different chemical compounds that include dozens of other cannabinoids like CBD and CBN, and hundreds terpenes like pinene, linalool and myrcene. When the compounds are applied together (whether it’s through smoking, vaping or especially transdermal applications), they work to provide unique effects and benefits.  Think of it like The Beatles. There is no doubt that John, Ringo, George and Paul have had successful solo careers. But they were never as good as when they were creating music together. That’s the entourage effect! Photo from johnstoskopf.blogspot.co.uk The entourage effect is a good reminder for patients not to focus on one specific cannabinoid or terpene for their relief. In a 2011 study titled “Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects”, Dr. Ethan Russo studied the benefits of common cannabis compounds. This study confirmed the widely known fact that CBD helps buffer the anxiety and paranoia that can come with consuming THC.  Another exciting discovery was that while pure CBG can powerfully inhibit MRSA bacteria, when it is combined with the terpene pinene (also known for being effective against antibiotic resistant bacterial strains) further enhanced it’s antibiotic effects thanks to the increased permeability that terpenes provide. One of the other noted combinations was CBN with THC acting as a more effective sedative than when either was used alone. In the cannabis market today, you see that data reflected in tinctures and vape pens with the high CBN to THC ratios being featured as a potential aid for sleep. While it’s still considered a theory, it’s promising to see more studies being done to confirm what consumers seem to have known for ages.
 We all love spending time with our furry friends, and these days, more and more people are interested in cannabis -- but when it comes to smoking cannabis, we should make sure to keep our distance?
Our pets are sensitive to THC. THC toxicity can cause depression, ataxia, vomiting, and urinary accidents, as well as tremors and slow heart rates. For some pets, THC toxicity can instead cause agitation and high heart rates. So it’s best for them to avoid the second-hand smoke that comes from human cannabis smoke. If you are going to light up, and you want to avoid accidental effects for your pet, please make sure that you smoke in a different room or outside your house! When we smoke cannabis, the temperature of the combustion process creates tar as a byproduct. Many tiny tar droplets easily become scattered around in the smoking environment, including on clothes, on the couch, and in areas where pets may be tasting or eating. The amount of THC from the tar is usually minuscule though, so it is unlikely that one session risks immediate intoxication for your pet, but depending on the exposure the pet has, and how often, the risk may build up to a meaningful exposure that could be concerning. Nevertheless, the health risks are currently unknown. So should we be smoking around pets? The answer is “no, probably not” but of course, there are many alternatives to smoking that are safer. A great (and healthier!) alternative is vaporizing cannabis instead of smoking it. With vaporization, or “vaping” there is no tar or second-hand smoke involved, due to the absence of combustion. Instead, specific temperatures are used to heat the cannabis in precise ways, eliciting a much more controlled mist of product, not any tar products. Consuming edibles is another option, as long as they are kept out of reach from interested animals. CBD is also safe around pets. More and more, studies are showing that it seems to be free of toxic components that would intoxicate or pose unwanted risk to animals. |
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