So the grand total of days without cannabis is looking to be about a week thus far. I'm not entirely sure of the last time I turned on my vaporizer but I can assure you it's been a while, I know for sure I haven't had access to any since I started this blog which was a week ago.
So first impressions - my back hurts immensely. It seems to be getting worse every day. I'm also beginning to feel a lot of muscle pain around my chest that I haven't noticed before, it's also getting worse each day. I'm hoping the pain hits a peak sometime soon or I'm not sure how long this study of mine is going to be able to go for. Next up is I'm noticing I'm wheezing and generally coughing a lot more. I haven't been able to clear up nearly as much mucous as before, and it's definitely starting to affect me after a week. I've also been having a really rough time laying down a concrete sleep schedule. One night I wont be able to sleep at all, then the next I'll sleep for 15 hours, then the next day I'll sleep on and off for a half-hour at a time throughout the day; You get the idea. The lack of a sleep schedule in turn has thrown me for a loop, I've noticed a drop in concentration levels- I get distracted really easily and it's hard to do anything productive without zoning out or getting my thoughts in a mess. As for what I thought would be the main factor, my weight, it hasn't really moved much at all- although I think that may be mostly because I just received my shipment of meal supplement drinks in the mail about 3-4 days ago and I've been trying to knock those back pretty regularly.
I'm not feeling too up to writing much more today; I'm sore, tired, and just not really in the mood to blog. But I'll make sure to keep you posted on how this goes, and if I do end up caving in the end.
Breathe easy,
-Ryan
12.05.2009
12.01.2009
Lack of Research Material
I do think I may need to take this in a different direction though - I'm going to start a study of my own. Obviously it wont be as scientifically anchored as a microbiologist's research, but I'll do my best with what I have to contribute. What I plan to do, is over the course of the next month I will refrain from using any cannabis. I will record a variety of variables such as my weight, appetite, general health, and cough productivity. After the month is up, given I am able, I will continue my use of the vaporizer and note any changes over the following month. Now the only thing that may pose a problem here is I'll be moving into a shared home on January 1st. I still am unsure what my new roommate's views would be, pertaining to this experiment. But don't worry, I'll find a way no matter what the case - I'm a pretty persistent guy. Worst case, I'll just cook up edible brownies and cookies every weekend and make enough to last the week. They'll be none the wiser, hopefully.
So I'll make sure to keep you updated on my health status; Lets hope my weight doesn't drop too low. Let me know if you have any ideas for future posts, I'd love some input. Also on a side note, how's everyone liking my photoshop attempts at making this blog less bland? I'm no professional, but I think I'm doing an alright job if I do say so myself.
Breathe easy,
-Ryan
11.30.2009
Cannabinoids and Cystic Fibrosis: A Novel Approach to Etiology and Therapy
I finished the research paper, I wasn't able to get access to the full paper but quite a few key pages that made a great read. I have a much more thorough idea of how cannabis, more specifically cannabinoids, affect the body and how this in turn would greatly help alleviate the symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis and give me and others a better quality of life.
Here are a few key sections from the paper, which can be accessed by clicking my post title. I have highlighted main points with green text, for those looking for a quick overview.
Cannabinoids and Cystic Fibrosis:
A Novel Approach to Etiology and Therapy
Ester Fride
"Pulmonary dysfunction has long been considered the
primary cause for morbidity and mortality in CF (Pilewski and Frizell
1999), with malnutrition appearing as a compounding detrimental factor
(Borowitz 1996). More recently however, malnutrition is being recognized
as playing a primary role in disease progression (Borowitz
1996; Schoni and Casaulta-Aebischer 2000) possibly even being responsible
for lung pathology and infections (Yu et al., 2000).
(...)
Fatty Acid Balance
A fatty acid imbalance is observed in CF patients, including elevated
levels of arachidonic acid and reduced levels of DHA. (...) the low DHA levels
have been shown to play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis in the organs
affected by the CF disease: lungs, pancreas and ileum (Freedman et al. 1999).
Thus, further decreasing DHA levels in cftr-/- mice worsened pathological
manifestations, while elevating DHA levels by oral supplementation corrected
the lipid imbalance and reversed the pathology of the affected organs."
**This is where it gets interesting**
"Is it possible that the synthesis of endocannabinoids, being fatty acid
derivatives, is also modulated by CFTR proteins? There are a number of
striking parallels between the clinical manifestations of CF and the domains
of cannabinoid and endocannabinoid influence, including lack of
appetite, nausea, diarrhea, and lung disease. Low endocannabinoid levels
could explain the appearance of these symptoms. However, even in
the absence of a causative role, it is proposed here that by stimulating
the cannabinoid system, some of the CF pathology symptoms may be
alleviated."
(...)
Antiemetic Effects
Vomiting induced by coughing (Blecker et al. 2000) often exacerbates
the development of malnutrition in cystic fibrosis. Antiemetic
benefits of THC have been demonstrated in its effective relief of chemotherapy-
induced nausea and vomiting (Mechoulam et al., 1998b;
Abrahamov et al. 1995). Therefore the antiemetic potential of cannabinoids
would be expected to contribute to appetite enhancement induced
by cannabinoids in CF patients.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea appears in CF as a result of inadequate digestion due to pancreatic
insufficiency (Rolles 1998). Cannabinoids inhibit intestinal motility
via local CB1 (Colombo et al. 1998; Tyler et al. 2000) and/or via
CB2 (Fride 1995; Hanus et al. 1999) receptors. Therefore administration
of cannabinoids to CF patients may counteract diarrhea and thereby
help prevent loss of nutrients.
Inflammation
Most destruction of lung tissue in CF is now thought to be secondary
to a very aggressive neutrophilic inflammatory response (Konstan &
Berger 1997; Wagener et al. 1997). This ultimately leads to respiratory
failure. The antiinflammatory potential of cannabinoids is well documented
(Klein et al. 2000; Straus 2001) and is thought to occur by interference
with the arachidonic acid-eicosanoid synthetic pathways
(McPartland 2001). We have demonstrated in a mouse model of arachidonic
acid-induced ear inflammation that cannabinoids and endocannabinoids
are effective antiinflammatory agents acting via CB
receptors (Hanus et al. 1999; Fride et al. unpublished observations).
Since cannabinoid receptors are present in lungs (Calignano et al.
2000), THC may be of additional benefit for CF patients, by reducing
inflammatory processes in the lungs.
Lungs
It has been demonstrated recently that bronchodilating and cough-reducing
activity of endocannabinoids in irritated lungs are mediated by
local CB1 receptors (Calignano et al. 2000). Therefore cannabinoids
may also benefit CF patients by their bronchodilating and cough suppressing
effects.
Pain
CF patients suffer pain from a variety of sources (Ravilly et al. 1996)
including abdominal pain related to steatorrhea and malabsorption
(Zeltzer et al. 1996), chest pain due to impacted sputum, pleuritic involvement
with lung inflammation and infection, or chest wall pain
associated with developing kyphoscoliosis and decreased chest wall
mobility (Massie et al. 1998). Pain may also occur from gall bladder or
kidney stones or from osteoporosis (Haworth et al. 1999; Lambert
2000; Ravilly et al. 1996). Cannabinoids are analgesics effective in a
variety of conditions (Mechoulam et al. 1998b; Martin and Lichtman
1998), acting via cannabinoid receptors within as well as outside the
brain and spinal cord and suppressing both acute and chronic pain
(Pertwee 2001).
(...)
CONCLUSIONS
In this paper a novel therapeutic target for cannabis is proposed,
based on recent developments in research on cannabis on one hand, and
on research on cystic fibrosis on the other. Recent findings suggest that
the primary factors in the pathogenesis of CF includes fatty acid imbalance,
possibly leading to such major manifestations of CF as chronic
inflammation of the lungs and pancreatic disease (Greener 2000; Freedman
et al. 1999). In the final stages of the disease malnutrition accompanied
by a lack of appetite is frequently seen (Anthony et al. 1999;
Schoni and Casaulta-Aebischer 2000). Additional symptoms of the disease
may include pain due to a variety of sources (Ravilly et al. 1996),
diarrhea (Rolles 1998) and nausea (Blecker et al. 2000).
Intriguingly, the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids include the potential
to counteract each of these conditions. Thus appetite enhancement
(Beal et al. 1997) and a critical role in food ingestion (Fride et al.
2001), analgesic, antiemetic, antiinflammatory, inhibition of intestinal
motility and bronchodilating effects have been demonstrated (Calignano
et al. 2001; Colombo et al. 1998; Fride 1995; Mechoulam et al. 1998b;
Hanus et al. 1999; Tyler et al. 2000).
(...)
It is proposed here, that CFTR not only regulates fatty acid balance
but also endocannabinoid biosynthesis. Such mechanism predicts that
low levels of endocannabioids in CF patients and in cftr-/- mice will be
found, which could be responsible for many symptoms. It is hoped that
affirmative data will eventually lead to the use of cannabinoids at more
initial stages of cystic fibrosis (Figure 2)."
Hopefully you all found that as interesting as I did. This not only shows that cannabinoids would aid in malnutrition and eating habits, but also alleviates just about every other symptoms of CF.
Again, if you would like the link to the available portion of this research paper click on the title on this post. Don't forget to leave any comments/suggestions for future blog posts.
Breathe easy,
-Ryan
Here are a few key sections from the paper, which can be accessed by clicking my post title. I have highlighted main points with green text, for those looking for a quick overview.
Cannabinoids and Cystic Fibrosis:
A Novel Approach to Etiology and Therapy
Ester Fride
"Pulmonary dysfunction has long been considered the
primary cause for morbidity and mortality in CF (Pilewski and Frizell
1999), with malnutrition appearing as a compounding detrimental factor
(Borowitz 1996). More recently however, malnutrition is being recognized
as playing a primary role in disease progression (Borowitz
1996; Schoni and Casaulta-Aebischer 2000) possibly even being responsible
for lung pathology and infections (Yu et al., 2000).
(...)
Fatty Acid Balance
A fatty acid imbalance is observed in CF patients, including elevated
levels of arachidonic acid and reduced levels of DHA. (...) the low DHA levels
have been shown to play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis in the organs
affected by the CF disease: lungs, pancreas and ileum (Freedman et al. 1999).
Thus, further decreasing DHA levels in cftr-/- mice worsened pathological
manifestations, while elevating DHA levels by oral supplementation corrected
the lipid imbalance and reversed the pathology of the affected organs."
**This is where it gets interesting**
"Is it possible that the synthesis of endocannabinoids, being fatty acid
derivatives, is also modulated by CFTR proteins? There are a number of
striking parallels between the clinical manifestations of CF and the domains
of cannabinoid and endocannabinoid influence, including lack of
appetite, nausea, diarrhea, and lung disease. Low endocannabinoid levels
could explain the appearance of these symptoms. However, even in
the absence of a causative role, it is proposed here that by stimulating
the cannabinoid system, some of the CF pathology symptoms may be
alleviated."
(...)
Antiemetic Effects
Vomiting induced by coughing (Blecker et al. 2000) often exacerbates
the development of malnutrition in cystic fibrosis. Antiemetic
benefits of THC have been demonstrated in its effective relief of chemotherapy-
induced nausea and vomiting (Mechoulam et al., 1998b;
Abrahamov et al. 1995). Therefore the antiemetic potential of cannabinoids
would be expected to contribute to appetite enhancement induced
by cannabinoids in CF patients.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea appears in CF as a result of inadequate digestion due to pancreatic
insufficiency (Rolles 1998). Cannabinoids inhibit intestinal motility
via local CB1 (Colombo et al. 1998; Tyler et al. 2000) and/or via
CB2 (Fride 1995; Hanus et al. 1999) receptors. Therefore administration
of cannabinoids to CF patients may counteract diarrhea and thereby
help prevent loss of nutrients.
Inflammation
Most destruction of lung tissue in CF is now thought to be secondary
to a very aggressive neutrophilic inflammatory response (Konstan &
Berger 1997; Wagener et al. 1997). This ultimately leads to respiratory
failure. The antiinflammatory potential of cannabinoids is well documented
(Klein et al. 2000; Straus 2001) and is thought to occur by interference
with the arachidonic acid-eicosanoid synthetic pathways
(McPartland 2001). We have demonstrated in a mouse model of arachidonic
acid-induced ear inflammation that cannabinoids and endocannabinoids
are effective antiinflammatory agents acting via CB
receptors (Hanus et al. 1999; Fride et al. unpublished observations).
Since cannabinoid receptors are present in lungs (Calignano et al.
2000), THC may be of additional benefit for CF patients, by reducing
inflammatory processes in the lungs.
Lungs
It has been demonstrated recently that bronchodilating and cough-reducing
activity of endocannabinoids in irritated lungs are mediated by
local CB1 receptors (Calignano et al. 2000). Therefore cannabinoids
may also benefit CF patients by their bronchodilating and cough suppressing
effects.
Pain
CF patients suffer pain from a variety of sources (Ravilly et al. 1996)
including abdominal pain related to steatorrhea and malabsorption
(Zeltzer et al. 1996), chest pain due to impacted sputum, pleuritic involvement
with lung inflammation and infection, or chest wall pain
associated with developing kyphoscoliosis and decreased chest wall
mobility (Massie et al. 1998). Pain may also occur from gall bladder or
kidney stones or from osteoporosis (Haworth et al. 1999; Lambert
2000; Ravilly et al. 1996). Cannabinoids are analgesics effective in a
variety of conditions (Mechoulam et al. 1998b; Martin and Lichtman
1998), acting via cannabinoid receptors within as well as outside the
brain and spinal cord and suppressing both acute and chronic pain
(Pertwee 2001).
(...)
CONCLUSIONS
In this paper a novel therapeutic target for cannabis is proposed,
based on recent developments in research on cannabis on one hand, and
on research on cystic fibrosis on the other. Recent findings suggest that
the primary factors in the pathogenesis of CF includes fatty acid imbalance,
possibly leading to such major manifestations of CF as chronic
inflammation of the lungs and pancreatic disease (Greener 2000; Freedman
et al. 1999). In the final stages of the disease malnutrition accompanied
by a lack of appetite is frequently seen (Anthony et al. 1999;
Schoni and Casaulta-Aebischer 2000). Additional symptoms of the disease
may include pain due to a variety of sources (Ravilly et al. 1996),
diarrhea (Rolles 1998) and nausea (Blecker et al. 2000).
Intriguingly, the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids include the potential
to counteract each of these conditions. Thus appetite enhancement
(Beal et al. 1997) and a critical role in food ingestion (Fride et al.
2001), analgesic, antiemetic, antiinflammatory, inhibition of intestinal
motility and bronchodilating effects have been demonstrated (Calignano
et al. 2001; Colombo et al. 1998; Fride 1995; Mechoulam et al. 1998b;
Hanus et al. 1999; Tyler et al. 2000).
(...)
It is proposed here, that CFTR not only regulates fatty acid balance
but also endocannabinoid biosynthesis. Such mechanism predicts that
low levels of endocannabioids in CF patients and in cftr-/- mice will be
found, which could be responsible for many symptoms. It is hoped that
affirmative data will eventually lead to the use of cannabinoids at more
initial stages of cystic fibrosis (Figure 2)."
Hopefully you all found that as interesting as I did. This not only shows that cannabinoids would aid in malnutrition and eating habits, but also alleviates just about every other symptoms of CF.
Again, if you would like the link to the available portion of this research paper click on the title on this post. Don't forget to leave any comments/suggestions for future blog posts.
Breathe easy,
-Ryan
11.29.2009
Dr. Ester Fride
I am currently reading the reasearch paper "Cannabinoids and Cystic Fibrosis - A Novel Approach to Etiology and Therapy" written by Dr. Ester Fride, a professor of molecular biology and author of many works on the use of cannabinoids to fight pain and infection.
Here is the abstract:
"Cannabis stimulates appetite and food intake. This property
has been exploited to benefit AIDS and cancer patients suffering
from wasting disease, by administering the whole plant or its major active
ingredient Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Endogenous cannabinoids (“endocannabinoids”) are found in maternal
milk. We have recently shown that endocannabinoids are critical for
milk ingestion and survival of newborns because blocking CB1 receptors
resulted in death from malnutrition.
Lack of appetite resulting in malnutrition is a contributing factor to
mortality in many Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. It is proposed here for
the first time, to administer THC to CF patients. It is hoped that the
cannabinoid will alleviate malnutrition and thus help prevent wasting in
CF patients.
Recent findings suggest that a lipid imbalance (high arachidonic
acid/low DHA) is a primary factor in the etiology of CF and that defective
CFTR (CF transmembrane conductor regulator) that characterizes
the CF condition is responsible for the dysregulation. Endocannabinoids
are all fatty acid derivatives. Therefore, it is further proposed here that
the CFTR gene product also modulates endocannabinoid synthesis,
through regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis. According to this hypothesis,
CF patients display decreased levels of endocannabinoids and by
elevating these levels, symptoms may improve. Indeed, a number of
physiological mechanisms of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids coincide
with the pathology of CF. Thus it is suggested that potential benefits
from THC treatment, in addition to appetite stimulation, will include antiemetic, bronchodilating, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal and hypoalgesic
effects."
The research paper can be found here if you are interested in the results, I will post more info once I've read through enough to get an idea of the findings. I hope you're finding this as interesting as I am, and hopefully some of you may be less skeptical at this point. Remember any comments or suggestions are always welcome!
Breathe easy,
-Ryan
Here is the abstract:
"Cannabis stimulates appetite and food intake. This property
has been exploited to benefit AIDS and cancer patients suffering
from wasting disease, by administering the whole plant or its major active
ingredient Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Endogenous cannabinoids (“endocannabinoids”) are found in maternal
milk. We have recently shown that endocannabinoids are critical for
milk ingestion and survival of newborns because blocking CB1 receptors
resulted in death from malnutrition.
Lack of appetite resulting in malnutrition is a contributing factor to
mortality in many Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. It is proposed here for
the first time, to administer THC to CF patients. It is hoped that the
cannabinoid will alleviate malnutrition and thus help prevent wasting in
CF patients.
Recent findings suggest that a lipid imbalance (high arachidonic
acid/low DHA) is a primary factor in the etiology of CF and that defective
CFTR (CF transmembrane conductor regulator) that characterizes
the CF condition is responsible for the dysregulation. Endocannabinoids
are all fatty acid derivatives. Therefore, it is further proposed here that
the CFTR gene product also modulates endocannabinoid synthesis,
through regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis. According to this hypothesis,
CF patients display decreased levels of endocannabinoids and by
elevating these levels, symptoms may improve. Indeed, a number of
physiological mechanisms of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids coincide
with the pathology of CF. Thus it is suggested that potential benefits
from THC treatment, in addition to appetite stimulation, will include antiemetic, bronchodilating, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal and hypoalgesic
effects."
The research paper can be found here if you are interested in the results, I will post more info once I've read through enough to get an idea of the findings. I hope you're finding this as interesting as I am, and hopefully some of you may be less skeptical at this point. Remember any comments or suggestions are always welcome!
Breathe easy,
-Ryan
First Post
Hello all, this is my first post for CFCF, or "Cannabis Fights Cystic Fibrosis". I know, bold title eh?
My end goal is to prove to my doctors that I'm not just just a stereotypical "stoner". I want to prove that as long as I continue to administer cannabis in ways that don't involve smoking I am in fact improving my quality of living.
Here is the link for the case study that sparked my inital interest.
The Doctor states that "Cannabis was an excellent supplement to his medication regimen". I have noticed that when I go for long periods of time without any use of cannabis, I lose any amount of appetite I may have to the point where I might spend an entire day without eating. I've come across many articles stating that malnutrition contributes to a significant amount of the body's deterioration in those with Cystic Fibrosis, and also witnessed it firsthand. When I introduce cannabis into my system however, I am able to eat much more and I notice my weight rises considerably.
Also, the Doctor does point out the use of cannabis to help combat the patient's GERD and joint pain; I can relate to both easily.
I have mild scoliosis that is slowly becoming more prominent and is paying a huge toll on my back. It is at the point where over the counter pain killers do nothing for me now, and I think a large number of you would agree I'd be much better off with Cannabis than Oxycontin or a similar narcotic.
As for GERD, I think just about everyone with CF can attribute to the constant heart burn and similar symptoms. Again it just seems to make much more sense to have one solution to many problems than prescribing more and more drugs, does it not? With cannabis, even if I am having really rough day with indigestion symptoms I am able to at least ignore the pain; I get two birds stoned at once.
On a final note, at the end of the article the mother of the 19 y/o states "when he uses cannabis his quality of life improves." to which the Doctor responds with "If that is the goldstandard for prescribing a medication then certainly this is a case where you can easily make an argument for medical cannabis." If there's anyone still sceptical about this, great. I look forward to curbing your enthusiasm over the next few months.
I believe that will be all for my first post. I hope to update this on a weekly basis at the very least, but for now I do have quite a bit of spare time until classes start in January so you may see a new post by tomorrow even. Don't forget to comment!
Breathe easy,
-Ryan
My end goal is to prove to my doctors that I'm not just just a stereotypical "stoner". I want to prove that as long as I continue to administer cannabis in ways that don't involve smoking I am in fact improving my quality of living.
Here is the link for the case study that sparked my inital interest.
The Doctor states that "Cannabis was an excellent supplement to his medication regimen". I have noticed that when I go for long periods of time without any use of cannabis, I lose any amount of appetite I may have to the point where I might spend an entire day without eating. I've come across many articles stating that malnutrition contributes to a significant amount of the body's deterioration in those with Cystic Fibrosis, and also witnessed it firsthand. When I introduce cannabis into my system however, I am able to eat much more and I notice my weight rises considerably.
Also, the Doctor does point out the use of cannabis to help combat the patient's GERD and joint pain; I can relate to both easily.
I have mild scoliosis that is slowly becoming more prominent and is paying a huge toll on my back. It is at the point where over the counter pain killers do nothing for me now, and I think a large number of you would agree I'd be much better off with Cannabis than Oxycontin or a similar narcotic.
As for GERD, I think just about everyone with CF can attribute to the constant heart burn and similar symptoms. Again it just seems to make much more sense to have one solution to many problems than prescribing more and more drugs, does it not? With cannabis, even if I am having really rough day with indigestion symptoms I am able to at least ignore the pain; I get two birds stoned at once.
On a final note, at the end of the article the mother of the 19 y/o states "when he uses cannabis his quality of life improves." to which the Doctor responds with "If that is the goldstandard for prescribing a medication then certainly this is a case where you can easily make an argument for medical cannabis." If there's anyone still sceptical about this, great. I look forward to curbing your enthusiasm over the next few months.
I believe that will be all for my first post. I hope to update this on a weekly basis at the very least, but for now I do have quite a bit of spare time until classes start in January so you may see a new post by tomorrow even. Don't forget to comment!
Breathe easy,
-Ryan
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