Cannabis has historically encountered stigma due to its effects, yet it is now garnering increasing acknowledgment for its potential in various medical fields. In recent years, research into the therapeutic qualities of cannabis has notably surged, particularly regarding its advantages for neurological conditions.
Beyond its well-known applications for stress relief, depression alleviation, and sleep enhancement, cannabis presents promise in addressing a range of neurological disorders. This article explores five such conditions and investigates how a cannabis or cannabis contributes to their therapeutic uses.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Certain cannabinoids and terpenes demonstrate distinct effects on different neurological disorders.
- Linalool, myrcene, and limonene possess anti-convulsant properties.
- Equal ratios of THC and CBD, along with other cannabis compounds, show potential in cancer treatment.
A Natural Approach to Managing Neurological Disorders
The approach to managing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease (PD), intractable epilepsy, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) varies based on individual patient requirements and the severity of their condition.
Cannabis is a Viable Treatment Option
Epilepsy
The endocannabinoid system plays a role in influencing seizure thresholds. THC, in particular, has shown the ability to completely halt seizures, unlike phenobarbital and diphenylhydantoin. Animal studies indicate acute increases in endocannabinoid production and a sustained rise in CB1 production over time. Researchers have noted the anti-convulsant properties of cannabinoids at levels below sedation.
THC, THCA, and linalool, a terpenoid found in cannabis, have been subjects of scientific exploration. The discourse surrounding THCA is intricate, with discussions on its CB1 activity versus its spontaneous conversion to THC.
Recent findings have also illuminated the anti-convulsant properties of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), with indications of its serotonergic effects. CBDA shows a significantly higher affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor than CBD.
If you seek to explore cannabis vape pens for your condition, look for products containing THC, CBD, THCA, or Linalool.
OneStop – THC Distillate Disposable Vape pen Skittlez includes linalool as a primary terpene with 16 to 21% THC.
Brain Tumors
Numerous studies have investigated the use of cannabis among patients with diagnosed brain tumors. A study published in the British Journal of Cancer in 2006 revealed that administering THC directly into tumors in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) marginally extended their lifespans beyond expectations in nine human cases.
Additionally, a case report from the Journal of Child’s Nervous System documented complete regression of residual tumors in two children with pilocytic astrocytomas after smoking cannabis.
THCA, as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) agonist, outperforms CBDA, CBD, or THC in potential impact. PPARs function as ligand-binding transcription factors and offer the promise of selectively targeting cancer cells while sparing normal cells. The synergistic effects of THCA with other cytotoxic agents underscore its potential in cancer therapy.
Equal concentrations of THC and CBD, when combined with THCA, CBDA, and cytotoxic terpenoids like limonene, hold considerable potential in cancer treatment, as suggested by a study in the Planta Medicine Journal. Disposable cannabis pens can encapsulate these cannabinoids and terpenes within a single cartridge.
Parkinson’s Disease
An observational study indicated that 22 out of 28 patients tolerated smoked cannabis, presumably THC-dominant. The study also revealed acute benefits, including improvements in tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia among participants.
In Parkinson’s disease, the loss of cells in the substantia nigra often leads to widespread pathology over time. Tau proteins, which support the cytoskeleton and facilitate axonal transport in neurons, undergo changes that result in the formation of neurofibrillary tangles.
Nabiximols, a cannabis-based oral spray, significantly reduced tangles when administered to parkin-null mice expressing human tau. This treatment enhanced dopamine metabolism, improved glial function, and decreased oxidative stress levels.
THC vape pens like OneStop THC Pens can be an excellent choice if you wish to alleviate tremors.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involves the creation of senile plaques from β-amyloid (Aβ) proteins, which occur when enzymes cleave a precursor protein (APP). It also involves the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles from tau proteins with excessive phosphate groups. Occasionally, these tangles emerge before the β-amyloid plaques. Once initiated, the disease’s progression becomes irreversible.
CBD serves as a protective antioxidant for the brain, interacting safely with NMDA receptors. It acts against Alzheimer’s disease by halting the formation of Aβ plaques, minimizing harmful ROS production, and safeguarding fats in PC12 cells exposed to Aβ. CBD also prevents tau proteins from acquiring excessive phosphate groups on PC12 neurons affected by Aβ.
A study involved patients receiving THC-predominant (2.5–30 mg/dose), CBD-predominant, and THCA, primarily given through tinctures and confections. Patients reported reduced dependency on neuroleptic drugs, decreased agitation, improved appetite, managed aggression, enhanced sleep quality, elevated mood, reduced demands for nursing care, mitigated self-harm tendencies, and pain control.
Cannabis components exhibit potential in addressing various symptoms associated with this complex disorder:
- Agitation may find relief with THC, CBD, and linalool.
- Psychosis symptoms may benefit from CBD.
- THC and linalool may help with insomnia and restlessness.
- THC is indicated for anorexia, while THC, CBD, and linalool may assist with aggression.
- THC, limonene, and CBD could potentially aid in managing depression.
- THC and CBD are known for pain-relieving properties.
- Alpha-pinene, alongside THC, is associated with memory enhancement.
- CBD and THC are linked to neuroprotection, while THC, CBD, and THCA may help reduce Aβ plaque formation.
Traumatic Brain Injury / Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Cannabis, especially chemovars combining THC and CBD, can alleviate symptoms related to CTE, including headaches, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, agitation, substance abuse, and psychotic symptoms.
A 2019 study indicated that varying concentrations of THC and CBD contribute to relieving stress, agitation, depression, and anxiety—common emotional manifestations in chronic traumatic encephalopathy cases. Cannabinoids assist in reducing glutamate excitotoxicity, a process leading to nerve cell damage following a traumatic brain injury.
Want to Use cannabis for Your Current Condition?
Engaging in cannabis use is a widely embraced method to harness its benefits. If you’re aiming to avoid potential health risks associated with traditional methods, cannabis vapes present a suitable alternative.
Daily Marijuana Canada offers numerous options to help you find the ideal vape pen for your needs, including disposable vape pens. You can select based on the pen type, including whether you prefer Sativa-dominant or Indica-dominant cartridges with high THC or the specific concentrate used.
Weed Vape Pens Treat Your Condition
Neurological treatment for the conditions discussed here requires significant advancements. Nevertheless, emerging methods like utilizing cannabis, including through a cannabis pen, within the treatment protocol show promise. Research studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that cannabis, with its varying levels of THC, CBD, and other compounds, can interact with the ECS to assist in managing symptoms of these conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dab pen provide the same experience as a vape pen?
A dab pen and a vape pen both vaporize cannabis concentrates but differ in intensity and application. Dab pens are designed for solid concentrates like wax, producing a more intense effect, while vape pens utilize liquid concentrates, yielding a milder, more controlled experience.
Are THC pens cheap?
The average price of a cannabis pen is around $50, with options available for as low as $20 and others reaching $200 or more. The pricing variance depends on battery life and the range of features offered.
Can my current medication interact with the active ingredient in my cannabis vape?
This depends on your prescription medication. If you take antidepressants while managing Parkinson’s disease, cannabis may lead to an initial surplus of serotonin, intensifying the body’s reliance on these substances, potentially exacerbating depression and anxiety over time. It’s advisable to consult your doctor before adding cannabis to your current medication regimen.
Are cannabis pens the best alternative when treating health issues with cannabis?
Weed pens offer a cleaner method to use cannabis without the harmful smoke from combustion, making them a popular choice for individuals seeking a less harmful and more discreet option to assist with health issues like pain and anxiety.
However, whether cannabis pens are the ideal choice can vary per individual. As we continue to learn about their long-term effects, anyone considering their use for health reasons should first consult with a doctor to ensure they select the most appropriate method for their health needs.
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