Genetics

The Endocannabinoid System and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Genetic susceptibility to posttraumatic stress disorder: analyses of the oxytocin receptor, retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor A and cannabinoid receptor 1 genes

In summary

A recent study has found that the dysregulation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) does not increase the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers analyzed genetics to determine if there was any correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms within the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene, the RAR-related orphan receptor A (RORA) gene, and the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) gene and PTSD. It was found that only a genetic variance concerning OXTR was correlated with an increased likelihood of developing PTSD when exposed to shocking traumatic events. Further research may allow for the development of targeted therapies to better prevent PTSD in those at high risk of developing the disorder like soldiers sent out for active duty. 

Although the dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system was not found to be correlated with an increased likelihood of developing PTSD cannabis is sometimes recommended to treat PTSD. Cannabis can be relaxing for many users and minimize the feelings of anxiety for those suffering from any psychiatric disorder characterized by anxiety but it is important to note that some cannabinoids can exacerbate anxiety. Specifically, tetrahydrocannabinol (THCO, the most abundant psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis plants, can cause some people’s anxiety to worsen, highlighting the importance of developing a standard screening technique to warn those away from THC and towards a non-psychoactive cannabinoid to manage their symptoms, such as cannabidiol (CBD). 

The study is available for review or download here

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Benjamin Caplan, MDThe Endocannabinoid System and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Utilizing Cannabis Practices as a Model for Human Genome Editing in the United Kingdom

License gene edits like cannabis

In Summary

An op-ed in the United Kingdom called for the regulation of editing of the human genome to be modeled after cannabis regulation. The ethics concerning genome editing and human reproduction have been politically and socially dividing, much like the legalization of cannabis. The authoring physician points out that, much like cannabis prohibition, if genomic editing is completely banned a black market will appear, offering risky and illegal procedures. By raising public awareness of the issue and pointing out that the approval of such endeavors will result in the safety of such practices this researcher aims to create a public forum that allows for open political communication. 

Although this piece was featured in the United Kingdom, Americans can learn about the benefits that come from this type of piece. The other does well to point out how prohibition breeds dangerous and illegal practices in the underground. By legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational use the federal and local governments would be able to further regulate cannabis composition and accessibility, as well as ensure purity and safety standards. Legalizing cannabis would also economically benefit the United States by employing cultivators, budtenders, and funding research projects. Legalization would allow for more control and lower the possible dangers of cannabis use. 

The study is available for review or download here

View more studies like this in the CED Foundation Archive 

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Benjamin Caplan, MDUtilizing Cannabis Practices as a Model for Human Genome Editing in the United Kingdom
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Cannabis testing: Plating vs genetic testing

Cannabis testing uses the same tech that has been used for ages. There are great benefits and lessons learned, relative to newer options, but also many concerns w/ this dominant technology and enticing benefits to the alternative, genetic testing.

Benjamin Caplan, MDCannabis testing: Plating vs genetic testing
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Cannabinoids Further Demonstrate Therapeutic Potential in Interactions with Adrenaline and Serotonin Systems

Regulation of noradrenergic and serotonergic systems by cannabinoids: relevance to cannabinoid-induced effects

In Summary:

Among many system-wide interactive effects, the noradrenergic and serotonergic hormone/signaling systems are responsible for pain, mood, arousal, wakefulness, learning, anxiety, and feelings of reward. A recent review dives deeper into the interactions between cannabinoids and these two systems: cannabinoids play roles in exciting, inhibiting, and regulating the nerve activity and feedback of both the noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. This data further underscores the therapeutic potential of cannabis for conditions such as depression, chronic pain, and insomnia, all of which are mediated, at least in part, by these systems. Further research may uncover more specific therapies targeted toward the noradrenergic and serotonergic systems and their interactions with cannabinoids.

Dr. Caplan and the #MDTake:

It would be shocking to imagine that, in addition to the usual fruits and vegetables on display at supermarkets, all of a sudden, there was a new category of healthy food. Similarly, the recognition that cannabinoids play a central role in animal physiology is embarrassingly recent. Surveying a sea of illnesses that have become increasingly common, over the last hundred years, before which cannabis was a common household product, also begs the question about a relationship between the circumstances. Might some of the common maladies of modern medicine be attributable to a cannabinoid deficiency syndrome?

A Schematic overview for regulation of NA/LC and 5-HT/DRN cells by the CB1 receptor
Neurochemical Evidence for cannabinoid-induced effects
Electrophysiological evidence for acute effects of cannabinoids on neuronal activity
Neurochemical evidence for cannabinoid-induced effects in the locus coeruleus
Functional evidence fo cannabinoid-induced effects
Electrophysiological evidence for acute effects of cannabinoids

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This paper is also stored here:      http://bit.ly/2pS3mMn    inside the CED Foundation Archive

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Benjamin Caplan, MDCannabinoids Further Demonstrate Therapeutic Potential in Interactions with Adrenaline and Serotonin Systems
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One theory for why cannabis affects people differently

Something still not entirely understood is why cannabis affects people differently. A study looking at THC interactions in the brain show that rewarding and adverse effects are produced by anatomically different areas. Individual experiences likely differ due to genetic variation.

http://bit.ly/2Jnjg8q 

Benjamin Caplan, MDOne theory for why cannabis affects people differently
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Complex Genetics Underlie Cannabinoid Production

Cannabinoid Inheritance Relies on Complex Genetic Architecture

Researchers have recently attempted to discover the genetic basis of cannabinoid production within cannabis plants, finding a complex genetic architecture. This study highlights the lack of knowledge surrounding cannabis cultivation, suggesting current producers record the phenotypic and genetic crosses they breed so that the community can further research the cannabinoids produced. Specifying which genetic profiles match up to the ratio of cannabinoids produced will benefit mass production and medical research.

The introduction of this article focuses heavily on the ratio of ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol to cannabidiol, yet there are therapeutic benefits associated with all of the other cannabinoids as well as flavonoids and terpenes produced by the plant. Multiple chemical components of cannabis strains have yet to be fully explored and preliminary findings warrant the same amount of attention in order to develop various therapies.

View this review (yellow link) or download:

This paper is also stored here:   http://bit.ly/2L3PeIl      inside the CED Foundation Archive



Benjamin Caplan, MDComplex Genetics Underlie Cannabinoid Production
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