All posts tagged: tetrahydrocannabinoil

More Research on Cannabis and Pregnancy

Effects of cannabis tetrahydrocannabinol on endocannabinoid homeostasis in human placenta

In Summary

 Researchers recently revealed a possible mechanism for the effect of cannabis on pregnancy outcomes via the endocannabinoid system. The placenta contains endocannabinoid receptors and becomes part of the endocannabinoid system of the mother and fetus during pregnancy. The data found in this article provides evidence that ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) impairs the placental endocannabinoid system by disrupting the production and degradation of endogenous cannabinoids. The altered endocannabinoid levels disrupt the trophoblast that comprises a large portion of the placenta, decreasing the number of nutritional compounds that are delivered to the fetus. Further research is necessary to validate the effect of the disrupted placental endocannabinoid system. 

This research is a great addition to the current medical research concerning cannabis use and pregnancy but more is still needed. The featured article only focused on the effect of THC on the placenta and resulting birth outcomes but there is so much still to learn. THC is only one of the many medically beneficial cannabinoids present within cannabis products, not to mention terpenes and flavonoids which have also been revealed to possess medicinal properties. As more young women consume medical cannabis for various reasons and then become pregnant, it is imperative that all of the possible effects of cannabis on pregnancy outcomes and overall gestation be revealed. Obstetricians need to know if cannabinoids have little to no effect on pregnancy and are safe for women to continue taking or if alternative therapies need to be decided. 

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, MDMore Research on Cannabis and Pregnancy
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The Pain-Relieving Effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol Differ Depending on Age

Age-Related Differences in Δ9-TetrahydrocannabinolInduced Antinociception in Female and Male Rats

In Summary

Researchers have recently found that the antinociceptive effects of ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) differ depending on the age of the subject. While examining the effects of THC on the nociceptive receptors of rats it was found that the THC was not as effective of a pain reliever in adolescent rats as it was in adult rats. It was determined that although adolescent and adult rats metabolize the cannabinoid differently it is not the cause of the differences in THC’s effect on nociception. Further research is needed to determine the mechanism that underlies the difference in age-dependent effects. 

This article brings to light the issues of dosing between age and gender. Clinical trials often occur in a population of healthy young men and are rarely dosed specifically for women. By noting the differences in effect and metabolism of drugs depending on sex and age clinical trials need to be broadened to accurately dose drugs for all users. Although the featured study was conducted in mouse models it provides evidence that the effects of cannabis are age-dependent and should be a serious consideration for researchers moving forward with the development of cannabis-based therapies. 

The study is available for review or download here

View more studies like this in the CED Foundation Archive 

To explore related information, click the keywords below:

Benjamin Caplan, MDThe Pain-Relieving Effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol Differ Depending on Age
read more