Women in Cannabis

The Possible Effects of Cannabis Use in Adolescent Females

What Every Pediatric Gynecologist Should Know About Marijuana Use in Adolescents

In summary

A recent article has called for pediatric gynecologists to ward against the use of cannabis in adolescent females. By pointing out the inconsistent conclusions from multiple papers discussing the effect of cannabis use on neural development and fertility the author hopes to reduce the number of adolescent females utilizing cannabis. It is also pointed out that very little is known about the association between cannabis and mental health problems such as various forms of psychosis, anxiety, and depression. Considering how little conclusive evidence has been agreed upon by overarching associations of medical professions it does seem appropriate to warn against the risks of recreational cannabis but not without also acknowledging the possible benefits of medical cannabis. 

While there are many inconsistencies surrounding cannabis research some of the inconsistent conclusions can be heavily biased by funding parties. Biased articles are difficult to get around because they require fully delving into the material listed analyzed in the paper and looking into the studies that were included and left out of the meta-analysis to determine the validity of their findings. It is extremely frustrating to have articles presented to the public that are so heavily biased they cherry-pick data just to prove their side of a politically controversial therapy. Not all cannabis use is beneficial and is not well understood, but posting articles like this one give fodder to people attempting to prevent the rescheduling of cannabis so that specific chemicals can be harnessed for novel therapies to treat ailments we have no effective treatment for, such as Alzheimer’s, specific cancer types, and a slew of psychiatric disorders. Scientists have a responsibility to remain objective and this type of biased research is disappointing to come across.

The study is available for review or download here

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Benjamin Caplan, MDThe Possible Effects of Cannabis Use in Adolescent Females
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Adolescent Female Cannabis-Users are Less Likely to Engage in Sexual Intercourse

Daily co-occurrences of marijuana use, alcohol use, and sexual intercourse among at-risk, truant adolescent girls

In summary

A recent study conducted by Brown University found that adolescent female cannabis users were less likely than their peers to engage in sexual intercourse. It remains uncertain whether cannabis is reducing participants’ desire to engage in sexual intercourse or if there is a second common factor that wards them away from intercourse. Within the same population, it was found that the participants who consumed alcohol were far more likely to engage in sexual intercourse that day than controls or cannabis users. This knowledge may aid in the development of prevention programs, specifically for those consuming alcohol underage and then engaging in sexual intercourse, defined as a high-risk behavior in this study. 

Adolescent cannabis use is a hot topic of conversation as state governments continue to legalize medical and recreational cannabis. At-home cultivators and those who maintain a large amount of cannabis at their homes need to ensure proper storage and restriction methods to ensure the safety of their children. Too little is known about the long-term effects of cannabis to allow adolescents to have unsupervised access to cannabis. There should also be more studies conducted addressing the effect of cannabis-based medications in adolescents so it can be deemed safe to give children for various disorders or if it affects neural development.

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Benjamin Caplan, MDAdolescent Female Cannabis-Users are Less Likely to Engage in Sexual Intercourse
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Flavonoids Proven to be Safe and Effective Treatment for Chronic Venous Disease

Recommendations for the medical management of chronic venous disease- The role of Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF)

In Summary:

A recent review has affirmed that treating chronic venous disease with Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF) therapy is safe and effective. After reviewing 250 papers, the authors have found a large body of supportive evidence that the MPFF treatment, known as Diosmiplex, is effective for healing venous ulcers on its own or in combination with compression therapy. Diosmiplex, the only MPFF prescribed in the United States, as of 2017, is derived from orange rinds and favorable among patients due to its high safety rating. 

Dr. Caplan and the #MDTake:

Flavonoids are one of the categories of natural compounds produced in nature, including within the innate production system of the cannabis plant. Several patients have reported using strong cannabis topical agents to help venous insufficiency and disease, including conditions such as varicose veins, phlebitis, and post-surgical venous incompetence.

varicose veins picture

Process of leukocyte trapping to tissue degradation
contributing factors to  skin pathology and edema
Genetic and environmental risk factors for CVD
US and European Guideline Recommendations that include flavonoids  and MPFF
Cellular Molecular pathology of venous hypertension
CVI Symptom Assessment
WBC adhesion  with venous hypertension
Recommendations for the use of MPFF in the management of chronic venous disease

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Benjamin Caplan, MDFlavonoids Proven to be Safe and Effective Treatment for Chronic Venous Disease
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Should Oncologists Recommend Cannabis?

Oncologists Should Recommend Cannabis-Based Medicine for Palliative Care

Oncologists are encouraged to recommend cannabis: cannabis-based medicine for palliative care and more

In Summary:

Earlier this June, a review was published that encourages oncologists to recommend cannabis products to their patients as a safe and effective method of palliative care. The opinion piece highlights how cannabis is a useful treatment for a variety of illnesses (nausea, vomiting, sleep, mood, anxiety), and encourages practitioners to prescribe cannabis for their patients so that they can appreciate the safety and effectiveness of the product.  

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This paper is also stored here:   http://bit.ly/2Dz4UhT      inside the CED Foundation Archive

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Benjamin Caplan, MDShould Oncologists Recommend Cannabis?
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A Synthetic Flavonoid Derivative May Treat Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Regulators and mechanisms of anoikis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)- a review

In Summary:

Researchers are always exploring new methods to treat highly aggressive forms of breast cancer. As the scientific culture opens up to cannabis as a natural pharmaceutical factory, eyes have been drawn to the individual chemical components born inside cannabis, namely cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoid compounds. Recently, a group stumbled upon a promising synthetic flavonoid derivative. This derivative, named GL-V9, has been found to have an inhibitory effect on the growth of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumors and has shown other anti-metastatic properties. The growth-stopping and anti-spreading effects would address two of the central aspects of TNBC that have thus far made it difficult to treat. The growing understanding of flavonoids and their potential therapeutic benefits seem all but sure to enshrine its place among future research regarding cancer treatments. 

Dr. Caplan and the #MDTake:

In scientific and medical circles, it’s not uncommon to hear the phrase, “everything causes cancer.” It’s often repeated contemptuously, a tongue-in-cheek expression that calls attention to unknowns associated with the spawning and growth of cancers but also bends to the hurricane force of nature’s impact on living organisms. As living biology, cancers are born and thrive while provided sustenance by particular inputs and supports. Because of this fact, there are also innumerable opportunities to stifle or prevent the birth of tumors and many avenues to interrupt its growth or end the life of cancer cells.

The human cultural history has taught all cultures that sleep, exercise, fruits, vegetables, fiber, and water are all required ingredients for sustained, healthy growth. What is it about fruits and veggies that is healthy? They have fiber that is healthy for the human digestive tract, but they also have natural components, terpenes and flavonoids, which support wellness, healing, and the normal cycling (features of both living and dying) of our cells. Cancer represents the inappropriate over-replication of cells. In a sense, the body’s natural ability to end the cells which are not responding to normal signals is lost. If we know that the cannabis factory happens to produce many of the same compounds that are found elsewhere in vegetation and fruits, is it so surprising that we would see cancer-fighting effects?

Breast cancer & flavonoids: current research and treatments
Graphical Abstract: anolkis resistance; breast cancer-related chemsitry

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Benjamin Caplan, MDA Synthetic Flavonoid Derivative May Treat Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
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Pre- and Post-natal Tobacco and Cannabis Exposure Impacts Children in a Sex-Specific Manner

Pre- and postnatal tobacco and cannabis exposure and child behavior problems: Bidirectional associations, joint effects, and sex differences

Summary Info:

Prenatal maternal cannabis and tobacco use is predictive of behavioral problems among toddlers. Resulting differences from control groups include anxiety, depression, and attention problems. Female children of mom’s consuming substances, in particular, seem to be more susceptible to problems relating to internalization, attention, and sleep. Additionally, the behavioral problems induced by prenatal cannabis and tobacco consumption often lead to further maternal substance consumption, which frequently exacerbates existing behavioral problems. 

Highlights of study of mother's prenatal and postnatal consumption of  cannabis
Highlights of interplay of mother's prenatal and postnatal consumption of  cannabis with children
Highlights of interplay of mother's prenatal and postnatal consumption of  cannabis with toddlers

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This paper is also stored here:   http://bit.ly/34j9gVJ      inside the CED Foundation Archive

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Benjamin Caplan, MDPre- and Post-natal Tobacco and Cannabis Exposure Impacts Children in a Sex-Specific Manner
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Dr Caplan’s response to Surgeon General advisory statement

Last week’s statement by the US Surgeon General

https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/addiction-and-substance-misuse/advisory-on-marijuana-use-and-developing-brain/index.html

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Benjamin Caplan, MDDr Caplan’s response to Surgeon General advisory statement
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Woman-owned Cannabis in MA

Looking to support small businesses? Or women in cannabis? Caroline Frankel, owner of Caroline’s Cannabis, launched her dispensary in Uxbridge, MA earlier this year. Frankel’s boutique cannabis shop opened without the backing of wealthy investors, a board of directors, or an expensive legal team. The company is the first woman-owned small business and the first general applicant to be awarded a final license. Learn more here: https://www.carolinescannabis.com

Benjamin Caplan, MDWoman-owned Cannabis in MA
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Do-it-Yourself Cannabis-infused lubricants

Cannabis-infused lubricant can increase blood flow for men and create full-body experiences for women. Find out how to make your own infused lube at home with this video tutorial!

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Benjamin Caplan, MDDo-it-Yourself Cannabis-infused lubricants
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Video: The Endocannabinoid System

A simplified overview of the human side of the human-cannabis interaction system!

Built from the growing mountain of literature inside the CED Foundation Medical Cannabis Archive

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Benjamin Caplan, MDVideo: The Endocannabinoid System
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