Low Dose Tetrahydrocannabinol and Melatonin for Better Sleep and Cognitive Function

[PhilipSZacarias]

Hello HealthUnlocked Members,

I have been on ADT continuously since February 2016 and in general I have tolerated Lupron fairly well to date. The hot flashes have diminished in frequency and intensity over time and bone density is normal for my age (65 years). I have found that exercise, keeping cool by not over dressing and maintaining a positive state of mind have helped. Recently, though, I started experiencing more periods of brain fog, more difficulty with concentration, staying on task and retaining information. This was a cause for concern because I felt that these symptoms would compromise my QOL and very importantly my ability to follow and stay on top of prostate cancer research literature.

Shortly after diagnosis I obtained prescriptions for medical marijuana to reduce nausea, which was caused by the chemotherapy (docetaxel). I also purchased separately extracts of THC and CBD in medium chain triglycerides to reduce anxiety. CBD was reputed to prevent or reduce neuropathy at the extremities during chemotherapy (I did not experience any). I initially thought there may be some anticancer benefits, but after further research I have come to the conclusion that THC and CBD have little anti-cancer effect because it is difficult to achieve a potentially therapeutic concentration in the blood for either compound due to rapid metabolism by the liver. And in the case of THC, no one wants to be stoned 24 hours a day with perhaps the exception of a few.

I came across an interesting paper last year in Nature Medicine which described the effects of low dose THC on the development and function of young and old mouse brains. Low dosages of THC impaired the development and function of young brains (a good reason to prevent teenagers from over using marijuana), but improved the cognitive function of older mice to a level equivalent to younger mice.

“A chronic low dose of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) restores cognitive function in old mice” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/284...

This paper inspired me to run an informal trial to see if low dose THC improves cognitive function in humans. I had some THC left over from previous use so for the last month I have been taking 0.15 ml of a 25 mg/ml THC in a medium chain triglyceride oil (=3.75 mg/ml) every other day at bedtime (only) and have found the following: * 1) better quality sleep, even on off days, 2) better concentration and time on task, 3) less anxious and more relaxed, 4) little or no apparent brain fog, 4) better memory recall and less forgetful. It should be noted that a dose of 3.75 mg/d is significantly lower than the dosage used in the aforementioned paper (when converted to equivalent human dosages).

I believe it would be useful to run a formal trial comparing four groups of men on ADT. One group would be the control group and the other three groups would take 2, 4 and 6 mg per day, respectively, at bedtime. The trials would include self reporting, filling out questionnaires and performing recognized cognition tests before and after the trial periods. Perhaps researchers who have an interest in ADT and its side effects may be interested in conducting such a trial. Do any of the members on this forum know of doctors or researchers who would be interested in conducting or monitoring such as trail?

Finally, taking 5-10 mg melatonin on alternating days or concurrently with low dose THC also appears to work well. When taken concurrently, there is a little more “dopiness” in the morning, but it dissipates quickly and is unnoticeable after exposure to bright light and a cup of coffee of tea. Cheers, Phil

[teamkv]

I would like to try this. I live in Washington State, so we have shops here that of course get to be open.... what would I get? Do they sell it in this dosage?

[PhilipSZacarias in reply to teamkv]

Hello teamkv, I live in Canada so I am not familiar with the products available in the state of Washington. I purchase 25 mg/ml THC with low CBD (<2 mg/ml) in a medium chain oil. (40 mls). At 0.15 ml per dose, 266 doses are possible. Cheers, Phil

[Hidden in reply to teamkv]

You might want to consider indica gummies. They are typically 10 mg per piece so you could chop them up to get smaller doses. Indica should promote sleep as opposed to sativa which could act as a stimulant. Leafly.com should be able to tell you what is available in your local dispensaries.

[PhilipSZacarias in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the suggestion. I will look into it further. I use THC in medium chain triglyceride oil which contains 25 mg/ml THC and <2 mg/ml CBD. Cheers, Phil

[PhilipSZacarias]

I did. Good post.

[Thinus]

I also takes four drops of CBD with THC a few hours before bedtime, it works.