Dave's not here man; but my Medical Marijuana card is.

[Jerebet]

Cheech: "Its Dave man! Will you open up, I got the stuff with me!"

Chong: "Who?"

Cheech: "Dave man, open up!"

Chong: "Dave?"

Cheech: "Yeah Dave, come on man open up I think the cops saw me!"

Chong: "Dave's not here!"

If you were a teen or young adult in the early 70's, you probably remember this iconic exchange. You may have tried Pot in the seventies or you may have fought against it but I'm positive you never imagined that in 2012 you would have Parkinson's or that Marijuana would be thought by some to be a medical substance that might provide benefits for PD sufferers,

After watching some YouTube clips of PWPs using Cannabis, I decided to investigate,

In a study to be published in the Feb. 8 issue of Nature, researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine report that endocannabinoids, (naturally occurring chemicals found in the brain) are similar to the active compounds in marijuana and hashish.These compounds trigger a dramatic improvement in mice with a condition similar to Parkinson's.

"This study points to a potentially new kind of therapy for Parkinson's disease," said senior author Robert Malenka, MD, PhD, the Nancy Friend Pritzker Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. "Of course, it is a long, long way to go before this will be tested in humans, but nonetheless, we have identified a new way of potentially manipulating the circuits that are malfunctioning in this disease." Malenka and postdoctoral scholar Anatol Kreitzer, PhD, the study's lead author, combined a drug already used to treat Parkinson's disease with an experimental compound that can boost the level of endocannabinoids in the brain. When they used the combination in mice with a condition like Parkinson's, the mice went from being frozen in place to moving around freely in 15 minutes. "They were basically normal," Kreitzer said.

Researchers, from Stanford University Medical Center in California, focused on an area of the brain called the striatum which has already been linked to Parkinson's.The activity of nerve cells in the striatum relies on the chemical dopamine.If there is too little dopamine in that area, Parkinson's disease can develop.

They used mice genetically modified to have a condition like Parkinson's and marked certain cells with a fluorescent protein that glowed vivid green under a microscope.Their study indicated that two types of cells formed a "push-pull system" in the brain - one is thought to be involved in activating motion, while the other is likely to stop unwanted movement.

If there is too little dopamine, it is thought that the cells which restrict motion become dominant, making it harder for a person to move.An existing drug which boosts dopamine levels led to a small improvement in the animals' condition.But it was only when they added an experimental drug designed to slow the breakdown of endocannabinoids, being developed by Californian firm Kadmus Pharmaceuticals, that the mice showed a dramatic improvement.

The mice went from being unable to move, to moving freely in 15 minutes.

Promising- yes but there could be downsides.

Long-term reported effects of cannabis include effects on intelligence and memory, and contributions to mental disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. The drug's effects on the lungs is not clear, relatively little research has been conducted, leading to division as to the severity of its impact.

Higher rates of testicular cancer in western nations have been linked to use of cannabis. A study funded by the National Institutes of Health, published in the journal Cancer March 15, 2009, linked long term use of cannabis to an increased risk of 70 percent for testicular cancer .

Cannabis has been suspected with the development of various mental disorders in multiple studies, for example a recent 10 year study on 1923 individuals from the general population in Germany, aged 14–24, concluded that cannabis use is a risk factor for the development of incident psychotic symptoms.

The real shame is that there are relatively few studies and almost no drug trials due to the illegality of Marijuana. Drug companies have no interest in a non patented drug.

YET......... In a survey of people with PD, nearly half of those who had used cannabis said that it relieved some symptoms, including tremor while at rest, muscle rigidity, medication-induced involuntary movement, and slowness in movement. Interestingly, improvement in symptoms was reported to begin an average of 1.7 months after starting cannabis use, and better results were reported with long-term use.youtube.com/watch?v=AvtD1zi...(Not working as expected?)

I'm willing to roll the dice considering that I smoked pot in college with no ill effects. Lucky for me; I live in Colorado, Colorado has Medical Marijuana laws that allow prescriptions for muscle spasms and chronic pain. I spoke to my Doctor and received approval.After a visit to a local dispensary I came home with a bag of pretty purple buds.

Last night I opened the bag and made the decision to eat rather than smoke my dosage. The effects manifested in about an hour.My foot stopped tapping and my leg relaxed.

It will take more than a month to see full effects but one thing I can report is that after raiding the cookie jar; I slept better than I have in years.

[srarndt]

Thank you Jerebet!

I too, even though I've not been able to have any long term tests, have found that it helps me relax, calms my tremors, and, best of all, helps me sleep like a baby. The only negative for me is needing to obtain it illegally as our bimbette of a governor has ignored the last election results and threw several legal roadblocks in the way of allowing our now "legal" mj into dispensaries. Originally set to open almost 2 years ago our dispensaries might open late this year. Unless, of course, she gets another bee in her bonnet and finds a way to throw another monkey wrench in the works.

Even then there is unclarity as to whether I'll be able to obtain it legally because there is no clarity as to whether PD is an acceptable chronic problem, and because of the extreme taxes and fees the state is now charging everyone from the dispensaries to the patients.

Meanwhile I have a son who is extremely well read on the subject and who manages a dispensary in Denver. Let me know if you'd like his contact info.

I really appreciate your blogging on this subject!

Steve (Bisbee, AZ)

[Jerebet in reply to srarndt]

Hi Steve, Is Ms Jan up for reelection? I see her law suit failed. Happy to hear it helps you.

[jillfd]

Sleep ?Did someone say sleep?

Jill

(on 2 nights of 3 hours sleep each)

[Jerebet in reply to jillfd]

yes Jill, Since I started my new med 8 hours a night

[CheriH]

Hmmmmm....interesting. Please keep us posted Jerebet and thanks for the info.

[Jerebet in reply to CheriH]

Hi Cheri, Not crazy about the "High" but love the effects.

[tlongmire]

Very interesting. I appreciate the info Jerebet. I'm curious how you ate rather than smoked the marijauna.

[Jerebet in reply to tlongmire]

Hi T.I put it in the food processor and stirred the powder into some chocolate Haggen Das.

[srarndt in reply to Jerebet]

Let's not forget the old stand-by of brownies, i know several folks who bake it into banana bread, additonal who buy lollipops and/or other prepared foods from the dispensary, the flavor - varies dramatically by strain is ususally undetectable in Burritos, spaghetti, etc.

Recommend starting w/SMALL portions!!! And like always, check to make sure you're not taking anything else that may clash with the edibles...ask your doc or pharmacist who you trust.

With all of that said, like every other medication, it does not work for everyone. My wife for example gets nauseated from eating and it and cannot sleep after. (Allergic?)

[PatV]

I'm sure this will be useful. I would definitely be interested . It can't be worse than Xanax and clonopin. Thanks

[Jerebet in reply to PatV]

Hi Pat, It cant be worse than requip was for me. I'm keeping a diary of effects.

[Bambi]

Wow that clip on YouTube!!!!

[Jerebet in reply to Bambi]

Hi Bambi, there are more.youtube.com/watch?v=i7iV-AP...(Not working as expected?)

[gran5-]

High Jerebet, actually that has been my problem, I get great pain relief, anxiety relief and steadyness but I don't want the high. I, too am living in a state where it is legal, altho our sainted governor wants to end that. I got my card last year and found the folks running the dispensary that I use to be delightful, well informed and very serious about addressing the legality issue and developing new and better plants. I have a long history and relationship with the weed and find that the varieties available now are far more potent than the Jamaican that I used in those days of yore. I will no longer smoke but the varieties and strengths of the medibles they sell (marijuana in edible form) had me giggling (while sober) peanut butter, peanut butter fudge, choc fudge, cherry candy, canna butter, canna oil to mention a few. I am gradually finding which ones a can use, at what time of day etc. There are times I would not mind a pleasant high, but most of the time I would like symptom relief w/o the high. Here's to research J glad to share resources if people need them. Probably not on the blog to respect those who do not agree. I might add that I am on horse doses of narcotics to manage my pain and would dearly love to quit them. When friends find out about my meds the are astonished, "I would never guess ... you seem normal" lol

[Jerebet in reply to gran5-]

Hi Gran, I'm not wild about the high but love the effects so far. I'm getting edibles too and also making my own. You are so right it is much more potent. I respect those who those who do not agree but in my mind;God made Cannabis for a reason. It grows like all things the God made. Man created LevoDopa,Requip, Azilect,Sinemet,and Mirapex. I'd rather have something that God made.

[Susie01]

Thanks yet again for sharing new information! I will admit to being probably the only person who grew up in this era who did not smoke pot, though my sister has probably made up for both of us!

I am such an anti-smoking that I don't think I could ever smoke it, but I could swallow a pill if it helps! TN is not one of the states that allows medicinal mj, but you have pointed out some interesting research!

[Jerebet in reply to Susie01]

Hi Suzie, I am anti smoking also. My Dad died from lung disease. He died on a respirator gasping for each breath with feeding tubes up his nose and blood draws hourly for blood gases. I would not wish that on my mortal enemy.

I am finding other ways such as tea, brownies, and ice cream to ingest my new med.

[Susie01 in reply to Jerebet]

Glad to know there are other ways, though I remember talking to someone who did the brownie thing and really got "messed up". I don't know if something happens in the baking process but I would be afraid to take chances with the brownies! Maybe the need a cookbook!

[CheriH in reply to Susie01]

Susie, you are not alone. I never smoked pot either. I, too, am anti-smoking. I have enough problems....don't need to add to them! I am intriqued though with the idea of the edible form such as gran5 discussed....peanut butter fudge, chocolate fudge....yummmmm

[etterus]

I too have had my share over the years but now find it unpredictable in terms of hypotension. Not good if you can't stand up. On several occasions I found my motor symptoms almost gone dancing and playing my drums. I wish there was more research.

[Jerebet in reply to etterus]

Hi etterus, I too hope for more research.

[Joealt]

I smoke marijuana because it DOES erase the symptoms of Parkinson's. I go from feeling doomed to "I can live with this" in about five minutes.

The only reason marijuana is illegal is because the Pharmaceutical Companies can't CONTROL something that The Consumer can grow in their own back yard. Look at all of the money the DEA makes by exploiting The Myth that pot is bad. Too bad they don't pay that much attention to the threat of handguns. Handguns CAN kill you. Marijuana is good for what ails you.

[Jerebet in reply to Joealt]

Hi Joe, I'm right there with you on the drug companies.Marijuana’s criminalization is filled with:

Racism

Fear

Protection of Corporate Profits

Yellow Journalism

Ignorant, Incompetent, and/or Corrupt Legislators

Personal Career Advancement and Greed

Montana outlawed marijuana in 1927, the Butte Montana Standard reported a legislator’s comment: “When some beet field peon takes a few traces of this stuff… he thinks he has just been elected president of Mexico, so he starts out to execute all his political enemies.” In Texas, a senator said on the floor of the Senate: “All Mexicans are crazy, and this stuff [marijuana] is what makes them crazy.”

In Eastern states, the “problem” was attributed to a combination of Latin Americans and black jazz musicians. Here are some quotes that have been widely attributed to Anslinger and his Gore Files in 1930:

“There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz, and swing, result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others.”

“…the primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races.”

“Marijuana is an addictive drug which produces in its users insanity, criminality, and death.”

“Reefer makes darkies think they’re as good as white men.”

“Marihuana leads to pacifism and communist brainwashing”

“You smoke a joint and you’re likely to kill your brother.”

“Marijuana is the most violence-causing drug in the history of mankind.”

Nice huh?

[compucure]

This is superb.. i would like to get hold of some of the purple buds - anyone got any ideas in the UK? Tonyx

[Jerebet in reply to compucure]

On December 30, British company GW Pharmaceuticals began harvesting the first crop of legal marijuana grown in modern England.

GW was licensed by the British government to grow 20,000 pot plants of 10 different strains. Their cannabis compound is in a specially guarded top-secret location, surrounded by high fences and razor wire. Dr Geoffrey Guy, chairman of the company, holds Britain's only license for growing marijuana for medical research.

GW Pharmaceuticals will be doing several years worth of clinical trials with smokeless, whole-plant extracts, as well as supplying raw marijuana to other researchers.

[compucure]

Thank you!

[takidog]

My husband and I use grass; he has MS and I have PD - a double whammy. We get tremendous relief, but it is illegal in NY, and it is often difficult to obtain. I wish we had a reliable source.

[Parkinson_Schmarkinson]

I use it and enjoy it.

[gran5-]

When I went to my dispensary the first time I laughed until I was weak kneed. The list of edibles, rather called medibles is long starting with canna butter and wending its way thru brownies, choc and p butter, cherry hard candies, sodas, teas, oil ( one of my particular faves), They grow their own, work on strengthening the helpful characteristics and are very committed to having their product seen as medicine. I will not smoke but find no need. The only proviso is that consumed takes longer to feel the effect so they require patience or you might find yourself lying on the floor counting dots on the wallpaper

[DeParkiePoet]

I've got the Siddhis giddys from this blog

[Joealt]

My son came over yesterday and asked me if I wanted to smoke up with him. I actually thanked him. The Change was like a miracle.

I like the feeling that things aren't as bad as they seem.

[scottyt]

Hash, Pot or Marijuana oil. Whatever you want to call it, Is to me an imperative if you have Parkinson's disease.

[tlongmire]

Jerebet,

Are you still using MJ. How's it working for you? I live in AZ and have no interest in smoking but would like an edible or tinture for sleep and pain. Any suggestions??

[scottyt in reply to tlongmire]

vaporize concentrate…day….hash oil ...night time….for tremor, pain sleeplessness, appetite, anxiety….Indica strain is the best for folks with PD...

[Jerebet in reply to tlongmire]

I'm still munching my meds. It really helps with pain and sleep as well as reducing tremors and freezing. MJ is now legal in Colorado even for recreational use. My one complaint is that you never know the dose on edibles. You must experiment by trying small doses. I hate couch lock so when I find a good edible producer I stick with that product.

PS everyone,Colorado has not gone to Hell in a handbasket, crime has not risen,We actually have a tax surplus supporting our schools. There are so many dispensaries on Broadway it has been called Broadsterdam but it also has many cafes and is considered a safe area.