chronic pain

Cannabis, Palestine And Gaza – The Fresh Toast

Published

2 days ago

February 10, 2025

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Cannabis provides medical benefits and a chance to chill out – but is it legal in Palestine and Gaza?

Bordered by Jordan and Lebanon where it is a crime and Israel where it is legal, what about cannabis, Palestine and Gaza? Israel has made a name as being a global leader in cannabis research, especially with medical marijuana. Jordan and Lebanon still has it illegal, but it can be found and used. Palestine, whose population lives in a tense atmosphere, still has not made it available to the public, but the current situation should make them rethink their approach.

Historically, cannabis has been present in Palestine, but its legal status has remained unchanged despite research and a change Western stance. Israel, which shares a border with Palestine, legalized medical marijuana in 1999, but this has not influenced Palestine’s stance on the matter. The cultural and religious context, particularly the strong influence of Islam, plays a significant role in shaping attitudes toward cannabis use among Palestinian medical professionals and the general public

Cannabis, Palestine And Gaza

Although medical cannabis is not legal in Palestine, there have been discussions among medical professionals about its potential benefits. A qualitative study in the Gaza Strip found that while some medical professionals are open to the idea of medical cannabis, there is a lack of knowledge and a strong religious influence against the use. The study highlighted the need for more education and evidence-based research to inform future policies.

Alarmingly high prevalence of high-risk drug use among Palestinian males, which is not surprising considering the day to day tough environment. The tense atmosphere and uncertainty of day to day living can wreck havoc on mental health. In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, the peer-reviewed journal specified levels of improvement among participants using smoked cannabis blends with a 9 percent THC concentration. With healthcare being difficult to manage currently, cannabis can be an additional help. Medical marijuana also can help with chronic pain, trouble sleeping an more.

While Palestine is going through one of the tougher moments in the country’s history, relaxing the rules on cannabis could be a way to help their citizens take a breath during the current unsettled environment.

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cancer

Federal Funding Freeze To Hit Medical Marijuana Research

Published

2 days ago

February 11, 2025

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Research on Cancer, chronic pain, nausea and more are grinding to a halt due to the federal funding freeze.

New research is validating cannabis can help cancer, chronic pain or more. It is a key alternative to avoid opioid use for post surgery pain. But now the deal funding freeze to hit medical marijuana research has significant implications for various sectors of scientific research, including medical marijuana studies. While the freeze has been temporarily halted, the uncertainty it created has already affected ongoing projects and future research prospects.

Medical marijuana research has long faced challenges due to federal restrictions. Despite growing interest in its therapeutic potential, the classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act limits research opportunities. Historically, most federal funding for cannabis research has focused on its potential harms rather than its medical benefits. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) are key players in controlling access to research-grade cannabis, which further complicates the process for researchers.

Federal Funding Freeze To Hit Medical Marijuana Research

Effects of the Funding Freeze

Uncertainty and Delayed Projects: The funding freeze, even if temporary, has introduced uncertainty into the research environment. Scientists rely on stable funding to plan and execute long-term studies. Any disruption can delay projects, impacting years of research efforts.
Impact on Academic Freedom: The freeze is seen as a threat to academic freedom, as researchers fear speaking out against government actions might jeopardize their funding4. This fear can particularly affect medical marijuana research, which is already controversial and underfunded.
Limited Access to Research Materials: The NIDA monopoly on research-grade cannabis has historically limited access to materials necessary for comprehensive studies6. A funding freeze exacerbates this issue by potentially reducing the already limited resources available for acquiring and studying cannabis.
State-Level Initiatives: While federal funding is crucial, some states have taken the initiative to fund medical marijuana research. However, these efforts are often insufficient to compensate for the lack of federal support

The ongoing challenges in medical marijuana research highlight the need for consistent and supportive federal policies. As more states legalize cannabis for medical use, there is a growing demand for rigorous scientific studies to validate its efficacy and safety. However, until federal restrictions are eased and funding becomes more accessible, progress in this area will remain slow.

The federal funding freeze compounds the existing barriers to medical marijuana research, further hindering efforts to explore its therapeutic potential. Addressing these challenges requires a shift in federal policy to support comprehensive and unbiased research into cannabis’s medical benefits.

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back pain

Can Cannabis Provide Some Relief From Chronic Pain

Published

1 week ago

February 3, 2025

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Chronic pain can be life changing – from the pain to zapped energy. But can cannabis make a difference?

An estimated 20% of adults in the US and roughly 8 million Canadians experience chronic pain. This condition is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months. It can lead to insomnia and fatigue. If can impact many other parts of life, including mood and the ability to move and body functions. It can also lead to changes in the brain and nervous system, which can make the pain worse and harder to manage. But can cannabis provide some relief from chronic pain?

Medical cannabis (MC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have show promise in managing chronic pain, though efficacy varies by condition and formulation. Research indicates cannabinoids may reduce pain severity by 30–50% compared to placebo, particularly in neuropathic and inflammatory conditions. A 2023 systematic review of 15 studies found CBD alone or combined with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) reduced pain by 42–66%.

Can Cannabis Provide Some Relief From Chronic Pain

Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, modulating pain signaling and inflammation:

THC binds to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, altering pain perception.
CBD enhances anandamide (a natural pain-regulating compound) and activates glycine receptors, potentially reducing localized inflammation.
Combined THC:CBD formulations (e.g., nabiximols) often show superior pain relief compared to single cannabinoids, with CBD mitigating THC’s psychoactive effects.

Clinical Evidence by Condition

Neuropathic pain: THC:CBD sprays reduced pain scores in multiple sclerosis and spinal injury patients.
Arthritis/fibromyalgia: Topical CBD improved peripheral neuropathy, while oral formulations alleviated fibromyalgia pain in 30% of patients.
Chronic back/neck pain: Preliminary trials suggest vaporized cannabis may rival oxycodone’s efficacy.

The good news is studies report 18–29% of patients achieve ≥30% pain reduction with cannabinoids vs. 14–26% on placebo. Effective CBD doses range widely (2.5–1,500 mg/day), and prolonged use may alter drug metabolism. So trend carefully with both CBD and THC. Remember, only THC:CBD combos like nabiximols are FDA-approved for specific conditions; most CBD products remain unregulated.

CBD alone shows fewer side effects (fatigue, diarrhea) than THC-containing products. Notably, real-world data associate medical cannabis with 60% reduced opioid use in chronic pain patients, though long-term safety data remain limited.

While cannabinoids offer a potential alternative for refractory chronic pain, optimal use requires personalized dosing and further high-quality trials targeting specific pain subtypes. Current evidence supports cautious integration into multimodal pain regimens, particularly when conventional therapies fail. Always talk with your health professional when adding something new to your pain management regime.

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Cannabis

Chronic Pain Has Become Common But Cannabis Can Help

Published

6 months ago

August 30, 2024

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Chronic pain has a more common ailment than depression, diabetes and more.

Chronic pain has become common but cannabis can help. A recent study revealed chronic pain is as common or more than diabetes, depression, high blood pressure and more. The exhaustive study discovered 52 new cases of chronic pain per 1,000 people. It is higher than the rate for high blood pressure (45 new cases per 1,000) and far higher than the rates of new depression and diabetes cases.

Roughly 50+ million American and Canadian suffer from chronic pain. The study found people ages 50 and were at higher risk of chronic pain. However, around 10% of adults who reported chronic pain in 2019 said they were pain-free in 2020.

Chronic pain is pain lasting over three months. The pain can be there all the time, or it may come and go. It interferes with daily activities including working, basic function like dressing or cooking, and your social life. It can lead to depression, anxiety and trouble sleeping, which can make the pain worse.

Common chronic pain includes:

Arthritis, or joint pain.
Back pain.
Neck pain.
Cancer pain near a tumor.
Headaches, including migraines.
Testicular pain (orchialgia).
Lasting pain in scar tissue.
Muscle pain all over (such as with fibromyalgia).

The way cannabis helps is due to the peripheral nerves, which detect pain sensations, contain abundant receptors for cannabinoids. Cannabinoids in the correct dosage can block peripheral nerve pain. And basic studies suggest opiates and cannabinoids suppress pain through different mechanisms. This means cannabis, which is not nearly as addictive as opiates, can provide a safer option.

For those suffering from chronic pain, it is important to have a conversation with you medical provider. Cannabis can be a less addictive option if taken in the correct amount and frequency. Microdosing has become common to manage anxiety and could be a solution for pain. Roughly 10% of people recover from chronic pain, so it is important to find a solid pathway to a functional life.

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