Cannabis CBD Patch For Nerve Pain Relief Something For You

 Today's post from ireadculture.com (see link below) offers an alternative to smoked, or inhaled cannabis for nerve pain relief. A new product in transdermal patch form has arrived, which distributes CBD extract through the body and avoids many of the things that put people off using cannabis as a pain killer (you don't get high with CBD folks). This could be a major breakthrough for neuropathy patients. You may already have seen CBD oil products on your health shop shelves, or advertised on internet (depending on where you live in the world and what the attitude there is) but if you want to take the step towards trying cannabis to control your symptoms, what better way is there than a patch on the skin! Definitely worth a read.

New CBD Patches Combat Nerve Pain and Fibromyalgia
by Jacob Cannon | November 4, 2016

Although cannabis is still considered to have no medical use by the Drug Enforcement Administration, pharmaceutical companies continue to create medications that prove its efficacy against countless ailments. Cannabis Science, Inc. has developed two new pain relief patches that are specifically for patients with Diabetic Neuropathy nerve pain and Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a medical condition in which the individual experiences chronic widespread pain and a higher, more painful response to pressure. Neuropathy damages or spreads disease to nerves and can have various painful effects depending on which nerves are affected. Now patients facing either of these ailments might find relief with the transdermal CBD patches created by Cannabis Science.

The transdermal pads are made with high potency cannabinoid (CBD) extract. The extract is released in a controlled fashion, which enters into the bloodstream through a medicated adhesive patch that is put on the skin. The CBD extract enters through the skin and into the central nervous system, which is how patients receive pain relief.

The Cannabis Science CEO, Raymond C. Dabney, confirmed that these developments are just the beginning for his company, according to www.biospace.com. “The development of these two new pharmaceutical medicinal applications are just the tip of the iceberg for what we see as the future of Cannabis Science,” Dabney said. “While we strive to increase our land capacity for growth and facilities to produce our own product to supply our scientists with proprietary materials to make these formulations, we are so busy researching more potential needs for cannabis-related medical applications and developing the methods for delivery of these medications.”

CBD is notorious for being one of the active ingredients in cannabis that leads to various healing properties from helping to reduce seizures to acting as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. One of its most attractive properties to many is that it does not have any psychoactive properties. As more states vote soon on allowing medical cannabis programs in their state, Cannabis Science only sees greater opportunity to help more patients.

“As more states nationwide legislate for the legalization of cannabis and cannabis derived medications, we here at Cannabis Science are focused on developing pharmaceutical formulations and applications to supply the huge growing demand expected over the coming few years,” Dabney said.

http://ireadculture.com/new-cbd-patches-combat-nerve-pain-fibromyalgia/

Can Cannabis help

In the States, there are constant arguments regarding the value of cannabis in treating pain and most states have legal problems anyway. Here in the Netherlands, we have no such problems, so this should be of interest. The problem is that if you're a non-smoker, you might have extra difficulty using cannabis.
According to the Californian doctor, Dr. Sean Brean...

This week I was contacted by the director of operations for The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy in Chicago because of the feedback they are getting from patients about how much it helps them. Unfortunately Illinois does not have a medical marijuana law on the books so the patients there are frustrated and want relief. The women I spoke with reached out to me because I have blogged about the success I have had using medical marijuana to treat neuropathic pain. READ ON….
...Neuropathic pain can happen from a number of different reasons. One of the most common is cause by high circulating blood sugars seen in patients with Diabetes. These sugars bind to the nerves and alter various proteins resulting a damage. Also, diabetes affects the small blood vessels that supply the nerves. When the blood flow is limited there is less oxygen to the nerves and they die off. The #2 and #3 reasons patients develop neuropathy is HIV infection and medication induced (many chemotherapy agents cause neuropathy).

There have been numerous studies that show medical marijuana’s efficacy. If you google “Center for Medical Cannabis Research, UCSD” it will link to 14 completed studies showing the efficacy of medical marijuana. Many of those studies demonstrated the positive benefit of using marijuana for neuropathic pain.

When patients follow up with me after using medical marijuana they report:

1. Decreased dependance on other pain meds.

2. Improved sleep. Many times they sleep through the night “for the first time in years”.

3. Improved Mood. They now have hope and have a better outlook on their lives. Finally something that gave them some relief!

4. Improved appetite.

It has been very rewarding taking care of patients with neuropathic pain. Traditional medicine has not given enough credit to cannabis as a treatment for this disease. As more and more patients use this my hope is that more doctors will hear their success stories.
Medical Marijuana and Peripheral Neuropathy

Cannabis probably helps but

The Painkiller Cannabis

Today's post from sciencedaily.com (see link below) is yet another justification of the use of cannabis or cannabinoid products to treat chronic pain. It seems the world is slowly coming to the conclusion that there is considerable benefit to be gained by using the drug in one way or another to control pain. The only problem is stereotypical political prejudices which refuse to change with the times, irrespective of the amount of scientific evidence presented. Fortunately, quite a few countries and even states within countries, are taking a sensible stance and accepting that the relief of long term pain may be more important than outdated laws. That said, you have to be able to take cannabis, either smoked, or otherwise and not everybody can do that comfortably.

Cannabis as Painkiller

ScienceDaily (Aug. 7, 2012) 

 Cannabis-based medications have been demonstrated to relieve pain. Cannabis medications can be used in patients whose symptoms are not adequately alleviated by conventional treatment. The indications are muscle spasms, nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy, loss of appetite in HIV/Aids, and neuropathic pain.

This is the conclusion drawn by Franjo Grotenhermen and Kirsten Müller-Vahl in issue 29-30 of Deutsches Ärzteblatt International.

The clinical effect of the various cannabis-based medications rests primarily on activation of endogenous cannabinoid receptors. Consumption of therapeutic amounts by adults does not lead to irreversible cognitive impairment. The risk is much greater, however, in children and adolescents (particularly before puberty), even at therapeutic doses.

Over 100 controlled trials of the effects of cannabinoids in various indications have been carried out since 1975. The positive results have led to official licensing of cannabis-based medications in many countries. In Germany, a cannabis extract was approved in 2011 for treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis. In June 2012 the Federal Joint Committee (the highest decision-making body for the joint self-government of physicians, dentists, hospitals and health insurance funds in Germany) pronounced that the cannabis extract showed a slight additional benefit for this indication and granted a temporary license until 2015.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120807101232.htm

A Day In Court For Medical Cannabis

Today's post from safeaccessnow.org (see link below) will be of particular interest for people living in or near Washington DC but the ramifications of the outcome will be of interest world-wide. In October 2012, the US Court of Appeals is finally going to hear arguments about the benefits of medical cannabis, especially in relation to chronic pain. Many neuropathy patients already know how cannabis/marijuana can reduce their pain levels but many more find legal access almost impossible. Different countries across the world have different laws and expert opinions on the subject but if the USA officially backs it as a valid treatment, the rest of the world tends to sit up and take notice. Unfortunately, the powers that be in the States are hampered by hysterical overreaction to the very name cannabis and it will take sound scientific arguments for them to turn against public opinion.

 

Want to Join ASA for Medical Cannabis Patients’ Day in Federal Court?
September 6th, 2012 Posted by Mike Liszewsk

After a full decade of waiting, medical cannabis patients will finally have theirday in federal court on October 16, 2012when the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit agreed to hear oral arguments in Americans for Safe Access v. Drug Enforcement Administration. The hearing will be a historic day in the medical cannabis movement and ASA’s staff have been fielding a great many inquiries from our members about how they can get a “front row seat” to history. Well, not everyone will be so lucky as to sit in the front row seat in the courtroom, but many of our members will be able to watch the hearing live. Below are details on how you can join ASA in the courtroom that day, but first, some brief background on the case.

The Legal Battle to Reschedule Cannabis, 10 Years in the Making

The history of this case begins in 2002 when Coalition for Rescheduling Cannabis (CRC) filed its petition, the courts will finally review the scientific evidence regarding the medical value of marijuana. Since “marijuana” (cannabis) was originally placed and has since remained in Schedule I of the federal Controlled Substances Act, the U.S. Government holds the position that the plant has no accepted medical value and is unsafe to use for medical purposes. The appeal case on Oct. 16 with challeng the July 2011 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) denial of the CRC petition, which was filed in 2002. ASA’s Chief Counsel, Joe Elford, summarizes the case as,
“…a rare opportunity for patients to confront politically motivated decision-making with scientific evidence of marijuana’s medical efficacy. What’s at stake in this case is nothing less than our country’s scientific integrity and the imminent needs of millions of patients.”

While a decision in the case will not come for several weeks after oral arguments, many medical cannabis patients and their loved ones will no doubt want to join Elford in the courtroom as he presents ASA’s argument before the court.

How to Attend Your Day in Federal Court

The Oct. 16th oral argument hearing will be held E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse, however, those planning to attend should take note that there is very limited seating, and ASA cannot reserve seating for the public. The hearing is currently scheduled for 9:30am in Courtroom 11 (4th floor), which has a maximum capacity of only 80 members of the public. While there is a chance that the hearing may be moved to a larger courtroom, the largest courtroom available has a maximum capacity of 200 members of the public.

Those wishing to be in the courtroom that day should be prepared to wake up early and wait in line, as seating is first come, first served. The courthouse opens at 8am, and the line to view the hearing begins right outside the Courtroom 11 doors. Typically the courtroom begins seating members of the public at 9:10am, with the hearing beginning at 9:30am. It appears as though ASA vs. DEA will be the second hearing held in Courtroom 11 that morning, so safe access advocates packing the courtroom may end up sitting through the case unrelated to medical cannabis, Gang Luan vs. US.

What to Bring, and What Not to Bring

Security at the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse is higher than most federal buildings in DC, and many items are not allowed in the courthouse, much less the courtroom. Nobody is permitted in the courthouse without presenting a valid government-issued photo ID card. Backpacks, briefcases and purses are permitted in the courthouse, but electronic devices are only by attorneys who can practice federal court and credentialed members of the media. Technically, certain kinds of electronic devices are permitted, but since nearly every device is capable of recording audio and/or video, it applies to most electronic devices. The court does have lockers where electronic devices capable of recording may be stored while attending a hearing. Traditional film cameras are strictly forbidden as well. Additionally, visitors are forbidden from bringing in “all liquids, aerosols, and gels in excess of 3.4 ounces (100 ml).”

Getting to the Courthouse

The courthouse is located at 333 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001. Both locals and those coming in from out of town to attend the hearing are highly encouraged to take public transportation. TheDC Metro system has two stops that are short walks to the hearing on the Red line at Judiciary Square, and Green/Yellow lines at Archives.There are a handful of public parking lots nearby, but they are not cheap, nor are they closer to the courthouse than the Metro stations.
Although there are 4 entrances to the courthouse, individuals with physical disabilities should use either the 3rd ST entrance or John Marshall Park entrance.
ASA looks forward to seeing you on YOUR day in federal court to watch history unfold before our eyes!

http://safeaccessnow.org/blog/?p=3118

 

 

 

Cannabis Inhaler Effective For Neuropathy

Today's short post from norml.org (see link below) reinforces the widely held belief that cannabis can relieve neuropathic symptoms as effectively as almost anything else. In this case, the cannabinoids are delivered via an inhaler which removes the need to smoke joints laced with tobacco (with all its associate dangers). Whatever, your opinion of cannabis, there is little doubt regarding its medicinal qualities and if you find that pills are not really helping you in your fight against neuropathic pain, it may be worthwhile looking into this option and at least trying it out. There are many other articles here on the blog about cannabis and neuropathy (see alphabetical list to the right).

Study: Cannabis Inhaler Delivers Effective Relief To Neuropathy Patients
Thursday, 21 August 2014

Haifa, Israel: The administration of a single dose of whole-plant cannabis via a thermal-metered inhaler is effective and well tolerated among patients suffering from neuropathy (nerve pain), according to clinical trial data published online ahead of print in the Journal of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy.

Israeli investigators assessed the efficacy of a novel, portable metered-dose cannabis inhaler in eight subjects diagnosed with chronic neuropathic pain. Researchers reported that the vaporizing device administered an efficient, consistent, and therapeutically effective dosage of cannabinoids to all participants.

They concluded, "This trial suggests the potential use of the Syqe Inhaler device as a smokeless delivery system of medicinal cannabis, producing a delta-9-THC pharmacokinetic profile with low inter-individual variation of (maximum drug/plasma concentrations), achieving pharmaceutical standards for inhaled drugs."

A series of clinical trials conducted by investigators affiliated with the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at the University of California, San Diego previously determined that the inhalation of whole-plant cannabis is efficacious in the treatment of various types of neuropathic pain.

For more information, please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director, at: paul@norml.org. Full text of the study, "The pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and ease of use of a novel portable metered-dose cannabis inhaler in patients with chronic neuropathic pain: A phase 1a study," will appear in the Journal of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy.

http://norml.org/news/2014/08/21/study-cannabis-inhaler-delivers-effective-relief-to-neuropathy-patients

Cannabis Salve For Neuropathic Conditions

Today's post from hempista.com (see link below) is a new one to us but others may be familiar with the idea; in any case, it sounds logical. The article talks about making a cannabis salve as a skin treatment for painful neuropathic reactions. In this case, it talks about shingles but it could be applied to other neuropathic symptoms and types, especially on the feet or legs. Given that many people have problems either getting hold of cannabis (as a pain killer) or using it (smoking for instance), this may provide a less-troublesome, alternative means of treating a neuropathic pain source. The recipe is clear and uncomplicated and this blog would love to hear people's experiences using it. There are also commercial cannabis salve products available if you don't want to make it yourself.

Cannabis Salve for Pain and Neuropathy – Yep, I had shingles. :( Posted on May 30, 2015 by Hempista

* I’ve updated this recipe from last year with a main option and an additional option for preparing this salve. Thanks for all of the feedback, I’m glad you like it!

One of the things you might have to endure if you are an autoimmune, AIDS, organ transplant, cancer or other kind of immune-compromised patient is the ever-looming specter of shingles coming to life. And in fact, shingles is exactly like a zombie. It lives in your dorsal root forever if you’ve ever had chicken pox. Which, if you are human, you’ve probably had chicken pox. Not everyone will get shingles in their lifetime but a lot of people do! Interestingly enough, the dorsal root is also part of the endocannabinoid system in the body. And as we know, cannabis is great for neuropathic pain.

Shingles is such a painful illness that the primary recommended treatments for it are opiate-based painkillers and anti-viral medication. And no, this isn’t a minor-surgery type of pain regime, it’s weeks long. And the nerve damage from shingles can get severe enough to last beyond the illness itself or even for a lifetime. It’s scary.

I made a cannabis salve during my bout with shingles and I found this to be very helpful in dealing with the itching and the unique type of pain, that frankly, I had not experienced before even with my multiple autoimmune disorders.

One thing about shingles: you probably aren’t going to feel like going out and shopping for ingredients or waiting for an online order to arrive and that is exactly the way I felt! This cannabis salve recipe uses common ingredients that you can quickly source in your cabinet or the corner store.


Cannabis Salve for Neuropathic Pain

Ingredients:

3/4 cup of olive oil (The higher the quality, the better, but whatever you have at hand will work fine too.)

7 bags of plain chamomile tea (or 5-7 tsp) that has no other teas, herbs or flavors added

1 gram of ground cannabis flower or more

2 tsp of powdered turmeric

1/4 tsp of powdered cayenne pepper

2 cups of water

An optional 3 – 5 drops of lavender oil if you have it available!

Preparation:

Put the herbs, olive oil, water in a pan an simmer on low on the stove for 2 hours. (Alternatively, if you want something faster, omit the water and put the oil and herbs in a covered baking pan and bake in a preheated oven at 250 degrees for 30 minutes and allow to completely cool before using. You may strain the herbs from the oil after cooling and set them aside to use underneath a wrap on the places that you have the most irritation on your body. Transfer the oil to a glass jar and add lavender oil if you desire.)

Allow this to cool and then strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. When the oil has completely separated from the water, use a turkey baster or syringe to pull the oil from the top of the water and transfer into a glass storage jar. Add the lavender oil if you wish! Immediately place the jar in the freezer and allow the oil to become a hardened salve. This should take about an hour.

Apply the cold salve to affected areas and massage in. Be sure to wash your hands afterwards as the cayenne pepper can be painful if you get it into your eyes! You will initially feel a warming sensation after applying the cold salve which will subside into relief from pain in the affected area.

My Refrigerated Olive Oil Technique

I talk about this simple technique in my book and recommend it in many of my topical cannabis recipes. Pure olive oil salve or ointment that is solidified in the freezer or refrigerator has a more soothing and fast-absorbing quality than the liquid oil at room temperature IMO. Try it! I discuss this in detail along with many recipes and techniques using basic kitchen ingredients in the Quick Start Chapter of the new edition of my book, The Cannabis Spa Book, coming from Skyhorse Publishing in 2015!

*The information here is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness, please consult your doctor for diagnosis, treatment or for advice about using any herbal medicine.

https://www.hempista.com/2015/cannabis-salve-pain-neuropathy-shingles/