This month’s webinar highlighted research on cannabis being investigated as a treatment for rheumatic diseases, menstrual symptoms, eczema, and more.
On October 23, 2024, Dustin Sulak, founder of Healer, a cannabis education and product resource, hosted a two-hour webinar discussing some recent research studies on cannabis. Our monthly webinars are designed to take a deep dive into specific research on medical cannabis and are open to participants from all backgrounds. This month’s webinars covered rheumatic diseases, menstrual symptoms, cannabis root research, and cannabis for eczema.
The first study presented at the webinar, “Using medical cannabis as a substitute for drugs in rheumatology patients in the United States and Canada,” is a secondary analysis of existing research and will be published in ACR Open Rheumatology in September 2024 It was done. One of the findings highlighted in this analysis was the high proportion of participants who reported using drugs such as opioids and benzodiazepines in place of cannabis. “What I liked about this study is that there are so many different symptoms in this group and so many different types of drugs,” Dr. Surak explained. “And I’m amazed at how versatile cannabis is and how much it can substitute for other things. This speaks to the broad and versatile pharmacology of cannabis,” he says. We also discussed the limitations of the study and the interaction between the endocannabinoid system and symptoms.
The roots of the cannabis plant became the focus of the next study. “Rooted in therapeutic medicine: Comprehensive analysis of cannabis root extract reveals potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and bactericidal properties” was published in Frontiers in Pharmacology in September 2024. Ta. Dr. Sulak began by explaining that although cannabis roots make up 30-50% of the plant’s biomass, there is little scientific evidence regarding extracts. In this study, cuttings from the same mother plant grown in indoor hydroponic and soil conditions were ground into powder, extracted in three different ways, and diluted to achieve the same potency. Ultimately, six different extracts were tested. Dr. Surak discussed the various compounds found in the roots and their potential therapeutic uses. “Antioxidants, anticholinesterases, anti-inflammatory properties, the ability to protect mitochondrial membranes, these are all very valuable therapeutic properties,” he said. “This study validates the traditional use of cannabis root and questions its traditional status as a waste product.”
The following study, “A survey-based quasi-experimental study evaluating high-cannabidiol suppositories for menstrual-related pain and discomfort,” was published in August 2024 in NPJ Women’s Health. Dr. Surak described the study setting and explained the significance of the results at one and two months into the study. Things like PMS, or even actual menstrual symptoms, or even congestion symptoms. ” Guest speaker Megan Mbenge, MSMCT, BSN, RN, presented data from an open-label cohort study involving cannabis suppositories for menstrual symptoms, discussed the results, and answered attendees’ questions.
The final study, “An oil-in-water emulsion combining ginger extract and synthetic cannabidiol with potent in vitro anti-inflammatory effects reduces symptoms of atopic dermatitis in clinical trials,” was published in the European Journal in August 2024. of European Journal of Dermatology. Dr. Slack described three parts of the study: a screen of 24 proprietary extracts, a cultured cell study, and a clinical trial with 44 participants. “One of the limitations of this study is that it only lasted five days,” Dr. Sulak explained. “But even in that short period of time, 75% of people got clinically meaningful itch relief. They think of this product as an ’emollient plus,’ so it moisturizes.” We’re putting certain emollients in there to improve the barrier, but we’re putting something in there that may address the underlying pathophysiology of the disease, in this case CBD. And ginger. And we now know from cellular evidence that ginger interacts with the endocannabinoid system. ”
The second part of the webinar consisted of an open discussion in response to questions from the participants. “No question is too basic or too advanced,” Dr. Sulak said. Topics included cannabis and cognitive decline, including reactive oxidative stress and osteoarthritis.
