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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by pseudoname on October 19, 2005, at 10:53:10
A synthetic cannabinoid 100 times stronger than similar compounds found in marijuana actually promotes neuron growth in the hippocampus, according to a forthcoming study in "The Journal of Clinical Investigation."
Current theories suggest that depression may be triggered when too few new brain cells are grown in the hippocampus. The new compound could offer a treatment for depression by stimulating the growth of new cells.
Study author Xia Zhang said, “Most drugs of abuse suppress neurogenesis. Only marijuana promotes neurogenesis.”
HU-210, the highly purified compound used in the study, would apparently avoid the memory impairment and dependency problems that come from other compounds present in marijuana.
No word on how long until an antidepressant treatment containing HU-210 could be available.
Press release here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/10/051016083817.htm
Posted by med_empowered on October 19, 2005, at 13:06:50
In reply to synthetic marijuana could treat depression, posted by pseudoname on October 19, 2005, at 10:53:10
hate to ask the obvious but...why? couldn't we just re-schedule marijuana so people can grow it and use it as they see fit? I mean..now, some company is going to spend mad $$$ developing this drug, which will then cost the consumer mad $$$ as well...it may also bring new side effects and problems that we don't see with good ole marijuana (look at the what happened with resperine, for instance). I'm glad they're finally doing mainstream research into the benefits of pot--that's nice of them--but I kind of wish the goal could be to change the ridiculous anti-drug policies that are in place now...instead the goal seems to be maintaining the anti-drug policies and offering highly expensive, synthetic chemical alternatives to a safe folk-remedy. **sigh**.
Posted by Tom Twilight on October 19, 2005, at 15:43:49
In reply to Re: synthetic marijuana could treat depression, posted by med_empowered on October 19, 2005, at 13:06:50
I don't know when we'll see the any Cannabis derived medicine for depression.
The hysteria around it is so great
Hopefully we will one day
Cannabis works wonders for my anxiety.At least it hasn't been as completely demonised as GHB *sigh*.
Its funny that Sir Russell Reynolds, Queen Victorias personal physician said wrote,
"When pure and administered carefully, [it is] one of the of the most valuable medicines we possess."
Posted by Phillipa on October 19, 2005, at 19:27:48
In reply to Re: synthetic marijuana could treat depression, posted by Tom Twilight on October 19, 2005, at 15:43:49
They already have marinol. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by linkadge on October 21, 2005, at 10:43:17
In reply to Re: synthetic marijuana could treat depression, posted by Phillipa on October 19, 2005, at 19:27:48
I agree with Tom. Marajuanna helped my anxiety unlike antidepressants did.
Antidepressants helped a smidge for emotional anxiety, but always produced more physical anxiety.
I tried some marajuanna in the summer and was surprised that I woke up in the morning for once, not wanting to vomit due to knots in my stomach.
Linkadge
Posted by Iansf on October 21, 2005, at 18:46:04
In reply to Re: synthetic marijuana could treat depression, posted by med_empowered on October 19, 2005, at 13:06:50
> hate to ask the obvious but...why? couldn't we just re-schedule marijuana so people can grow it and use it as they see fit? I mean..now, some company is going to spend mad $$$ developing this drug, which will then cost the consumer mad $$$ as well...it may also bring new side effects and problems that we don't see with good ole marijuana (look at the what happened with resperine, for instance).
>
I've not seen any reports that marijuana itself alleviates depression or that it helps grow the hippocampus. HU-210 is only a single component of the whole plant, and you probably would have to consume ungodly amounts of marijuana to get the benefits of HU-210 in concentrated form. And speaking of side effects, marijuana has any number of them - including increased appetite, lethargy, sleepiness, difficulty focusing and - most importantly - sensory distortions that can interfere with ordinary activity. Some people can function well while stoned, but most people can't. I'm guessing that whatever side effects HU-210 turns out to have, sensory distortion will not be among them.
Posted by linkadge on October 23, 2005, at 9:54:33
In reply to Re: synthetic marijuana could treat depression » med_empowered, posted by Iansf on October 21, 2005, at 18:46:04
Marajuanna is proliferative to hippocampal neurons. (5-ht1a receptors may be partiall responsable).
I certinly noticed a profound antidepressant effect, especially on certain syptoms such as anxiety, anhedonia, and insomnia.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=32033&nfid=rssfeeds
Linkadge
Posted by Bonnie_CA on May 6, 2006, at 3:55:25
In reply to Re: synthetic marijuana could treat depression, posted by linkadge on October 23, 2005, at 9:54:33
I don't know about depression, but it helps me with my anxiety. I've just figured out recently that I probably have ADD, and small amounts of marijuana actually helps me to concentrate on one thing at a time (as opposed to thinking about 5 or more things at a time, and being driven crazy). I say small amounts because if I get straight up high, I'm just a lump, but I get that way sometimes when I'm having trouble sleeping or when I'm super anxious. I have Xanax for when I need to be completely sober, but it gives me headaches sometimes, which the marijuana does not. Thankfully I live in a state that condones medical use of marijuana.
I think creating a medicine that gives the same good effects of marijuana without smoking is great for those that really do not want to smoke or eat it, but this country needs to make that an alternative to the herbal remedy, not a replacement. But, as it stands, this will just make some drug execs very rich.
Posted by Phillipa on May 6, 2006, at 20:10:52
In reply to Re: synthetic marijuana could treat depression, posted by Bonnie_CA on May 6, 2006, at 3:55:25
What about marinol? It was used by Cancer pts for the nausea. Love Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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