Despite its less than honorable reputation (in the past), the little green plant called marijuana has ascended from an infamous drug to a potentially life-saving medicine in decades. Since the first recorded cancer-alleviation experiment in 1975 to the full-scale fight for a suppressant for AIDS, multiple groups of scientists have studied this fragrant herb in an attempt to tap into its potential healing factors. Even now, researchers in Australia are conducting the first clinical trial that will test the plant’s effectiveness as a cancer-accompaniment treatment for glioblastoma (a particularly nasty and aggressive brain tumor). Likewise, the United States has just legalized Epidiolex as an uncontrolled seizure medication. While we are aware of the drug’s benefits for cancer and epilepsy, what about some problems we do not know about? What about other nerve-related issues like essential tremors? Let’s take a closer look at how this plant can suppress this health problem.
Toking for Tremors
Back on September 18, the University for California San Diego’s Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research revealed that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had officially approved its plans to order capsules containing two important marijuana compounds (CBD, THC) from Tilray (British Columbia). Ultimately, the researchers are hoping to test the effectiveness of these cannabinoids in the treatment of tremors (a condition that affects millions of people over the age of 65).
Unlike Parkinson’s disease, which instigates fits of shaking when a person is not moving, people suffering from essential tremors shake while they are moving and completing daily activities. Any action from holding a pencil to stirring tea can result in these tremors. While the little green plant and its compounds have been approved for medical use across the U.S. this will be the first time researchers have tapped into the drug’s potential as a tremor medication.
Inspiration for the Study
Initially, Dr. Fatta Nahab (neurologist at UCSD and the principal of the tremor study) explained he was inspired to conduct this study on the possible benefits of the plant when two patients’ tremors improved after they smoked marijuana (or consumed CBD). According to the FDA application, the drug formula contains a 20:1 CBD to THC ratio to ensure that any high is significantly subdued.
With hope, the members of the university are hoping to collected 16 to 20 patients for the test group and kickstart the study early in 2019.
Always remember that marijuana does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
