Treatments for opioid dependence with drugs such as methadone or conventional medications run the risk of making the patient addicted or dependent on the medication. Conventional treatments for opiate dependence can induce severe withdrawal symptoms if the medication is stopped abruptly. A great need remains for the development of non-opioid drug therapies that have less dependence and abuse liability.

The increasing abuse of Percocet and other opiate drugs is also leading to an increase in heroin use, and skyrocketing amount of people seeking treatment for opiate dependence. Cannabis seems to be a significant factor in opioid use.

A brief commentary on how THC may inhibit toxic effects of MDMA on the brain.

A research study conducted by members of the Endocannabinoid Research Group in Italy showed that cannabidiol(CBD) may prevent colon cancer according their animal and petri dish experiments

(3 min read) The International Association for Cannabinoid Medicine published a bulletin highlighting the preliminary results from an observational clinical trial studying the effects of Cannabis on post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

(2 min read) A commentary on the role of vitamin E and cannabinoid receptors.

(3 min read) Coverage of the 2011 International Cannabinoid Research Society meeting in Illinois.

Coverage of 2011 Internatinal Cannabinoid Research Society meeting.

Since 2001, Dr. Kirsten Muller-Vahl and colleagues have published research articles demonstrating the safety of Delta9-THC in patients with Tourette’s Syndrome. This is a disease characterized by involuntary movement and vocalizations (a.k.a. tics).  In 2003, the authors showed that, “Delta9-THC causes neither acute nor long-term cognitive deficits” in patients suffering from Tourette’s.

The focus of THC and high-THC products hampers meaningful product development.

(3 min read) Commentry on women and cannabis research.

Coverage of cannabinoid research discussions on the diet and ECS.

(2 min read) Commentary on Petri dish research on cannabinoids and neurological disorders related to dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Limitations on Cannabis research has hindered our ability to understand Cannabis use and it's potential consequences or benefits.

(3 min read) Researchers postulate chocolate addiction is linked to the endocannabinoid system, There are naturally occurring cannabinoids in many types of plants including cocoa. Scientists suggest that the reason people go crazy for chocolate is linked to marijuana.

(3 min read) Coverage of a scientific presentation given at Temple University on cannabinoids and breast cancer.

(5 min read) Due to concerns over the use of ‘Spice’ and similar herbal products sprayed with cannabinoids and other synthetically-derived compounds, government officials have been advising that these substances become controlled drugs. The United States has become concerned with this issue…so much so that even I was recently contacted by the Dr. Phil show for information on ‘Spice’ or “K2″. The current Dr. Phil episode was centered around the issue of the safety of these drugs.