Dr. Blesching, My name is M_____ and I have seen a lot of your research on the entire endocannabinoid system. I am 21 years old and been using cannabis almost everyday for the past 3 years, I was wondering if you could explain in simple terms how I can get my endocannabinoid system back into balance because I am trying to quit this psychological addiction and I cant seem to find a lot of research on abuse of cannabis on this system. I understand the thc molecules attach to the cannabinoid receptors in place of the cannabinoids but with this abuse of cannabis does my body create less cannabinoids or is it something completely different? I am just trying understand the effects this addiction has had on my body. If you could give me any information or help I would be grateful. Thank you,
M_____
Dear M_____,
While I cannot give you medical advise (I am not a physician nor are you my patient) I can however share some information as well as a number of links with you (feel free to show your health care provider) that you can use to learn more to make more informed and discerning decisions regarding your questions and concerns.
While much of or CannaKeys 360 platform is focusing on the therapeutic aspects of cannabis we are keenly aware of the adverse effects potential that come with the use of any drug or substance. As such, we have included sections such as Cannabis Adverse Affects,Cannabis Dependence, Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome, and Poisoning by Synthetic Cannabis to represent our users with the currently available scientific data that provides the context for a deeper understanding of how cannabis and what type of cannabis contributes to adverse effects such as addiction for example. Please allow me to share a brief synopses: Evidence of cannabis use disorder (CUD) is linked to the chronic use of a cannabis chemotype I (THC>CBD) while the use of cannabis chemotype II (THC=CBD) in the form of nabiximols or cannabis chemotype III (THC<CBD) containing products have been associated with anti-addictive properties such as effectively reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Additional therapeutic potential was reflective in reduced relapse rates. These effects were found to be able to be fortified by psychological interventions such as motivational enhancement therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Regarding the safety profile of CBD, a double-blind placebo-controlled trial indicates that there is no evidence of withdrawal syndrome with abrupt discontinuation of short-term treatment with CBD (in healthy volunteers). As such, while there is a risk of developing CUD with the chronic use of a cannabis chemtoypes I, cannabis chemotpes II and III may present an exit drug potential not just for CUD but also for so called hard drug addictions.
In addition, getting sufficient sleep, strenuous exercise, a focus on healthy nutritional support and various forms of meditative (e.g. Tai Chi) or mindfulness practices have shown to support and balance healthy endocannabinoid function, the stabilization of mood, and to develop the see through needed to make healthier choices going forward.
I have talked with a number of patients who suffered from CUD and many of those who successfully healed their addiction found that having support from a group going through similar challenges also made a significant difference in nurturing the body, mind, and emotion back to a health and resilient state of being.
