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Friday, March 5, 2021
The Spokesman-Review
HEALTH & SCIENCE
DAILY DOSAGE
GETTY IMAGES
While some medical marijuana patients have found success with cannabis instead of pharmaceutical drugs, medical professionals provide caution of side effects.
Science unsure if chronic usage helps or harms By Taryn Mickelson
EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT
Cannabis is a popular substance that has been used – legally or illicitly – for thousands of years. Some like it because they believe it provides medical benefits, including chronic pain relief. Others use it simply for fun. There are some who need or want it daily, while others prefer to toke only on special occasions. Daily use may offer benefits, but also could cause harm if used improperly or in excess. Israeli researchers have been studying the effects of frequent
use and recently presented clinical evidence that cannabis at microdose levels (using extremely low compounds for specific effects) can relieve pain, while avoiding other side effects. This study published in the European Journal of Pain showed that the optimal and most effective dose to relieve pain is 500 milligrams of THC, the principal psychoactive constitute of cannabis. Patients in the study would consume 3-4 inhalations of up to 500 mg per day. Researchers said the study indicated that human sensitivity to THC is much greater
than previously presumed, resulting in fewer side effects and more effective treatment methods. Spokane resident Tracy Sirrine, founder and CEO of Patients for Patients Medical and former sales representative at Naked Science CBD Infused Solution, has many years of experience within the medical cannabis field. She has witnessed many miracles of cannabis when used medically. “I have seen many patients where cannabis had a major positive effect with chronic pain,” she said. “One that sticks in my mind is a women who was able
to walk for the first time in years, as well as quit many medications due to the miraculous work microdosing gave her.” Cannabis has been known to help cancer patients improve quality of life, especially stimulating appetite in chemotherapy patients. This is due to THC tricking the brain into making it think the body needs food by activating its pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, which signal fullness. A 2019 study at Wayne State University showed that cannabis also affects the amygdala response of those dealing
with symptoms of anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Those who took THC at a low dose showed a lower threat-related fear and anxiety response in situations designed to trigger these emotions. Sirrine also has observed similar benefits. “I witnessed 80% of patients with PTSD who did not need to do trial anti-depression medication due to cannabis use with the right strain and dose,” she said. Andreas Zimmer, a longtime U.S. National Institutes of Health See DOSAGE, 17
