THC, drug, medicine or both?

The figure of 300 million habitual users of cannabis in the world was already estimated in 1997. Mostly after a more or less fraudulent obtaining given that those derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant they are prohibited in the great majority of countries considering it in its majority like a drug of ludic character. We invite you to continue reading this PsicologíaOnline article, if you want to answer your questions about the THC Drug, medicine or both?

Index

1. Foreword
2. Introduction: drug classification
3. Neurotransmitters affected:
4. Psychoactive effects of thc
5. Pharmaceutical uses of cannabis derivatives and anandamide.

In 2004, countries like Great Britain, conservative and in the heart of an old and also conservative Europe, reopened the debate on the use of cannabis derivatives in scientific uses and more specifically medical, including the possible legalization for these purposes of the cultivation of the plant.

Headlines that can be found very easily and accessible in the press demonstrate the increased tolerance to this substance, due to mainly to recent studies and scientific discoveries in this regard to which we will refer in this article:

• Cannabis, about to regain its historical healing role
• British government plans to approve cannabis-derived pain relievers in 2004
• The Canadian government authorizes the therapeutic use of marijuana.
• One study suggests that the main active ingredient in marijuana slows tumor growth.
• …..

In the same medium, you can also find headlines that show the open and fiery debate surrounding this chemical component.

• Study advises against medical use of cannabis
• A cannabis derivative is less effective than standard therapy in improving the appetite of cancer patients
• Marijuana use damages long-term memory.
• ……

Throughout this article we will try to give an overview of the possible admission of this chemical compound in scientific studies for possible human benefit and controlled exploitation.

Much of the problems associated with this drug (marginality, drug trafficking, abandonment, risk of introduction into drugs considered by the WHO most dangerous, and other urban legends ...) they are based on a real problem.

All those risks are real for the simple fact of their illegality and lack of sanitary control, due to the obligation to consume "secretly" at the risk of greater fines than driving a vehicle without a driver's license, for the unavoidable contact with drug traffickers to obtain the product, which are usually in contact with several drugs or are accessible, etc ...

Not to mention that the authorities are aware of the adulteration to which these products are subjected already per be addictive (heroin, cocaine, cannabis, ...) with major addictives and with highly toxic products such as gasoline or rat poison. A sanitary control of the composition of the consumed product would avoid many unnecessary poisonings with other products, and what is worse, a possible new addiction to highly toxic substances used to cut the drug that reaches the streets. And therefore to our society and youth.

It is clear that the more you have to lose, the less risk of falling into drugs there is, therefore the more vulnerable population: youth must be informed and educated with scientific rigor.

In any case, this article will not defend the possible legalization of THC taking into account its ludic nature, but its possible use in medical and health environments. Trying to demonstrate therefore that a product classified as harmful to health can contribute to the improvement of the quality of life in the future.

Drugs or drugs can be classified by:

1. Due to its effects on the Central Nervous System (S.N.C.)

TO. Depressants of the S.N.C.

Family of substances that have in common their ability to interfere with normal brain function, causing reactions that can range from disinhibition to coma, in a progressive process of brain numbness. The most important of this group are:

• Alcohol
• Opiates: heroin, morphine, methadone, etc.
• Tranquilizers: pills to calm anxiety
• Hypnotics: sleeping pills

B. Stimulants of the S.N.C.

Group of substances that speed up the normal functioning of the brain, among which we can highlight:

• Major Stimulants: Amphetamines and Cocaine
• Minor Stimulants: Nicotine and Xanthines (caffeine, theobromine, etc.)

C. Disturbing of the S.N.C.

Substances that alter the functioning of the brain, leading to perceptual distortions, hallucinations, etc.

• Hallucinogens: LSD, mescaline, etc.
• Cannabis derivatives: hashish, marijuana, etc.
• Inhalants: ketones, benzenes, etc.
• Synthetic drugs: ecstasy, Eva, etc.

2. For its dangerousness

The World Health Organization (O.M.S.) has classified drugs according to their dangerousness, defined according to the following criteria:

TO. More Dangerous

• Those that create physical dependence.
• Those that create dependency faster
• Those with the highest toxicity

B. Less Dangerous

• Those that create only psychic dependence
• Those that create dependency less quickly
• Those with less toxicity

Based on these criteria, classify drugs into four groups:

Group 1: Opium and derivatives (morphine, heroin, etc.)

Group 2: Barbiturates and alcohol.

Group 3: Cocaine and amphetamines.

Group 4: LSD, cannabis, etc.

3. For the sociocultural codification of its consumption

TO. Drugs institutionalized

Those that have legal recognition and a regulatory use, when not a clear promotion (advertising, etc ...), despite being the ones that generate the most social health problems. Among us it would be mainly alcohol, tobacco and psychoactive drugs.

B. Drugs not institutionalized

Its sale is sanctioned by law, having a minority use among various groups for which they play an identifying role. Despite their restricted consumption, they are the ones that generate the most social alarm as a consequence of the stereotypes with which they are correlated (crime, marginalization, etc.)

According to these classifications, cannabis could be summarized as a non-institutionalized drug or whose sale is sanctioned by law in most countries, disturbing the nervous system. central, and yet classified as a soft drug by the World Health Organization far behind institutionalized and integrated drugs such as alcohol: thrilling.

It is perhaps one of the few drugs, of which it can be said that there is no lethal history due to an overdose. And it really is an argument that has not been exactly ignored by its detractors. Even so, no case of death from ingestion or consumption of THC has been found.

1. THE CANNABIS.

Cannabis comes from the plant Sativa Cannabis, with a worldwide popular appearance due to its characteristic five green serrated leaves.

The current form of consumption is inhaled or by ingestion, the latter being more psychoactively toxic than the former.
The traditional joint, however, has been shown to be the equivalent for lung disease, to smoke 6-7 cigarettes according to the conclusions of a study by the National Institute of the Consumption of France.

This plant contains a chemical substance responsible for the psychoactive effect of its consumption called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (notably simplified under the acronym: THC) and that was identified in 1964.

The very important discovery in 1992 of an endogenous brain chemistry: anandamide, has to reopen and in fact has succeeded, the debate on cannabis and its traditional scientific and therapeutic use (there is a history of cultivation in China and Turkestan dating back to the fourth millennium before Christ, and between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries, one of the most flourishing times for the Arab world, hashish was accepted and consumed legally. Of course there have also been times where it has been punished with harsh penalties. There are voices, however, that explain its most recent illegalization almost worldwide (throughout this century) with economic interests of flax and cotton against hemp)

2. THE ANANDAMIDE:

The truth is that today THC is illegal, but not anandamide. Anandamide walks with us along with endorphins and other brain chemicals of our own. Anandamide is to THC the same as enforphins to morphine. It is the same equation. This substance is the brain's own cannabis.

It is known that THC (delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which we have mentioned as the psychoactive factor of the substance), is assimilated through CANNABINOID RECEPTORS.

These receptors are housed in different areas of the brain in numerous neurons and their existence is known before knowing the presence in the body of anandamide. Which, after its discovery, gave meaning to these receptors.

These receptors have the specific function of capturing and assimilating THC and may be the key to the antidepressants of the future. These antidepressants would not consist of introducing exogenous THC into the body, but on the contrary, just as antidepressants act By blocking the blockage of serotonin, new drugs could unblock the release of anandamide in the brain and be produced from it In an endogenous and natural way, without damaging the lungs and digestive system, effects similar to those produced by THC.

Let's see what they are.

3. EFFECTS OF THC ON THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.

The brain areas in which cannabinoid receptors are housed are various: from the regions that affect the field of memory (hippocampus), to those of the concentration (cerebral cortex), perception (sensory portions of the cerebral cortex) and movement (cerebellum, substantia nigra, and globe pallus).

According to publications from the University of Washington, it appears that, in medium-low doses, THC causes:

• Relaxation
• Reduced coordination
• Low blood pressure
• Drowsiness
• Attention failures
• Perception disturbances (time / space)

In high doses it can cause:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Memory loss
• Disorientation

Mainly norepinephrine and dopamine, but serotonin and GABA levels can also be altered.

There are many sources that explain the effects on the body of introducing the chemistry of tetrahydrocannabinol into the blood. Taking specialized sources in the treatment of addictions, we will be able to expand a little on the information from the American University presented above.

Immediate effects

Initially, low doses can produce pleasant sensations of calm and well-being, increased appetite, euphoria, disinhibition, loss of concentration, decreased reflexes, desire to talk and laugh, red eyes, accelerated rhythm heart disease, dry mouth and throat, difficulty in executing complex mental processes, alterations in temporal and sensory perception, and may decrease memory a short term. This is followed by a second phase of depression and drowsiness.

In high doses, it can cause confusion, lethargy, excitement, anxiety, altered perception of reality and, more unusually, panic states and hallucinations.

Long-term effects

Highlights the much discussed "amotivational syndrome" (decreased personal initiative), coupled with a frequent decline in the ability to concentrate and memorize.

SCHIZOPHRENIA AND THC

As can be seen, even the controversy accompanies the symptoms of cannabis intoxication: anxiety and calm, euphoria and drowsiness... symptomatic ambivalence it misleads many new users and in this way, if for an anxiety disorder accustomed to its effects it will be relaxing and anxiolytic, for a novice user, it can produce symptoms similar to that of an attack of panic.

The same thing happens with cannabis psychosis.

Acute THC intoxication can simulate a temporary picture of schizophrenia. In fact, this class of intoxication is known as cannabis psychosis. The relationship between schizophrenia and THC We will study it below, but as of today, we already anticipate that there is no conclusive evidence of a relationship between the development of schizophrenia and habitual cannabis use although a common denominator is found in the worst prognosis and evolution of EXISTING schizophrenias and disorders schizophreniform.

This nuance is crucial. However, we will review the warnings that are made from more conservative positions of the scientific community despite considering them in part alarmist:

If something can be appreciated in the observation of the habitual hashish consumer are schizotypal tendencies conspicuous and repeated in highly variable samples of consumers (mysticism, neohippis, unusual interest in strange and paranormal experiences, belief in telepathy and a common denominator of magical beliefs and narcissists. Increases existing social phobia (don't believe it), etc ...)

That tendency to schizotypal Surrounding the world of the smoker and consumer of hashish and marijuana is what may be a possible premorbid state of schizophrenia. Namely. That before falling into a schizophrenia due to the habitual consumption of hashish, one would first have to go through a schizotype, which, if it could degenerate with the consumption of hashish in schizophrenia, which, in turn, has a worse prognosis and evolution demonstrated with THC in blood.

But despite the fact that we will review several sources alarmed by this relationship, it is not scientifically corroborated enough for the statement strong specific risk in the relationship between consuming THC and developing schizophrenia if it is not latent or there is a significant risk of suffer it.
Let's say that psychotic patients would be a population at risk when it comes to worsening their ailment, but the healthy population should not have to associate the consumption of THC and in the future of ANANDAMIDE with schizophrenia or psychosis.

Yes indeed. The families of schizophrenia have a poor prognosis with the habitual use of hashish and marijuana and this is indicated by different sources:

1. Professor Robin Murray of Maudsley Hospital in South London, and one of Britain's leading mental health experts, started a study faced with the social alarm generated on the island by the reclassification of hashish as a drug, going from B to C at the same level as steroids and tranquilizers. The conclusions were as follows:

• "What we found is that cannabis almost always exacerbates psychosis symptoms in people who already suffer (or have a family history) of mental health problems."
  They followed the study for four years of the evolution of the test individuals and concluded that:
• "Those who used cannabis when we met them and continued to do so showed an evolution three times worse than those who had never used."

Professor Louse Arsenault began studies whose results have been confirmed by recent work by Murray. In these studies they took a sample of 1000 individuals from birth to 26 years. They were interviewed for drug use at ages 15 and 18 and the results are chilling:

• “The conclusion was that, I use cannabis at 18, there was a 60% higher risk of becoming psychotic than of not using. But the most alarming thing is that with 15 years the risk soared to 450% ”.

They also concluded that children with quasi-psychotic ideas could develop them with cannabis use.

However, Murray himself acknowledges that it is not possible to know the extent of the sequelae and injuries caused by cannabis in the brain. And in fact it stands out that it is already prepared in a natural way to receive substances with similar effects. The suspicion of a possible relationship with psychosis is estimated in the relationship of cannabinoid receptors with dopamine receptors.

Drugs that increase the brain's dopamine levels (cocaine and amphetamine for example) are known to increase the chances of having a psychotic episode. In fact they are the receptors blocked by legal psychiatric drugs.
However this is already a conjecture of Professor Murray. A suspicion.

2. Other headlines are alarming as follows:

"A joint a week increases the risk of schizophrenia and depression" (El Mundo Salud, 11-22-2002)

This article alerts the adolescent population once again, especially since it is the one that is still in the formative process: Three studies published in the British Medical Journal coincide in warning of the long-term risks of habitual consumption in adolescence.

They carried out a sample of 1600 students between the ages of 15 and 17 and were alarmed at the to verify that in girls, daily consumption multiplied by five the risk of suffering from depression and anxiety in the future. And the weekly consumption doubled it.

However, the reasons that the study reveals as explanatory of these emerging pathologies are very disappointing:
"The social consequences of frequent use include school failure, unemployment and even juvenile delinquency, all of them factors that can cause high rates of mental illness".

To fall into this topic in a serious and alarming study like this seems a mistake. In no case will we enter into the controversy about the association of marginality, unemployment, and even crime with the habitual consumption of cannabis, because it is ridiculous to us and we consider that there is a stronger will than the apparently inevitable “consequences social". These consequences can be avoided and do not necessarily occur.

Namely:

• The consumption of hashish it does not lead to crime, but many criminals consume hashish.
• The consumption of hashish does not produce schizophrenia in a healthy subject or not predisposed to suffer from the disease. It has been studied to aggravate psychoses and therefore this segment of the population is discouraged. And in any case it is also discouraged during any period of growth and formation of the psyche, body and personality.

But please do not fall into topics, and less in serious studies such as those that are supposed to come from the British Medical Journal.

3. "Cannabis can promote the development of schizophrenia together with other factors" (ABC, 8-5-2004) In this case, presented the results of a congress organized by the National Institute of Health in Paris on the consumption of this substance.
They also conclude that the risk of suffering from schizophrenia is quadrupled in the case of early and abusive use before the age of 18.
However, they later retract any responsibility, alluding that:

“However, the consumption of this narcotic is one of the many causal factors of the schizophrenia, therefore it is neither necessary nor sufficient for the development of this disease. "

NOT NECESSARY NOR ENOUGH, concludes the French National Institute.

4. Finally we will review a more moderate article by the Mexican psychiatrist Dr. José Antonio Elizondo López, Founder and President of the Center for Comprehensive Attention in Addiction Problems (CAIPA), of the city of Mexico.

This psychiatrist distinguishes between three classes of drug addiction disordersand schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorders.

• Toxic psychosis with a schizophrenic model in drug addicts who are not schizophrenic. (There are many cases of schizophrenic experiences related to hallucinogens such as peyote, lsd, mushrooms, ..)
• Individuals with potential schizophrenia developing their first flare schizophrenic in relation to the consumption of certain drugs. These outbreaks are more resistant to psychiatric medication than a spontaneous one.
• Schizophrenics who, regardless of their illness, use drugs or alcohol. The latter would suffer from a dual disorder that would have to be treated as such.

Well, as we said at the beginning of the article, there is nothing conclusive, but there are many caveats that should not be disregarded.

In any case, the use and exploitation of Anandamide would not involve the consumption of any kind of drugs, but rather an exploitation of the natural resources themselves.
They say that the human body is like a forest for a druid: drugs and drugs. With one or another utility. And coincidentally always practical.

Let's see possible applications of the discovery of anandamide in the field of medicine interesting to finish.

1. MARINOL:

Marinol is the only legal drug authorized by the FDA, the body that regulates the management and approval of drugs in the US, which contains cannabis derivatives.

Behavioral altering effects have been found in some patients with it.
It is applied to treat nausea in patients receiving chemotherapy and to increase appetite in AIDS patients.

2. AJULEMIC ACID:

Unlike Marinol, its promoters, one of them dr. Summer Burstein of the University of Massachusetts, say that the juleic acid that makes up the experimental drug CT-3, derived from tetrahydrocannabinol, does not produce behavioral alterations and can be tremendously effective as analgesic.

In animals it has been found to be between 10 and 50 times more powerful, compared to traditional analgesics such as aspirin, and being less harmful to the stomach and digestive system.

The goal of this drug is to combat chronic pain and inflammation in patients with arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Its promoters assure that it "does not place".

3. ANANDAMIDE: OPEN THE DOOR TO THE ANTIDEPRESSANTS OF THE FUTURE

An article from Mundo Salud in 2002 refers to a study carried out to understand how anandamide works and to use it in a beneficial way.

For the first time it has been discovered how anxiety and depression are controlled by the release of this compound natural that intervenes in the perception of pain, in the state of humor and also in other psychological functions, such as on the sleep.

It has been possible to find two compounds: URB532 and URB597, which neutralize the activity of the enzyme that blocks the emission and reception of anandamide in the brain. Prozac works in a similar way on serotonin.

With this discovery the door is open to the future, but as Pirelli says, “there are still many years of research to go to market, and that is very expensive. Many drugs never come to light for economic reasons and interests, not because they are not known to be more effective ”.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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