Canadian CANNAINVESTOR Magazine January 2019 | Page 20

By Sylvia C. Bagge

Although current therapeutic options for the dying process are effective for many individuals, others continue to die with unmanaged symptoms. The “difficult road” is an end-of-life (EOL) symptom-trajectory that manifests as agitation, seizures, and other problems associated

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Targeting The Endocannabinoid System's Neuroprotective effects For Symptoms Associated With

aging crisis, end-of-life, death and dying, terminal agitation, terminal restlessness, terminal delirium, seizures at end-of-life, cancer, AIDS, hospice, endocannabinoid system, neuroprotective agent, cannabis, cannabinoids, CBD, THC, THCA, cannabinergic medicine

The "DIFFICULT ROAD" Of Dying

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with CNS-excitement and dysregulation. This problem is particularly common in individuals with cancer and AIDS. The endocannabinoid system’s neuroprotective effects may be well-matched to the “difficult road.” This article considers the idea of targeting the ECS in an EOL context and provides a theory of why this strategy might benefit those dying with unmanaged symptoms. Additionally, current knowledge of the safety and cautionary issues associated with medical cannabis use and EOL populations is reviewed.