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In The Clinic
The endocannabinoid system is a collection of cell receptors and molecules which can be illustrated through the analogy of a lock and key, cell receptors being locks and the molecules acting as a keys. Once these molecules (i.e. keys) come in contact with the receptors (ie. locks) a message is relayed, causing a response from the cell. The molecules of the endocannabinoid system can either be an “endogenous endocannabinoid”, produced in the body by the body; a “phytocannabinoid”, coming from cannabis; or a synthetic version, produced in a lab.
Cannabis supplements the endocannabinoid system. It triggers responses that regulate bodily functions such as sleep, appetite, digestion, mood, immune function, movement, reproduction, fertility, pleasure, reward, pain, memory, and body temperature. Importantly, ECS receptors in the central nervous system mediate the perception of pain. Because of this, a growing body of clinical research suggests cannabis is a relatively safe and effective treatment for chronic pain management.
Comparing and contrasting side effects and safety profile of opioids to cannabis, cannabis reigns supreme while opioid usage is associated with an alarmingly strong addiction potential and the possibility of overdose via respiratory depression. Unlike the receptors of opioid pain treat-ment, cannabinoid receptors are absent from the brainstem, and so lack opioids’ fatal side effect of respiratory depression with overdose. Since no cannabinoid receptors are on the brainstem where breathing is controlled, no possible lethal dosage can occur.
Fighting the battle
with chronic pain
Is Cannabis a Viable Alternative to Opioids?
by Kyle Dijon Hill, MS
Previously published on huerfanoworldjournal.com
February 8, 2018
Dare To Care THC™ at La Clinica will be the first of many Cannabinoid medicine based clinics offering opioid-dependent patients a free comprehensive solution to addiction and focuses on the development of community health clinics serving both the needs in rural and urban areas. The program is supervised by Dr. Uma Dhanabalan MD MPH FAAFP and will incorporate her Total Health Care model of “Educate, Embrace, and Empower,” providing comprehensive compassionate care, counseling, support and education to patients. Cannabis is the "Exit Drug” from pharmaceuticals, harmful street drugs, and alcohol addiction.
Dr. Uma Dhanabalan with Dr. Raphael Mechoulam