This series (continued from last Sunday) is covering topics subjected to meta analysis by Indiana University about the effects of legal medical cannabis on various conditions in the US which found up to 47,000 lives or more could be saved by national legalization….
“…multiple mechanisms that harm brain cells are the reasons why TBI is so difficult to treat. We need treatment that will address all of the different mechanisms – glutamate accumulation, decreased blood flow and inflammation – taking place in the injured brain.
Fortunately we have natural protective mechanisms that are triggered to try to save the brain and restore balance after TBI. Research shows that the endocannabinoid system is activated immediately after injury. … Endocannabinoids have been found to decrease the intensity and duration of toxicity to brain cells and they also enhance brain cell survival after injury. Also endocannabinoids are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
…Since both synthetic and plant cannabinoids mimic our endocannabinoids, researchers have investigated them to see if they can provide neuroprotection for TBI and have found promising results.
Numerous studies have shown that synthetic cannabinoids given to animals with brain injury protected against cell damage and death. Cannabidiol (CBD) given immediately to animals after interruption of oxygen and blood flow helped to reduce brain cell injury, brain swelling and seizures, and significantly restored motor and behavioral performance in the first 72 hours after the insult. CBD also inhibits the breakdown of our endocannabinoids….
THC was found to significantly reduce the release of glutamate in animals with brain cell injury due to stroke. In a three-year retrospective review of patients presenting with TBI to a trauma center, a positive THC screen at the time of TBI was associated with decreased risk of death in adult patients.
…These are only a few of the many studies that highlight the incredible neuroprotective role of cannabinoids.”
Much more on the workings of the Endocanninoid System (ECS) and its homeostatic mechanisms as well in the article.
#MMJ #Research #Mortality #TBI #UTpol #UtahNext #TRUCE
http://ift.tt/2rNAvFS [1/18/2017]
See full article – The Neuro-Protective Properties of Cannabinoids
