science indeed
some info on our endocannabinoid system
Endocannabinoid system receptor distribution in the body
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is an endogenous multifunctional pro-homeostatic signaling system being almost ubiquitously distributed within the body.
The system is generally recognized to consist of three main parts:
(1) receptors: Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R)
(2) Endocannabinoids: the body’s own signaling molecules regulating the ECS through the cannabinoid receptors, including N-arachidonylethanolamine (aka Anandamide, The Bliss Molecule) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and
(3) the enzymes: responsible for the metabolism and regulation of endocannabinoids available at a given time.
In general, CB1Rs are primarily expressed within brain regions and the nervous system, especially in the central nervous system, and to a lesser extent at other sites of the body.
CB2Rs are primarily expressed within cells related to the immune system and peripheral body tissues.
Christensen, et. al. (2023) Clinical Research Evidence Supporting Administration and Dosing Recommendations of Medicinal Cannabis as Analgesic in Cancer Patients. Journal of Clinical Medicine.
Clinical Research Evidence Supporting Administration and Dosing Recommendations of Medicinal Cannabis as Analgesic in Cancer Patients
Abstract
The analgesic potential of Cannabis sativa L.—based medicinal cannabis products for treatment of cancer associated chronic pains has gained increased interest in recent years. To ensure a controlled distribution of these products and investigate their therapeutic potential, several countries have established so-called pilot trials. Many doctors, however, are hesitant to prescribe medicinal cannabis primarily due to lack of research evidence regarding the products’ efficacy, safety and thus questionable dosing guidelines. This review aims to elucidate clinical research supporting administration of medicinal cannabis in cancer patients for analgesic purposes. The cannabinoids’ effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its implication in pain regulation is included to illustrate the complexity related to this research field. Published clinical studies on medicinal cannabis primarily consist of observational studies and only one pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), where more RCTs exist on the cannabis-based product, Sativex® (GW Pharma Ltd., Cambridge, UK). The studies indicate analgesic potential, however non-significantly, for most patients and with acceptable safety profile. Summarizing, high-quality RCTs are scarce in this research field, and the limitations of the observational studies complicates interpretation of clinical outcomes. Despite discrepancy among the studies, they do show indications for administration and dosing regimens providing analgesic effects for some cancer patients.
Keywords:
cancer pain;
medicinal cannabis;
cannabinoid-based medicine;
endocannabinoid system;
clinical evidence;
administration;
dosing
1. Introduction
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/1/307
