Yes...it's another MJ blog....

I want to start off by saying this blog is about Cannabinoids being used to treat symptoms of a stroke. 

Okay, so, what is a stroke? A stroke is the lack of blood flow to the brain that causes the loss of rapid brain function. A stroke can be one of two types (I don't think someone has actually suffered from the two types...not at the same time at least, that would be absolutely horrid). Type one (it is not actually called "TYPE 1" like in Type 1 Diabetes, I'm simply saying there are two types of strokes) causes internal bleeding of the brain and it is known as a Hemorrhage. The second is known as a ischemic stroke that is caused by a blockage of blood flow somewhere in the body. 

I don't currently have the book with me, but I recall it saying that they tried using cannabis within 10 minutes of the actual stroke and it helped the patient with the symptoms. In the link I will post, it says there have been studies that show cannabis can be used up to 3 hours after the initial stroke has happened. 

http://www.truthonpot.com/2013/04/18/medical-marijuana-and-stroke/

It also says that the cannabis reduces inflammation (I'm assuming of the brain) and increases the survival rates of neurons that normally cause brain damage caused by the stroke. 

If a small dosage could do so much help, why isn’t this being conducted on human yet? So far they’ve only been conducted on animals which, of course, is helpful to the animal suffering –unless the strokes are being induced by scientists, then that’s another story—but imagine the prospects for us. It could mean saving thousands of lives and helping the quality of those suffering.

In this video I’m going to share the video link  (sorry, guys, I didn’t look on youtube this time) I found on the same sight I found this info on…this Dr. suggests you EAT the marijuana plant to receive the benefits from the plant. In studies done on animals there’s been a 50% decrease of severity of stroke in the rats being tested.

http://vimeo.com/65762664

(p.s. you have to copy and paste the link to the address bar...sorry about that)

I won’t have a question this week, but I’m going to let you tell me what you think about this idea about eating or using MJ to help treat stroke…

okay….GO!

Antabuse...the abuser!

This week's blog is going to be about Antabuse--a medication used to treat alcoholism. 

Okay, so, I had absolutely no idea there was a medication to treat this disorder. I thought the individual had the sole option of going into rehab where he/she would receive therapy and detoxing, oh and one mustn't forget AA for moral support. I find this to be very, very interesting...especially after doing some research on some of the restrictions one must have when taking an Antabuse medication. For example, one must remove all items from ingestion: aftershave, mouthwash, cough syrups,  vinegar (I'm assuming this included Tabasco and hot sauces with vinegar in them...this would be a big concern for me if I were taking this medication...Texan girls NEED their hot sauce) and chocolate (ay, me muero!) Even the smallest amount of ingestion of anything that contains alcohol could have a great deal of consequences such as, shortness of breath, vomiting, nausea...and many more ill-feeling effects. 

The woman in this video describes what happened to her when she was on Antabuse meds, and what NOT to do.

                   

I was also reading that the effectiveness of this pill depends on the use of the medication, i.e., daily (and correct use) of medication. There are patients who stopped taking the Antabuse med and started drinking a few days later...so it's best to stay on it. It also does not alcohol withdrawal symptoms...that's just something the individual has to endure on his/her own or with therapy, etc. The point of the medication is basically make the ingestion of alcohol intolerable to the point where it makes you sick. So, after repeated use of alcohol on this medication makes you sick...what's going to happen? You stop drinking...or...you stop taking the medication and drink to your hearts (dis)content. 

Question of the week: Do you think rehab including therapy and detoxing, but excluding Antabuse would be better than using Antabuse on its own? 

Thank you WebMD for this valuable information. Click the link for more details, if you please.

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-6676-Antabuse+Oral.aspx?drugid=6676&drugname=Antabuse+Oral

Alcohol vs Cannabis

This weeks blog will be about Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a common disease among Alcoholics.

Here's a true little story to set the tone:

Picture it:  France, Mid July of 2009.  A family of 5 travel by mode of the ever swift, infamous onion-smelling Metro around the city. On one of the stops a man stumbled inside the train, the stench of drink trailed after him. He looked about the cart, eyeing some dude sitting down muttering under his breath. When the family caught his attention--assuming one of them was looking mighty fine--he reached into his pockets for his wallet, and showed them his money, and said, "I ...will pay-uh for sex...." The aunt giggles nervously...what are the chances this drunk buffoon is on the same train they were? Their silent rejection bruised his ego. "Bah! F**king Americans!" 

That's enough of that...so, anywho, it is not to my knowledge that this man was indeed an Alcoholic, however, I also do not have the knowledge to say he was not. This man was clearly drunk out of his mind, and the worst part is, he probably doesn't even remember what happened. My family and I are not so lucky...yes, twas I on that train. 

Many people think that being an Alcoholic means you’ve killed your brain cells. Specifically, they’re called neurons and that is a very big mistake. Alcoholism damages the tips (or ends) of your neurons. These are called dendrites. The (irreversible) damage of these sensitive beings causes memory loss or problems, confusion, paralysis of the eyes...etc. Though it isn’t the alcohol itself that causes damage to the dendrites; it is more often dehydration, and malnutrition.  

Here is some credit for the information they've gifted to me.

http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/10-brain-myths9.htm

                               Try picking up women looking like this: 

So, that being said....Here is a video on Marijuana use and its effect on memory on the elderly.

Imagine that? A restoration of memory in the elderly.....

This blog is not intended to promote the use of Marijuana, let's get this clear. I don't want the PO-PO somehow knocking at my door or anything...it is, however, a comparison of the effects between a socially accepted behavior (drinking) and an illegal behavior (smoking pot). 

Alcoholism also leads to the following: Cancer, Anemia, Cardiovascular Disease, Dementia, Depression, gout, seizures, high blood pressure, nerve damage..and many, many more.

The only bad effect I can see with the use of Marijuana is for the Psychiatrists' and the pharmaceutical companies who deal with patients with emotional/anxiety problems...they might not have jobs if there was a switch from prescribed meds to Marijuana. 

My first question to you is: Do you know anyone whose suffered from Alcoholism? If so, what details do you remember....specifically those to do with memory? The second is: are you for or against the use of medicinal Marijuana?