humulene and Bronchial-Spasm

Marijuana is the most commonly used drug of abuse in the USA. It is commonly abused through inhalation and therefore has effects on the lung that are similar to tobacco smoke, including increased cough, sputum production, hyperinflation, and upper lobe emphysematous changes. However, at this time, it does not appear that marijuana smoke contributes to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Marijuana can have multiple physiologic effects such as tachycardia, peripheral vasodilatation, behavioral and emotional changes, and possible prolonged cognitive impairment. The carcinogenic effects of marijuana are unclear at this time. Studies are mixed on the ability of marijuana smoke to increase the risk for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and cervical cancer. Some studies show that marijuana is protective for development of malignancy. Marijuana smoke has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on the immune system. Components of cannabis are under investigation as treatment for autoimmune diseases and malignancy. As marijuana becomes legalized in many states for medical and recreational use, other forms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have been developed, such as food products and beverages. As most research on marijuana at this time has been on whole marijuana smoke, rather than THC, it is difficult to determine if the currently available data is applicable to these newer products.

Topics: Animals; Bronchial Spasm; Cannabis; Central Nervous System; Humans; Immune System; Marijuana Smoking; Receptors, Cannabinoid; Respiratory System; Smoking

This article summarizes current knowledge about the medicinal value of cannabis and its principal psychoactive ingredient, delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), particularly in the control of nausea and vomiting, in glaucoma, and in reduction of spasticity in multiple sclerosis. The major issues in the controversy about marijuana and medicine, primarily moral and ethical, are discussed.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Anxiety; Bronchial Spasm; Cannabis; Dronabinol; Glaucoma; Humans; Muscle Spasticity; Nausea; Pain; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Vomiting

Topics: Adolescent; Asthma; Bronchial Spasm; Cannabis; Dronabinol; Humans; Lung; Male; Physical Exertion

Topics: Asthma; Bronchial Spasm; Cannabis; Dronabinol; Humans

The UCLA cannabis project has provided several interesting observations that contribute to our knowledge about this plant and its constituents. Some of the findings (reduction in intraocular pressure, bronchodilation) may have therapeutic significance in the future. Certain results (testosterone lowering, airway narrowing after heavy use) indicate that side effects are also a possibility. Other data (unchanged immune response, lack of chromosomal alterations) seem to controvert the reports of other investigators. Still other information obtained (hemispheric lateralization, electroencephalographic changes) appears to represent new knowledge about the effects of cannabis on humans.

Topics: Adult; Behavior; Bronchial Spasm; Cannabis; Chromosomes; Dominance, Cerebral; Dronabinol; Electroencephalography; Eye; Heart; Humans; Immunity; Learning; Lung; Male; Radioimmunoassay; Substance-Related Disorders; Testosterone; Time Factors; Work

Topics: Bronchial Spasm; Cannabis; Czechoslovakia; Humans; Physiology; Pneumoconiosis; Respiratory Function Tests