humulene and HIV-Wasting-Syndrome

The principal constituent of cannabis, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is moderately effective in treating nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, and acute and chronic pain. Oral THC (dronabinol) and the synthetic cannabinoid, nabilone, have been registered for medical use in the US and UK, but they have not been widely used because patients find it difficult to titrate doses of these drugs. Advocates for the medical use of cannabis argue that patients should be allowed to smoke cannabis to relieve these above-mentioned symptoms. Some US state governments have legislated to allow the medical prescription of cannabis, but the US federal government has tried to prevent patients from obtaining cannabis and threatened physicians who prescribe it with criminal prosecution or loss of their licence to practise. In the UK and Australia, committees of inquiry have recommended medical prescription (UK) and exemption from criminal prosecution (New South Wales, Australia), but governments have not accepted these recommendations. The Canadian government allows an exemption from criminal prosecution to patients with specified medical conditions. It has recently legislated to provide cannabis on medical prescription to registered patients, but this scheme so far has not been implemented. Some advocates argue that legalising cannabis is the only way to ensure that patients can use it for medical purposes. However, this would be contrary to international drug control treaties and is electorally unpopular. The best prospects for the medical use of cannabinoids lie in finding ways to deliver THC that do not involve smoking and in developing synthetic cannabinoids that produce therapeutic effects with a minimum of psychoactive effects. While awaiting these developments, patients with specified medical conditions could be given exemptions from criminal prosecution to grow cannabis for their own use, at their own risk.

Topics: Antiemetics; Cannabis; HIV Wasting Syndrome; Humans; Legislation, Drug; Nausea; Pain; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Treatment Outcome; Vomiting

Topics: Australia; Cachexia; Cannabinoids; Cannabis; Drug and Narcotic Control; HIV Wasting Syndrome; Humans

Topics: Cannabis; Complementary Therapies; Europe; HIV Infections; HIV Wasting Syndrome; Humans; Nausea; Pain Management; Phytotherapy; United States; Vomiting

The use of smoked marijuana as a therapeutic agent is presently a matter of considerable debate in the United States. Many people suffering from a variety of disorders maintain that it is necessary for their adequate treatment. Yet, the evidence to support claims is insufficient for FDA approval. An interim solution is proposed which would allow patients referred by their physicians to participate in a 6-month program of legal marijuana availability, similar to the 'compassionate IND' program of a number of years ago. A technique similar to that used for post-marketing surveillance is proposed for obtaining quantitative data for a limited number of potential indications. These are: (1) nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy or other causes, (2) weight loss associated with debilitating illnesses, (3) spasticity secondary to neurological diseases, and (4) chronic pain syndromes.

Topics: Cannabis; Drug Approval; HIV Wasting Syndrome; Humans; Marijuana Smoking; Muscle Spasticity; Nausea; Pain; Phytotherapy; Referral and Consultation; United States; United States Food and Drug Administration; Vomiting

Topics: Cannabis; Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; HIV Wasting Syndrome; Humans; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts

Weight loss is a significant problem with HIV and AIDS patients. The definition of wasting syndrome is provided. Men and women do not lose weight and body mass in the same way; the differences between the genders are reviewed. Treatment includes insuring an adequate oral intake of calories, correcting malabsorption problems, and using anabolic steroids to rebuild body mass. Resistance exercises may also be helpful.

Topics: Anabolic Agents; Cannabis; Energy Intake; Exercise Therapy; Female; HIV Wasting Syndrome; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Hypogonadism; Male; Megestrol Acetate

Marijuana has been used for recreational, ceremonial, and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Because marijuana is classified as an illegal drug and, little research has been done on its potential medical benefits. In May 1999, it became legal for the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the only legal source for marijuana, to sell marijuana to privately funded researchers. This move may make research on marijuana more feasible. Many people believe marijuana is effective in treating pain, AIDS wasting syndrome (AWS), and nausea and vomiting, among other ailments. However, even doctors who recommend marijuana use do not advise smoking it. Other ways of taking marijuana, as well as possible side effects of marijuana use, are discussed.

Topics: Cannabis; HIV Wasting Syndrome; Humans; Nausea; Pain, Intractable; Vomiting