“Cannabis could be used in drugs to help people overcome obesity, according to new UK research.

Researchers at GW Pharmaceuticals have discovered two compounds in cannabis leaves that help our bodies burn more energy, the UK’s Daily Telegraph reported.

The company is developing a drug to treat “metabolic syndrome”, which occurs when people suffer obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, which increases their risk of heart disease and stroke.

Tests in mice showed the cannabis compounds improved their metabolism, which resulted in lower cholesterol in the bloodstream, plus less fat in key organs, such as the liver.

Now a trial is underway with 200 people and researchers hope the drug can treat metabolic syndrome.

Dr Stephen Wright, director of research and development at GW Pharmaceuticals, said they expect results in late 2012.

“The results in animal models have been very encouraging. We are interested in how these drugs effect the fat distribution and utilisation in the body as a treatment for metabolic diseases,” Dr Wright said.

“Humans have been using these plants for thousands of years so we have quite a lot of experience of the chemicals in the plants.”

Cannabis is illegal in the UK but GW Pharmaceuticals has been granted permission to grow it in secret greenhouses in the country’s south.

They are growing a type of cannabis with different quantities of compounds called cannabinoids.

While cannabis is known for inciting the “munchies”, these compounds, called THCV and cannabidiol, appear to suppress the appetite, while helping control sugar levels in the blood and fat levels throughout the body.

It appears THCV also helps cells that produce insulin work more effectively.

Now researchers are hoping the drugs will help people suffering type 2 diabetes and other obesity-related diseases.”

http://health.msn.co.nz/healthnews/8496828/cannabis-could-be-used-to-treat-obesity