Category Archives: Autism

Cannabinoid receptor type 1 receptors on GABAergic vs. glutamatergic neurons differentially gate sex-dependent social interest in mice.

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“Abnormalities in social behavior are found in almost all psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, autism, and schizophrenia. Thus, comprehension of the neurobiological basis of social interaction is important for a better understanding of numerous pathologies and improved treatments.

Several findings have suggested that an alteration of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) receptor function could be involved in the pathophysiology of such disorders…

In conclusion, we provide evidence that CB1 receptors specifically modulate the social investigation of female mice in a neuronal subtype-specific manner.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24698342

Therapeutic potential of cannabinoid medicines.

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Drug Testing and Analysis

“Cannabis was extensively used as a medicine throughout the developed world in the nineteenth century but went into decline early in the twentieth century ahead of its emergence as the most widely used illicit recreational drug later that century. Recent advances in cannabinoid pharmacology alongside the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) have re-ignited interest in cannabis-based medicines.

The ECS has emerged as an important physiological system and plausible target for new medicines. Its receptors and endogenous ligands play a vital modulatory role in diverse functions including immune response, food intake, cognition, emotion, perception, behavioural reinforcement, motor co-ordination, body temperature, wake/sleep cycle, bone formation and resorption, and various aspects of hormonal control. In disease it may act as part of the physiological response or as a component of the underlying pathology.

In the forefront of clinical research are the cannabinoids delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, and their contrasting pharmacology will be briefly outlined. The therapeutic potential and possible risks of drugs that inhibit the ECS will also be considered. This paper will then go on to review clinical research exploring the potential of cannabinoid medicines in the following indications: symptomatic relief in multiple sclerosis, chronic neuropathic pain, intractable nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and weight in the context of cancer or AIDS, psychosis, epilepsy, addiction, and metabolic disorders.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24006213

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/dta.1529/abstract

‘It’s the one medicine we have seen work’: Oregon parents use medical marijuana to help severely autistic son

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“Alex Echols has Tuberous Sclerosis, a rare genetic disorder that led to autism and seizures from a young age. Medical marijuana is the only treatment that eased his violent behavior, his parents said.”

An Oregon family has turned to medical marijuana to manage their son's severe autistic rage. Eleven-year-old Alex Echols is severely autistic. 

“Most parents wouldn’t dream of giving their child marijuana. But an Oregon couple says it’s the only thing that’s been able to help their 11-year-old autistic son.”

 

Marijuana cannabinoids found to help combat autism

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cannabinoids

“(NaturalNews) The cannabinoid compounds naturally found in many varieties of cannabis, also known more commonly as marijuana, may help children with autism spectrum disorders experience dramatic behavioral improvements, and potentially even full recovery from their symptoms. These are the findings of a new study published in the journal Nature Communications that help reinforce the growing body of evidence which shows that medicinal cannabinoids hold incredible potential in both treating and potentially curing chronic illness…
 

Can non-psychoactive cannabinoid compounds actually cure chronic illness?

Though the researchers were quick to deny that cannabinoids hold any potential at actually curing autism, which more than likely was a politically-motivated denial rather than a factual admission, other research and actual case studies suggest that cannabinoid compounds are, indeed, powerful enough to mitigate many or all of the symptoms associated with autism, as well as many other diseases.”

 

Stanford University Study Finds That Marijuana Could Help With Autism

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“A study conducted by Stanford University has found that there might be compounds in marijuana which have some very specific health benefits. The study’s results reveal that cannabinoids – which are found in cannabis – might help to treat autism.”

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“A new study shows that mutations associated with autism block the action of brain molecules that act on the same receptors that marijuana’s active chemical acts on,” according to the Autism Daily Newscast. “Thomas Sudhof, a cellular physiologist at Stanford University, tested mutations associated with autism in mice. Two mutations associated with autism in a synapse-adhesion protein led to deficits in prolonged endocannabinoid signaling in mice. This suggests that autism could caused by a disruption of the brain’s ability to send clear signals.
 
ADN references another study that supports the theory that cannabinoids could be used as a treatment to autism…”
 

More: http://www.opposingviews.com/i/health/stanford-university-study-finds-marijuana-could-help-autism#

Study Finds Cannabis May Provide Treatment For Autism

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“A new study out of Standford University has found promising signs to suggest that cannabinoids – compounds found in cannabis, as well as naturally produced in our body – may help to treat autism.

According to Autism Daily Newscast (ADN); ”A new study shows that mutations associated with autism block the action of brain molecules that act on the same receptors that marijuana’s active chemical acts on”.

They continue: “Thomas Sudhof, a cellular physiologist at Stanford University, tested mutations associated with autism in mice. Two mutations associated with autism in a synapse-adhesion protein led to deficits in prolonged endocannabinoid signaling in mice. This suggests that autism could caused by a disruption of the brain’s ability to send clear signals”.

These findings suggest that cannabinoids could be used as a treatment to autism as they can unblock a disruption in the body’s cannabinoid receptors…”

More: http://www.theweedblog.com/study-finds-cannabis-may-provide-treatment-for-autism/

Hope for autistic children might lie in medical marijuana, study says – msn

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Marijuana in a prescription bottle (© Gary Morrison/Getty Images)

“Stanford University released a study that will most likely add more fuel to the already contentious debate over medical marijuana, especially regarding its possible use by kids. The study, released in April, shows that cannabinoids, which are found in cannabis, might help treat autism. In the human brain, endocannabinoid signaling affects memory formation, learning, and other processes, but forms of autism can block these signals. When cannabinoids were present in the brains of mice being studied, these signals were able to get through. While more research is needed, autism groups are hopefull about the possibilties of medical marijuana. As the Autism Daily Newscast put it, “Many children with autism are already given cocktails of drugs that may be even stronger than marijuana, with serious side effects and limited results.”

http://now.msn.com/marijuana-affects-autism-by-helping-brain-signals-get-through-says-stanford-study

A Link Between Autism and Cannabinoids

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“Two autism-related mutations in a synapse-adhesion protein lead to deficits in prolonged endocannabinoid signaling in mice. It’s a surprising connection that suggests such signaling problems could be implicated in autism spectrum disorders, according to a paper published today (April 11) in Neuron.

Tonic endocannabinoid signaling is long-lasting and contrasts with the brief pulses characteristic of phasic signaling. Endocannabinoid signaling in general affects memory formation, learning, pain, and other important processes, but the distinctions between tonic and phasic signaling have been poorly understood.

“It’s a very stimulating finding which could be a real turning point in understanding tonic endocannabinoids and how this otherwise mysterious lipid signaling really works,” said Bradley Alger, a neuroscientist at the University of Maryland School of Medicine…

Alger added that, if the endocannabinoid system does turn out to be connected to autism in humans, medical marijuana could turn out to hold possibility for treating autism.”

More: http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/35088/title/A-Link-Between-Autism-and-Cannabinoids/

The endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic exploitation.

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“The term ‘endocannabinoid’ – originally coined in the mid-1990s after the discovery of membrane receptors for the psychoactive principle in Cannabis, Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and their endogenous ligands – now indicates a whole signalling system that comprises cannabinoid receptors, endogenous ligands and enzymes for ligand biosynthesis and inactivation. This system seems to be involved in an ever-increasing number of pathological conditions. With novel products already being aimed at the pharmaceutical market little more than a decade since the discovery of cannabinoid receptors, the endocannabinoid system seems to hold even more promise for the future development of therapeutic drugs. We explore the conditions under which the potential of targeting the endocannabinoid system might be realized in the years to come.”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15340387

http://www.nature.com/nrd/journal/v3/n9/full/nrd1495.html

Marijuana Autism Miracle!

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“Government continues the big lie.

Marijuana helps kids with autism spectrum disorders and often results in dramatic behavioral benefits, sometimes even complete relief from their incapacitating symptoms.”

Marijuana Autism Miracle!

“This was reported in the scientific journal Nature Communications and further supports the huge body of medical evidence that marijuana is the best, safest brain medicine that we have. It is also well documented that it is very effective for M.S., Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Migraines, Seizures, etc.

 Yet our government keeps telling the BIG LIE: that marijuana is a dangerous, addictive drug with no known medical benefits!

Children with the autism spectrum disorders, especially those that resulted from Fragile X syndrome, often end up significantly disabled because of this terrible condition that results in trouble doing even such basic things as talking and walking, and also causes major deficits in social behavior.

Researchers from U.C., Irvine and from Inserm, a French research organization, again documented that that marijuana’s active ingredient, THC, has corresponding endocannabinoids in the brain that naturally improve the brain’s function.

Marijuana is actually potent enough to relieve many autism symptoms and essentially reestablishes synapses which are vital for correct brain function. This may explain why it is so therapeutic for so many brain conditions and illnesses and is also such a pleasurable herb. And cannabis has no unpleasant or harmful side effects. After the intelligent voters of Colorado and Washington recognized how safe and effective it is and voted to make it legal for all adults, it’s incredible that our government still tells us the big lie: that marijuana is a dangerous, addictive drug with no known medical benefits.

It’s actually the safest recreational, over-the counter or prescription drug in the world, never causing a single death. And it’s proven to be a remarkably effective medication for 50 different diseases including all the neurological ones listed  above, plus cancer, nausea and vomiting  including hyperemesis gravidarum of pregnancy (remember Princess Kate), chronic pain, arthritis, AIDS, Crohn’s Disease, anxiety, ADHD, depression, insomnia, etc.” – 

                Stephen H. Frye, M.D.