Cannabis as Medicine

For hundreds of years cannabis has been used as a therapeutic medicine around the world. Cannabis was an accepted medicine during the second half of the 19th century, but its use declined because single agent pain medications were advocated by physicians who demanded standardization of medicines. It was not until 1964 when the chemical structure of THC (delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol) was elucidated and its pharmacological effects began to be understood. Numerous therapeutic effects of cannabis have been reviewed, but cannabis-based medicines are still an enigma because of legal issues. Many patients could benefit from cannabinoids, terpenoids and flavonoids found in Cannabis sativa L. These patients suffer from medical conditions including chronic pain, chronic inflammatory diseases, neurological disorders, and other debilitating illnesses. As more states are legalizing medical cannabis, prescribers need a reliable source which provides clinical information in a succinct format. This book focuses on the science of cannabis as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplement. It discusses cannabis uses in the human body for bone health/osteoporosis; brain injury and trauma; cancer; diabetes; gastrointestinal conditions; mental health disorders; insomnia; pain; anxiety disorders; depression; migraines; eye disorders; and arthritis and inflammation. There is emphasis on using the whole plant from root to raw leaves and flowers discussing strains, extraction and analysis, and use of cannabis-infused edibles. Features: Provides an understanding of the botanical and biochemistry behind cannabis as well as its use as a dietary supplement. Discusses endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid receptors. Includes information on antioxidant benefits, pain receptors using cannabinoids, and dosage guidelines. Presents research on cannabis treatment plans, drug-cannabis interactions and dosing issues, cannabis vapes, edibles, creams, and suppositories. Multiple appendices including a glossary of cannabis vocabulary, how to use cannabis products, a patient guide and recipes as well as information on cannabis for pets.

Chapter 1 What is Hemp? Miles Sarill Chapter 2 Endocannabinoid System & Cannabinoid Receptors Betty Wedman-St. Louis Chapter 3 Why Terpenes Matter—The Entourage Effect Betty Wedman-St. Louis Chapter 4 Cannabis Flavonoids—Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Benefits Betty Wedman-St. Louis Chapter 5 Cannabis Pharmacology: An Interview with Ethan B. Russo, M.D Betty Wedman-St. Louis Chapter 6 Endocannabinoids & Phytocannabinoids in Pain Management Chris D. Meletis Chapter 7 Hemp Oil in the Management of Pain, Inflammation, & Stress Chris D. Meletis Chapter 8 Many Applications of Hemp in Neurological & Gut-Brain Axis Chris D. Meletis Chapter 9 Endocannabinoid Role in Gut Health Chris D. Meletis Chapter 10 Cannabidiol in Mental Health Disorders Alline C. de Campos, Felipe V. Gomes, Samia R. Joca, and Francisco S. Guimarães Chapter 11 Emerging Clinical and Mechanistic Support for CBD treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder Kaylee Martig, Keelee Reid, and Joshua S. Kaplan Chapter 12 Recent Cannabinoid Delivery Systems Oliaro-Bosso, Daniela Gastaldi, Franco Dosio, and Enrica Pessione Chapter 13 Achieving and Sustaining Precision Effects: Understanding and Prescribing Cannabis Chemotypes Uwe Blesching Chapter 14 Drug Interactions & Dosing Issues Betty Wedman-St. Louis Chapter 15 Cannabis Nutrition Betty Wedman-St. Louis Chapter 16 Cannabis, a Bio-Spiritual Remedy for Addiction Joseph J. Morgan, Lyse Le Pine, and Kenneth Blum Chapter 17 Cannabis Use in Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, & Different Religions Betty Wedman-St. Louis Chapter 18 Legal Landscape Robert T. Hoban Chapter 19 Medical Certification for Healthcare Practitioners Chris D. Meletis Chapter 20 Cannabis Training Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals Alexander Fossi, Judith Spahr, and Charles Pollack, Jr. Chapter 21 Analysis Update—Full Spectrum Cannabis Robert Clifford, Scott Kuzdzal, Paul Winkler, and Will Bankert Chapter 22 Cannabis for Pets Betty Wedman-St. Louis Chapter 23 How To Use Cannabis As Medicine Betty Wedman-St. Louis

Dr. Betty Wedman-St Louis is a licensed nutritionist specializing in digestive diseases, bariatric surgery, cancer and multiple chemical sensitivity who has been in practice for over 40 years. Her B.S. in foods and nutrition from the University of Minnesota introduced her to how the food industry influences eating habits. She completed her M.S. in nutrition at Northern Illinois University where she studied the relationship between weightlessness and prolonged bed rest on potassium requirements in adults. Dr. Wedman-St Louis practiced at the Hinsdale Medical Center, Hinsdale, Illinois, before completing her Ph.D. in nutrition and environmental health from The Union Institute in Cincinnati. She is the author of numerous published articles on current nutrition topics and authored columns for the Hinsdale Doings, Chicago Sun Times, Columbian Missourian, and the Tampa Bay Times along with teaching undergraduate and graduate courses on nutrition.