Posted by sukarno on March 4, 2009, at 13:46:53
In reply to Re: In Defense of Cannabis, posted by Budzoid on March 3, 2009, at 21:38:05
I'm all in favor of medical cannabis, but we must be aware of the dangers of smoked cannabis as it presents a lot of risks vs vaporized cannabis or Sativex (which is sprayed in the mouth IIRC).
Google stroke and cannabis (or marijuana). More than a few young people who smoked cannabis without any preexisting medical conditions or structural abnormalities in their brains developed multiple cerebellar infarcts, which then caused the cerebellum to swell and put pressure on the medulla, which caused their deaths.
Three cases were seen in five years at the same hospital in St. Louis. Two of the cases were young adults/adolescents who only occasionally smoked cannabis. They were non-smokers of tobacco. The other case involved a man in his 30s who was a long time tobacco and cannabis user who had recently increased his already heavy intake. I think he survived. I know one of them survived.
The cannabis was tested for adulterants but none were found.
It was thought that the toxic constituents of cannabis smoke ("tar") caused inflammation and damage to the blood vessels of the cerebellum. Another theory was proposed that it was orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing) that triggered the strokes. Cannabis is known to lower blood pressure.
It is a false statement that cannabis never killed anyone or that it is safe.
I think we should import Sativex, as it is sprayed in the mouth or under the tongue, and this bypasses the liver, so it is not converted into Delta-11 THC (and thus remains as Delta-9 THC). It also contains the other cannabinoids, but thankfully because it isn't smoked, there are no toxic substances in it.
I also believe though, having said that, that smoking anything, including oregano or parsley could trigger a stroke.
Carbon monoxide is a very dangerous substance. Carboxyhemoglobin in the blood is a very bad thing. Hemoconcentration can lead to blood clots.
Also Google, "cannabis arteritis".
Although what I point out above is quite rare, the doctors at that hospital said that 3 cases in 5 years of strokes (leading to death in 2 of those 3 cases) in otherwise healthy individuals without preexisting health conditions at the same hospital, should throw up red flags everywhere. It isn't as rare as once thought, but I wouldn't say the risk approaches 1% of anything of that sort.
If you are in moderate to severe chronic pain and have a choice between opiates or side-effect ridden medications such as tramadol, I would definitely take the risk and go with cannabis (even smoked).
At least there is no serious withdrawal when cannabis is abruptly discontinued. If there is any withdrawal, it is mostly psychological and physically mild.
Regards,
Paul
poster:sukarno
thread:877445
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090304/msgs/883743.html