Cannabis Medicine: Access and Advocacy

Felicia Carbajal Andrew Kuebbing

Long History of Use• Ancient medicine,

documented use for 4000 years

• Long history of cannabis for pediatric use

• Safe and non-toxic medicine

• “Evidence” of brain damage debunked

More Medicinal Options• Dosed, CBD-rich, non-

smokable options now commercially available in several states

• Sublingual sprays

• Concentrated oil for oral dosing

• Patches with 12+ hour effectiveness

Autism  and  Cannabis

• Rats  bred  to  be  deficient  in  endocannabinoids  are  agitated  and  unhealthy,  presenting  a  variety  of  negative  symptoms  

• Chronic  deficiency  and  down-­‐regulation  of  the  ECS  presents  symptoms  in  adults—presenting  with  increasing  diagnosis  rates  of  autoimmune  disorders  and  inflammatory  issues

How  It  Works

• The  endocannabinoid  system  is  closely  tied  with  the  immune  system,  with  a  high  concentration  through  the  brain  and  gut  

• CB2  receptors  (targeted  with  CBD):  highest  concentration  in  intestines  and  immune  sites  throughout  the  body  

• CB1  receptors  (targeted  mainly  with  THC):  highest  concentration  in  the  brain

The  Endocannabinoid  System

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Seizure  Control

• 90%  reduction  in  a  study  for  intractable  epilepsy  (66/74),  18%  reported  75-­‐100%  reduction  [Tzadok,  et  al,  February  2016]  

• evidence  for  use  as  seizure  rescue  med  (in  the  study  for  cocaine  induced,  but  action  is  on  hepatotoxic  effects  and  anti-­‐inflammation)  [Vilela,  et  al,  April  2015]  

• Epidiolex  findings  suggest  whole  plant  cannabis  is  more  effective,  compared  to  Tzadok  [Devinsky,  et  al,  March  2016]

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Pure  CBD  vs  Cannabis“Purified  CBD  showed  a  bell-­‐shaped  dose-­‐response,  where  a  therapeutic  response  could  only  be  achieved  at  a  certain  concentration.  This  narrow  therapeutic  window  makes  it  difficult  to  use  CBD  in  the  clinics  as  a  single  agent.  Therefore,  we  sought  for  a  better  preparation  that  can  utilize  the  favorable  therapeutic  effects  of  CBD.  We  observed  that  plant  extracts  of  the  non-­‐psychotropic  clone  202  [ACDC,  16:1  ratio]  could  fit  this  aim.  A  dose-­‐dependent  response  was  observed  .  .  .  with  an  improved  therapeutic  effect  upon  increased  dosages.  Thus,  the  limitation  with  purified  CBD  could  be  overcome  when  presented  together  with  other  natural  components  of  the  plant.”    Galilly,  R.,  et.  al.,  Pharmacology  and  Pharmacy,  2015,  6,  83-­‐84

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Important  other  symptoms  to  consider

• Gut  Issues  • Cognition  • Focus  • Behavior  • Aggression  • Sleep

Advocating for AccessThe stigma against cannabis will ONLY be relieved when

patients tell their story in an easily digestible manner.

Sometimes the only option

“I’m not going to send that person to prison, I’m committed to that.”

How to tell your story• NOT an elevator pitch

• 2 minutes long

• Your listener should empathize with you

• Use human constants—family, love, spirit

• Stay on message—if it’s cannabis access, talk about cannabis access, not causes of ASD

In Medical States• Even in “legal” states, parents

are not always fully protected

• Our elected officials do not believe this is medicine

• Tell them Your Story

• YOU are part of the civic community in a way most medical marijuana advocates and patients are not

Non-Medical States

• It is dependent on you to advocate for your rights

• Many in the MMJ community do not have your bests interests at heart

• Medicine is not always convenient to produce; don’t allow economic expediency to be the only factor in cannabis production in your state

Medicine is vital• “Legalization” (now often

referred to as “adult use”) will NOT provide meds for your child

• Economic incentives lead to less availability of CBD-rich medicines

• Pediatric use and CPS protection often not included

Map of Access

What’s the difference? (in an ideal world)

• Medical represents medicine, replaces Rx options

• Non-taxed

• Non-profit or restricted profit

• Organically grown

• Wide assortment of options treating a variety of conditions

• “Adult use” represents legalized commerce, replacing and/or joining alcohol

• Sin tax

• Profit allowed, job creation encouraged

• Grown in bulk for profit (small batch and connoisseur varieties available)

• Wide assortment of options representing different flavor palates and individual preferences

The Mom Network

• Encourage your peers in “legal” states to share their stories via social media

Sources• www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/mother-testifies-

about-getting-marijuana-illegally/nqCFP/+&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

• weedmaps.com

• http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/381937/file-2245171880-jpg/3_History_Lessons_of_Medical_Cannabis.jpg