Cannabis historically faced stigma due to its effects, but it’s now gaining increasing recognition for its potential across various medical fields. Recent years have seen a notable increase in research into the therapeutic properties of cannabis, particularly its benefits for neurological conditions.
Beyond its commonly known uses for stress relief, alleviating depression, and improving sleep, cannabis holds promise in addressing a spectrum of neurological disorders. In this article, we delve into five such conditions and examine how a weed pen or cannabis plays a role in their therapeutic applications.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Certain cannabinoids and terpenes exhibit unique effects on various neurological disorders.
- Linalool, myrcene, and limonene have an anti-convulsant property.
- Equal amounts of THC and CBD, together with other cannabis compounds, have potential in cancer treatment.
A Natural Approach to Managing Neurological Disorders
Approach to addressing the complexities of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), brain tumours, Parkinson’s disease (PD), intractable epilepsy, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) varies based on individual patient needs and the extent of their condition.
| Neurological Condition | Treatment Regimen |
| Epilepsy | MedicationSurgeryTherapiesA ketogenic diet |
| Brain Tumours | SurgeryRadiation therapyRadiosurgeryChemotherapyTargeted therapy |
| Parkinson’s Disease | MedicationSurgeryMRI-guided focused ultrasound |
| Alzheimer’s Disease | MedicationsCreating a supportive environment |
| Traumatic Brain Injury/ Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy | There’s no remedy for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. This neurological condition progresses steadily and deteriorates the brain over time.Mild traumatic brain injuries necessitate minimal intervention, often limited to rest and the use of over-the-counter pain relievers.Immediate emergency care for severe casesMedicationsSurgeryRehabilitation |
Cannabis is a Viable Treatment Option
Epilepsy
The endocannabinoid system influences the seizure threshold. THC, in particular, can completely stop seizures, unlike phenobarbital and diphenylhydantoin. Animal studies have shown acute spikes in endocannabinoid production and a sustained increase in CB1 production over time. Researchers have observed the anti-convulsant properties of cannabinoids even at levels below sedation.
THC, THCA, and linalool, a terpenoid found in cannabis, have been subjects of scientific exploration. The discussion surrounding THCA is complex, with debates revolving around its CB1 activity versus its spontaneous conversion to THC.
Recent findings also shed light on the anti-convulsant properties of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), with suggestions pointing to its serotonergic effects. CBDA exhibits a significantly higher affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor than CBD.
If you are looking to explore weed vape pens to help with your condition, look for products that contain THC, CBD, THCA, or Linalool.
OneStop – THC Distillate Disposable Vape pen Skittlez contains linalool as one of its main terpenes with 16 to 21% THC.
Brain Tumours
Multiple studies explored the use of cannabis in patients with diagnosed brain tumours. A study published in the British Journal of Cancer in 2006 found that administering THC directly into tumours in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) slightly extended their lives beyond expectations in nine human cases.
Also, a case report from the Journal of Child’s Nervous System documented complete regression of residual tumours in two children with pilocytic astrocytomas after they smoked cannabis.
THCA, acting as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) agonist, outperforms CBDA, CBD, or THC in potential impact. PPARs work as ligand-binding transcription factors and promise to target cancer cells selectively while leaving normal cells unharmed. The synergistic effects of THCA with other cytotoxic agents highlight its potential in cancer therapy.
Equal THC and CBD concentrations, when combined with THCA, CBDA, and cytotoxic terpenoids like limonene, hold significant potential in cancer treatment, as suggested by a study in the Planta Medicine Journal. Disposable weed pens can contain these cannabinoids and terpenes in a single cartridge.
Parkinson’s Disease
An observational study revealed that 22 out of 28 patients were able to tolerate smoked cannabis, which is presumably THC-predominant. The study also highlighted acute benefits, including improvements in tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia among participants.
In Parkinson’s disease, the loss of cells in the substantia nigra often causes widespread pathology over time. Tau proteins, which support the cytoskeleton and help with axonal transport in neurons, undergo changes that lead to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles.
Nabiximols, a cannabis-based oral spray, significantly reduced tangles when researchers administered it to parkin-null mice expressing human tau. This treatment improved dopamine metabolism and glial function and reduced oxidative stress levels.
THC vape pens like OneStop THC Pens can be an excellent choice if you are looking to improve tremors.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involves creating senile plaques from β-amyloid (Aβ) proteins, which form when enzymes split a precursor protein (APP). It also involves the buildup of neurofibrillary tangles from tau proteins with too many phosphate groups attached. Sometimes, these tangles appear before the β-amyloid plaques. Once these processes start, the disease’s progression is unstoppable.
CBD acts as a protective antioxidant for the brain, safely interacting with NMDA receptors. It does several things to fight Alzheimer’s disease: it stops the formation of Aβ plaques, reduces harmful ROS production, and prevents damage to fats in PC12 cells exposed to Aβ. CBD also stops tau proteins from getting too many phosphate groups attached to PC12 neurons affected by Aβ.
In a study, patients received THC-predominant (2.5–30 mg/dose), CBD-predominant, and THCA, primarily administered through tinctures and confections. Patients experienced reduced dependency on neuroleptic drugs, alleviated agitation, enhanced appetite, managed aggression, improved sleep quality, boosted mood, decreased demands for nursing care, mitigated self-mutilation tendencies, and controlled pain.
Cannabis components show the potential to address various symptoms associated with this complex disorder:
- Agitation may find relief with THC, CBD, and linalool.
- Psychosis symptoms may benefit from CBD.
- THC and linalool may alleviate insomnia and restlessness.
- THC is indicated for anorexia, while THC, CBD, and linalool may help with aggression.
- THC, limonene, and CBD could potentially aid in managing depression.
- THC and CBD for pain-relieving properties.
- Alpha-pinene, in addition to THC, is linked to memory enhancement
- CBD and THC are associated with neuroprotection, while THC, CBD, and THCA may contribute to reduced Aβ plaque formation.
Traumatic Brain Injury / Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Cannabis, particularly chemovars blending THC and CBD, can alleviate symptoms associated with CTE, including headache, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, agitation, substance abuse, and psychotic symptoms.
A 2019 study revealed that varying concentrations of THC and CBD contribute to alleviating stress, agitation, depression, and anxiety—common emotional manifestations in chronic traumatic encephalopathy cases. Cannabinoids help reduce glutamate excitotoxicity, which is a process that leads to nerve cell damage after a traumatic brain injury.
Want to Use Cannabis for Your Current Condition?
Engaging in cannabis use is a widely adopted method to reap its advantages. If you’re seeking to sidestep the potential health risks linked to traditional methods, weed vapes present a viable alternative.
Weed vape pens have a heating chamber or heating element that turns the flower or concentrate into vapour. Online cannabis stores have many options to help you find the best vape pen for your needs. You can choose based on the pen type, including disposable vape pens, whether you want Sativa-dominant or Indica-dominant cartridges with high THC or the specific concentrate it uses.
Weed Vape Pens Treat Your Condition
Neurological treatment for the conditions discussed in this article needs significant progress. However, emerging methods like using cannabis, including through a weed pen, in the treatment protocol show promise. Research studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that cannabis, with its different levels of THC, CBD, and other compounds, can work with the ECS to help manage symptoms of these conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dab pen provide the same experience as a vape pen?
A dab pen and a vape pen both vaporize cannabis concentrates but differ in intensity and usage. Dab pens are for solid concentrates like wax and produce a more intense effect. Vape pens use liquid concentrates, offering a milder, more controlled experience.
Are THC pens cheap?
The average cost of a weed pen is approximately $50. You’ll find options as economical as $20 and others ascending to $200 or more. The variance in pricing depends on the battery life and the variety of features offered.
Can my current medication interact with the active ingredient in my weed vape?
It will depend on your prescription drug. If you take anti-depressants while managing Parkinson’s disease, cannabis might lead to an initial surplus of serotonin. This intensifies the body’s reliance on these substances, which could exacerbate depression and anxiety over time. Your best course of action is to consult your doctor before considering the addition of cannabis to your current medication regimen.
Are weed pens the best alternative when treating health issues with cannabis?
Weed pens offer a cleaner way to use cannabis without the smoke from burning it. This makes them a popular choice for people looking for a less harmful and more discreet option to help with health issues like pain and anxiety.
But, whether weed pens are the best choice can depend on the person using them. Since we’re still learning about their long-term effects, it’s important for anyone thinking about using them for health reasons to talk with a doctor first. This ensures they’re choosing the best method for their health needs.
Author Information
Emilio Perucca; Alessandra Morano, Martina Fanella, Mariarita Albini, Pierangelo Cifelli, Eleonora Palma, Anna Teresa Giallonardo, and Carlo Di Bonaventura; Rudolf Likar and Gerhard Nahler; J. Eduardo Rodriguez-Almaraz, MD, MAS and Nicholas Butowski, MD; Ethan B. Russo; Darby J.E. Lowe, Julia D. Sasiadek, Alexandria S. Coles, and Tony P. George, M.D.
Affiliations:
- Division of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Klagenfurt Hospital at Wörthersee, Feschnigstrasse 11, 9020 Klagenfurt at Wörthersee
- Neuro Surgery Department Division of Neuro-Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California USA
- Department of Molecular Science, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California USA
- International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute (ICCI), Prague, Czechia
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto
- Division and Brain and Therapeutics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
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