On another thread, which is now closed, ducksoup posted: “Not to leave any “stone” unturned, marijuana is a powerful, cheap and ubiquitous immunomodulator, with mixed but primarily anti-inflammatory effects:
FROM Nature Reviews Immunology 5, 400–411 (2005); doi:10.1038/nri1602 Cannabinoids bias the immune response away from T helper 1 (TH1)-cell responses, by mechanisms that involve cannabinoid receptors. It is possible that signalling through these receptors, expressed by T cells, B cells or antigen-presenting cells, suppresses the expression of TH1-cell-promoting cytokines and increases the expression of TH2-cell-promoting cytokines
There are numerous reviews of the immunomodulatory effects of marijuana (often via cannabinoids, i.e. parts of the plant other than the psychoactive CB receptor agonist THC. It might be useful to discuss this in the context of cytokine storm mitigation.”
Today Mayo Clinic sent me a newsletter concerning the possible medical benefits of marijuana. Part of the article states that marijuana suppresses the immune system by attaching to a type of receptor cell, CB2, which is found in small numbers in the body, mainly in tissue of the immune system, such as the spleen and lymph nodes, which may serve as brakes on immune system function.
Here’s the full article: http://tinyurl.com/l3zan
I’m absolutely NOT advocating illegal drug use. However, might it be useful to study these potentially beneficial effects in treatment of H5N1?
Kool- but what about the munchies?!
just a thougt.. there was the nicotine report as well. Maybe they forgot that cannabis is often mixed with tobacco?..
If the benefits of marijuana are discussed at length, it should be remembered that, at least in the US, it is still considered an illegal drug and should not be advocated as a cure or prophylactic. TPTB may be watching, and I’d hate to see FW get a reputation as a “pot-pusher”….
Carry on…
HUH? Whatever the nicotine remark represented, I doubt a temporary indulgence will cause any problems. No true pothead mixes marijuana with tobacco anyway,… but maybe they should. Is tobacco an effective antiviral?
not nicotine as an antiviral, but suppresing imune system… link
There is an prescription alternative,Sativex, but it is only available in Canada and England. In Canada it is prescribed for the treatment of neuropathic pain, in those diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The ingredients are a 50/50 blend of THC/CBD.
The medication is administered as an interanasal spray. The “CBD” component is the therapeutic part. CBD will dampen cytokine production without comprising normal immuno-surveillance . I know some of the scientists that developed it.
Failing that a good brownie using 2–3 grams of an Indica dominant strain and at least 6-grams of pure cocoa will accomplish the same, if not better than Sativex, and provide protection from a Cytokine Storm as a result of H5N1 for 12–16 hours. My 2-cents.
Hey, its better than Cod Liver Oil!
Since Marijuana is an illegal drug, we don’t have it in our home. So whether or not it is of any benefit, does not interest me.
I’m not advocating anyone use any illegal substances, but simply suggesting that if a major health-care facility such as Mayo Clinic recognizes that components of the substance may have benefits that could save lives, then perhaps laws could be enacted enabling scientists to conduct research under strictly controlled conditions. If a certain component is found to be beneficial, they could possibly extract that particular component, make a medication that uses the compound,lawfully gain FDA approval and prescriptions could then lawfully be given for the new drug in treatment for suppressing the immune system.
Just as opium is an illegal substance, the pharmaceutical industry uses components of it to manufacture pain medication that is lawfully used to treat severe pain.
Not to go off-topic but are there legal and non-prescription substances that would accomplish the same thing as THC? Wasn’t curcumin (the active ingredient in the spice turmeric) supposed to have a cytokine suppressing impact? I imagine there are other things too.
…of course pothead’s mix their dope with tobacco…it cuts down on the tickle!!
EnoughAlready – at 20:33