Cannabis News Stop the Drug War!
  Marijuana-Based Drug Could Curb Brain Damage
Posted by CN Staff on July 01, 2003 at 10:50:52 PT
By Anita Srikameswaran, Post-Gazette Staff Writer  
Source: Post-Gazette  

medical Local researchers have joined an international trial of a marijuana-based drug that could limit the damage caused in traumatic brain injuries. Dr. Jack Wilberger, chairman of neurosurgery at Allegheny General Hospital, will be leading the local arm of the study, which began here about 10 days ago.

Dexanabinol, a synthetic drug, is derived from the active agent in cannabis, or marijuana. It acts on the so-called secondary injury process, which is a chemical cascade that leads to progressive brain cell death after the initial trauma.

The drug counters inflammation, works as an antioxidant and blocks the uncontrolled influx of calcium into the cells, which can kill them.

"It's different from all other drugs we've tried in head injury in that all of them were limited to one of those three mechanisms of action," Wilberger said. "None of them worked."

Dexanabinol could help because it does all those things simultaneously. The drug can be given by injection up to four hours after the injury is sustained.

Minimal side effects were seen in earlier European trials, Wilberger said. Although the drug is based on a marijuana molecule, it doesn't give patients a "high."

For the trial, head injury patients will be randomly assigned to receive the drug or a placebo. The researchers will compare mortality rates for the two groups, as well as recovery levels.

About 15 to 20 local residents could number among the anticipated 250 American participants. About 1,500 patients ultimately will be enrolled in the trial, which includes both U.S. and European hospitals, Wilberger said.

Studies conducted in Israel found that three months after injury 42 percent of patients who took dexanabinol had good neurological recovery compared to 17 percent of those taking a placebo.

Dexanabinol's properties were discovered in the late 1980s by researchers at Israel's Tel Aviv University. The drug is being made by Pharmos Corporation, based in Rehovot, Israel.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.5 million people sustain a brain injury each year. As a result, about 50,000 people die and up to 90,000 are left with a longterm or lifelong disability.

After brain injury, "few people come back normal, to the way they were before," Wilberger noted. Animal experiments showed that dexanabinol markedly improved recovery, but in that setting the drug was given immediately.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PA)
Author: Anita Srikameswaran, Post-Gazette Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, July 01, 2003
Copyright: 2003 PG Publishing
Contact: letters@post-gazette.com
Website: http://www.post-gazette.com/

Related Articles & Web Site:

Pharmos
http://www.pharmoscorp.com/

Marijuana Ingredient Helps Head Injuries
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread11046.shtml

Compound May Reduce Brain Trauma Damage
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread11033.shtml


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Comment #16 posted by Virgil on July 02, 2003 at 09:31:24 PT
Conventional wisdom
I just wanted to say one more thing on electricity. For hundreds of years diagrams showing electron flow showed arrows going from positive to negative when in fact electrons flow from negative to positive. The arrows were exactly backwards from the way electons flowed and students were taught to draw the arrows backwards on diagrams because this was the "conventional system." I mean it really was called the conventional system and everyone knew it was backwards. I have a Radio Shack book from the early 1990's that still illustrated and described the conventional system. I think now that diagrams do not use the conventional system because it is backwards, not that I am sure. Maybe the conventional people meant + as being the most electrons and it made sense. Somehow the ability of something backwards to survive for so long can be related to cannabis prohibition with the moral being the best way will eventually prevail.

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Comment #15 posted by Lehder on July 02, 2003 at 03:44:09 PT
weasel journalism
>>Local researchers have joined an international trial of a marijuana-based drug that could limit the damage caused in traumatic brain injuries.

>>Dexanabinol, a synthetic drug, is derived from the active agent in cannabis, or marijuana.

They can't say it, can they. It's got to be worded "derived from cannabis" or "marijuana-based drug." They can't say "Marijuana curbs brain damage."

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Comment #14 posted by Virgil on July 01, 2003 at 22:20:40 PT
The power of the pill people- comment 12
Actually, I am a pretty good speller when I try. Niagara Falls should not be spelled so similarly to Viagra. The pill people made me do it.

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Comment #13 posted by Virgil on July 01, 2003 at 21:45:46 PT
Are you enjoying the electon show ?
Benjamin Franklin retired at 42 after becoming wealthy with the first media conglomerate in America. He dedicated his life to science and politics, serving his country without fee and refusing patents because science was built on the work of others. The Franklin stove and bifocals would not match the world acclaim for his work in electricity. He was first to say electricity was a current and came up with the terms positive and negative and battery.

Edison was rich from his inventions when Westinghouse developed the AC generator. As I remember it he actually dug ditches to keep from surrendering his dream to Edison and it was Westinghouse that chose Niagra Falls as the place to generate electicity to an awaiting American industry. Industry grew rapidly along the Falls and the reason many people went to Niagra Falls for honeymoons was the show of lights that first broke the darkness as well as the incredible Falls, which are universally acclaimed more spectacular from the Canadian side.

Of course Edison first lite Broadway with direct current that made New York a spectacular site for ships coming to America. Light was just an incredible thing and in the worlds fairs that would follow, each world's fair would have to have a bigger show of lights than the previous. The Eiffel Tower was built for the World's Fair in Paris to display lights and not just to be the world's tallest structure. It would continue until Chicago put the cap on it and the world grew accustomed to the novelty of light.

But now we have the light of truth seeing the light of day in Canada. Instead of a string of bulbs on Broadway we have hundreds of thousands of Cannabians starting the race to evergrowing light whose filament is freedom. It is not just important to Canada that reason have freedom and freedom have a new filament. It is important to humanity that cannabis remain free in Canada.

If Americans show up at Niagra Falls, it is not cannabis they want. It is everywhere here if you pay the prohibition prices. It will be for freedom and the lights, electical and otherwise.

Like always provide your own editing and spelling.

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Comment #12 posted by FoM on July 01, 2003 at 19:14:46 PT
SoberStoner
It is something all the tax payers money that is spent on watching everything that is going on here and in other countries. I finally figured out how to burn a CD. I'm slow I know but I have a couple CDs now with music that I always wanted. They want to make that stop too. We owned a video store and people traded tapes all the time and there wasn't anything we could do about it but accept the fact that it happens. I don't find music anywhere but on personal web pages not anything like Napster was. They'll bust some people and make a big issue of it and be so proud of how they were tracked and found. You know something? Remember a person named Bin Laden and another one named Saddam Hussein. Why can't they find them? That's what drives me crazier then I already am!

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Comment #11 posted by SoberStoner on July 01, 2003 at 18:49:38 PT
FoM, herbdoc, and everyone else
This summer will be an amazing one..you can feel history being made with each passing day..

From the good to the bad...I wanted to let everyone see this:

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&e=4&u=/ap/20030701/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/pentagon_urban_cameras_4

If you think this stuff will only be used in foreign countries, you havent been paying attention to what's been going on the last 2 years.

Now let that sink in for a while...now think about canada....what the hell happened to this country?

I think we all need an extended vacation from this insanity. Unfortunately, I doubt I will be unable to join the festivities up north until the spring...altho I keep trying to think of days i MAY be able to come up for a weekend:)

Here in the land of the pee, we have numerous drugs based off of cannabis, which are pimped out by the pharma-slave docs, yet cannabis itself still has 'no medical value'

Canada sees the lie now..it's wide open for the whole world to see..For anyone that DOES go to Canada, jump in front of every camera, puff from a joint and say "I am a cannabis smoker, not a criminal!" Be the happy go lucky person that resides in all cannabis users. Be funny, but please, dont turn into a bat.

I would definitely love to have a cnews get together up in toronto or vancouver. I would like to finally shake hands with the regulars who hang out here (you know who you are)

I'd also like to meet all those i DONT know, all those people who read, but dont post (you know who YOU are too)

I'd like to share info on those we once knew..and see if maybe, just maybe, they might be around..

Most of all..I'd just want to meet everyone in an atmosphere where we could all feel free..

Peace and love

SS

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Comment #10 posted by mayan on July 01, 2003 at 18:28:16 PT
lag
I agree. And wouldn't all of the natural compounds together work better? This plant is a part of our chemistry. I believe it is meant to be used in it's natural state just like it has been for thousands of years.

The way out is the way in...

Tensions rise over 9/11 report: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/auto/epaper/editions/sunday/news_e3efb51f86dd224d10c1.html

9/11 Prior Knowledge/Government Involvement Archive: http://www.propagandamatrix.com/archiveprior_knowledge

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Comment #9 posted by FoM on July 01, 2003 at 17:56:12 PT
herbdoc215 One More Thing
When afterburner posted the video of the smoke in in Toronto I watched it. Then my husband and I watched it together. Marc Emery was dazzling. I don't think I've ever called anything dazzling but his words were. Show us all in the summer of legalization 2003 that the world can do what you all are doing and the sky won't fall. Help us end Reefer Madness. Make us proud. You have already and thank you.

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Comment #8 posted by FoM on July 01, 2003 at 17:30:40 PT
herbdoc215
You said that positions of priviledge come with an awesome responsibility. I really understand that. When I started doing CNews I thought I'd be able to handle one year and then I would stop. That year came and went and this December will be 5 years. When Matt said CNews is set for 100,000 articles ( I think he said that. It was a while ago) I just sighed. A big sigh too. I like people but I have to be stern and I don't like being stern but some folks just don't understand that we must work together and respect each others opinions and not be rude. This is a labor of love. I am not involved with any organizations because it would clutter my brain and sidetrack me from what I feel I can do which is important cannabis related news. I wish it were over so I could find something else to get involved in but it isn't over yet so I'll keep my eyes on news and keep hoping. I would love to live in Canada but I love where I live and don't want to give up and sell our place because we built it ourselves. Not contractors but my husband and me. If you are feeling at home then make the most of it and someday we all will meet when we can get away for a extended vacation. I don't see that for a long time the way things are down here.



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Comment #7 posted by herbdoc215 on July 01, 2003 at 17:12:07 PT
FoM, I know what you mean...
Things here are moving in their own direction of their own violition and while none of us know where this is heading we are working in historic times and we all realize this. And yes, this is becoming my home and I feel more Canadian everyday, so many people here have done so much for us to try and keep my dream alive...since being elected to the board of Directors of the club here in Vancouver it has slowly re-taken over control of my day to day life trying to help as many of these folks as possible as I have found positions of priviledge come with an awesome responsibility that now has another face for me...the suffering is the same on both sides of the border. I just came from the Rally that Marc and BC Marijuana Party put on here at the Art Museum and a couple of thousand people were there smoking in the sun and nobody caring...it's a scene of peace and solidarity that will blow away many lies this summer...we are in for a wild ride here with courts vs "decrim" being played out all over Canada and the schedule one lie has the life expectancy of a house fly here...it seems as if there is a force guiding this here and bringing it all together, maybe it's time the wheel of ka swings for good? All we have going for us here is truth and we sure don't need to be told to compromise by those whose country foisted this nightmare upon us. It has taken me two years to even begin to understand Canadian courts and Legislatures...and I hang out with some of the best lawyers in the dang country. It's so different from USA that comparisons are not relevant, and for some to look at surface and assume what works in US will work here is an insult to many brave and smart people who are on front lines! Also for once the leaders of the legal stuff here are fighting this one for the good of all Canadians, not just one area and surely not for the effect it will have on USA as I think most here are fed up with Washington and their media bs, I really think we might win this one as courts here are poised to change the whole ballgame. Thanks for doing a great service to those of us on both sides as truth is our only sword. Peace, Steve Tuck

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Comment #6 posted by lag on July 01, 2003 at 16:50:02 PT
Wow...if the synthetics can do this much
Imagine what the real thing can do.

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Comment #5 posted by Kegan on July 01, 2003 at 14:43:47 PT
Keep your eyes on the grail
One mission: Legalize 100%. Total freedom. Nothing less.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #4 posted by FoM on July 01, 2003 at 12:08:50 PT
herbdoc215
I want to say one more thing. I have grown very fond of the Canadian people. I'm sure you must feel the same way. If you knew how bad things have become down here since 9-11 you would understand why I want your country ( And it is your country too) not to be associated much with anyone of us down here. It's my mothering instinct that is speaking. What is happening is happening because it's suppose to happen. I feel that strongly. Cannabis will liberate herself if we allow her too. If we get political it could slow legalization up. I hope this makes sense.

O Cannabis -- http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread16739.shtml#3

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Comment #3 posted by afterburner on July 01, 2003 at 12:04:04 PT:

Remembering Cheryl
The Case for Cheryl Miller: Medical Marijuana Necessity http://www.pot-tv.net/archive/shows/pottvshowse-1737.html Miscellaneous with Pot-TV http://www.pot-tv.net/ram/pottvshowse1737.ram Running Time: 30 min Date Entered: 22 Jan 2003 Viewer Rating: 8.90 (9 votes) Number of Views: 825 The heartbreaking story of MS sufferer Cheryl Miller's fight, with the aid of her husband Jim, for access to the herb that heals her pain and helps stop the progress of her severley dehibilitating disease.

ego transcendence follows ego destruction, the cerebellum or mid-brain or heart of the brain has direct neural connections to the heart.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #2 posted by FoM on July 01, 2003 at 11:43:13 PT
herbdoc215
Thank you for telling us how Cannabis helped you. Having an injectible drug for brain injuries is a great gift too. You are lucky you had cannabis in your system. I believe from all the articles I've come across over the last few years that Cannabis can help slow down the progress of Alzeimers Disease. That is what my mother had and if help had been available for her the last years of her life might have been a little better quality.

Thanks for telling me why there is any association between MPP and Canada. Canada doesn't need our help or approval in my opinion. You all are doing a fine job on your own. Keep doing it the way you are and we all will benefit in the end. That's my opinion.

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Comment #1 posted by herbdoc215 on July 01, 2003 at 11:31:19 PT
I learned this the hard way...
When I had my accident I received 60% brain damage along with my spine and body being shattered, my family was told I was going to be null and void for rest of my life...then MD's saw something that blew their minds as my brain awoke from the swelling and damage healed it's function came back despite all predictions of doom! Why is this germane you ask? Because I was high on cannabis when I had my accident as we all were in Army everyday I was in it (my accident was equipment failure, and no way related to being high), I have always said to my MD's all along that I felt like cannabis buffered my brain function during those 2 weeks I was unconscience to keep perminate damage to a minimium. While many things hadbeen knocked out of my brain I found that as I started re-learning things that my rate of info uptake was as fast as before the accident. So we could probably make a strong case for those being suseptable to stroke or brain injury should smoke pot for prevention...think of all the millions spent on Re-hab and therapy that could be saved not to mention broken lives and lost chances? How much longer can we not call prohibition murder? Peace, Steve Tuck ps. FoM as to comment number one on last story about Young writing "open letter"...they are trying to buy the Canadian movement like they did USA's and set our agenda also but I think they are in for a suprise here as these people take terms from no one. Happy Cannabian Day :)

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