cannabisnews.com: Cannabis Chemical 'Harms Embryo'
Cannabis Chemical 'Harms Embryo'
Posted by CN Staff on November 24, 2003 at 18:32:43 PT
Components of cannabis have varied effects on body
Source: BBC News
Scientists have uncovered further evidence that an ingredient of cannabis may trigger miscarriage. US scientists found that anandamide, at low concentrations, appeared to play a vital role in the implantation of the embryo into the womb lining. However, writing the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, they said that even slightly higher doses might interfere with that process. The researchers say that the embryo is a "target" for cannabis chemicals.
Anandamide is a substance which occurs naturally in the body, as well as being one of the cocktail of chemicals released when cannabis is burned. The strong suspicion that it naturally plays a role in fertility is boosted by the fact that the body produces more just before an embryo is meant to implant in the womb wall, and less at the time of implantation. However, there is some evidence linking excess levels of anandamide to "spontaneous abortion" - miscarriage. Mouse tests The researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Tennessee wanted to find out whether how this chemical, or cannabinoid, might be having an effect on either the womb environment or the embryo itself. Using mouse embryos, they found a chemical pathway in the embryo triggered by low levels of anandamide. This turned on a mechanism which allowed the embryo to implant. However, if the concentration of the chemical in contact with the embryo was increased only four-fold, the reverse happened, and embryo implantation was hindered. 'Significant' The researchers, led by Dr Sudhansu Dey, wrote in the journal: "These results are relevant to humans because spontaneous pregnancy losses occur in women with elevated anandamide levels. " We know that cannabinoids affect sperm - although there's not much objective evidence that it has an effect on female fertility." - Professor John Oxford, Imperial College London Regulated endocannabinoid signalling is at least one of the pathways that determine the fate of embryo implantation. "This study places the embryo as a target for natural and endocannabinoids (e.g. those from cannabis smoke), and raises the significance of cannabinoid signalling in female fertility." Professor John Oxford, a toxicologist from Imperial College London, told BBC News Online that the findings were "very plausible". He said: "We know that cannabinoids affect sperm - although there's not much objective evidence that it has an effect on female fertility. "It's difficult to carry out a proper controlled trial to find out what is happening." Source: BBC News (UK Web) Published: Tuesday, November 25, 2003Copyright: 2003 BBC Contact: newsonline bbc.co.ukWebsite: http://news.bbc.co.uk/ Related Articles & Web Site:Cannabis Treatments in Obstetrics http://freedomtoexhale.com/russo-ob.pdfSperm from Marijuana Smokers Move Too Fast http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17546.shtmlCannabis Danger To Men http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16856.shtml
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Comment #18 posted by RasAric on November 25, 2003 at 07:25:30 PT
Dr. Russo
"Anandamide is a substance which occurs naturally in the body, as well as being one of the cocktail of chemicals released when cannabis is burned."???...may trigger miscarriage,...appeared to play a vital role,...might interfere with that process,...strong suspicion that it naturally plays a role..., ...not much objective evidence..., ...the findings were "very plausible",...AND FINALLY: "It's difficult to carry out a proper controlled trial to find out what is happening." Sounds like these studies aren't giving us any solid answers and that the article's title is based on pure spin and biasEven in a court ordered drug (mis)education class we were 'taught' that anandamide is a neurotransmitter that binds to cannabinoid receptors, not a chemical in cannabis (although we were also 'informed' on how long term exposure to THC permanently distorts the walls of nerve cells)
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Comment #17 posted by freddybigbee on November 25, 2003 at 06:23:51 PT:
Spin, spin, and more spin.
"Anandamide is a substance which occurs naturally in the body, as well as being one of the cocktail of chemicals released when cannabis is burned."I suspect our friends at BBC news are staking out a position as follows: Some constituents of cannabis (those that can be marketed by pharmaceutical companies) are beneficial, while the SMOKE of the dreaded herb is evil. They don't address vaporizers, but I suspect cannabis vapor will "prove" to be evil as well. But I bet the pills and sprays will be as good as mother's milk and apple pie before long.
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Comment #16 posted by CorvallisEric on November 25, 2003 at 04:31:28 PT
Dr. Russo
Thank you for verifying what I was not quite 100% certain of. I know very little about medicine and biology, but I care about journalistic integrity. I sent a complaint email to the BBC and will let y'all know if I hear from them.By the way, there's another little article on the same study, without the same error, but with a problematic title:
http://www.wired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,61342,00.html
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Comment #15 posted by Ethan Russo MD on November 25, 2003 at 03:37:56 PT
Asking the Right Questions
CE is asking just the right questions. The title of this article is a complete travesty. Anandamide is the natural endogenous chemical that binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. THC is a natural, cannabis derived chemical that does the same. There is no anandamide in cannabis itself.The two cannabinoids (one endocannabinoid, and one phytocannabinoid) are similar in their activities. Both are what are called partial agonists, meaning that they weakly stimulate the cannabinoid receptor. There are differences, however. Anandamide (AEA, or arachidonyl ethanolamide) also binds to vanilloid receptors (VR1) involved in pain reactions, whereas THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) does not, for example.This study is just the latest in a line of articles that examine the regulatory role of AEA in fertility and implantation. The focus of the article seems intent on hyperbole and sensationalization. Rather, it would be just as easy to say that a deficiency of anandamide could lead to miscarriage or unexplained fetal wastage. I have hypothesized as much in my article, "Cannabis treatments in obstetrics and gynecology":http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/russo-ob.pdf
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Comment #14 posted by CorvallisEric on November 25, 2003 at 03:04:17 PT
Long, interesting article on anandamide ...
... and Raphael Mechoulam. The chocolate connection is also mentioned. http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/15/thread15347.shtml
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Comment #13 posted by CorvallisEric on November 25, 2003 at 02:50:39 PT
Help, please
Scientists have uncovered further evidence that an ingredient of cannabis may trigger miscarriage.Anandamide is a substance which occurs naturally in the body, as well as being one of the cocktail of chemicals released when cannabis is burned.Both these statements naturally lead to the expected inflammatory headline: Cannabis Chemical 'Harms Embryo'One little problem: Out of the hundreds of times I've come across anandamide in coherent sources over a decade, even DEA and
ONDCP propaganda, I can't remember ever seeing any mention that anandamide is AN INGREDIENT of cannabis or cannabis smoke. Can someone definitively straighten this out?On the other hand, the BBC (and other sources) say that anandamide IS FOUND in chocolate:Neuroscientist Daniele Piomelli suggests that chocolate works more indirectly to produce its 'high'. As well as anandamide itself, chocolate contains two chemicals known to slow the breakdown of anandamide. Chocolate might therefore work by prolonging the action of this natural stimulant in the brain.
Chocolate and anandamide
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Comment #12 posted by jose melendez on November 24, 2003 at 22:42:01 PT
What ever!
from:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/health/272595.stmFriday, 5 February, 1999, 12:39 GMT Oxygen link to miscarriages
Too much oxygen may be a significant cause of miscarriage in early pregnancy, say scientists. One in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage and 15% of miscarriages occur between eight and 12 weeks after conception. contrast that with:http://www.netaxs.com/~sparky/policy/Got-milk1.htmAlso, from:http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/preg/a/blbmj030816.htmEven Asprin Can be a Risk for Pregnant Woman
Women who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin during pregnancy increase their risk of miscarriage by 80 percent, finds a study in the British Medical JournalBut wait, there's more, from:http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/summaries/reader/0,1854,548409,00.htmlDrinking Increases Pregnant Women's Risk of Miscarriage
2/21/2002
New research shows that moderate amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women, especially during the first trimester, HealthScout News reported Feb. 8.In conducting their study, Danish researchers confirmed that alcohol has toxic effects on the baby, especially at the earliest stages of development.Researchers looked at 25,000 pregnancies between 1989 and 1996. They analyzed various data on each pregnancy, including the mother's admission of alcohol consumption.From the analysis, researchers determined that women who have five drinks a week increase their risk for miscarriage substantially. The risk level returned to normal during the second and third trimesters, even though the women continued to drink the same amount of alcohol.Yawn, I bet this was approved by the FDA, no?http://health.discovery.com/diseasesandcond/encyclopedia/2003.htmlWhat about this drug, should we jail a few hundred thousand users and keep funding the thriving incarceration industry for this drug?From:http://www.drugs.com/index.cfm?pageID=0&htm=202577&type=cons&bn=Trilostane&micr=medexPregnancy-Use of trilostane is not recommended during pregnancy. It has been shown to cause serious problems, including miscarriage, in humans. Trilostane has also been shown to cause birth defects in animals. Gee, there don't seem to be any shortage of drugs that might be harmful, but also have legitimate or at least profitable use.Yet there also seem to be no shortage of excuses that do not apply to far more harmful substances to maintain cannabis prohibition. Got corruption?
Poison is legal, just not pot.
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Comment #11 posted by jose melendez on November 24, 2003 at 22:11:08 PT
Things you have to believe to be an R
from:http://my.marijuana.com/article.php?sid=7950&mode=nested&order=0&thold=0o Government should relax regulation of Big Business and Big Money but crack down on individuals who use marijuana to relieve the pain of illness.
o “Standing Tall for America” means firing your workers and moving their jobs to India.
o A woman can’t be trusted with decisions about her own body, but multi-national corporations can make decisions affecting all mankind without regulation.
- snipped
Got a dream?
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Comment #10 posted by The GCW on November 24, 2003 at 20:34:48 PT
john wayne
With the harm done to the sperm count, there aint no pregnancy, right? (sorry Nancy) (the government is sorry)
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Comment #9 posted by john wayne on November 24, 2003 at 20:13:32 PT
last year it was "pot gets you pregnant"
And what about the chromosome damage leading to two headed babies, and once you had a baby thinking it was the pot roast and cooking it by mistake because you were "high" on "grass"?Yeah!
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Comment #8 posted by The GCW on November 24, 2003 at 19:49:47 PT
Things could be different/if We could trust police
Do police create the distrust they receive and deserve?It shouldn’t be that way.Police do a very difficult, hard and dirty job. They deserve better than to get sullied by supporting the historically discredited cannabis prohibition which then compromises their own support. I would like to see police get more respect, as a direct result of ending cannabis prohibition.Police like anyone else, are Our brothers, I hope they will begin to act more responsibly toward this cannabis issue.May the spirit of truth, bless them.It makes Me wonder who/what is helping insure that the police have the spirit of error? Or do they do it alone? We control the police, or do We? If We control the police, then they are just about through caging their brother for using a plant.Christ God Our Father's plant, no less.
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on November 24, 2003 at 19:25:39 PT
The GCW
It would have a chemical taste. It really would be obvious. Also why would anyone want to sprinkle Meth on Cannabis. It's doesn't seem like it would be good at all. One more yuk!
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Comment #6 posted by RasAric on November 24, 2003 at 19:23:12 PT
Thanks GCW.....well here we go again...
Laced marijuana article reads:
People who buy pot are contributing to other crimes in St. Albert even if they don't realize it, Moulds said. "That guy has to buy his pot from somebody who is buying a lot more pot from someone else. It's a ripple effect." Didn't we hear this crap from Bush and Co.(drugs=terrorism)?Yet one more good reason to legalize and could it have come from a more credible source? Thanks to US and Canadian Govs. for making the point they try consistently, and unsuccessfully, to break.
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Comment #5 posted by The GCW on November 24, 2003 at 19:17:58 PT
FoM,
I've never done meth, but that thought ran through My head. People would know it was laced...Meth sounds scary and it sounds like something people would do less, if they had the choice to use safe regulated or homegrown cannabis.I don't trust the source of that news: police.So even if the police are telling the truth; since I don't trust police, their news will not be respected as it should be.That is one of the big pitfalls of police dicking citizens around, supporting the historically discredited policy to cage humans for using the plant.Distrust of what authority says about drugs, is what they have.
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on November 24, 2003 at 19:05:19 PT
The GCW
Oh yuk! Meth is so bitter or at least it was many many years ago. It would be so obvious wouldn't it?
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Comment #3 posted by The GCW on November 24, 2003 at 19:02:21 PT
CN AB: Cops Warn Of Laced Marijuana
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1822/a05.html?397Pubdate: Wed, 19 Nov 2003
Source: St. Albert Gazette (CN AB)Police say area drug dealers are using crystal methamphetamine to spike pot and spark addictions St. Albert's RCMP detachment is worried about a growing trend in which drug dealers lace marijuana with crystal methamphetamine. Const. Mike Moulds, a school liaison officer at Paul Kane and Bellerose high schools, said by spiking pot with crystal meth, the dealers are ensuring their clients get hooked. "The kids are thinking they are addicted to the marijuana but what they are really getting addicted to is the crystal meth. It is a ploy of drug dealers to make money." Teens and parents should be extremely concerned because 46 per cent of people who use crystal meth the first time and 96 per cent who try it a second time can become addicted, Moulds said. "And only 20 per cent of the people who are addicted to that drug get off it. So if you get hooked, the odds are against you." For years police have been sending seized marijuana to the crime lab to test levels of THC, its active ingredient. But it was not until recently that the results have come back showing traces of meth, Moulds said. The amount found is varied but even a little bit can lead to a serious addiction and should be a concern to anyone who smokes pot, he added. "We have lab reports that confirm this is happening. It is not something that is being made up." RCMP Cpl. Doug Stapleton, an investigator for the St. Albert Drug Unit, said the issue first came to the attention of police during a conference about a year ago. Local police have received reports from a number of city students who have said it is also occurring in St. Albert, but that has not been confirmed, he added. "We know crystal meth is in the schools so it wouldn't surprise me, but we haven't had any confirmed cases here. Certainly we will start analysing some of the smaller amounts of marijuana we get to see if it is happening." The new trend is especially alarming in light of a recent AADAC survey suggesting marijuana use is overtaking cigarettes with teens. Results show that cigarette smoking is declining in popularity with 16 per cent of students reporting they are lighting up while more than 27 per cent of teens said they have tried marijuana. And almost 42 per cent of students in high school who were surveyed said they have experimented with the drug. Three St. Albert schools, one in the Protestant district and two with the Catholic system, took part in the survey. "People need to realize that just buying a small amount of pot is not a harmless thing because it brings the criminal element into the schools. Kids are stealing stuff from lockers and from vehicles to hawk in order to keep their habit going." People who buy pot are contributing to other crimes in St. Albert even if they don't realize it, Moulds said. "That guy has to buy his pot from somebody who is buying a lot more pot from someone else. It's a ripple effect." Moulds, Stapleton and Sgt. Ian Sanderson, head of the RCMP Drug Awareness Service, will host a parent information night at Bellerose Composite High School on Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Moulds said it is important for all St. Albert parents to attend, even if their children are not involved with drugs. "You may be living next door to a drug dealer and somebody who's pissed off at that guy comes around and shoots up your house thinking it's his. That is why parents in this community should be up in arms about this." A St. Albert resident, whose home backs on to Bellerose Composite High School, knows firsthand the level of drug use among local teenagers. Karen, who did not want her real name used, has called the police on several occasions to complain about the number of kids hanging around outside her house, smoking marijuana. "We've been here for five years and it's been like that for five years. At first they were just hanging out and smoking [cigarettes] but now they are smoking up. They are doing drugs before class, at lunch and after school - it never stops." On Nov. 6, Karen recorded 27 kids smoking drugs near her house throughout the day. She took pictures, contacted the police and the school but she said nothing has been done. "The vice principal of the school has been out here yelling at the kids but they just come right back. The problem keeps resurfacing." Karen and her family have now decided to move and other neighbours are thinking of doing the same. She blames the problem on the attitude of people who believe smoking marijuana is no big deal. "I want the police to spend a week here and get an idea of the scope of the problem. I want the parents of these kids to take some responsibility instead of trying to cover it up and pretend it's not happening - it is." Bellerose principal Pete Dukovac said the school is continuing to work closely with residents to monitor the situation. When the school gets a call from a community member it does its best to address concerns as quickly as possible, he added. "We adhere to the drug-free protocol of the two school jurisdictions. If students have been doing drugs and it is obvious, we will suspend them and in some cases we have moved to expulsion. This is something we take very seriously." (I'm sure glad I can buy a beer that is not laced with meth or other unregulated substances...maybe they should also regulate cannabis)
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Comment #2 posted by Virgil on November 24, 2003 at 18:48:22 PT
I am glad to see they are serious about research
Prohibition has given us 30 years of drought on research. We sure are lucky that scientist are once again getting to the bottom of all those cannabinoids.Johnny Carson used to have a line "I did not know that." It sure is nice of the BBC to advance the dissimination of this finding that we might all realize the true level of danger presented by cannabis. Science and the press, working together to make a better world. And here I thought we were trapped in hell so that that the middle class might be exterminated as easily as the buffalo. It only took one year and when there were not many left the government gave out free bullets.
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Comment #1 posted by YippieRevolutionary on November 24, 2003 at 18:47:33 PT
American Paranoia is at work here
Worrying about a benign plant when the fetuses of our nation are being bathed in mercury, lead, cadmium, PCB's, and dioxin is the same kind of irrational paranoid thinking that made Americans afraid of Iraq's staggering military might.
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