Cannabis and Cancer: Facts vs. Myth
By Renee Lang, ND, FABNO, MPH
he use of cannabis has exploded across the country and in Maine with recent laws permitting medi- cal and/or recreational use. The term cannabis refers to two main categories of the plant; marijuana and hemp. The THC content determines if a cannabis is categorized as marijuana or hemp. Hemp is legally defined as a cannabis containing up to 0.3% of THC while marijuana contains more than 0.3% THC. All cannabis is now considered Cannabis sativa. Marijuana continues to be listed as “sativa” or “indica” but the distinction is based on biological effects rather than botanical differences.
T
The 2018 Farm bill legalized the production and sale of Hemp in the U.S. while marijuana remains federally illegal. At the state level, currently 22 states allow for medical use of marijuana and an ad- ditional 11 states and DC permit recre- ational use. Maine permits both medical and recreational use of marijuana.
Biochemistry The human body produces cannabi-
noids naturally, endocannabinoids, which bind to cannabinoid (CB1/CB2) receptors found throughout the body. The Endocan- nabinoid system assists in maintaining bal- ance through regulation of the neurological system, hormones, and immune function.
24 ELM® Maine - January/February 2020 Date 1913 1976 1999 2016 2017 2018 2019 Action Initially prohibited Possession of small amounts decriminalized Medical Marijuana law passed Marijuana Legalization Act; recreational use permitted
Governor LePage vetoed a bill for practical implementation of the 2016 Law
State Legislature overturned LePage veto
Governor Mills enacted rules for full implementation of 2016 Law
HISTORY OF MARIJUANA LEGALITY IN MAINE
Cannabis contains over 400 constitu- ents including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannab- inoid) and CBD (Cannabidiol) are the most well known and most prominent canna- binoids found in cannabis. Cannabinoids bind to CB ½ receptors and elsewhere to exert multiple effects throughout the body, acting both individually and as a group.
Biological Effects of Cannabis THC
• Muscle relaxant • Anti-nausea • Appetite Stimulant • Anti-inflammatory
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
