An Alternative to Medicinal Marijuana(ind that that a single organophosphorus ...),Health

Date:4/27/2008

ind that that a single organophosphorus compound is capable of eliciting full-blown cannabinoid effects that mirror those of direct cannabinoid receptor stimulators such as THC," said Casida, who is director of the Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology Laboratory at Berkeley. "We believe our compound does not act directly on the cannabinoid receptors, but instead elicits its effects by blocking the enzymes that degrade the endogenous cannabinoids . . . which in turn stimulate the cannabinoid receptors in the brain."

"Blocking these enzymes not only raises endogenous cannabinoid signaling power but also lowers arachidonic acid levels, which may be relevant for pain relief," Casida added. The arachidonic acid pathway is involved in pain and inflammation.

This raises the tantalizing possibility that, one day, a drug might be developed which has medical value but does not get the patient stoned.

More information

The Drug Policy Alliance has more on medical marijuana.

SOURCES: John Casida, Ph.D., professor, entomology and toxicology, and director, Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley; Dennis J. Patin, M.D., associate professor of clinical anesthesiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; April 27, 2008, Nature Chemical Biology

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