New Brain Area and Addiction, Charlotte’s Web Medical MJ, Mental Health & Substance Abuse Most be Covered by Insurance
A new area of the brain has been correlated to addiction, especially nicotine, according to a study done at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Scientists say treatments aimed at reducing activity in this area could one day help people overcome tobacco addiction, especially drug cravings. A unique and fairly new strain of medical marijuana called Charlotte’s Web is extracted from Cannabidial, a cannabinoid without the Delta-9 THC which gets people high. It is particularly effective in treating childhood epilepsy. And in a statement from HHS Secetary Kathleen Sebelius, the administration has made it very clear that insurance companies must cover mental health and substance abuse treatment in the same way as they cover other chronic, persistent disorders like hypertension, diabetes, asthma, etc. PODCAST
MJ and Boomers, Driving and as a Teen Brain Stunter
Recent marijuana stories look at the increase in use (or return to use) of pot by the boomer generation. New laws regarding marijuana use and driving are considered. And a recent study shows that using marijuana as a teen can permanently damage the brain structure and lead to mental illness. PODCAST.
Ritalin to treat coke? Pot drawing venture capitalists
The ADHD drug Ritalin may be useful in breaking the hold of cocaine addiction, according to a recent study Also a look at the rather astounding amount of money being poured by venture capitalists into marijuana oriented websites, and business prospects. PODCAST.
More on DSM-5, Med MJ, E-Cigs
A further look at the DSM-5 and how it addresses addictions, as well as the likelihood of many new pharmaceutics meds being prescribed for 1500 new disorders. Also major tobacco companies enter e-cigarette market, and a success story of medical marijuana used for lung cancer. PODCAST.
Seeing pain with MRI, Addiction Equity & Affordable Care, Naloxone Monoploy
Pain is becoming visible through the use of functional Magnetic Resonance Scanning Technology promising better perspectives on how to address chronic pain … a discussion of the Addiction Equity and Affordable Care Acts, in the context of addiction treatment options. The Feds come out with another statement of intention to pursue drug use regardless of contravening state laws …. the issues of the safety of drug use in the context of public service announcement and educational efforts. And one company has a monopoly on the life-saving drug Naloxone, used for heroin (and opioids) overdoses. PODCAST.
More on Medical Marijuana
The recent presentation has changed my attitude toward medical mj. I am wondering if there is contrary research to his. I’m not going to advocate for any policy changes or start discussions with patients.
The deal breaker for me is the THC piece. THC is unwanted in medical mj. Therefore mood alteration is what you DON’T want for medical usage …
The presenter was measured and seems like a responsible, experienced clinician. I’m just impressed with how he uses the substance, how much discretion he uses and how he counsels his patients relative to DUIIs, adolescent ingestion of any mind altering substance — I think the guy who authored “Reefer Madness” did not help us use our intelligence when evaluating this drug.
Peaceful holidays to all.