Traces Of Roundup Found Throughout Food Chain
Co-authors Stephanie Seneff, research scientist from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Anthony Samsel, retired science consultant from Arthur D. Little, Inc., indicate that they found residues of glyphosate in many of the staple foods common in the western diet, most of which contain sugar, corn soy or wheat products.
Roundup is the most popular herbicide in the world. Farmers in the United States used about 185 million pounds of Roundup in 2007, according to the Environmental Protection Agency . That is nearly twice the amount used six years earlier.
Residential consumers also widely use Roundup to treat weeds in household lawns, gardens and even golf courses.
Monsanto maintains Roundup is minimally toxic to humans. They continue to use the product on millions of acres of crops across the United States. It is used on many genetically engineered crops, such as corn, soybeans, canola and sugar beets. Genetically modified crops are specifically engineered to withstand direct applications of massive amounts of weed killer.
Researchers say the long-term side effects of Roundup may also be linked to other chronic diseases and health problems, such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, depression, infertility and gastrointestinal disorders.
The studys authors emphasized they hit upon something very important that needs to be taken seriously and further investigated.
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How Does Medical Marijuana Affect The Body
Marijuana affects the body through neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers of the nervous system.
Various factors can stimulate neurotransmitter activity, initiating a set of physiological responses. In cannabis, it is mainly THC or CBD binding to endocannabinoid receptors that produce new physiological reactions in the body.
The endocannabinoid system is one of the most important neurotransmitter systems in the body. It utilizes cannabinoid receptors located throughout the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system . Cannabis works to turn on endocannabinoid neurotransmitters through activity at these receptors.
The Pharmacology Of Cannabis
The two primary components of marijuana are delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol and cannabidiol . THC and CBD act on the cannabinoid receptors type 1 and type 2 , which are primarily found throughout the nervous system and on cells of the immune system. The way that THC and CBD acts on these two receptors is different and may help explain the different effects mediated by each of these compounds. For example, THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana and causes alterations in perception and mood. CBD, on the other hand, can reduce anxiety and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
The various compounds present in different marijuana plants and their variable effects on the CB1 and CB2 receptors make cannabis studies difficult to conduct. When researchers study the effects of a medication, dosages are controlled and often set to a specific number of milligrams. When testing medical marijuana, the dosage administered can vary dramatically depending on the plant and method of administration.
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Do You Find That Patients Symptoms Respond Most Positively To A Thc
Its not really possible to answer this question because the effects are very individual. In general, for therapeutic purposes , low doses of THC are more likely to be beneficial. A plant type that is high in CBD will have much lower THC content and so could be more well-suited for medical use. The chemotypes are more important when using inhaled cannabis than when using oral cannabis. This is due to the essential oil part of the plant, which may guide the effects when inhaled. Because the essential oil component will be metabolized by the liver when taking cannabis orally, the biologic effects of these compounds will be barely perceptible, if at all.
Evaluation Of Mc Early In The Pd Course Is Understudied
Cannabis and its derivatives were consistently evaluated in patients who had PD for at least 6years prior to their enrollment in the studies . This may in part be due to patient recruitment largely occurring in movement disorder clinics or through PD patient societies wherein patients are well differentiated. This merits special consideration in the evaluation of evidence for the use of MC in PD because the timing of administration did appear to influence the effectiveness of cannabinoids for neuroprotection in pre-clinical studies.12 In a rat model, although CBD did have an effect when treatment was initiated immediately after the lesion to model PD was induced, it did not reverse dopaminergic injury when initiated 1week after lesion induction.12 This suggests cannabinoids may play a more prominent role in preventing disease progression in earlier stages of moderate disease or in individuals at risk of developing PD, with more limited potential to alleviate disease progression in advanced stages of PD.12 As such, future trials for MC evaluation should specifically recruit patients earlier in their PD disease course and include newly diagnosed patients to more holistically evaluate the potential efficacy of cannabinoids.
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Buy Pounds Of Weed Online To Treat Parkinsons Disease Safely
For those of you who are suffering from Parkinsons disease, theres good news for you. Medical weed can now be purchased online. It is a natural and safe remedy to use in place of other treatments that may not work as well or have some potentially bad side effects. Cannabis can help with the symptoms of Parkinsons disease and provide relief by calming tremors and stiffness in limbs, as well as improve balance. A person with Parkinsons disease needs to smoke weed regularly to maintain these benefits, but it has been found that the person would not experience any harmful effects to their health because marijuana does not cause cancer or lung damage like tobacco products do.
Lessons Ive Learned On My Parkinsons Journey
Cannabis has two main active components: tetrahydrocannabinol , which is the main chemical that induces a high, and cannabidiol , which doesnt induce a high but may have numbing or anti-inflammatory properties.
Cannabis has not been rigorously studied in Parkinsons, but many patients are interested in its potential benefits, and with increasing availability of a number of cannabis-based products, many have tried them. In lieu of scientific studies, learning from these patients experiences could help patients and clinicians to understand the potential benefits and risks of using various cannabis products for Parkinsons patients.
To this end, researchers at the University of Colorado conducted a survey through Fox Insight, an online platform run by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research.
The survey was answered by 1,881 people with Parkinsons who reported having used cannabis products since they were diagnosed. Most respondents were men , and more than half had been diagnosed with Parkinsons for less than three years. The vast majority were white , and the respondents generally were highly educated, with nearly two-thirds having at least a college degree and 33.6% with graduate or professional degrees.
In general, the overall magnitude of both positive and negative effects was small, the researchers noted. Notably, patients who took a product with high THC were generally more likely to experience an effect whether positive or negative.
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What Is Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana is cannabis that’s prescribed by a physician to treat or provide relief for a medical condition.
There are around 400 chemicals in the cannabis plant, and more than 60 of them are referred to as cannabinoids. The high marijuana users get is primarily due to the most psychoactive cannabinoid in the plant called tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
Cannabinol, or CBD, is the other cannabinoid, which is used in medical marijuana. CBD does not cause a high when taken alone and, in fact, moderates the psychoactive effects. Research is being done to determine how medical marijuana can help treat or relieve symptoms of various diseases, including Parkinson’s disease.
Research On Cannabis For Parkinsons Disease
With the above in mind, we can take a look at the research on cannabis for Parkinsons directly, as well as the potential of specific cannabinoids.
To start, a 2017 study asked participants to report the effects of using medical cannabis for symptoms of Parkinsons disease, as well as any adverse events, over a period of at least three months. As the data collected is subjective, it cannot be considered true evidence of a correlation, but participants generally reported improvements in symptoms when using cannabis, and noted few adverse events. The authors state that the goal of the study is to support the development of safer and more effective drugs derived from Cannabis sativa.
A 2020 review sought to assess the efficacy of cannabis as an alternative therapeutic for Parkinsons disease, specifically observing the factors hampering its use in clinical practice of PD. Drawing upon 14 studies, only five of which were randomised controlled trials, the authors of the review noted that, despite some positive study results, there was still insufficient evidence to recommend cannabis as a Parkinson’s treatment.
Additional research has sought to determine the medicinal efficacy of cannabis for motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity, tremors, sleep issues, and pain, as well as non-motor symptoms such as memory, mood, and fatigue.
Now, let’s take a look at the potential of specific cannabinoids namely, THC and CBD.
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Order Recreational Weed Online To Treat Parkinsons Disease Legally
Medical marijuana is a natural treatment to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. It is not a cure, but it can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with this condition. If you or someone you love has Parkinsons disease and want to take advantage of recreational weed to help manage symptoms, we offer a variety of strains and products that are great for alleviating tremors and stiffness in limbs. Recreational weed is legal in many states, including California, Colorado and Washington.
If you want to buy recreational weed online today, there are plenty of online dispensaries that sell high-quality cannabis products!
Days Of Pd: Learning To Afford Myself Patience And Grace
Living with Parkinsons involves inclement days that require special considerations. I need to know the precursors to such days, and how to wait until the storm passes.
My body now signals me in different ways from before Parkinsons. Here is where the practice of being a gentle observer is so helpful. From that vantage point, I can hear what my body is telling me through the Parkinsons noise. I can then act in a way that enhances my ability to function better throughout the day.
Parkinsons is transient in nature, going from good days to bad and then back to good again. There are things I can use, like the tools in my Parkinsons self-management toolkit, to improve the good days and lessen the impact of the bad ones.
But Parkinsons is still a chronic, progressive illness. It always makes demands. It will drain the well of resources and my energy levels. When that happens, all I can do is wait for the well to replenish. There is no rushing that part of returning to baseline.
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Medical Marijuana As A Treatment For Parkinsons Symptoms
Parkinsons disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that causes tremors, slow movement, stiffness, and loss of balance. Because marijuana directly affects the central and peripheral nervous systems, scientists have studied the effect of marijuana as a treatment for Parkinsons symptoms.
A 2020 review of 14 different studies acknowledged evidence that medical marijuana provides a reduction in anxiety, tremors, and involuntary or erratic movements. However, the researchers concluded that there is insufficient evidence to recommend medical marijuana use as part of Parkinson’s treatment.
A 2017 study with patients who used medical marijuana over three months to manage Parkinson’s symptoms found that the treatment improved their symptoms and did not cause major adverse effects.
Other research has shown that medical marijuana may be able to help with some Parkinsons disease symptoms, including:
Risks And Benefits For People With Pd
There are risks and benefits associated with the use of cannabis for people with PD. Benefits include a possible improvement in anxiety, pain, sleep dysfunction, weight loss and nausea. Potential adverse effects include impaired cognition , dizziness, blurred vision, mood and behavioral changes, loss of balance and hallucinations. Chronic use of marijuana can increase the risk of mood disorders, particularly among young users, and lung cancer.
Researchers issue caution for people with PD who use cannabis particularly because of its effect on thinking. PD can impair the executive function the ability to make plans and limit risky behavior. People with a medical condition that impairs executive function should be cautious about using any medication that can compound this effect.
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The Role Of Cbd & Thc
Both CBD and THC-based treatments may help combat nausea, insomnia, anxiety and depression, pain, and muscle spasms Parkinsonâs patients experience. Physicians often recommend high-THC, low-CBD cannabis to maximize the benefits of THC in elevating mood, inducing restful sleep, easing nausea, and improving appetite.
In addition to symptom relief, cannabis may help improve the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals prescribed to Parkinsonâs patients.
What Products Are People Using
The most common cannabis-derived product people with Parkinson’s used was CBD oil. People interested in using a cannabis-derived product in the future said this is what they’d consider using.
If the side effects are less than traditional Parkinson’s drugs, then I would want to try cannabis. Person with Parkinson’s who has never used a cannabis-derived product
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Who Can File A Lawsuit
Paraquat is used in agriculture and manufacturing. As such, any agricultural workers, farmers, licensed applicators, or people who live near farming communities may have been exposed to the herbicide and could be at risk of developing early-onset Parkinsons if they arent suffering from the disease already.
Lawsuits have already been filed against paraquat manufacturer Syngenta Group, alleging the herbicide maker ignored and played down the risk of developing Parkinsons due to paraquat exposure.
Is There A Link Between Paraquat And Parkinsons Disease
Over the past two decades, the scientific community has stepped up its research of the effects of paraquat exposure on humans.
The chemicals compounds are believed to be toxic to mitochondria, the powerhouses of a cell, leading to the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra a brain area specifically involved in Parkinsons disease.
Here are some study results:
- A 2018 study published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology found that even low-level exposure to paraquat can disrupt cells in a way that mimics the effects of mutations linked to Parkinsons disease
- A 2017 study published in Nature Chemical Biology concluded that paraquat generates reactive oxygen species , which causes cell death
- A 2011 study from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences concluded that Parkinsons disease was strongly associated with paraquat
- A 2011 study from the National Institutes of Health concluded that exposure to paraquat could be linked to a greater risk of developing Parkinsons disease
- A 2009 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology revealed that any exposure to paraquat within 1,600 feet of a home resulted in a heightened Parkinsons disease risk of 75%
One of the authors of the FASEB study said that people exposed to these chemicals are at about a 250% higher risk of developing Parkinsons disease than the rest of the population.
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Cannabis Shown To Relieve Parkinson Disease Symptoms
A recent survey found that patients experienced relief of certain motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson disease from using cannabis.
A recent survey on community perceptions of cannabis use in patients with Parkinson disease found that patients reported cannabis to be effective at reducing symptom severity.
Results also show a lack of knowledge on the different types and administration routes among patients. Researchers said that this is the largest study analyzing the view of patients on cannabis therapy in PD.
The study, published in Journal of Parkinsons Disease, took place in Germany, which in 2017 approved medical cannabis as a therapy for patients with severe symptoms of PD when other therapies were unsuccessful or not tolerable. MC is eligible for reimbursement in these cases.
Although many cannabis products and formulations are available to patients, there is a lack of controlled clinical studies addressing MC effectiveness on PD symptoms. Its also unclear which PD symptoms would be best treated with MC, whether certain cannabis formulations are more effective, or which routes of administration patients would prefer most. Further, the prevalence of MC use and patient opinion on its use for PD symptoms relief are unknowns.
Cannabis users made up 15% of participants, of which 13.9% were regular users, 32.2% were occasional users, and 42.6% had tried it once 11.4% did not answer. Users were on average 5.6 years younger than nonusers.
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Summing Upmarijuana And Parkinsons
The question does marijuana help Parkinsons isnt an uncommon one. Its increasingly asked, and there is a growing amount of research that shows marijuana and Parkinsons may have a beneficial relationship to one another.
Some of the reasons marijuana and Parkinsons could go well together is because marijuana can provide pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and it may be a neuroprotectant.At the same time, with marijuana and Parkinsons, researchers are still working to determine exactly what the benefits may be and whether or not the adverse risks are worth those positives.
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Adding Cannabis To Your Treatment Plan
In addition to a number of physicians, leading Parkinsonâs organizations â including the National Parkinsonâs Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation â have endorsed the use of cannabis for Parkinsonâs patients.
If youâre interested in learning more about how cannabis can complement your current Parkinsonâs treatment plan, talk to your doctor. And if youâre interested in getting your medical marijuana card, weâre here to help.