Abstract: Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD): Can this Concept Explain Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabis in Migraine, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other Treatment-Resistant Conditions? ProHealth.com May 26, 2004 Neuroendocrinol Lett. 2004 Feb-Apr;25(1/2):31-39. Russo EB. Senior Medical Advisor, GW Pharmaceuticals, 2235 Wylie Avenue, Missoula, MT 59802, USA. erusso@montanadsl.net OBJECTIVES: This study examines the concept of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD), and the prospect that it could underlie the pathophysiology of migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and other functional conditions alleviated by clinical cannabis. METHODS: Available literature was reviewed, and literature searches pursued via the National Library of Medicine database and other resources. RESULTS: Migraine has numerous relationships to endocannabinoid function. Anandamide (AEA) potentiates 5-HT1A and inhibits 5-HT2A receptors supporting therapeutic efficacy in acute and preventive migraine treatment. Cannabinoids also demonstrate dopamine-blocking and anti-inflammatory effects. AEA is tonically active in the periaqueductal gray matter, a migraine generator. THC modulates glutamatergic neurotransmission via NMDA receptors. Fibromyalgia is now conceived as a central sensitization state with secondary hyperalgesia. Cannabinoids have similarly demonstrated the ability to block spinal, peripheral and gastrointestinal mechanisms that promote pain in headache, fibromyalgia, IBS and related disorders. The past and potential clinical utility of cannabis-based medicines in their treatment is discussed, as are further suggestions for experimental investigation of CECD via CSF examination and neuro-imaging. CONCLUSION: Migraine, fibromyalgia, IBS and related conditions display common clinical, biochemical and pathophysiological patterns that suggest an underlying clinical endocannabinoid deficiency that may be suitably treated with cannabinoid medicines. PMID: 15159679 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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YES, I kept telling my doctor cannabis helps in so many ways!
Posted by: firstrala Dec 13, 2007
I am also bipolar and have been on many LEGAL medications for bipolar, fibromyalgia, IBS and nothing worked or had such drastic side effects, I had to stop. After 3 years and seven months 'clean', I began to treat the anxiety and fibro pain with cannabis. Not only am I able to function much better without as much pain, my IBS symptoms are GONE. I haven't had an ER visit since!! KEEP LEARNING AND RESEARCH ALIVE! Short term memory problems are a side effect I can live with.
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forget what u know about cannabis
Posted by: kikky Apr 13, 2009
I have used cannabis for appetite stimulation and to help manage stress for years. It would not surprise me that there are many other applications. I am in excellent health and can say the myths surrounding cannabis use are just the result of decades of negative propoganda aimed to secure the cotton industry's future. Short term memory loss is not a permanent side affect.
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Short Term Memory Loss
Posted by: rasmarcus Mar 14, 2010
The "side effect" of short term memory loss is now being considered to be a preventitive measure for Alzheimer’s. See more.. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15145917/
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