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#81 - Debra Kimless, M.D. & Steve Goldner, J.D.: Cannabis – the latest science on CBD & THC

Nov 25, 2019 2h 11m 19 insights
<p>In this episode, Dr. Debra Kimless and Steve Goldner share their knowledge on the science, policy, and market evolution of medicinal cannabis. We start with the differences between THC and CBD, how they work in the body, and how they act on the brain. We discuss the many potential benefits of using CBD, THC, hemp in the various forms of administration (smoking, vaping, edibles, oils, etc.) as well as some of the safety issues including the recent uptick in incidents of hospitalization and death linked to vaping. Debra and Steve are both involved with the company, Pure Green—Debra the Chief Medical Officer and Steve the founder and CEO—whose aim is to create the safest, most efficacious form of delivery of cannabis. Their bigger mission is to shift the perception of the cannabis plant, garner acceptance of its medicinal benefits, and ultimately get it descheduled on a federal level so more people can access cannabis for a range of chronic ailments.</p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">We discuss:</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="color: #000000;">Debra and Steve's background reason for their interest in medical cannabis [7:00];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">The history of medical use of cannabis [11:15];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">How THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids work [16:00];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">Hemp—What it is, special uses, and the 2018 farm bill [22:45];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">The legal status of CBD, Deb and Steve's clinical trial, and how CBD differs from THC [30:15];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">The safety profile of THC [35:00];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">Is marijuana as a gateway drug? [45:30];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">Smoking vs. vaping vs. edibles—Benefits, risks, and mechanistic differences [53:30];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">Can you build up a tolerance to the effects of THC? [1:15:00];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">What do people generally want to get from using marijuana? [1:17:15];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">Cannabinoid synthetics [1:22:30];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">Efficacy of CBD oils as a sleep aid [1:25:00];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">Pure Green Cannabis [1:30:30];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">Anecdotal evidence and managing the hype surrounding cannabis in medical treatment [1:38:45];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">Aspirations for the future of medicinal cannabis, and the legal challenges that await them [1:45:15];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">Descheduling cannabis: A human rights issue [2:04:00] and;</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #000000;">More.</span></li> </ul> <p>Learn more: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/">https://peterattiamd.com/</a><br /> <br /> Show notes page for this episode: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/debrakimless-stevegoldner/"><span style="color: #333333;">https://peterattiamd.com/debrakimless-stevegoldner/</span></a><br /> <br /> Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/">https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/</a><br /> <br /> Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/">https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/</a><br /> <br /> Connect with Peter on <a href="http://Facebook.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Faceboo</u></a><u>k</u> | <a href="http://Twitter.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Twitter</u></a> | <a href="http://Instagram.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Instagram</u></a>.</p>
Actionable Insights

1. Avoid Unregulated Cannabis Purchases

Do not buy cannabis products online or off the street, as there is no guarantee of testing, safety, or purity, similar to not taking candy from strangers.

If you live in a legal state, become a certified patient, consult with a physician, and purchase cannabis products from a legal dispensary to ensure guidance and safety.

3. Request Cannabis Certificate of Analysis

When purchasing cannabis products, always ask for the Certificate of Analysis (COA) to verify testing for safety, potency, and the absence of adulterants.

4. Find Expert Cannabis Clinicians

Seek guidance from expert cannabinoid medicine physicians by consulting the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, which provides a list of doctors by state.

5. Beware Vaping Additives

Exercise caution with vape cartridges, as thinning agents like PG, PEG, or Vitamin E acetate, while generally safe for ingestion, can create harmful byproducts like formaldehyde when heated and inhaled.

6. Avoid Inhalational Cannabis Methods

Avoid inhalational methods of cannabis use, as consistent dosing is difficult to control, making it challenging for physicians to accurately titrate and manage patient treatment.

7. Consider Cannabinoid Microdosing

To achieve therapeutic effects without intoxication, consider microdosing cannabinoids by using very small amounts to activate cellular processes.

8. Leverage Cannabinoid Synergistic Effects

When choosing cannabinoid products, look for formulations that combine isolated cannabinoids with other constituents to capitalize on synergistic effects, potentially allowing for lower doses and fewer side effects.

9. Consider CBD for Improved Sleep

Consider using CBD, potentially in a water-soluble form for better efficacy, to help fall asleep quickly, achieve a good night’s sleep, and wake up refreshed without grogginess.

10. Edibles Metabolite More Intoxicating

Be aware that when ingested, THC is converted into a metabolite in the liver that is even more intoxicating than THC itself, which can lead to a more intense experience than inhalation.

11. Reset THC Tolerance with Pause

If you experience down-regulation of THC receptors from over-consumption, you can quickly reset your tolerance by stopping use for a couple of days.

12. Avoid Cannabis on Developing Brains

Do not use chemical substances like cannabis on a developing brain unless there is a clear medical necessity, due to potential unknown effects.

13. Raw Cannabis Not Intoxicating

Eating the raw cannabis plant will not produce intoxicating effects because its chemical constituents are not in an activated form; it may only cause a bellyache from fiber.

14. Consume Hemp Seeds for Nutrition

Incorporate hemp seeds into your diet as they offer an excellent omega-3 to omega-6 profile and are a wonderful source of protein.

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