Molecule discovered that protects the brain from cannabis intoxication: It is called pregnenolone. It is a steroid hormone produced by the body. In 2014, it was discovered that pregnenolone, a molecule produced by the brain, acts as a natural defence mechanism against the harmful effects of cannabis in animals. Pregnenolone prevents THC, the main active principle in cannabis, from fully activating its brain receptor, the CB1 receptor, that when overstimulated by THC causes the intoxicating effects of cannabis. Essentially, when high doses of THC (well above those inhaled by regular users) activate the CB1 cannabinoid receptor they also trigger the synthesis of pregnenolone. Pregnenole then binds to a specific site on the same CB1 receptors (see figure) and reducing the effects of THC.
The administration of pregnenolone at doses that increase the brain’s level of this hormone even more, antagonize the behavioral effects of cannabis. At the neurobiological level, pregnenolone greatly reduces the release of dopamine triggered by THC. This is an important effect, since the addictive effects of drugs involve an excessive release of dopamine.
In a conversation it was hypothesized that the cases of schizophrenic psychosis from cannabis reported by researchers may be from consumers with low pregnenolone levels. It has been found in some studies “schizophrenics” are low in the hormone pregnenolone and report anxiety. Maybe it’s not cannabis that makes people psychotic?
Thanks for your reply. Here is my response. Complementary therapies are often the first step in helping drug dependent patients become familiar with CAM medicine and less dependent on drugs. Moreover, complementary therapies often lead to improved therapeutic effectiveness and reduced dosages of psychiatric medications.
I also object to ECT, however it is happening and I cannot discount there are therapies to help benefit those who use, or are forced to use electroshock therapy. Those citations may benefit those in distress.
Sorry you had to go through that with the drugs. I have been there before. In my book there is a antidote for anticholinegic toxicity. It is a drug derived from the Calabar bean called Physotigmine. In my book it is referenced as a treatment for mania. It is not recommended for most people to use however. My book is a compilation of nearly all therapies I could compile that were in medical literature that had a natural/non-drug basis. The book is not intended to satisfy everyone’s needs. As described in the book it is primarily for clinicians, researchers, and those in product development. Complementary therapies are not as safe as alternatives, however for many alternatives are not an option and complementary medicine is a good start to help them achieve Independence from the drugs, and learn how to use alternative medicine.
Molecule discovered that protects the brain from cannabis intoxication: It is called pregnenolone. It is a steroid hormone produced by the body. In 2014, it was discovered that pregnenolone, a molecule produced by the brain, acts as a natural defence mechanism against the harmful effects of cannabis in animals. Pregnenolone prevents THC, the main active principle in cannabis, from fully activating its brain receptor, the CB1 receptor, that when overstimulated by THC causes the intoxicating effects of cannabis. Essentially, when high doses of THC (well above those inhaled by regular users) activate the CB1 cannabinoid receptor they also trigger the synthesis of pregnenolone. Pregnenole then binds to a specific site on the same CB1 receptors (see figure) and reducing the effects of THC.
The administration of pregnenolone at doses that increase the brain’s level of this hormone even more, antagonize the behavioral effects of cannabis. At the neurobiological level, pregnenolone greatly reduces the release of dopamine triggered by THC. This is an important effect, since the addictive effects of drugs involve an excessive release of dopamine.
In a conversation it was hypothesized that the cases of schizophrenic psychosis from cannabis reported by researchers may be from consumers with low pregnenolone levels. It has been found in some studies “schizophrenics” are low in the hormone pregnenolone and report anxiety. Maybe it’s not cannabis that makes people psychotic?
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Thanks for your reply.
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Thanks for your reply. Here is my response. Complementary therapies are often the first step in helping drug dependent patients become familiar with CAM medicine and less dependent on drugs. Moreover, complementary therapies often lead to improved therapeutic effectiveness and reduced dosages of psychiatric medications.
I also object to ECT, however it is happening and I cannot discount there are therapies to help benefit those who use, or are forced to use electroshock therapy. Those citations may benefit those in distress.
Report comment
Sorry you had to go through that with the drugs. I have been there before. In my book there is a antidote for anticholinegic toxicity. It is a drug derived from the Calabar bean called Physotigmine. In my book it is referenced as a treatment for mania. It is not recommended for most people to use however. My book is a compilation of nearly all therapies I could compile that were in medical literature that had a natural/non-drug basis. The book is not intended to satisfy everyone’s needs. As described in the book it is primarily for clinicians, researchers, and those in product development. Complementary therapies are not as safe as alternatives, however for many alternatives are not an option and complementary medicine is a good start to help them achieve Independence from the drugs, and learn how to use alternative medicine.
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Sorry, I am unable to answer your question. Thanks for your reply.
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Thanks for your reply. More long term comparisons are much needed. I understand our point about having studies for the ‘drug damaged’.
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