Behind the smokescreen of medical cannabis | Dedi Meiri | TEDxTelAviv

Summary

A leading scientist shares insights from their cannabis research, highlighting its potential in treating various medical conditions like cancer, chronic pain, seizures, autism, and PTSD. Despite promising anecdotal evidence, the speaker emphasizes that much of cannabis' therapeutic effects remain under investigation. The research focuses on identifying specific cannabis strains and compounds to tailor treatments effectively. With over 550 strains in their lab, they aim to offer more precision in cannabis prescriptions, calling for further scientific exploration to fully understand and harness its medical benefits.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cannabis has a long history of use as medicine, dating back thousands of years, including in ancient China and Egypt.
• 😀 Recent research on cannabis, including over 550 strains, is uncovering its complex potential for treating various medical conditions.
• 😀 Despite claims that cannabis can cure cancer, the research is still in its early stages, and we don’t yet understand how or if cannabis can effectively treat all types of cancer.
• 😀 Cannabis has been shown to relieve chronic pain for some patients, with one case showing significant improvement in a patient's pain management and quality of life.
• 😀 The cannabis plant contains cannabinoids, compounds that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to regulate functions like hunger, sleep, and pain.
• 😀 The endocannabinoid system in our body regulates processes like hunger, sleep, and protection, which can be affected by cannabis use.
• 😀 Cannabis treatment is not one-size-fits-all, as different strains have different effects on various diseases and conditions.
• 😀 A critical part of cannabis research involves identifying the specific cannabinoids and compounds that are most effective for treating specific medical conditions.
• 😀 Real-world examples, such as the story of Charlotte Figi, show how cannabis has successfully reduced seizures in children with severe epilepsy.
• 😀 Cannabis has also shown promise in treating severe autism, improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and enhancing communication in children with autism.
• 😀 Due to the variety of strains and cannabinoids, cannabis medicine needs to be personalized for each patient, with ongoing research to ensure precise treatments and repeatable outcomes.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main takeaway from their three years of cannabis research?

The speaker's main takeaway is that, despite their extensive research, they have realized they still know very little about cannabis and are just beginning to scratch the surface of understanding its complex properties.

Can cannabis truly kill cancer cells, according to the speaker's findings?

The speaker acknowledges that while some believe cannabis can kill cancer cells, the truth is that it is still unclear. Their research suggests there are different types of cannabis strains that may have specific effects on different types of cancer, but the overall effectiveness is not yet fully understood.

What role does the endocannabinoid system play in the human body?

The endocannabinoid system regulates key processes like relaxation, eating, sleeping, forgetting, and protecting the body. Cannabis compounds interact with this system to influence these processes.

How has cannabis been used as medicine throughout history?

Cannabis has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, like the Chinese and Egyptians, used it for various health conditions, and in the early 20th century, cannabis was prescribed for over 100 illnesses before its use largely disappeared in the last 80 years.

What impact did cannabis have on Charlotte Figi's condition?

Charlotte Figi, who suffered from severe seizures, experienced a dramatic reduction in her seizures after using cannabis. Her seizures, which were occurring more than 50 times a day, dropped to one or two per week, and eventually stopped entirely, all with low amounts of THC.

How did cannabis help Daniel's wife with her seizures?

Daniel's wife, who suffered from seizures after a car accident, found relief through cannabis extract. Initially, the treatment worked well, but later batches were less effective. After extensive trial and error, Daniel succeeded in finding a cannabis extract that effectively reduced her seizures once again.

What challenge do researchers face when trying to understand cannabis’s medicinal effects?

One major challenge is the lack of specificity regarding the cannabis strains that affect particular diseases. There are over 100 cannabinoids and more than 500 active compounds in cannabis, but identifying which compounds are responsible for specific therapeutic effects is still a major hurdle.

How is the lab working to address the issue of cannabis strain specificity?

The lab has developed a method to identify and analyze the active compounds in different cannabis strains. They are creating a database of cannabis strains used by patients in Israel, which helps link specific strains with particular medical outcomes, including disease treatment and symptom management.

What were the results of using cannabis for treating children with autism in Israel?

In Israel, cannabis was used to treat children with severe autism, leading to remarkable improvements. The children showed reduced anxiety, decreased violence, better sleep, and improved communication abilities. These children were also able to connect with their parents in ways they hadn't been able to before.

What happened when the cannabis strain used for treating autistic children was changed?

When the cannabis extract supplied to the families was changed due to a crop issue, the children’s symptoms worsened. They became violent again, highlighting the importance of consistency in the treatment. With the help of the lab’s database, the families were able to find a similar strain to restore the positive effects.

What is the speaker's overall view on cannabis in medicine?

The speaker recognizes the enormous potential of cannabis as a treatment for various illnesses. Although they may not be personally enthusiastic about cannabis, they believe it should be considered an important option in medical treatment. They emphasize the need for scientific research to better understand and refine its use.