Discussion Question:
First, describe the difference between cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Second, Project CBD lists several conditions which CBD is known to help. Research one (1) condition and explain the findings of your research related to how CBD is shown in the literature to alleviate symptoms (be sure to cite literature, and not just give opinions).
Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook.
Assignment:
Cannabis 101 for Nurses
Write a 1000-1500 word essay addressing each of the following points. Be sure to completely answer all the questions for each bullet point. There should be two main sections, one for each bullet below. Separate each section in your paper with a clear heading that allows your professor to know which bullet you are addressing in that section of your paper. Support your ideas with at least three (3) sources using citations in your essay. Make sure to cite using the APA writing style for the essay. The cover page and reference page in correct APA do not count towards the minimum word amount. Review the rubric criteria for this assignment.
- Explain how cannabis works in the body by including information regarding the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome.
- Describe four different delivery routes patients may use cannabis, the onset of action for each, and one pro and one con of each route.
Assignment Expectations:
Length: 1000-1500 words; answers must thoroughly address the prompts in a clear, concise manner.
Structure: Include a title page and reference page in APA format. These do not count towards the minimum word count for this assignment. Your essay must include an introduction and a conclusion.
References: Use appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. A minimum of three (3) scholarly sources and the textbook are required.
Rubric: This assignment uses a rubric for scoring. Please review it as part of your assignment preparation and again prior to submission to ensure you have addressed its criteria at the highest level.
Format: Save your assignment as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or a PDF document (.pdf)
File name: Name your saved file according to your first initial, last name, and the assignment number (for example, “RHall Assignment 1.docx”)
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of the most well-known and studied compounds found in marijuana plants. While they both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, they have distinct differences in their effects and legal status. In this response, we will explore the disparity between CBD and THC before delving into the potential benefits of CBD for a specific condition.
Difference between cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):
CBD and THC are two of the numerous cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. The primary distinction between CBD and THC lies in their psychoactive properties and legality. THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis, responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce the same mind-altering effects as THC.
From a legal standpoint, THC is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. CBD, on the other hand, has been removed from the Controlled Substances Act and is legal in many states, as long as it is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC.
Furthermore, CBD and THC interact differently with specific receptors in the endocannabinoid system. THC primarily binds to CB1 receptors found in the central nervous system, resulting in psychoactive effects. CBD has a more complex interaction with the endocannabinoid system, influencing various receptors and enzymes. It may also modulate the effects of THC, potentially mitigating its psychoactive properties.
CBD’s therapeutic potential for various conditions:
Research on CBD has shown promising potential in alleviating symptoms associated with several conditions. One condition that has gained attention is epilepsy, specifically in the form of Dravet syndrome. Dravet syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that typically starts in infancy.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine by Devinsky et al. (2017) investigated the effectiveness of CBD in reducing seizure frequency among patients with Dravet syndrome. The study, conducted as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, involved 120 children and young adults with the condition. The participants who received CBD experienced a significant decrease in the frequency of convulsive seizures compared to the placebo group.
Another study by Thiele et al. (2018) reported similar findings in the context of another rare form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The trial involved 225 patients, and the results demonstrated that CBD significantly reduced the frequency of drop seizures, which are particularly difficult to manage with conventional anti-epileptic drugs.
Both of these studies indicate that CBD holds promise as an effective treatment for certain types of epilepsy. The mechanism by which CBD exerts its anticonvulsant effects is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve modulation of calcium channels, protection against oxidative stress, and interaction with other neurotransmitter systems.
In conclusion, CBD differs from THC in terms of its psychoactive properties and legal status. While THC produces a “high” and is classified as a Schedule I drug, CBD is non-psychoactive and has been legalized in many states. CBD has demonstrated potential in the treatment of epilepsy, specifically Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, as evidenced by clinical trials. Its mechanisms of action in managing epilepsy are still being investigated, but the findings suggest that CBD could be a valuable therapeutic option for these conditions.
References:
1. Devinsky, O., Cross, J. H., Laux, L., Marsh, E., Miller, I., Nabbout, R., … & Wirrell, E. (2017). Trial of cannabidiol for drug-resistant seizures in the Dravet syndrome. The New England Journal of Medicine, 376(21), 2011-2020.
2. Thiele, E. A., Marsh, E. D., French, J. A., Mazurkiewicz-Beldzinska, M., Benbadis, S. R., Joshi, C., … & Lai, J. S. (2018). Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (GWPCARE4): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. The Lancet, 391(10125), 1085-1096.
