Henry I.C. Lowe
Medicanja Limited, W.I
Title: Medicinal Cannabis/ Ganja for Prevention & Treatment: A Case for Pain Management
Biography
Biography: Henry I.C. Lowe
Abstract
The availability of Cannabinoids represents a relatively new nutraceutical/ pharmacological option which may form part of a multimodal treatment plan for acute and chronic pain. With increasing knowledge of the endocannabinoid system and compelling preclinical work supporting that cannabinoid agonists are analgesic, there is increasing attention on their potential role in pain management. A wide array of drugs ranging from analgesics (e.g. aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen) to anti-migraine drugs to narcotics (opioids e.g. codeine and morphine), aim to lessen or in some cases stop pain. Undoubtedly, with the continued high incidences of pain, the efficacy of these drugs are challenged. It also raises concerns regarding long term substance abuse and dependence. Cannabinoids, as a medicinal alleviant for pain, has two-fold benefits in that it can provide relief and it can minimize the side effects of pain experienced as these may be less than those experienced with an analgesic drug or opioid. This paper is an exploration of Medicanja’s clinical research program and findings to date, that complements current studies and adds a regional perspective to the efficacy of cannabinoid extracts in the treatment and management of pain as a viable alternative to current treatment options.