Robert Celt
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Medical marijuana's possible role in banishing fear in PTSD patients is being explored by a University of Calgary researcher.
Italian memory scientist Dr. Maria Morena is taking a cue from indications the use of cannabis by those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, and a function of a brain associated with the drug, could be a key in treatment.
"There's much evidence the endocannibanoid system is involved with managing stress, there's evidence this system can regulate this phase," said Morena.
The endocannibanoid system of the brain reacts to marijuana and creates similar chemicals, much like opioids do with endorphins, said the researcher.
It's a function that could be crucial in affecting how the brain's prefrontal cortex (PFC) regulates the amygdala – the latter governs emotions, said Morena.
"When it's just a perceived fear, the PFC restrains the response of the amygdala," she said.
It's possible cannabis could prove an effective medication in boosting the PFC, added Morena, who's been studying the issue for nearly five years.
"It might help, but there's not enough clinical studies – there is some evidence," she said.
"Maybe there are other kinds of cannibanoids not coming from marijuana."
In her U of C lab, Morena is using mild electric shocks on mice to create a learned anxiety in them to test certain stimuli that might block a fear response.
"I manipulate their system to see what the best system is to help," said Morena, who is on a three-year quest in Calgary funded by Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions.
PTSD, she notes, is widespread in Canadian society, ranging from military veterans to first responders and survivors of various trauma.
Pharmacological treatment, she said, isn't always effective and while it can control anxiety issues, "it doesn't for the cognitive part."
Conducting research at the U of C is an ideal fit, said Morena, who hails from Rome's Sapienza University.
"I have a good mentorship and supervision of Dr. Matthew Hill, and there's a lot of techniques and tools I can use here," she said.
"This is an excellent training environment."
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: U Of C Studies Marijuana Link To Possible PTSD Cure
Author: Bill Kaufmann
Contact: Calgary Herald
Photo Credit: None found
Website: Calgary Herald
Italian memory scientist Dr. Maria Morena is taking a cue from indications the use of cannabis by those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, and a function of a brain associated with the drug, could be a key in treatment.
"There's much evidence the endocannibanoid system is involved with managing stress, there's evidence this system can regulate this phase," said Morena.
The endocannibanoid system of the brain reacts to marijuana and creates similar chemicals, much like opioids do with endorphins, said the researcher.
It's a function that could be crucial in affecting how the brain's prefrontal cortex (PFC) regulates the amygdala – the latter governs emotions, said Morena.
"When it's just a perceived fear, the PFC restrains the response of the amygdala," she said.
It's possible cannabis could prove an effective medication in boosting the PFC, added Morena, who's been studying the issue for nearly five years.
"It might help, but there's not enough clinical studies – there is some evidence," she said.
"Maybe there are other kinds of cannibanoids not coming from marijuana."
In her U of C lab, Morena is using mild electric shocks on mice to create a learned anxiety in them to test certain stimuli that might block a fear response.
"I manipulate their system to see what the best system is to help," said Morena, who is on a three-year quest in Calgary funded by Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions.
PTSD, she notes, is widespread in Canadian society, ranging from military veterans to first responders and survivors of various trauma.
Pharmacological treatment, she said, isn't always effective and while it can control anxiety issues, "it doesn't for the cognitive part."
Conducting research at the U of C is an ideal fit, said Morena, who hails from Rome's Sapienza University.
"I have a good mentorship and supervision of Dr. Matthew Hill, and there's a lot of techniques and tools I can use here," she said.
"This is an excellent training environment."
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: U Of C Studies Marijuana Link To Possible PTSD Cure
Author: Bill Kaufmann
Contact: Calgary Herald
Photo Credit: None found
Website: Calgary Herald
