Marihuana and Medicine

Leading physicians and scientists from around the world critically examine the pharmacological and molecular basis of the therapeutic properties of marihuana and its active ingredient, THC. They detail the broad array of marihuana's effects on brain function, the immune system, male and female reproductive functions, and cardiac and pulmonary functions, as well as evaluate its clinical applications in psychiatry, glaucoma, pain management, cancer chemotherapy, and AIDS treatment. Their studies indicate that marihuana persistently impairs the brain and reproductive function, and that marihuana smoke is more toxic and damaging to the lung than tobacco smoke. Marihuana and Medicine's reports of the latest findings on the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms of marihuana and of its clinical manifestations will be essential reading for physicians, psychiatrists, pharmacologists, health-care professionals, policy makers, public health officials, and attorneys.

Introduction: Marihuana and Medicine: A General Review. Marihuana and Medicine: A Brief History of Four Millennia (BC 2000-AD 1974). Helsinki Symposium (1975) and Reims (1978) Symposiums of the IUPHAR. The Marihuana and Health Report (1982) of the Institute of Medicine. The Louisville Symposium (1982) of the the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. The Oxford Symposium (1984) of the IUPHAR. The Paris Symposium (1992) of the French National Academy of Medicine. Marihuana for Medicine (1997). Chemistry and Pharmacokinetics. Cannabinoid Geometry and Biological Activity R. Mechoulam W.A. Devane et al. Absorption Distribution and Biotransformation of the Cannabinoids D. Harvey. Pharmacokinetics of Inhaled and Oral Preparations. Pharmacokinetics and Mechanisms of Action of Analgesics L.W. Stambaugh. THC Hemisuccinate in Suppository Form L.A. Walker M.A. El Sohly et al. Composition and Stability of a Standard Marihuana Cigarette B.F. Thomas V.L. Parker et al. Study Design in Clinical Trials with Marihuana R. Jones. Biochemistry and Molecular Mechanisms. Effects of THC on Brain and Social Organization of Ants P. Waser. Brain Imaging Techniques for Cannabinoids J. Gatley N. Volkow et al. Cannabinoid Receptors and their Ligands in Brain and Other Tissues R. Pertwee. Cannabinoid Interaction with Brain Reward Systems E. Gardner. Tolerance Dependance and Alteration in Gene Expression N. Hiroi. Drugs of Abuse and a Mechanism for Long-Term Changes in Gene Expression B. Hope. Marihuana and Memory: Cannabinoids and the Cholinergic System E. Domino; Marihuana: Acute Effects on Human Memory L. Miller. Does THC Induce Agression?: Supression and Induction of Aggressive Reactions by Chronic and Acute THC Treatment in Rats K. Miczek. Pharmacology and Physiopathology. The Psychologic and Physiologic Effects of Cannabinoids M. Perez-Reyes. Interactions of Marihuana (THC) with Anesthetics and Other Drugs K. Sutin and G. Nahas. Drug Interactions of Marihuana and THC: What We Don''t but Should Know L. Hollister. Marihuana and the Lung D. Tashkin. Marihuana Smoking. Marihuana and the Cardiovascular System R. Trouv'' and G. Nahas. Immune Response and Marihuana H. Rosenkrantz. Marihuana and the Immune System G. Cabral. How to Search for the Ideal Drugs of the Future P. Janssen. Marihuana and Reproductive Function. Cannabinoid Receptors in Sperm H. Schuel. Effects of Cannabinoids on Spermatogenesis in Mice A. Zimmerman. Effects of Marihuana Inhalation on Spermatogenesis of the Rat H. Huang. Changes in Human Spermatzoa Associated with High-Dose Marihuana Smoking W. Hembree G. Nahas et al. Tolerance to the Reproductive Effects of THC C. Smith. Marihuana Effects on Pituitary and Gonadal Hormones in Women J. Mendelson and N. Mello. Cannabinoid Ligand Receptor Signaling During Pregnancy in the Mouse B. C. Paria S.K. Das et al. Effects of Cannabis on Fetal Development of Rodents H. Rosenkrantz. Prenatal Exposure to Cannabis and Fetal Development D. Cozens. Maternal or Paternal Exposure to Cannabinoids and Reproductive Function in Male Offspring S. Dalterio R. Steger et al. Reproduction in Rhesus Monkeys Chronically Exposed to THC L.F. Chapman and G.P. Goo. Maternal Marihuana Use During Pregnancy and Fetal Growth S. Parker and B. Zuckerman. Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Pain. Mechanisms of Pain: Centrally Acting Analgesics; Pharmacology of Chronic Pain A. Dray. Antipyretic Analgesic Drugs: N.S.A.I.D.''s K. Brune; A Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid R. Zurier. Analgesis Properties of Cannabinoids B. Martin. Analgesic and Behavioral Effects of THC and Some of its Synthetic Derivatives P. Waser. Sensory Decision Theory Analysis of the Effects of Marihuana Smoking on Thermal Pain of Man Studied Under Controlled Substances C. Clark. Levonantradol K. Koe. Nabilone L. Lemberger. Clinical Experience of Nabilone for Chronic Pain W. Notcutt. Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Pain M. Dubois. Marihuana and Glaucoma. Marihuana and Intraocular Pressure: Pos