On October 23, 2024, Healer hosted an enlightening webinar that delved into the latest cannabis research. Dustin Sulak, DO, founder of Healer, led the two-hour session, presenting studies that explore the medical benefits of cannabis. Attendees from diverse backgrounds gained valuable knowledge on topics ranging from rheumatic disorders to eczema.
Highlighting Cannabis as a Medication Substitute
Dr. Sulak kicked off the webinar by discussing a pivotal study titled “Substituting Medical Cannabis for Medications Among Patients with Rheumatic Conditions in the United States and Canada,” published in September 2024 in ACR Open Rheumatology. This secondary analysis revealed a significant number of participants replacing traditional medications like opioids and benzodiazepines with cannabis.
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- High substitution rates for various medications
- Broad applicability across multiple rheumatic conditions
“What I liked about this study is that there are so many different conditions in this group, and then there’s so many different classes of medications,” Dr. Sulak remarked. He emphasized cannabis’s versatility and its potential to replace a wide range of medications, highlighting its multifaceted pharmacology.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis Roots
The webinar then shifted focus to the often-overlooked part of the cannabis plant: the roots. The study titled “Rooted in therapeutics: comprehensive analyses of Cannabis sativa root extracts reveals potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and bactericidal properties,” published in Frontiers in Pharmacology in September 2024, was a highlight.
Detailed Study Breakdown
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Plant Part Studied | Cannabis sativa roots (30-50% of biomass) |
| Extraction Methods | Three different extraction techniques |
| Key Properties Found | Antioxidant, anticholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal |
| Therapeutic Uses | Potential applications in various medical treatments |
Dr. Sulak explained that despite roots constituting a significant portion of the plant, scientific research on their extracts is sparse. The study’s findings challenge the notion of cannabis roots as mere waste, showcasing their substantial therapeutic benefits.
Advancements in Menstrual Health with Cannabis Suppositories
Another critical study presented was “Efficacy of High-CBD Vaginal Suppositories for Menstrual-Related Symptoms: A Quasi-Experimental Study,” published in August 2024 in npj Women’s Health. This research assessed the effectiveness of high-cannabidiol suppositories in alleviating menstrual pain and discomfort.
Study Insights
- Study Design: Survey-based, quasi-experimental
- Duration: One to two months
- Results:
- Significant relief for actual menstrual symptoms
- Limited impact on premenstrual symptoms
Dr. Sulak noted, “Correlations for premenstrual symptoms did not reach statistical significance, so didn’t seem like these suppositories were that useful for the PMS, moreso for the actual menstrual symptoms, and more for congestive symptoms.” Guest speaker Megan Mbengue expanded on the data, discussing its implications for future treatments.
Effective Relief for Atopic Dermatitis Through Combined Extracts
The final study discussed was “An oil-in-water emulsion containing a combination of ginger extract and synthetic cannabidiol with potent in vitro anti-inflammatory effects alleviates symptoms of atopic dermatitis in a clinical trial,” published in August 2024 in the European Journal of Dermatology. This research explored the synergistic effects of ginger and cannabidiol in treating skin conditions.
Dr. Sulak outlined the study’s three phases: screening of proprietary extracts, culture cell studies, and a clinical trial with 44 participants. Despite the study’s short duration of five days, 75% of participants experienced meaningful itch relief.
Key Benefits Identified
- Emollient Plus Effect: Combines moisture with active ingredients
- CBD and Ginger Synergy: Targets underlying disease mechanisms
- Quick Relief: Significant symptom alleviation within days
Open Discussion and Future Directions
The webinar concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where attendees posed questions on various topics, including reactive oxidative stress, osteoarthritis, and the impact of cannabis on cognitive decline. Dr. Sulak encouraged ongoing dialogue and emphasized the importance of continued research in these areas.
Maria Garcia is an award-winning author who excels in creating engaging cannabis-centric articles that captivate audiences. Her versatile writing style allows her to cover a wide range of topics within the cannabis space, from advocacy and social justice to product reviews and lifestyle features. Maria’s dedication to promoting education and awareness about cannabis shines through in her thoughtfully curated content that resonates with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
