In an interview, Dr. Rudroff gives points about the study of marijuana. The Neurologist is known for his series of papers and research on marijuana/cannabis. Recently, a news line put out an article about Dr. Thorsten Rudroff’s newest study in partnership with the National Institute of Health and the University of Iowa. It focuses on understanding how aging and mobility are linked to medical marijuana.
Already garnering attention all over the globe, the study sought participants to discuss if the use of marijuana could increase the risk of falls or cognitive impairments in aging adults.
Dr. Rudroff, whose background includes a Ph.D. in neurophysiology and a degree in physical therapy, recently spoke in depth about common misconceptions and barriers to research currently in place when studying medical marijuana or CBD.
“We need long-term studies! There is a ‘painful’ parallel between medical marijuana and the past and present situation with opioids, where the short-term demonstration of efficacy on chronic pain led to the promotion and broad-scale prescription of opioids in the absence of high-quality evidence.” – Dr. Thorsten Rudroff.
What Is Marijuana?
Marijuana is one of the most abused drugs in the world. There is an ever-growing gap between the latest science about marijuana and the myths surrounding it. Some people think that since it is legal in some places, it must be safe. But your body doesn’t know a legal drug from an illegal drug. It only knows the effect the drug creates once you have taken it. The purpose of this publication is to clear up some of the misunderstandings about pot.
Marijuana comes from the Indian hemp plant, and the part that contains the “drug” is found primarily in the flowers (commonly called the “buds”) and much less in the seeds, leaves, and stems of the plant.
Facts About Marijuana
Marijuana, when sold, is a mixture of dried-out leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds of the hemp plant. It is usually green, brown, or gray in color.
Hashish is tan, brown, or black resin that is dried and pressed into bars, sticks, or balls. When smoked, both marijuana and hashish give off a distinctive, sweet odor.
There are over 400 chemicals in marijuana and hashish. The chemical that causes intoxication or the “high” in users is called THC (short for tetrahydrocannabinol). THC creates the mind-altering effects that classify marijuana as a “drug.”
Plants, like animals, have traits that protect them in the wild. Plants can have colors or patterns that camouflage them from predators, or they can contain poisons or toxins that, when eaten, make animals sick or alter their mental capacity, putting them at risk in the wild. THC is the protective mechanism of the marijuana plant.
Intoxication literally means “to poison by taking a toxic substance into your body.” Any substance that intoxicates causes changes in the body and the mind. It can create addiction or dependence, causing a person to want to take that drug even if it harms him or her.
You may have heard someone say that because marijuana is a plant, it’s “natural” and so it’s harmless. But it’s not. Hemlock, a poisonous plant, is also “natural,” but it can kill.
The other thing to know is that burning dried leaves and buds and inhaling the smoke into your lungs is definitely not “natural” and like smoking cigarettes, can be harmful to your body.
Medical Marijuana
As for the medical uses of marijuana, it contains another chemical called CBD (short for cannabidiol). This is the substance most often associated with creating medical benefits. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a high. Its medical benefits are still being studied, as are methods to breed marijuana plants with high CBD and low THC for medical use.
Marijuana is a drug like alcohol, cocaine, or ecstasy. And like these other drugs, it has side effects that can be harmful.
Question Section with Dr. Rudroff
In a question-and-answer section, Dr. Rudroff gives his analysis as to the knowledge of marijuana. He also states reasons why the study of marijuana is far-fetched.
Q: Other Researchers Often Discuss The Red Tape That Surrounds Marijuana and CBD Studies. Have You Experienced This with Your Current Study?
A: We have to distinguish between intervention and observation studies. Intervention studies, the investigators tell the subject how to use medical marijuana, are difficult. You need a special license to conduct these studies. Getting this license can take more than 2 years. Observational studies, like this one) are easier to perform. We invite users to the lab and test them. However, it took some time to get approval from the UIOWA IRB (Institutional Review Board). For example, we had to make sure that we follow strict Iowa Marijuana laws. Furthermore, my lab is the first at UIOWA who is doing this kind of research. I hope that the next marijuana study will get approval much quicker.
Q: When People Are Researching CBD/Marijuana, What Are Three Things They Should Know, or Better Understand Prior?
A: Importantly they should know the effects of THC and CBD. Careful with THC products, the higher the THC the more likely are side effects. Especially older people with heart problems should pay attention to THC content. I also recommend working with the physician (neurologist) when someone decides to use medical marijuana. Lastly, people should use products from good sources and with correct labeling.
Q: Do You Have Any Advice for Researchers New To The Market– What Should They Know?
A: New research should critically review the literature. Many things are unknown. What are the long-term effects of medical marijuana? the interactions with other drugs? Or the specific effects of THC and CBD on cognitive and motor function?
The longer the FDA waits to remove marijuana from its drug classification, the farther behind the U.S. will stall in producing vital research for the older of vulnerable members of the population. Researchers like Dr. Thorsten are making important strides in creating mainstream conversations around marijuana use while de-stigmatizing weed and CBD in conversations with older adults.
