Cannabis: A Unique Analgesic

	Tod H. Mikuriya, M.D.
	California Cannabis Research Medical Group
	P.O Box 9143
	Berkeley, CA 94709
	WWW.CCRMG.ORG

Toxicity/Overdose
Cannabis             Opioids

	Agitation, confusion progressing to sedation
	No Pupillary changes but injected sclera
	No respiratory effects
	No death
	Sedation, deepening unresponsiveness, coma
	Pin Point Pupils
	Respiratory depression
	Death

Cannabis, an Antidepressant

	Depression is a presenting feature of chronic disease pain.
	Worsened by sedatives that decrease mobility and functionality
	Not a sedative, cannabis increases mobility and functioning
	Cannabis improves and normalizes sleep
	Facilitates gastrointestinal functioning

 Immunomodulator-Analgesic

	Cannabinoids, unique non-watersoluble precursors of eicosanoids modulate both generalized and local inflammatory reactions through the prostaglandin systems.
	Arthritic and neuritic inflammatory processes are relieved.
	Involved in control of spasticity of inflammatory etiology

Antispasmodic

	Both smooth and skeletal muscle spasm are eased by cannabis.
	Peristalsis and glandular functioning are normalized by cannabis.
	Both relief of spasm and promoting normal peristalsis and evacuation.

Cannabis, an easement

	Not a narcotic
	A mood modulator, a calmative that restores control at optimum dose.
	Not a sedative when inhaled at low dose
	An immunomodulator for generalized and local inflammatory processes
	Antispasmodic smooth and skeletal muscle relaxant

Chronic Disease Pain Control

	A mood modulator that both decreases emotional reactivity and vulnerability to pain by:
		Controlling the immediate target symptom
		Modulating emotional response
		Promoting quality sleep
		Normalizing gastrointestinal functioning

Antidepressant

	Modulates and mobilizes emotional reactivity
	Increases focus and concentration
		Decreases distraction and intrusion of pain perception
		Improves amount and quality of sleep to enhance cognition
	Improves mobility and functioning
	Restores a sense of control and self-esteem

Cannabis                 Opioids

	Antidepressant
	Antispasmodic
	Appetite stimulant
	Promotes peristalsis
	Promotes evacuation
	Anti Pruritic
	Sedative
	Mild antispasmodic
	Appetite suppressant
	GERD and Gastritis
	Constipates
	Pruritic