Jason Barker - Medical Cannabis Patient & Organizer with LECUA Patient’s Coalition Of New Mexico 
LECUAPatientsCoalitionNM@gmail.com
dukecitywellness.blogspot.com
Tuesday, February 28th 2017
New Mexico State Department of Health
Medical Cannabis Advisory Board
Medical Cannabis Program
PO Box 26110
Santa Fe, NM, 87502-6110
Medical Cannabis Program
PO Box 26110
Santa Fe, NM, 87502-6110
Petition: Requesting The Inclusion Of A New Medical Condition: Depression (clinical)
Table of Contents
Pg. 1 Cover Page
Pg. 2 Petition Introduction
Pg. 3 Petition Purpose and Background
Pg. 13 Relief Requested In Petition
Pg. 13 References
Pg. 14-16 Appendix A
Printing Provided By:
Petition Introduction: Requesting The Inclusion Of A New Medical Condition: Depression (clinical)
New Mexico’s medical cannabis history started in 1978, after public hearings the legislature enacted H.B. 329, the nation’s first law recognizing the medical value of cannabis. The New Mexico’s medical cannabis program (MCP) is the only program in the U.S. that places sole responsibility for regulation on the state’s Department of Health. Doctors must comply with state requirements for patients to be considered for applying to the medical cannabis program.
In the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, (2007) the law states; The Secretary of Health shall establish an advisory board consisting of eight practitioners representing the fields of neurology, pain management, medical oncology, psychiatry, infectious disease, family medicine and gynecology. The practitioners shall be nationally board-certified in their area of specialty and knowledgeable about the medical use of cannabis. The members shall be chosen for appointment by the Secretary from a list proposed by the New Mexico Medical Society. A quorum of the advisory board shall consist of three members. The advisory board shall:
A. review and recommend to the department for approval additional debilitating medical conditions that would benefit from the medical use of cannabis;
B. accept and review petitions to add medical conditions, medical treatments or diseases to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify for the medical use of cannabis;
C. convene at least twice per year to conduct public hearings and to evaluate petitions, which shall be maintained as confidential personal health information, to add medical conditions, medical treatments or diseases to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify for the medical use of cannabis;
D. issue recommendations concerning rules to be promulgated for the issuance of the registry identification cards; and
E. recommend quantities of cannabis that are necessary to constitute an adequate supply for qualified patients and primary caregivers.
First, do no harm. As an important step in becoming a doctor, medical students must take the Hippocratic Oath. And one of the promises within that oath is “first, do no harm”.
A. review and recommend to the department for approval additional debilitating medical conditions that would benefit from the medical use of cannabis;
B. accept and review petitions to add medical conditions, medical treatments or diseases to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify for the medical use of cannabis;
C. convene at least twice per year to conduct public hearings and to evaluate petitions, which shall be maintained as confidential personal health information, to add medical conditions, medical treatments or diseases to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify for the medical use of cannabis;
D. issue recommendations concerning rules to be promulgated for the issuance of the registry identification cards; and
E. recommend quantities of cannabis that are necessary to constitute an adequate supply for qualified patients and primary caregivers.
First, do no harm. As an important step in becoming a doctor, medical students must take the Hippocratic Oath. And one of the promises within that oath is “first, do no harm”.
We have a sound law in the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, as Section 2 reads; PURPOSE OF ACT.--The purpose of the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act is to allow the beneficial use of medical cannabis in a regulated system for alleviating symptoms caused by debilitating medical conditions and their medical treatments.
“ARTICLE 2B. LYNN AND ERIN COMPASSIONATE USE ACT
N.M. Stat. Ann. § 26-2B-2 (2009)
§ 26-2B-2. Purpose of act
The purpose of the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act [26-2B-1 NMSA 1978] is to allow the beneficial use of medical cannabis in a regulated system for alleviating symptoms caused by debilitating medical conditions and their medical treatments.
HISTORY: Laws 2007, ch. 210, § 2.
EFFECTIVE DATES. --Laws 2007, ch. 210, § 12 makes the act effective July 1, 2007.”
Mosby’s Medical Dictionary states that “medical treatment” means; the management and care of a patient to combat disease or disorder. Medical treatment includes: Using prescription medications, or use of a non-prescription drug at prescription strength; and or treatment of disease by hygienic and pharmacologic remedies, as distinguished from invasive surgical procedures. Treatment may be pharmacologic, using drugs; surgical, involving operative procedures; or supportive, building the patient's strength. It may be specific for the disorder, or symptomatic to relieve symptoms without effecting a cure.(Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 9th edition.)
What is a chronic medical condition?
A chronic disease is one lasting 3 months or more, by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. Chronic diseases generally cannot be prevented by vaccines or cured by medication, nor do they just disappear. Harvard Medical Dictionary defines chronic as: Any condition that lasts a long time or recurs over time; chronic pain as: Pain that persists after an injury has healed or a disease is over; and chronic pain syndrome as : Long-term, severe pain that doesn't spring from an injury or illness, that interferes with daily life, and is often accompanied by other problems, such as depression, irritability, and anxiety.
A chronic disease is one lasting 3 months or more, by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. Chronic diseases generally cannot be prevented by vaccines or cured by medication, nor do they just disappear. Harvard Medical Dictionary defines chronic as: Any condition that lasts a long time or recurs over time; chronic pain as: Pain that persists after an injury has healed or a disease is over; and chronic pain syndrome as : Long-term, severe pain that doesn't spring from an injury or illness, that interferes with daily life, and is often accompanied by other problems, such as depression, irritability, and anxiety.
What is the meaning of debilitating?
Something that's debilitating seriously affects someone or something's strength or ability to carry on with regular activities, like a debilitating illness. Debilitating comes from the Latin word debilis, meaning "weak." That's why you'll often see the adjective used to describe illness, despite the negative reference.
Something that's debilitating seriously affects someone or something's strength or ability to carry on with regular activities, like a debilitating illness. Debilitating comes from the Latin word debilis, meaning "weak." That's why you'll often see the adjective used to describe illness, despite the negative reference.
Petition Purpose and Background
The purpose of this Medical Treatment petition is; Requesting The Inclusion Of A New Medical Condition: Depression (clinical).
This Petition: Requesting The Inclusion Of A New Medical Condition: Depression (clinical) is being provided to the state Department of Health Medical Cannabis Program so the advisory board can review and recommend to the department for approval additional debilitating medical conditions that would benefit from the medical use of cannabis with the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act.
Who Should Qualify for Medical Cannabis Use?
According to Americans For Safe Access Policy Studies & Research:
Background: The most fundamental aspect of medical cannabis laws is the relationship between a patient and their physician. It is often only the physician and the patient that possess information about a patient’s health condition. However, many public officials and others who oppose medical cannabis laws often make assumptions about people’s health. The media have even fomented such inappropriate assumptions by naming a category of patients “Young Able Bodied Males,” condemning certain patients by visual assessment alone.
Findings: The health care information discussed between a patient and physician is considered private and protected under federal HIPAA laws. It is typically the purview of state medical boards to assess whether a physician has inappropriately recommended cannabis to someone who should not be qualified. Studies have shown in some medical cannabis states that the majority of patients suffer from chronic pain, an ailment that is not obviously detectable by another person. Nevertheless, police will often harass and arrest patients based on the assumption that someone is faking their illness.
Position: Medical professionals should have an unrestricted ability to recommend cannabis therapeutics and that should not be impacted by law enforcement’s perceptions.
According to Americans For Safe Access Policy Studies & Research:
Background: The most fundamental aspect of medical cannabis laws is the relationship between a patient and their physician. It is often only the physician and the patient that possess information about a patient’s health condition. However, many public officials and others who oppose medical cannabis laws often make assumptions about people’s health. The media have even fomented such inappropriate assumptions by naming a category of patients “Young Able Bodied Males,” condemning certain patients by visual assessment alone.
Findings: The health care information discussed between a patient and physician is considered private and protected under federal HIPAA laws. It is typically the purview of state medical boards to assess whether a physician has inappropriately recommended cannabis to someone who should not be qualified. Studies have shown in some medical cannabis states that the majority of patients suffer from chronic pain, an ailment that is not obviously detectable by another person. Nevertheless, police will often harass and arrest patients based on the assumption that someone is faking their illness.
Position: Medical professionals should have an unrestricted ability to recommend cannabis therapeutics and that should not be impacted by law enforcement’s perceptions.
“Qualifying medical condition” shall mean any condition for which treatment with medical cannabis would be beneficial, as determined by a patient's qualified medical professional, including but not limited to cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, arthritis, chronic pain, neuropathic and other intractable chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis.
“Qualifying patient” shall mean a person who has a written recommendation from a qualified medical professional for the medical use of cannabis.
Depression
While most individuals experience sadness and even depression from time to time given life events and circumstances, Clinical or Major Depression is a form of developed mental illness that severely affects individuals. The symptoms of the ailment include significant loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness and guilt on a daily basis, difficulties in making decisions, lack of interest in personal responsibilities, chronic restlessness, insomnia and/or excessive sleep, persistent feelings of sorrow or loss, significant gain or loss of weight, and chronic thoughts of suicide and death.
Major/Clinical Depression can last for years, even the lifespan of the sufferer; Dysthymia, a type of chronic long lasting depression often accompanies Major Depression. The illness makes living a normal life for the individual very difficult and unfortunately there is no set cure or therapy that will remedy the ailment. There are, however, a wide variety of psychological therapies and medications that may help the sufferer cope with and ultimately get past the ailment and it’s debilitating symptoms.
Using Cannabis to Treat Depression
Cannabis is a complex medicinal plant that may actually be used to treat a variety of debilitating symptoms caused by a surprisingly large number of ailments. It’s usefulness as a non-lethal medicine (you cannot die from an overdose of cannabis) cannot be overstated and it’s versatility in terms of how it can be consumed and as to how it can be useful for so many illnesses is something to be excited about. However, it is important to remember that consulting with your primary care physician should be your first priority when considering incorporating cannabis into one’s medical regiment and that cannabis is to be used as an adjunct therapy and not a replacement. It is also your responsibility to communicate with your doctor as to how your use of cannabis has affected your health and of your progress with utilizing medical cannabis.
With that said, exciting studies have shown that cannabis and the non-psychoactive compound Cannabidiol (CBD) may be quite useful for treating individuals suffering from Depression for the following reasons: elevating mood levels to combat depression; reducing anxiety; and aiding with sleep to battle insomnia.
Beneficial Cannabinoids and Terpenoids Useful for Treating Depression
The cannabis plant offers a plethora of therapeutic benefits and contains cannabinoids and terpenoid compounds that are useful for tackling the symptoms of Clinical Depression.
The following chart denotes which cannabinoids and terpenoids work synergistically with each other for possible therapeutic benefit. It may be beneficial to seek out strains that contain these cannabinoids and terpenoids.
What Is Depression?
Depression (also known as major depression and major depressive disorder) is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. Depression is just one of many mood disorders that affect the general population, yet commonly go unnoticed. Patients who suffer from depression are believed to have shorter life expectancies than those who don’t and up to 15% of depressed individuals will ultimately commit suicide.[1]
Depression is thought to be caused by low levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. Typical treatments for this disorder include antidepressant medications that act to increase levels of neurotransmitters as well as professional counseling. While antidepressants can be effective for patients who suffer from severe forms of depression, they seem to have little to no effect on patients with mild or moderate depression.[2]
How Can Cannabis Help?
A growing body of research suggests that marijuana may be beneficial in the treatment of depression. This has been confirmed by patients themselves, as a survey conducted in 2005 found that 22% of medical marijuana patients in the UK indicated using marijuana for depression.[3]
Besides the self-reports of patients, research also points to the endocannabinoid system as having a therapeutic role in depression. For example, studies conducted on rodents have linked suppression of endocannabinoid activity to symptoms of major depression, while other studies have found increased endocannabinoid activity to have antidepressant-like effects. [4,5]
But despite confirming that activation of the endocannabinoid system can improve symptoms of depression, studies have shown that THC can have both depressant and antidepressant-like effects, depending on the dosage. Specifically, a study published in 2007 found that low doses of a synthetic form of THC (WIN 55,212-2) raised serotonin levels and produced strong antidepressant-like effects in rats, whereas high doses reversed the effects and worsened depression.[6] However, WIN 55,212-2 is approximately 20 times more potent than THC found in marijuana.[7]
THC has been found (under certain conditions) to exert antidepressant-like effects in patients suffering from pain associated with cancer and multiple sclerosis as well as improve mood and general well-being in healthy test subjects.[8]
Interestingly, THC has also been shown to increase neurogenesis – the growth of new brain cells – much like traditional anti-depressant medications do.[9] Stress and depression are known to decrease neurogenesis, which can also be a side-effect of using alcohol, nicotine, opiates and cocaine.
It’s also important to note that most of the scientific evidence concerning marijuana and depression comes from preclinical studies, meaning that human testing has been very limited. While medical marijuana has not been tested in human subjects directly for the treatment of clinical depression, evidence from studies conducted on cancer and MS patients certainly seems to support the use of medical marijuana and other marijuana-based treatments for symptoms of depression.
Expert Opinions
“For some medical marijuana is helpful, not curative. But others have been able to completely eliminate their dependence on other medications altogether.” – Jeremy Spiegel, MD (2013)
“Those who consume marijuana occasionally or even daily have lower levels of depressive symptoms than those who have never tried marijuana… The potential for medical conditions to contribute to spurious links between marijuana and greater depression requires further investigation.” – Thomas F. Denson, PhD (2006)
“Not only does marijuana not cause depression, it looks like it may actually alleviate it… Those who use marijuana to battle the symptoms of illness may be depressed because of their illness, not because of marijuana.” – Mitch Earleywine, PhD (2005)
“Patients who use cannabis to ‘relax’ may be treating the anxiousness sometimes associated with depression. Cannabis aids the insomnia sometimes present in depression and can improve appetite. Better pain control with cannabis can reduce chronic pain related depression. While cannabis cannot yet be considered a primary treatment of major depression it may improve mood when used under physicians supervision and in combination with therapy and/or SSRI’s.” – Jay Cavanaugh, PhD (2003)
“The power of cannabis to fight depression is perhaps its most important property.” – Tod Mikuriya, MD (1997)
References
[1] http://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/content/58/3/389.abstract
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20051569
[3] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15857325
[4] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16148438
[5] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21827834
[6] http://www.jneurosci.org/content/27/43/11700.abstract
[7] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8450470
[8] http://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/content/58/3/389.abstract
[9] http://www.jci.org/articles/view/25509
[10] http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=000226
Study Shows Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) May Help Relieve Depression Symptoms
THC Decreases Brain Activity In The Face Of Negative Stimuli
A team of researchers from The Netherlands published this study in the journal European Neuropsychology this month; it focused on the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on humans while processing emotional content.
In order to assess the processing, the researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology to gauge the eleven volunteer subjects’ brain activity. Subjects were shown a number of faces expressing different emotions and asked whether the person was happy or fearful. This task was used to gauge whether THC would effect how the subjects perceived the emotions of others. What they found was interesting to say the least.
In comparison to the placebo group, those who were given THC were less accurate at identifying negative emotions and showed no loss in accuracy with respect to the faces with positive emotions. The fMRI shed some light on why this was the case; THC decreased brain activity in response to the negative stimuli, but not for positive stimuli.
The ‘Negative Bias’ and Treating Depression
According to the study, “These results indicate that THC administration reduces the negative bias in emotional processing.” I would love to agree with them, but unfortunately I can’t until much more research is conducted. Eleven test subjects is far from the number required to constitute a legitimate study. Notwithstanding, I think the Dutch researchers could be on to something and I would love to see the study conducted with a larger study size.
“Depressed patients have a negative bias about the self, the world, and the future.”— Aaron Beck, University of Pennsylvania
The “negative bias” refers to the phenomenon where one gives more weight to negative experiences than positive experiences. For instance, it’s very common for people to be afraid of all dogs after being attacked by one. This fear remains embedded in their subconscious despite the hundreds of positive experiences they’ve had with dogs. This tells us that negative emotions may be stronger and have more of an impact on someones long-term psyche than positive emotions.
When the negative bias is applied to one’s everyday interactions, it has been tied to depression. Depressed patients often have this negative bias and it causes them to perceive more neutral stimuli in a negative way than others. If THC is shown to have an effect on the negative bias, it could prove useful in the treatment of depression.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 14.8 million adult Americans experience clinical depression in any given year — or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population over 18.
Cannabis As A Potential Treatment For Certain Mental Illnesses
Not only is there a lack of valid and reliable evidence in support of the statement that marijuana causes mental illness, but cannabinoids and whole-plant marijuana actually may be useful as a treatment option for certain mental health issues. These include anxiety, general psychosis, schizophrenia (1, 2), depression, social anxiety disorder (SAD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcoholism and addiction.
“There is ample existing scientific and anecdotal evidence suggesting that marijuana can help reduce PTSD symptoms. However, the clinical research hasn’t been allowed to happen yet.” – Rick Doblin
According to MAPS founder and executive director Rick Doblin, PhD, “There is ample existing scientific and anecdotal evidence suggesting that marijuana can help reduce PTSD symptoms. However, the clinical research hasn’t been allowed to happen yet. For example, pure THC has been shown to reduce PTSD-like behavior in animals, and survey research clearly shows that thousands of people with PTSD use marijuana to cope with PTSD symptoms. In order to discover the real safety and therapeutic effectiveness of marijuana in humans with PTSD, we need clinical trials comparing subjects using marijuana to those using no marijuana, and to those using different strains with various combinations of THC and CBD, which has anti-anxiety properties.”
Antidepressant-like effect of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa L.
Author information
Abstract
The antidepressant action of cannabis as well as the interaction between antidepressants and the endocannabinoid system has been reported. This study was conducted to assess the antidepressant-like activity of Delta(9)-THC and other cannabinoids. Cannabinoids were initially evaluated in the mouse tetrad assay to determine doses that do not induce hypothermia or catalepsy. The automated mouse forced swim (FST) and tail suspension (TST) tests were used to determine antidepressant action. At doses lacking hypothermic and cataleptic effects (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg, i.p.), both Delta(9)-THC and Delta(8)-THC showed a U-shaped dose response with only Delta(9)-THC showing significant antidepressant-like effects at 2.5 mg/kg (p<0.05) in the FST. The cannabinoids cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN) did not produce antidepressant-like actions up to 80 mg/kg in the mouse FST, while cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabidiol (CBD) exhibited significant effect at 20 and 200mg/kg, respectively (p<0.01). The antidepressant-like action of Delta(9)-THC and CBC was further confirmed in the TST. Delta(9)-THC exhibited the same U-shaped dose response with significant antidepressant-like action at 2.5 mg/kg (p<0.05) while CBC resulted in a significant dose-dependent decrease in immobility at 40 and 80 mg/kg doses (p<0.01). Results of this study show that Delta(9)-THC and other cannabinoids exert antidepressant-like actions, and thus may contribute to the overall mood-elevating properties of cannabis.
Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2009 Sep;34(8):1257-62. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.03.013. Epub 2009 Apr 25.
Circulating endocannabinoids and N-acyl ethanolamines are differentially regulated in major depression and following exposure to social stress.
Author information
Abstract
Central endocannabinoid signaling is known to be responsive to stressful stimuli; however, there is no research to date characterizing the effects of stress on peripheral endocannabinoid content. The current study examined serum content of the endocannabinoid ligands N-arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide; AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and the non-cannabinoid N-acyl ethanolamine (NAE) molecules palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) under basal conditions, immediately following the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), and 30 min thereafter, in 15 medication-free women diagnosed with major depression, and 15 healthy matched controls. Basal serum concentrations of AEA and 2-AG, but not PEA or OEA, were significantly reduced in women with major depression relative to matched controls, indicating a deficit in peripheral endocannabinoid activity. Immediately following the TSST, serum 2-AG concentrations were increased compared to baseline; serum AEA concentration was unchanged at this time point. Serum concentrations of PEA and OEA were significantly lower than baseline 30 min following the cessation of the TSST. The magnitude of these responses did not differ between depressed and control subjects. These are the first data to demonstrate that the peripheral endocannabinoid/NAE system is responsive to exposure to stress.[ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19394765 ]
Additional Research Studies on CBD And Depression:
- Endocannabinoid system dysfunction in mood and related disorders [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21916860]
- The endocannabinoid system and the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19839936]
- Endocannabinoid signaling in the etiology and treatment of major depressive illness [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24180398]
- Antidepressant-like effects of cannabidiol in mice: Possible involvement of 5-HT1A receptors [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20002102]
- Putative role of endocannabinoid signaling in the etiology of depression and actions of antidepressants [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21111017]
- Antidepressant-like effect of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20332000]
- Circulating endocannabinoids and N-acyl ethanolamines are differentially regulated in major depression and following exposure to social stress [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19394765]
- Serum contents of endocannabinoids are correlated with blood pressure in depressed women [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22373123]
- The therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid system for the development of a novel class of antidepressants [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19732971]
- Antidepressants and Changes in Concentration of Endocannabinoids and N-Acylethanolamines in Rat Brain Structures [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24652522]
ECS
Research on marijuana’s effects led directly to the discovery of a molecular signaling system in the human brain and body, the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating a broad range of physiological processes: hunger, sleep, inflammation, stress, blood pressure, body temperature, glucose metabolism, bone density, intestinal fortitude, reproductive fertility, circadian rhythms, mood and much more. Within the scientific community, the discovery of the endocannabinoid system is increasingly recognized as a seminal advance in our understanding of human biology. The Rubicon was crossed in 1988, when a government-funded study at the St. Louis University School of Medicine determined that the mammalian brain has an abundance of receptor sites—specialized protein molecules embedded in cell membranes—that respond pharmacologically to compounds in cannabis. More than 100 unique cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis. The Nation October 30,2013 reference only
- The physiological function of the ECS in energy balance and the therapeutic potential of targeting this system. PUBMED 22076835
- The endocannabinoid system is a very complex one and regulates numerous processes, in parallel with other wellknown systems, such as the adrenergic, cholinergic, and dopaminergic systems. PMC 3202504
Rules, Regulations, & Policy Solution For Requesting The Inclusion Of A New Medical Condition: Depression (clinical)
The approval of this Petition: Requesting The Inclusion Of A New Medical Condition: Depression (clinical), that is being provided to the state Department of Health Medical Cannabis Program so the advisory board can review and recommend to the department for approval additional debilitating medical conditions that would benefit from the medical use of cannabis with the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act. The approval of this petition would bring the Department of Health in compliance with the intent of the law and uphold the spirit of the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, 2007. Fulfilling both;“ Section 2. PURPOSE OF ACT.--The purpose of the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act is to allow the beneficial use of medical cannabis in a regulated system for alleviating symptoms caused by debilitating medical conditions and their medical treatments” And Section 6. ADVISORY BOARD CREATED--DUTIES: The advisory board shall:
A. review and recommend to the department for approval additional debilitating medical conditions that would benefit from the medical use of cannabis.” New Mexico’s medical cannabis history started in 1978. After public hearings the legislature enacted H.B. 329, the nation’s first law recognizing the medical value of cannabis...the first law.
A. review and recommend to the department for approval additional debilitating medical conditions that would benefit from the medical use of cannabis.” New Mexico’s medical cannabis history started in 1978. After public hearings the legislature enacted H.B. 329, the nation’s first law recognizing the medical value of cannabis...the first law.
Additional References
Understanding medical cannabis.Elemental Wellness Center, 2014 Jul.
Central side-effects of therapies based on CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists: focus on anxiety and depression.Moreira, Fabricio A., et al.
Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2009 Feb, 23(1): 133-144.
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) gene: impact on antidepressant treatment response and emotion processing in Major Depression.Domschke, Katarina, et al.
European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2008 Oct, 18(10): 751-759.
Enhancement of endocannabinoid signaling and the pharmacotherapy of depression.Mangieri, Regina A., et al.
Pharmacological Research, 2007 Nov, 56(5): 360-366.
A possible role for the endocannabinoid system in the neurobiology of depression.Serra, Gino, et al.
Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, 2007, 3(25).
Role of the endocannabinoid system in depression and suicide.Vinod, K. Yaragudri, et al.
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 2006 Oct, 27(10): 539-545.
A therapeutic role for cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists in major depressive disorders.Witkin, Jeffrey M, et al.
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 2005 Dec, 26(12): 609-617.
Pharmacological enhancement of cannabinoid CB1 receptor activity elicits an antidepressant-like response in the rat forced swim test.Hill, Matthew N., et al.
European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2005 Dec, 15(6): 593-599.
Is there a role for the endocannabinoid system in the etiology and treatment of melancholic depression?Hill, M. N., et al.
Behavioral Pharmacology, 2005 Sep, 16(5-6): 333-352.
Cannabinoids in bipolar affective disorder: a review and discussion of their therapeutic potential.Ashton, CH., et al.
Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2005, 19(3): 293-300.
Endogenous cannabinoids mediate long-term synaptic depression in the nucleus accumbens.Robbe, David, et al.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2002 Jun 11, 99(12): 8384-8388.
Mechanism of cannabinoid effects on long-term potentiation and depression in hippocampal CA1 neurons.Misner, Dina L., et al.
The Journal of Neuroscience, 1999 Aug 15, 19(16): 6795-6805.
Cannabinoids decrease excitatory synaptic transmission and impair long-term depression in rat cerebellar Purkinje cells.Levenes, Carole, et al.
The Journal of Physiology, 1998 Aug 1, 510: 867-879.
Appendix A: An Americans for Safe Access (ASA) national report was released on December 8th, 2016 and calls for an end to contradictions between federal and state guidelines with regard to medical cannabis policies. The Americans for Safe Access briefing book, “Medical Cannabis in America”, showing that not only do opiate related deaths drop an average of 24.8% in states with medical cannabis laws, the report also notes that the Department of Justice has spent an estimated $592 million to date in arrests, investigations, enforcement raids, pretrial services, incarceration, and probation.
WHEREAS cannabis (marijuana) has been used as a medicine for at least 5,000 years and can be effective for serious medical conditions for which conventional medications fail to provide relief;
WHEREAS modern medical research has shown that cannabis can slow the progression of such serious diseases as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and stop HIV and cancer cells from spreading; has both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties; can alleviate the symptoms of epilepsy, PTSD and multiple sclerosis; is useful in the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders; and can help reverse neurological damage from brain injuries and stroke;
WHEREAS the World Health Organization has acknowledged the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, the primary active compounds found in cannabis, including as an anti-depressant, appetite stimulant, anticonvulsant and anti-spasmodic, and identified cannabinoids as beneficial in the treatment of asthma, glaucoma, and nausea and vomiting related to illnesses such as cancer and AIDS;
WHEREAS the American Medical Association has called for the review of the classification of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance to allow for clinical research and the development of cannabinoid-based medicines;
WHEREAS the National Cancer Institute has concluded that cannabis has antiemetic effects and is beneficial for appetite stimulation, pain relief, and improved sleep among cancer patients;
WHEREAS the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and the American Herbal Products Association have developed qualitative standards for the use of cannabis as a botanical medicine;
WHEREAS the U.S. Supreme Court has long noted that states may operate as “laboratories of democracy” in the development of innovative public policies;
WHEREAS twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws that allow for the medical use of cannabis;
WHEREAS seventeen additional states have enacted laws authorizing the medical use of therapeutic compounds extracted from the cannabis plant;
WHEREAS more than 17 years of state-level experimentation provides a guide for state and federal law and policy related to the medical use of cannabis;
WHEREAS accredited educational curricula concerning the medical use of cannabis have been established that meets Continuing Medical Education requirements for practicing physicians;
WHEREAS Congress has prohibited the federal Department of Justice from using funds to interfere with and prosecute those acting in compliance with their state medical cannabis laws, and the Department of Justice has issued guidance to U.S. Attorneys indicating that enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act is not a priority when individual patients and their care providers are in compliance with state law, and that federal prosecutors should defer to state and local enforcement so long as a viable state regulatory scheme is in place.
WHEREAS modern medical research has shown that cannabis can slow the progression of such serious diseases as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and stop HIV and cancer cells from spreading; has both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties; can alleviate the symptoms of epilepsy, PTSD and multiple sclerosis; is useful in the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders; and can help reverse neurological damage from brain injuries and stroke;
WHEREAS the World Health Organization has acknowledged the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, the primary active compounds found in cannabis, including as an anti-depressant, appetite stimulant, anticonvulsant and anti-spasmodic, and identified cannabinoids as beneficial in the treatment of asthma, glaucoma, and nausea and vomiting related to illnesses such as cancer and AIDS;
WHEREAS the American Medical Association has called for the review of the classification of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance to allow for clinical research and the development of cannabinoid-based medicines;
WHEREAS the National Cancer Institute has concluded that cannabis has antiemetic effects and is beneficial for appetite stimulation, pain relief, and improved sleep among cancer patients;
WHEREAS the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and the American Herbal Products Association have developed qualitative standards for the use of cannabis as a botanical medicine;
WHEREAS the U.S. Supreme Court has long noted that states may operate as “laboratories of democracy” in the development of innovative public policies;
WHEREAS twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws that allow for the medical use of cannabis;
WHEREAS seventeen additional states have enacted laws authorizing the medical use of therapeutic compounds extracted from the cannabis plant;
WHEREAS more than 17 years of state-level experimentation provides a guide for state and federal law and policy related to the medical use of cannabis;
WHEREAS accredited educational curricula concerning the medical use of cannabis have been established that meets Continuing Medical Education requirements for practicing physicians;
WHEREAS Congress has prohibited the federal Department of Justice from using funds to interfere with and prosecute those acting in compliance with their state medical cannabis laws, and the Department of Justice has issued guidance to U.S. Attorneys indicating that enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act is not a priority when individual patients and their care providers are in compliance with state law, and that federal prosecutors should defer to state and local enforcement so long as a viable state regulatory scheme is in place.
Lynn & Erin Compassionate Use Act Patient’s Coalition of New Mexico ~ A GrassRoots Movement!
UNITE-NETWORK-GROW-INFORM-KNOW-EDUCATE-ACTIVISM-VOTE-HEALTH-WELLNESS
(All Rights Reserved 04/20/2016)
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