July 2023 - Volume 4, Issue 1
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Volume 4, Issue 1
Volume 4, Issue 1

AJEM pays tribute to the late great Raphael Mechoulam, PhD. In a large retrospective case series, Vaillancourt et al. examine the use of medical cannabis for the management of fibromyalgia and the associated symptoms of depression and anxiety. A medical school professor explores why the endocannabinoid system isn't currently taught in medical schools.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

In this Issue

Cannabis in the News
Cannabis Medicine Specialists Weigh In on Universal Screening Before Surgery
With cannabis so readily available, it is no surprise the influential American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA) and Pain Medicine finally decided to weigh in on the issue.
Last Dance With Mechoulam: An Unpublished Interview With the Father of Cannabis Research
In 2 unpublished interviews, Raphael Mechoulam, PhD, talks with AJEM about research, education, and what the future holds for cannabis medicine.
Original Research
Does Cannabinoid Administration Affect High Levels of COVID-19–Related Daily Perceived Stress? A Multiple Baseline Study
The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that cannabidiol could reduce daily perceived stress among people experiencing elevated levels of COVID-19–related perceived stress, in addition to levels of nonspecific anxiety and distress.
Case Report: Cannabis Substitution Therapy for Prescription Opioid Detoxification
Data continue to emerge on the use of cannabinoids for pain management, narcotic substitution, and heroin withdrawal. Building on previous studies, I present a case demonstrating the effectiveness of dose-controlled, oral cannabinoids to rapidly remove prescription opioids using cannabis substitution therapy.
Self-Reported Effects of Medical Cannabis on Illness Severity, Depression and Anxiety in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Large Retrospective Case Series
Medical cannabis may play an important role in the management of fibromyalgia and associated symptoms of depression and anxiety. Further studies are needed to support the use of medical cannabis in patients with fibromyalgia.
Quality of Life Among Patients Using Cannabis to Manage Anxiety: A Longitudinal Observational Study
The aim of this observational study was to measure the HRQoL for 1 year of 60 participants who used medical cannabis products primarily to manage their anxiety symptoms.    
Cannabis Policy
Why Isn’t the ECS Taught in Medical School?
A medical school professor investigates why the endocannabinoid system isn't taught in American medical schools.
Cannabis and Patient Care in A Rapidly Changing Environment
Patients increasingly ask doctors for guidance in using cannabis. This article discusses the current rules, regulations, and considerations for doctors when discussing or recommending cannabis to patients and removing the barriers for physicians to communicate openly with their patients about cannabis.
Clinical Distillation
The Complexities of CBD Study Evaluations
Pharmacist discusses important concerns regarding the accuracy of statements and findings from a systemic review on the efficacy and safety of cannabidiol in the treatment of anxiety: Skelley JW, et al. Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2020;60(1):253-261.
Research Tool Aims To Quantify Cannabinoid Exposure 
A molecular and cell biologist who works in the cannabis regulatory environment provides commentary on a recent study: Lambros AM, et al. CannaCount: an improved metric for quantifying estimates of maximum possible cannabinoid exposure. Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):5869. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-32671-9.
Cannabinoid-Based Therapy for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist discusses findings from a review by Kienzl et al. : Cannabinoids and opioids in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. 
Practice Spotlight
Practice Spotlight: Takoma Park Integrative Care
In this installment of Practice Spotlight, we shine a light on the Maryland integrative medicine clinic helmed by Patricia Frye, MD, author of The Medical Marijuana Guide: Cannabis and Your Health.
Editorial
Cannabis Drug Development: Intersection of Pharmaceutical and Cannabis Industry
The US medical cannabis industry is in a difficult position, conceptually straddling the line between recreational use and pharmaceutical drug development.
Letter from the Editor, July 2023
If living through the COVID-19 pandemic has taught me anything, it has been to embrace change and the unknown. With great enthusiasm and promise, I now find myself in a new position as Editor in Chief at the American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine. Over the past few years, the journal has been a reputable place…
Cannabis by the Numbers
Cannabis by the Numbers
This installment focuses on cannabidiol (CBD) in pets. Did you know that the number of phone calls to the ASPCA Animal Control regarding cannabis ingestion by pets rose 765% from 2018 to 2019?
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