Trigeminal Neuralgia is a specific variant of neuropathy that primarily effects the Fifth Cranial or facial nerve. Trigeminal Neuralgia is often seen after facial or facial nerve trauma. The pain is neuropathic in nature, meaning it is severe, burning and often "suicidal" in nature. Neuropathic pain is often described...
As many of my readers already know, I was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer last November. I have done very well with my PSA going from 6000 down to 0.5 in 5 months and for this I am truly blessed. It is up at 3 now, so after conferring with...
As Americans, for the most part we feel entitled to good health care. There are plenty of problems with the system, but at the end of the day, we like to think that as Americans, we do not ration health care. We believe as Americans we get what we need....
Let’s start with two presumptions based on currently established scientific evidence: Cannabis is over 28 million years old Early humans first got control of heating cannabis nearly 1 million years ago. For the overwhelming years of evolution, VERY early humans had ready access to the cannabis plant, but missed heating...
Cookie Bekkar is a breast cancer survivor and patient of Dr Frankel's. She has created a website https://www.thebeautyinbeatingcancer.com/ to share her story, what treatments worked well for her and to help inspire other patients facing similar dilemmas. We encourage you to check it out! Check out Dr Franke's interview with...
In a recent Canadian Study, scientists have presented reasonably good data supporting the notion that CBD rich cannabis strains may be helpful with COVID-19. It appears from this article, that cannabinoids, particularly CBD, reduce the number of pulmonary receptors for the COVID-19 virus. The receptors for the viral particles have...
Graft Versus Host is a serious consequence of organ transplantation. Unless the donor, is an exact genetic match to the recipient, i.e. identical twin, the genetic material is different and the transplanted organ can reject the “patient” resulting is very serious consequences that all too often, include death. Any safe...
I think I was getting ill over one year ago. I was having a lot of pain and fatigue. Of course, I am old. I have arthritis. Right? The fatigue could be explained by working full time at the age of 69. I have been through 9 years of medical...
It would be an understatement to say that we are all frightened, some traumatized even, by the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 infection can be a very mild flu-like illness, and in fact is mild for the vast majority of people who become infected. However, the virus can...
As detailed in the article linked here, the National Football League is in the process of changing its policies regarding cannabis… finally. Their recent decision now permits THC at a blood level as high as 150 mcg. This is a considerable amount of THC! To my estimation, the average recreational...
Very recently, as I was watching the endless news coverage on the Coronavirus pandemic, not surprisingly I found myself feeling quite anxious. Within a short amount of time my reaction began to escalate, so I followed the advice I give my patients and took a dose of a quality, medical-grade...
Although I have discussed lung function and cannabis in the past, with the Coronavirus now reaching pandemic proportions, I thought this would be a good time to readdress the pulmonary benefits to be obtained from cannabinoids. In addition to the many symptoms associated with the disease, the patients who contract...
As a physician, I am (self-admittedly) a terrible patient. I rarely go for my annual physical, and when given instructions, I don’t always follow them. I’ve been known to ignore personal advice from trusted friends and family who truly care about me, many of whom are also physicians! Being in...
Unfortunately, I am sorry to say that there is no strong, solid evidence that cannabis is likely to be directly effective against the Coronavirus, COVID-19. Although there is an abundance of data verifying that CBD kills many various bacteria, CBD does not at this point show any anti-viral activity. So,...
I must assume that everyone reading this article is well aware of our country’s struggle with opioid addiction. There are a number of pharmaceutical companies, physicians, and even pharmacists that contribute to this national epidemic. The pharmaceutical companies continue to manufacture narcotics that are stronger and more addictive, while encouraging...
Perhaps I’m somewhat settled in my ways, but as I’m completing my seventh decade of life, I find that I get cranky about things that, in the past, never seemed to bother me. To be more specific, certain terms, words, or concepts almost seem silly to me. Let me give...
With so much change in cannabis law and the cannabis industry, you may have lots of questions about using cannabis or hemp for medical purposes. Check out this video that features alternative health expert, Dr. Mercola interviewing. The video highlight Dr. Frankel's medical insights into the current practice of making...
Epidiolex is a CBD isolate product formulated by GW pharmaceuticals, made available by prescription within the last year. It is indicated for several forms of pediatric seizures. I’ve been anticipating interest in this relatively new prescription drug by some of the families of my pediatric patients, as it has the...
With recent reports on lung damage from the Covid-19 virus, it's worth stopping to consider research findings on smoking cannabis. What I've been finding I recently came across a few articles claiming that smoking cannabis can cause vascular damage and necrosis or “death” of surrounding tissues.(1) I have been practicing...
Tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THC-V, is “the latest cannabinoid on the block.” I have now had nearly two years of experience working with this molecule in whole plant form. The plants containing significant amounts of THC-V are still very rare, so when we’ve had access to strains rich in THC-V, we’ve extracted...
Approximately one-third of the patients I see on a daily basis have cancer. Many are referred by local oncologists, integrative medicine doctors, and others; some are self-referred. When a patient is referred to me by an oncologist, typically they have already begun chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, etc., either individually or...
What if cannabis dosing for the treatment of cancer turns out to be similar to the dosing needed to simply make the cancer patient comfortable? What does it take to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy, e.g., nausea, pain, anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, and more? Could THC-V relieve chemotherapy...
I’m a 76-year-old male who, 49 years ago (when I was 27,) woke up in the hospital three days after falling off of a four-story rooftop. Having landed on my feet, I was told that I had a “90% chance of never walking again.” I spent 33 days in the...
Just when I thought I had cannabis dosing down to a science, I find myself in a quandary. When the philosophy and foundation of my practice is based on the science of whole-plant cannabis, how do I dose single-molecule CBD (distillates and isolates,) or other non-whole plant cannabis? Consider the...
Consider this case study: Not long ago, while I was at my desk reviewing charts, it came to my attention that a staff member had uploaded a patient’s recent lab test results. The patient is a 60 year old woman who came in for a consultation, complaining of generalized fatigue combined...
THC-A Benefits With many myopathies, or diseases associated with muscle weakness, THC-A is helpful in restoring muscle energy and function, while being anti-spasmodic at the same time. This may seem contrary, but relaxed muscles with enhanced energy simply work more efficiently. Two of the major effects of THC-A are: increased...
There are many diseases referred to as “mito” diseases, for example: Alzheimer’s disease, muscular dystrophy, Lou Gehrig’s disease, diabetes and cancer. Muscle weakness, as well as other serious symptoms, occur as a result of these conditions. These are diseases linked by the degradation of mitochondria. Mitochondria are the “powerhouses of the...
On June 12th, 2019, Dr Frankel gave a Grand Rounds lecture to the staff of CHLA on the topic of Cannabis and Pediatrics. There is also a Q & A at the end of the video. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgQAou3ylZo&t=24s
I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in July 2012. I was prescribed Prednisone and Mestinon. After taking the prednisone for a few months, my mg related double vision went away, not to return, however my other MG symptoms continued to get worse over the next 7 years. By 2019 I...
The Story Begins Just about five years ago, as I was enjoying some leisure time relaxing and reading a book, I suddenly felt some tingling in the big toe of my left foot. Naturally, I attributed it to a new pair of shoes I had recently purchased which were a...
EVALUATING THE NEW HEMP CBD PRODUCTS I have always been, and will always be, a fan of “whole plant.” To me, “whole plant” means having as many of the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, lipids and other molecules included in a clean extraction and preserved as much as possible during decarboxylation....
THE NEW CANNABINOID FROM THE ANCIENT PAST: THCV It seems like only yesterday we harvested our first CBD rich cannabis crops. The original strains cultivated were 1:1 CBD:THC, and 2:1 CBD:THC. We heard then, and continue to hear, names such as “Harlequin,” “Omrita,” and soon “ACDC,” the first 30:1...
We often hear bad press about Cannabis Overdose or Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome. If you read the science of cannabis, you'll quickly discover the stories tend to focus on THC toxicity. What is Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome and how should it be dealt with from a medical cannabis point of view? Cannabis...
Terminal Symptoms and Existential Trauma: Dr Frankel was invited to discuss the role of dosed cannabis medicine in palliative care, in the control of terminal symptoms and keeping patients comfortable as they approach the end of life. The role of cannabis in end-of-life-care There is potential for cannabis to treat...
There have been circulating rumors that using THC for treating a hormonally active breast cancer might cause increased estrogen levels and perhaps increase tumor growth. As I looked for data, I came across an article discussing THC and estrogen where it seemed pretty clear that THC decreases estrogen effect. So,...
I have been seeing a number of patients with Essential Tremor. Essential Tremor is a familial condition, meaning that the tremors (or shaking) tend to occur more often in family members than is expected by chance alone. Essential Tremor can sometimes be as difficult to live with as Parkinson’s...
Anyone familiar with my views on the cannabis plant knows that I am a “whole plant guy” and for the most part have found hemp/industrial hemp to be a poor source of medication. Undeniably, hemp is a wonderful source of fiber, and now with the Farm Bill in effect, we...
In the latest edition of our advice column on medical marijuana, Dr. Allan Frankel shares his experience using cannabinoids to heal cancer patients. Frankly, marijuana doctors don’t always have the best reputation. Before the days of recreational cannabis, getting a medical marijuana recommendation from a strip-mall “420 doc” was often the only way...
When we think of the “Placebo Effect” we think of an effect that is “imagined”. For example, when a patient feels better after an IV is started but before any medication is given. Or in the 1950’s when a child had an acute asthma attack, ambulances would often be sent...
I have always been a big fan of Governor Brown and remain so. However I have a serious issue with his very recent decision to block children from obtaining their cannabis medicine during school hours.This is NOT about children bringing edibles to school. This is not about other children being...
Although cannabis now comes in two flavors, Medical and Recreational. There is no doubt that recreational cannabis will survive forever.At the same time, in many states medical cannabis has pretty much disappeared. Why? Because they had no real cannabis medicine to begin with.Most dispensaries, whether medical or recreational, have many,...
Cannabis now comes in two flavors, Medical and Recreational. There is no doubt that recreational cannabis will survive forever. At the same time, in many states medical cannabis has pretty much disappeared. Why? Because they had no real medical cannabis to begin with. Most dispensaries, whether medical or recreational, have...
Leg Med (Tokyo). 2018 Jan;30:5-9. doi: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2017.10.010. Epub 2017 Nov 2.Death by self-mutilation after oral cannabis consumption.Delteil C1, Sastre C2, Piercecchi MD3, Faget-Agius C4, Deveaux M5, Kintz P6, Devooght MA2, Leonetti G3, Bartoli C7, Pélissier-Alicot AL8.Author information Abstract – Cannabis Causing Fatal Self Mutilation“Major self-mutilation (amputation, castration, self-inflicted eye injuries) is frequently associated with psychiatric disorders and/or substance abuse. A 35-year-old...
I have written on a few occasions of neuropathy and THC-V. Just a quick follow up, we are finding that THC-V is proving to be a reliable cannabinoid in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy, including some patients with Multiple Sclerosis.The focus of this entry is why are so many people...
As many of you have heard, Epidiolex, a nearly pure CBD anti-epileptic made by GW Pharmaceuticals has been approved by the FDA and will probably launch sales mid 2019.The cost for an average patient for one year is over $32,000.This is on par with other anti-epileptics, but is certainly an...
When we think of the “Placebo Effect” we think of an effect that is “imagined”. For example, when a patient feels better after an IV is started but before any medication is given. Or in the 1950’s when a child had an acute asthma attack, ambulances would often be sent...
I was just reading an article on CBD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).For about seven years I have been working with children and adults “on the spectrum”. Upon seeing the first group of patients I felt ill-prepared. To offer the best analysis and treatment possible, I stopped seeing these patients for...
Over the years, I have been surprised by how many patients with chronic pain using opiates have very little difficulty getting off their narcotics when we incorporate cannabis therapies. It is true that many of these patients are not necessarily drug-seeking, but many may also be sticking with opiates to help...
In November I wrote two articles on my early observations of patients using topical formulations containing THC-V. I am now able to provide some follow up information on its effect. Over the past month, we have become aware that topically applied cannabinoids, including THC-V, can provide relief for local neuropathic...
In addition to another Parkinson’s disease patient doing very well with THC-V, a 70-year-old woman came in for treatment of Essential Tremor. This was the most severe case of Essential Tremor or ET, I have seen in 39 years. Due to how advanced it was, she could hardly walk and was...
There is more data being released with regard to the use of Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THC-V) for various conditions. It has been touted to be helpful in treating Type II Diabetes, Parkinsons, Anxiety, Multiple Sclerosis and other conditions.The strain we have been recommending contains decent levels of THC-V, but also come with...
We recently received the following note from the mother of a patient with Autism who has seen great improvement of his symptoms after beginning a cannabis regimen:Having a child with a disability is beyond a doubt one of the greatest challenges a parent can face. From the moment you receive the diagnosis, a parent is...
Does THC increase estrogen levels or sensitivity, potentially worsening hormonally sensitive breast cancer?Copyright: Dusanka VisnjicanIndividuals diagnosed with a hormonally sensitive breast cancer will most likely receive some form of estrogen blocker, possibly in conjunction with other therapies or procedures. If they are advised that adding THC to their treatment plan...
I was recently listening to a radio show on our nation’s opiate nightmare. While they had many suggestions for dealing with the crisis, I waited for them to discuss using cannabis as a therapy for narcotic problems. That topic never came up.Their suggestions included more in-patient rehab facilities, using Methadone...
I established GreenBridge Medical, Inc. in 2007 to provide the highest quality medical treatment to patients suffering from multiple chronic and serious medical conditions. At that time, my 27 years experience as an internal medical practitioner provided me with extensive knowledge of, and experience in, treatment involving traditional medications. The...
The beginning of neuroscience is considered to have started around 1700BC when the first writings making reference to the brain occurred. This early reference has developed into the 17 branches of modern neuroscience studies.The first cannabinoid was isolated in 1964, followed by the identification of the first cannabinoid receptor in...
We recently received the following note from a patient suffering from Myasthenia Gravis who has seen improvement of her symptoms after beginning a regimen of CBD and THC-A:In February of 2016 my life was gravely altered when all of the pieces of the puzzle came together with a diagnosis of MuSK Myasthenia. The...
With many of the patients we see, their treatment and/or recovery becomes a full-family effort. The following is a note we recently received from the parent of a patient suffering from bipolar disorder:Dear Dr. Frankel,This letter is being written by a most grateful parent. My 29 year old daughter was diagnosed...
On Diabetes Alert Day it is fitting to discuss not only attempts at managing the disease, but also contributing factors and other conditions related to the disease.Copyright : kzenonFor some time I have been recommending whole plant cannabis CBD for patients with Diabetes. We have seen a substantial lowering of their...
“Can CBD curb your appetite? Quash anxiety? Protect your heart and brain? Anecdotal evidence for these and other health benefits has created a surge, a potential tsunami of demand for CBD products.”Click here to read the full Huffington Post article where Dr. Frankel and GreenBridge have been featured.
When most of us think of PTSD, our first thought is of military members injured or traumatized in the battlefield. But, PTSD includes individuals that are assault victims, involved in accidents, witnessed traumatic events and even experienced holiday stress. It has been reported that Kim Kardashian is suffering symptoms of PTSD after she...
Over the years I have written many articles about cannabis cancer therapies. There is growing evidence medical cannabis is effective in helping patients manage certain types of cancers at various stages, in conjunction with and as an alternative to traditional medical treatments. Medical cannabis is also effective in managing the...
The push for legalization of cannabis has brought concerns over recreational use to the forefront of discussion. According to the latest Gallup Poll approximately 13% of the US population uses cannabis. While this number is less than the percentage of Americans who use tobacco or alcohol, it represents significant tax income to...
I see a few new and follow up Lyme Disease patients every month. Although there are differences with every patient, in most cases they have similar histories and symptoms. The following are my findings on Lyme Disease and cannabis.First, most have either been on or are currently on antibiotics, which is...
As I have discussed previously, I am amazed by the many medical conditions the cannabis plant has benefit for. We see progress using medical cannabis as an alternative and/or complimentary therapy for many chronic illnesses. As you will read below we are finding CBD and THC beneficial in easing withdrawal symptoms...
I came across the following article while browsing the internet this morning.Copyright : Brian Goodmanhttp://www.projectknow.com/3-outrageous-marijuana-miracle-cures-exposed/#comment-275394The title of this article suggests it exposes claimed “Miracle” cures of Ebola, Cancer and Anxiety from the use of marijuana.The truth is there is no shortage of charlatans that would have you believe there are...
Terpenes are the compounds that give fragrant aromas to plants and flowers. In roses, there are multiple terpenes producing the scent we all love so much. In citrus fruit, such as the lemon, the terpene limonene provides the scent. When we inhale limonene, our Cannabinoid Receptors give us an elevated feeling...
It is pretty clear that CBD is very effective for therapy of Paranoid Schizophrenia (please see references below). There are blinded clinical trials, many reports as well as my personal experience treating patients with Schizophrenia using Cannabinoid Medicine.Two weeks ago I saw a 28 y/o male with Schizophrenia. He had...
The DEA’s recent decision to continue to classify Cannabis as a Schedule I drug was not expected by many. The hope and belief that Cannabis has proven itself to possess attributes that would justify a Schedule II or III classification were not realized.A change in Schedule would federally validate Cannabis as...
We are all aware of the epidemic of narcotic related overdoses and deaths. The rate has been increasing and there is a national movement to find alternative methods of therapy.The patients I see that are having issues with narcotics generally fall into two groups:Patients with narcotic addiction, which often starts with a...
At this time, there are three types of CBD available to patients. The first is from CBD rich Cannabis plants, the second is from Hemp and the third is made in a laboratory.The CBD from the Cannabis plant is unique in that it is extracted from the plant along with...
During the past year and a half I have written four articles, both in support of and questioning the use of rectally administered cannabis medicines. As a physician and researcher I’m always looking for new medicines and methods of administration to improve the outcome for my patients. To do so...
Dr Allan Frankel discusses the use of cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain in two forms: skeletal and neuropathic chronic pain.
Dr. Frankel discusses why focused dosing, accurate to the mg, helps achieve the best outcomes for patients. Focused dosing means the doctor, the patient and the dispensary all know what is in the medicine.
Dr. Frankel discusses the use of cannabis in the prevention and treatment of traumatic brain injuries. There is substantial evidence that CBD will prevent the damage to your brain if you sustain an injury.
Wow, a long title, but there is a connection between all these varied diseases, acetylcholine and cannabis therapy. In my 35 years of practice as an internal medical doctor, I have dealt with many patients suffering from various neuromuscular disorders but prior to discovering medical cannabis was limited by traditional...
I have previously written on Taxol, a common chemotherapy agent, and the neuropathy it produces. There are additional chemotherapy and non-chemotherapy drugs that also cause long term neuropathic pain. Often the neuropathic pain caused by these drugs becomes the worst part of the patients’ lives. Even when their cancer is in...
Dr. Frankel discusses the correlation between anxiety and insomnia, and treatment with cannabis.
My first clinical experiences with Cannabidiol (CBD) and Type II Diabetes were generally with patients who were on Metformin. Within a couple of days of starting CBD the patients had a tendency to become hypoglycemic. After consultation with me and their primary care doctor, working together, most of these early...
At Greenbridge Medical, we have now just followed up with our 7th Myasthenia Gravis patient who, as the six previous, is now doing well. That means seven patients in a row who have been able to stop their Prednisone, Mestanon and even IVIG therapy in one patient. As we find...
Dr. Frankel discusses using cannabidiol (CBD) for treatment of seizure disorders and results from patients at GreenBridge controlling their seizures with CBD, THC & THC-A.
I just hung up the phone with the wife of a patient. Her husband is quite elderly with severe total body arthritic pain. He was just admitted to a local hospital with a bowel impaction resulting from the opiates he was prescribed for his pain. I saw him a few...
I believe in general, when we use the term “pure”, it refers to a lack of contaminants. Often when plants are turned into pharmaceutical medicine, the final medicine is a “pure” single molecule. In theory, the reproducibility is the advantage as well as being patentable.I do not think that evolution expected humans would...
Dr. Frankel discusses cannabis for Migraine treatment, including results from patients he has seen using CBD and THC.
Dr. Frankel shares his insight on treating Myasthenia Gravis with cannabis and results from recent cases at GreenBridge Medical using CBD, THC & THC-Acid.
HERE IS HER NOTE:I have suffered with Myasthenia Gravis for 15 years. Here is a summary of my recent cannabis experience:I am taking CBD and THC A two times a day. Since I started taking them I have progressively become stronger. I’m MG symptom free and glad it has allowed...
No, I am not Bill Maher’s physician, but I watched his show a couple of nights ago and during his interview with Ariana Huffington discussed her new book on “Sleep”, Bill mentioned that if he awakens for any reason during the middle of the night, his brain turns on and...
With the current information age, it is very easy to find dosing information for any drug online. It is pretty easy to find most of these drugs online without prescriptions. Yet, “people” who are “patients”, generally don’t practice their own medicine on themselves very often.Why do people generally prefer to...
If your oncologist has suggested a group of chemotherapy agents in the “Taxol” group to treat your cancer, you may experience nerve pain or neuropathic pain during chemotherapy that possibly worsens over years.Sadly, many female patients of mine who have been given Paclitaxel or Taxol now come in for cannabis...
CBD is metabolized by the hepatic P450 set of enzymes. There can be interactions between CBD and pharmaceutical drugs, but it is rare that they are significant.it is extremely common for patients to take two drugs at the same time that compete for this enzyme system, but despite this, there...
This is now the third myasthenia patient who has responded to a combination of CBD, THC and THC-Acid.This patient was not as critically ill as the last patient so we went a bit slower in adding first CBD –> THC –> THC-Acid. For sure the patient got better as the molecules...
At the end of this journal post I have listed a number of good references on treating migraines with cannabis.In 1996 Proposition 215 was passed in California. There were a limited number of diagnoses that were considered acceptable, including migraines. I saw a few too many 19 y/o with migraines,...
I have written several blogs on Rectal Administration of Cannabis. Since the writing of that blog, there are several issues that have come to light.1. I think many know that when THC is administered via the rectal route, it does not cause any psychoactivity or stoniness. Why?We will discuss. If...
It is not surprising that I cannot find any research articles on Cannabidiol and Lead Poisoning. However, if I were exposed to lead or if my child were exposed to lead, I would I would certainly take CBD.Most of us know that the Federal Government patented CBD in October 2003 in large...
As many have heard, cannabidiol, the non “stony” molecule in Cannabis, is being used for many illnesses, the best known of which are seizure disorders. Millions of viewers watched Sunjay Gupta on CNN show how Charlotte Figi successfully stopped her seizures with CBD after many pharmaceuticals failed.There are now 23...
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/france-clinical-trial-one-person-brain-dead-and-five-more-in-hospital-after-drug-testing-a6813791.htmlWe’ve all noticed the recent news headline shown above from a clinical trial in France. First, let me be clear. The molecule that killed one patient and left several others in a coma, is a non-cannabis based molecule that acts on the Endocannabinoid System.This new group of drugs that are molecular...
As many have heard, cannabidiol, the non “psychoactive” molecule in Cannabis, is being used for many illnesses, the best known of which are seizure disorders. Millions of viewers watched Sunjay Gupta on CNN show how Charlotte Figi successfully stopped her seizures with CBD after many pharmaceuticals failed.There are now 23...
We are all looking for more evidence regarding the efficacy treating cancer with CBD and/or THC. There is a plethora of articles on the issue and particularly a lot of data with regard to treating Glioblastomas – a very challenging Brain Cancer that is most common in children.I believe there...
I just met in follow-up with a 17 y/o male with Cerebral Palsy and his mother. For the past year or so, the young man was being treated with a wide range CBD:THC capsules. His spasticity and minor seizures were nearly completely controlled.His seizures, although recently rare, only came at...
As a physician, my education, training and experience is to treat illness with specific dosages of medications. Based on the results from such dosages, to adjust the dosage or medication as needed to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient.For the most part, every medication we are exposed to,...
With the current information age, it is very easy to find dosing information for any drug online. It is pretty easy to find most of these drugs online without prescriptions. Yet, “people” who are “patients”, generally don’t practice their own medicine on themselves very often.Why do people generally prefer to...
I love these letters.Our baby girl was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was just 6 months old in 2007. Since then, she has been on a myriad of anti-seizure drugs. Each drug would work for 6 to 12 months before we had to begin increasing doses and trying new medications...
Growing up in the 1950’s, I considered my friends and I to be average American kids. We enjoyed our days, at times we acted out and at times we were lazy, daydreaming or just interested in other things other than our schoolwork or chores.I often evaluate young adults or even...
On October 1, 2015, I wrote a blog suggesting we consider using Cannabidiol when administering neuro-toxic chemotherapy or for that matter, any neurotoxic drug. The goal, of course, is to take advantage of the neuro protective effects of CBD. As I mentioned a couple of months ago, there are very...
There is incredibly little information regarding CBD-A or CBD-Acid and nausea. I am certain in large part that is due to it being solely plant based molecule. I have had several personal communications in which CBD-A has been suggested as an option for treating the nausea of chemotherapy and perhaps other...
I was just reading a message from a patient with a seizure disorder who came out of the hospital with swallowing issues. I am not certain what it is from at this point, but as none of their current medications can be stopped, I can’t be certain if it is...
On October 29,2015 I posted an early report of therapy for a male with ALS. He had not moved either arm nor leg for six months. His speech was severely affected. When he would transfer from his wheelchair to the car, he had to have help with one leg at...
While there is significant progress being made in the effort to legalize medical cannabis in United States, and internationally, recent treatment results have made us consider the following question – are we focusing on the wrong aspect of cannabis? Dr. Allan Frankel has found the non-psychoactive version of THC, known...
Here is an email from the patient with Myasthenia Gravis, who has done extremely well on combinations of CBD, THC and THC-A. The THC-A was clearly a huge part of it, but CBD was also of great benefit. So, here is her email: I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in 2001...
I am very excited about this blog. I am sure a lot of my excitement is as a result of the patient’s and family are so excited about what cannabis is doing to help a middle age male with ALS.As most of you know, ALS is a horrible and progressive...
Last year I did an initial intake on a 44 year old woman. She had been in a horrible car accident and suffered traumatic brain injury. Her memory was severely compromised and overall function was challenging. She found taking care of her two children had become very difficult.A year ago,...
I am certain most of you are well aware of the US Federal Patent on CBD. If not:Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants US 6630507 B1ABSTRACTCannabinoids have been found to have antioxidant properties, unrelated to NMDA receptor antagonism. This new found property makes cannabinoids useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of wide...
LONGER FLOWERING USUALLY MEANS MORE SEDATING STRAINS. CBN? MYRCENE? October 12, 2015 Allan Frankel, MD Uncategorized It is generally accepted among growers if you allow a flowering cannabis plant to more fully develop the trichomes to become more amber. Trichomes, the oil glands, begin with clear oil, become cloudy and finally amber. Every grower...
CANNABIS RADIO SHOW WITH DR FRANKELhttp://www.cannabisradio.com/podcasts/just-say-know/allan-frankel-md-journey-to-cannabis/
There are plenty of times where nausea, particularly during chemotherapy, is helped by combined CBD:THC whole plant extracts. There are times I need to use a lot more THC an hour or so before a meal to help when CBD is clearly not effective.In fact, the most common time I...
If you have any doubts with regard to the efficacy of CBD for treatment of neuropathic pain, please enjoy the references, a lot of references, at the bottom of this blog. I mostly chose references where whole plant CBD rich extracts were being used, as this is what we have...
I must admit I am surprised by how effective THC-A can be in seizure disorders and Dystonia or Torticollis (severe neck spasms). So, it appears it has effects in both the central and peripheral nervous system.As I have discussed many times over the years, THC is in it’s “acid” form...
Torticollis or Cervical Dystonia is a pretty common disorder. There are a number of variants and some very minor cases can present as cervical muscle pain and spasm.I am very excited by our first two patients with Cervical Dystonia and their amazing responses to THC-A. It seems that THC-A works whenever...
I have never been a big fan of typical edibles. There are nearly always two unknowns:1. Patients do not know how much THC is right for them2. The labels almost never say what is inside them.In addition, the other issue with edibles is that the effect is delayed for up...
As we have had more experience with THC-A extracts, we are finding more quite positive results. We have now had experience with seizure patients, cervical and other dystonic diseases and parkinson’s disease.THC-A is not psychoactive and is available pretty much anywhere there is old fashioned “weed”. There have been doubts...
Limonene is a terpene molecule found in many strains of cannabis as well as citrus fruits – such as lemons. I have never met a person who has not smelled a lemon and then smelled it again.We all love lemon smells. Why? We love limonene because it mimics the effects of cannabinoid...
On on routine basis, I see patients who come in using narcotics. Some are being used for attempts at controlling severe pain; Others are people who have become addicted to narcotics following surgery or other illness.I find the use of mixed cannabinoids to greatly help both groups.1. It appears that...
PIC 1 SIBLING BROTHER AND SISTERPIC 2 MALE PLANT WITH POLLEN SACSPIC 3 FEMALE PLANT WITH HAIRS Before we focus on the beautiful photos above let me explain how I got to these two plants.1. Started with 30:1 Male seeded plant from Harle-Tsu and crossed with Diamond...
I have had a number of patients come in with complaints related to Interstitial Cystitis. IC is a fairly common problem in both men and women and is essentially an inflammatory condition of the bladder and at times the urethra. Treatment is not great and there are many patients out...
Myasthenia Gravis is a Neuromuscular disorder that can cause severe weakness in various parts of the body. It can be a more localized disease or more generalized.It is not very common and I saw a case recently where the muscular dysfunction was mostly in the head and neck area and involved...
I must admit I have been skeptical when it comes to THC-A. I am changing my mind. There just are so, so few THC-A studies. On the other hand, we are missing a lot of data in areas where we see daily success. It just a matter of time.In my...
As you are all well aware, we do a lot of individualized cannabinoid dosing with Whole Plant Cannabis extracts administered sublingually, orally and rectally with varying ratio and strength sprays, capsules and suppositories.So, at the most basic level, we give patients “Treatment Plans” that include which extracts to use, which ratios CBD:THC,...
Here is another patent, in this case from GW Pharmaceuticals. It is for the treatment of Glioblastoma Brain Tumors.What is particularly interesting is:1. It is from 20092. It involves varying ratios of CBD:THCThis is incredibly benign medicine….to say the least. How in the world have six years passed without these studies...
Interstitial Cystitis is a fairly common disorder in both men and women. The cause is not well understood but the syndrome consists of urinary urgency, frequency and pain. This syndrome can be devastating for patients and become a part of a chronic pelvic pain syndrome, which I will cover in...
It has been known for a number of years that CBD helps promote bone growth.There are two major cell types involved with both growth, destruction and “re-modeling” of bone. As we go through life our bones are subjected to new and changing stresses. New bone is always taking place and bone...
We are all sort of still shocked by knowing that molecular CBD was initially patented by the US Federal Government in October 2003. They licensed/license it to pharmaceutical companies. I THINK they recently sold the patent.Anyway, I saw a patient the other day with multiple meningioma brain tumors. They are...
When any form of cannabis oil extraction is performed, the theory is simply separating the plant material from the “medicinal oil”. Whether done by CO2 extraction, butane, alcohol, etc, an average typical extraction obtains an oil that is similar to the following examples:_________________THC CBD ...
When I advise a patient to take, say, 10 mg of CBD, they can dose out exactly 10 mg of CBD. However, it is much more than just CBD.As I have discussed many times, Whole Plant CBD/THC, contains hundreds of minor cannabinoids, terpenes, plant waxes, carbohydrates and as many as...
I would estimate that 1/3 of my patients have dramatically serious issues with cancer or seizures. The balance of my patients come in with issues of the “walking wounded”. No huge drama. No huge press coverage. At the same time these more commonplace issues cause most of the illness on...
Another way of saying this, if you enjoy smoking or vaping THC, consider vaping a 1:1 CBD:THC flower or oil.For chronic THC users, the feeling of getting “high” becomes more and more elusive. This is due to our down-regulating or suppressing our CB-1 or Cannabinoid-1 receptors in our brain. This...
Many of us have been following the news story of the quadriplegic man in Colorado who lost his job because he tested positive for Cannabis – even though Cannabis is pretty much as legal as alcohol.To all Californians, the same rules apply here. Specifically, an employer can fire us for testing positive...
I have had many conversations with patients regarding the psycho-activity of CBD. One caveat before I begin; We are dealing with whole plant CBD, so some of the psycho-active effects of “CBD” are clearly Terpene mediated. That said, some of the psycho-activity of CBD is just CBD.The simplest example of...
As we all fully realize, the current and various Medical and Recreational stores throughout the West and Colorado are in no way differentiated. In other words, Medical is through one door and Recreational through another; No real differences.Due in part to this, but probably more swayed by taxation on Recreational...
“I spoke with Dr Frankle’s office manager several times a couple of years ago about my son (Google Benton Mackenzie) who was treating his Angiosarcoma with the plants he had developed with a good ratio between high CBD and lower THC and it was VERY successful as an oil and...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24910342.#There have been many studies showing CBD to be effective in regulating a number of cancer genes. In particular, the ID-1 gene, when activated results in aggressive Breast Cancer. CBD has been known for a number of years to “turn off” the ID-1 gene. When mice received 21 days of...
I have had a few patients with various acid related conditions and I have had mixed luck in treating them. However, I have seen now two gastritis patients who did respond to modest doses of CBD orally.The newer generations of anti-acids (Nexium, Prilosec) share a significant risk of accelerating osteoporosis...
I have been following a young male with relatively severe Crohn’s disease. He has been on an assorted group of meds without adequate control.He first presented to me nearly a year ago and has done very well on CBD whole plant capsules. He required a total daily dose of 95...
6/14/2016: UPDATED INFORMATION AND MULTIPLE BLOGS I HAVE SINCE WRITTEN SHOW THAT WHOLE PLANT CANNABIS IS NOT RECTALLY ABSORBED. THC CAN BE RECTALLY ABSORBED BUT ONLY IF BONDED TO A SEPARATE MOLECULE, SUCH AS HEMI-SUCCINATE.MANY PATIENTS USE HIGH DOSES OF THC BY THE RECTAL ROUTE TO AVOID PSYCHOACTIVITY. THE REASON THERE...
I have spoken about the differences in therapeutic dosages of whole plant cannabis extracts versus laboratory synthesized molecular cannabinoids and highly purified cannabis extracts. It is very clear from the large volume of anecdotal evidence that much lower dosing is required with whole plant cannabis extracts than with molecular cannabinoids...
2 1/2 years ago, I wrote a blog:https://www.greenbridgemed.com/2012/07/08/please-get-our-facts-straight-there-is-no-gmo-cannabis/I stated that GMO has a very scary future but was NOT the explanation for the early wide CBD:THC ratio strains that first appeared at this time.There were folks claiming that ACDC and Seabdx, two of the early strains, were GMO based; they...
As I thought about the NFL using CBD to minimize brain trauma, I thought next about the fact that one of my sons played Pac-10 and high school football. As he was my son, he was a kicker and not a line backer, but even he got hit a time...
There are dozens of articles in the literature showing brain or neuro-protection of CBD. I believe there is no question that the data strongly suggests that CBD is both a protective agent as well as a healing agent.I don’t know why it took so many years, but I finally saw...
I expect my patients to call me after one week of therapy. They are asked to call earlier if they have any concerns.So, I say I EXPECT my patients to call me back for multiple reasons:1. I want to help them adjust their medication2. I need more information on what...
**UPDATED INFORMATION AND MULTIPLE BLOGS I HAVE SINCE WRITTEN SHOW THAT WHOLE PLANT CANNABIS IS NOT RECTALLY ABSORBED. THC CAN BE RECTALLY ABSORBED BUT ONLY IF BONDED TO A SEPARATE MOLECULE, SUCH AS HEMI-SUCCINATE.MANY PATIENTS USE HIGH DOSES OF THC BY THE RECTAL ROUTE TO AVOID PSYCHOACTIVITY. THE REASON THERE IS...
I was very please to find the following article on dosing cannabis. This article contends that until there is reasonable and accurate dosing available for cannabis, that it will never be completely accepted.I COULD NOT AGREE MORE.One side note, before I go on, every patient at GreenBridge is given dosing information to...
I believe it was inevitable that cannabis prices would not drop in legalized states. The tax on Medical Cannabis is zero. The tax on Adult or recreational cannabis is 40%.It is not that difficult for “people” to become “patients” and enjoy the cost reduction of 40% due to no tax.If a...
I recently saw a 53 y/o woman with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, (MCTD). She had typical arthritis, as well as a very dry mouth, which is the hallmark sign for Sjogren’s disease.I would think that using fairly low doses of CBD oral-buccally would work well. For this patient, as she...
Check this out!Yes, in order to pass the Federal Budget, Federal/DEA raids and apparently any intervention are banned for at least one year. One year, because the budget will get reviewed at that point. I think, however, a year from now other financial interests will be more important than “pot...
Listening to the NY Union Representative remark that as long as Mr. Garner could say the words “I can’t breathe”, that he was just fine.This is so painful to my ears and mind. It is incredibly ignorant.I have practiced Internal Medicine for just about 35 years. For the first 20 years,...
About two years ago, I wrote an article responding to claims that Cannabis causes up to a 9 point IQ drop.This blog was based upon an article written by a “Drug Rehabilitation” group of physicians. Clearly this group had/has an axe to grind and want to keep their jobs. In order to keep...
I recently had a middle age male with 14 years of very bothersome diarrhea nearly hourly for 14 years. He had tried every option for treatment but they had all failed.His diarrhea stopped very quickly, days, after beginning Cannabinoid management.So, something CBD or Cannabidiol is something to consider for Post...
One of the very interesting observations I have made over recent years is that MANY people refer to Cannabidiol or CBD as “CBD’s”.So, why do so many people know to say “THC” in the singular, as there is only ONE THC molecule, but with CBD is is often CBD’s?I believe...
Over the past several months, I have had the honor of treating a number of patients with Schizophrenia. Some of these patients have been classified as having a more vague “schizo-affective” disorder. In either case, Cannabidiol has significant effects in reducing hallucinations, paranoia and other thought disorders associated with schizophrenia.There...
The only reasons I can imagine that all doctors are not scrambling to begin dosing their patients are:1. They are not familiar with dosing regimens.2. Fear for federal prosecution for “Aiding and Abetting”If the problem is the former, let our offices help you learn.If the problem is the latter, it...
I have been a board certified internist for 35 years. For most of those years I practiced a pretty traditional/UCLA trained type of Internal Medicine. Ultimately, I switched to this new world because I felt my tool bag of therapeutic modalities was falling short.Issues related to pain and mood disorders...
As many of you, I am so saddened to hear about the apparent suicide of Robin Williams; one of my favorites for certain.As I sat down this evening watching the news on Robin, I could not help but wonder how much of his depression was never shared. I could not...
I get the feeling most days that our vision of future cannabinoid medicine is a bit limited.We speak about “Charlotte’s Web” is the last CBD strain on earth and the best. How silly. Why would anyone think that ANY of our currently used strains will be the best ones a...
I have now seen approximately seven patients with Cerebral Palsy. These patients, as we are well aware of, are patients subjected to birth trauma.They can present in many different ways, but in general, their cerebral function is entirely normal but they are debilitated to varying degrees depending upon which and how...
Currently, if a physician deems it appropriate and a patient is expected to have less than six months to live, they are put into Hospice. This can be at the patient’s home. Hospice is an “end of the road” program. A patient is not expected to survive and only palliative...
I have come to expect to find seizures in children and young adults to vastly improve with moderate doses of CBD.These children are either primary seizure disorder patients, Dravet’s or other genetic related disorders and children on the Autistic Spectrum. Initially all of these children were coming in for seizure...
Cannabis is clearly mostly associated with substantial changes in psychoactivity. Probably 15% of the population around the world uses cannabis as a smoked plant to achieve change in perspective, relaxation as well as many other feelings. People do not continue to do things that make them feel bad; people do...
As an Internist practicing for 35 years I have seen most common and many very uncommon illnesses.Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is real and there are millions of Americans who suffer from some form of RLS.RLS is characterized by leg discomfort or pain that is only partially relieved by moving ones...
As most of us are aware, many of the cannabis studies done in the US over the past 25 or more years, have been sponsored by federal organizations(NIDA), which generally only approved studies that were aimed to show a negative outcome from the use of cannabis. Despite this massive efforts,...
In any version of a “Medical Cannabis” System, there are three principle components:The Physician who is the “gate keeper” at the present timeThe grower, who provides the plant materialThe “Dispensary” which will make some products, but primarily sell the cannabis.Pretty much all interest revolves around the growing and the dispensaries,...
First a little background.1. The medical abbreviation “TID”, means three times daily.2. This is a patient with autism whose mother has been in communication with me. I am finding, as you will see, that the usual medical “norms” with dosing and administration are now becoming an integral part of the...
I was asked by someone the other day “what I did”? Sometimes, honestly, I will say I am an Internal Medicine Doctor. It is true, but ……. not really true, but I don’t want to get into a big discussion; Just not worth the energy.However, with this person, I blurted...
ORIGINAL STUDY AT END OF MY COMMENTSThis is another example of embarrassing statistics that every physician and scientist studied in school. With any study, of any kind, determining causation versus association is most of the game. Here is one more awful case of “sick statistics”.1. The majority of these patients...
We are all very familiar with both CBD rich and THC rich medicines helping a lot with nausea. In recent months I have seen a number of patients with vertigo from different etiologies. A few have been related to inner ear issues, a few have been associated with local cancers and a...
THIS MAY BE THE WORST STUDY I HAVE EVER SEEN Is there a role for opioids or marijuana for treating migraine and other primary headache disorders? We put the question to three prominent specialists: Mark Green, MD, of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City; Robert Shapiro, MD,...
We often hear that patients are taking benzodiazepines or opiates that no longer help them, but they take them anyway to avoid a horrible withdrawal. This is VERY COMMON.However, I have never in my life heard someone say that Cannabis is not helping them any longer but they are still...
We have been working with CBD seeds for just two years. Prior to that, we were grateful to just have cuttings of a few different ratios of CBD:THC. Despite what effect terpenes may have, the CBD:THC ratio is a powerful determinant of clinical effects as well as the level of...
The numerous strains of CBD rich plants that I have seen over the past four years, fall into three categories:1. Those ratios of >20:1 CBD:THC2. Those ratios of 1:1, 1.5:1 or 2:1So, in nature, we ALMOST always see either the “low ratios” or the “high ratios”. There are rare exceptions...
I recently saw a young lady with Lyme disease. She was failing all other therapy. She was begun on 7 mg of whole plant CBD three times daily, for a total dose of 21 mg and now says the following:“I just wanted to give you an update on ‘our daughter’....
In the past few days I have been following a 59 y/o woman with severe post op gum surgery pain. An infection had set in and her pain, despite opiates, was over the top. She was not able to speak a word and could barely swallow her saliva.She started with...
I bet it does not, and if it DOES, I want to meet the grower. To me, it makes almost as much sense to use the fiber in a typical Kush plant to make a shirt as it does to use hemp flowers to make medicine.Have you seen a kush plant...
When I present cannabis dosing information in lectures here and abroad I always suggest folks in the audience not take what I am saying too seriously. However, at the end of the day, as a physician, I did need to decide what seemed “optimal” for the patients I see with...
I. GENERAL:The cannabis plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids around 150 terpenes and perhaps another 100 or so other Amide molecule and flavonoids. Precise dosing of these components, accompanied by comprehensive studies, is the only way we can move forward scientifically. This guide is our first attempt to describe our...
Many of us have witnessed in recent years the new “medical cannabis” medications which are supposedly hemp based. (See http://www.dixiex.com) Assuming that these claims are correct, for some reason all of a sudden companies are selling online CBD capsules just like ordering Viagra online. I can’t get a clear answer...
With the “Affordable Care Act” now reality, physicians as always, must adapt.There are some who will adapt by growing their offices to try improve efficiency. I have run many Internal Medicine offices over 35 years and I can say that at least for myself, when the size gets to greater...
I have a feeling this will not be a very popular concept in some circles, but I have given it a lot of thought and it is, after all, my blog. There is legislation in California, Washington State, with more to soon follow that is trying to make serious changes to the Medical...
Dr. Frankel,I just wanted to send you an update on how I’m feeling. After being at suicidal levels of depression, I am happy to report that I’ve been feeling MUCH better since beginning the CBD. I began taking the ‘1’ last Wednesday and have continued 2 sprays 2 x day...
PLEASE CHECK THIS OUT.MY TALK IS AT 2 HR 50 MIN. JUST USE THE SLIDER TO GET TO 2:50.
I love Colorado and I love the work everyone is doing there. I have no desire to accomplish anything other than making it very clear that medicine of equal value has been available in California for over two years.The groups we have worked with in California were in fact the...
We are all worried about our loss of privacy – as we should be. How about privacy with our medications? Do we tell our co-workers or bosses that we take Xanax or Vicodin or Prozac? NO – we don’t.In addition, most of us, most of the time try keep our...
The State of Washington passed their original Medical Cannabis law in November 1998, shortly after California. In November 2012, voters approved legalization in Washington and Colorado and the world’s eyes became closely focused upon these two States.Now, 15 months after votes on “legalization” in both States, their situations are very different. Colorado has...
Our old phone number has been swallowed by Verizon. The new GreenBridge Medical Services, Inc phone number is: 310-393-0640
I love Colorado and I love the work everyone is doing there. I have no desire to accomplish anything other than making it very clear that medicine of equal value has been available in California for over two years. The groups we have worked with were in fact the very first...
CHECK OUT THESE RESULTS OF ACDC
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1. The Influence of Cannabinoids on Generic Traits of Neurodegeneration.Fagan SG, Campbell VA.Br J Pharmacol. 2013 Oct 31. doi: 10.1111/bph.12492. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 24172185 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher] Related citations2. Oleoylethanolamide reduces L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia via TRPV1 receptor in a mouse model of Parkinson´s disease.González-Aparicio R, Moratalla...
I consult with a number of growers and seed developers. I am involved with several genetic projects that are seed or “traditionally” based, but have always had a special interest in plant tissue culture.For those of you not familiar with plant tissue culture, it is similar, but much easier than...
Cannabidiol, a Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid Compound, Inhibits Proliferation and Invasion in U87-MG and T98G Glioma Cells through a Multitarget EffectMarta Solinas,1 Paola Massi,2 Valentina Cinquina,1 Marta Valenti,1 Daniele Bolognini,3 Marzia Gariboldi,1 Elena Monti,1 Tiziana Rubino,1 and Daniela Parolaro1,*Guillermo Velasco, EditorAuthor information ► Article notes ► Copyright and License information ► Go to:AbstractIn the present study, we found that CBD inhibited U87-MG and T98G cell proliferation and invasiveness in...
It is so odd to me that Cannabis is seen in the public as a substance that is measured and dosed in grams. There are VERY few medications, including Herbal ones, that are dosed by the gram.I believe we are seeing this “Gram Dosing” because physicians are quite absent from...
Well,when I say “weed”, I mean 24:1 CBD rich for children with seizures.when I say “schools” I mean perhaps one or two of our special needs schools.I meet families with challenged children with severe seizure disorders at least once daily. Most of these kids do go to special needs schools....
As I see more and more children and now some young adults with seizures out of control, I realize two important facts:1. High ratio CBD medicine is very effective for many patients with seizures. Period.2. We are all going to run out.Over the past two years, if you asked my...
The issue of drugs, and psychedelic drugs in particular, generally opens up questions which cannot be ignored by anyone seeking a more just and caring society. Current global policies towards psychedelic drugs range from the cruel to the barbaric. Every country in the world, excluding Portugal, currently prosecutes or otherwise...
Just a note to any interested.Charlotte’s web is the same 24:1 CBD:THC ratio as many such strains, including Avidekel in Israel.These are NOT developed. They all represent the same genetics and occur randomly in nature. All these strains, to the best of my knowledge, originated from Resin Seeds in Amsterdam...
I have spoken many times with regard to CBD increasing the sensitivity of the pancreas to Insulin.Here is the abstract from the above article with it’s reference as well:BACKGROUND:There are limited data regarding the relationship between cannabinoids and metabolic processes. Epidemiologic studies have found lower prevalence rates of obesity and...
In a recent article, Cost of Obesity, the authors make a very interesting point. We all assume that by taking better care of ourselves and achieving lower weights that we will be healthier and be less of a burden on the health care system. This article points out an obvious problem...
As you may know or may learn more about at https://greenbridgemed.com, I am a board certified internist, who has dedicated my life to helping to create and dose medical cannabis extracts. These Cannabidiol based extracts are miraculous medications as proven by The Israeli Ministry of Health inviting me to run...
More and More US Patents On CannabinoidsPosted on August 11, 1013 by Allan Frankel, MDUS Patent Application 20060160888 – Room-temperature stable dronabinol formulations (full – 2006) http://www.patentstorm.us/applications/20060160888/fulltext.htmlUS Patent 7088914 – Device, method and resistive element for vaporizing a medicament (full – 2006) http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/7088914/fulltext.htmlUS Patent Application 20060167084 – Delta-9-THC compositions and...
There are so many oils being offered by many sources. These range from growers to a new group of companies, including “Real Scientific”, to Dispensaries.In my experience, top REASONABLE prices for cannabis oils are in the $50/gram range. Nearly all of these oils average 60% cannabinoids by weight. So, since...
I have previously written about using cannabis for seizure disorders. I thought I would share some of my recent experiences and some knowledge I have gained in particular as Dr. Sanjay Gupta will be sharing his views and experience with Cannabidiol and seizures. This is a new position for Dr....
Many of us are still amazed by the amount and intensity of the anti-cannabis feelings in this country. If you leave money, legal and political issues out of the discussion, we mostly recognize that this is irrational fear built upon many years of indoctrination. We were taught to be fearful...
Dear Doctor Frankel:I am would like to thank you for your help in treating my daughter Jane Doe with her seizure disorder. Since she has been on CBD treatment her shakes have minimized tremendously. We have not had to administer any Diastat (Diazepam rectal gel) in well over a month....
Things have been going crazy the last few days. Someone posted the link on BoingBoing, and we have had over 1000 people looking at the document in the last 3 days. The numbering and layout got a little out of hand, but I just finished cleaning it up. Sections 11420.300 to 11420.380 have the...
As more and more patients add CBD to their cannabis regimen, we will for certain find serum levels of THC being relatively “elevated” but with decreased or virtually no psycho activity. Let’s imagine a test or two:For example, in test 1 give a patient, George, 25 mg of oral THC....
In my last blog I discussed the fact that the presence of other, non-intoxicating, cannabinoids such as CBD make may the blood testing of THC impossible to interpret.There is no doubt that the idea of testing serum levels of THC is derived from decades of testing alcohol levels. I have...
ADJUVANT – Wikipedia definition:An adjuvant (from Latin, adiuvare: to aid) is a pharmacological or immunological agent that modifies the effect of other agents.In the medical world, adjuvant therapy is a commonly used word to describe therapies that help other cancer modalities work better. As I have written a number of...
BELOW ARE SOME ARTICLES FROM MANY YEARS AGO THAT WERE USED AS SUPPORT OF THE US PATENT OF CANNABIDIOL.BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE YEARS THESE ARTICLES WERE PRINTED.ENTIRE PATENT:Cunha et al., “Chronic Administration of Cannabidiol to Healthy Volunteers and Epileptic Patients.sup.1,” Pharmacology, 21:175-185 (1980). .Consroe et al., “Acute and Chronic...
Here is the link to my radio show page at GreenBridge Medical.You can listen to any of the first four shows as well as listen live at 4 PM every Wednesday.
I have previously written about using cannabis for seizure disorders. I thought I would share some of my recent experiences and some knowledge I have gained.To begin with, overall, the efficacy of rich CBD dosed extracts to help treat seizures, particularly in treatment resistant seizure disorders, is well established. I...
I coined this term last year, but submitted to the Urban Dictionary, one of my favorite places to steal a smile from. Here it is….The official launch of FACTSINATIONFactsination URBAN DICTIONARY Factsination is the process by which a person become “immune” to facts and science. As children, we all received vaccines to protect...
Cannabidiol reduces cigarette consumption in tobacco smokers: Preliminary findings. Addict Behav. 2013 Apr 1;38(9):2433-2436. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2013.03.011. Morgan CJ, Das RK, Joye A, Curran HV, Kamboj SK.Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK. Electronic address: c.morgan@ucl.ac.uk.Abstract:The role of the endocannabinoid system in nicotine addiction is being increasingly acknowledged. We conducted a pilot, randomised double blind placebo controlled...
When HIV was first pinned down in 1979-80, for many years the diagnosis was nearly always a death sentence.This is also true for TB, Diabetes, Coronary Disease and many other ailments. Most people used to die from these illnesses and now they are able to “manage” their illness.“Cures”, can only...
When a new medication is created inside the pharmaceutical model, that one very specific medication for a very specific diagnosis must be the entire scope of the study. So, when a new medication is introduced, it generally has millions of dollars of research behind it and years and years of...
In my 35 years of practicing medicine, I have clearly witnessed the medical system replacing physician time spent with patients with prescriptions.I am NOT against allopathic therapy. I just think we are rapidly losing the a valuable commodity; the patient doctor relationship.When I used to perform expensive annual physicals on...
I have given additional thoughts to my letting go of distinguishing between recreational vs medical cannabis. As I have said previously, most people, most of the time, are not fully aware of their own intentions in using cannabis, or xanax or vicodan or in having a sexual encounter.We all have...
For those who know my history, you will not be surprised that at times I think that the Medical Board diagnosed me as, among other things, as having:“Cannabis Intoxication”.Since my visit was in the AM, AND I was driving AND this was critically important, I did not get baked on...
It seems redundant to use the term “dosed medicine”, but with cannabis being mostly illegal, any attempts to move the science forward has been stalled.Nearly all medicine is “dosed”. It is difficult to imagine having doctor-patient discussions when neither knows what the patient is taking. If the patient is doing...
I have written before with regard to CBD’s bronchodilator effect. With some recent information, it is clear that CBD is in fact a great treatment for Asthma. We are also finding that inhaled CBD using a “Vape Pen”, similar to the e-cigs for nicotine.By delivering vaporized whole plant CBD directly...
I think many of us are aware that it is possible to change the light schedule back to an 18-6 or 20-4 light schedule and “morph” the plant from flowering to vegetative again. This is often useful as there are situations, as in the plant below, where SOME ONE changed...
I have been, as we all have, been following what is happening in Washington and Colorado. I was thinking what I would say if someone were to ask me how should adult “recreational” cannabis be managed? At first, I really didn’t think I had much to say regarding adult recreational...
Ideally a physician and patient know what dose of medicine and what type of medicine the patient is taking. This enables the physician and patient to have follow up contact and be able to decide what adjustments to therapy should be made.As always, I am NOT saying this is not...
Therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in CNS disease.Croxford JL.SourceDepartment of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60610, USA. j-croxford@northwestern.eduAbstractThe major psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa, delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta(9)-THC), and endogenous cannabinoid ligands, such as anandamide, signal through G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors localised to regions of the brain associated with important neurological processes. Signalling...
When cannabis is growing “on the vine”, the cannabinoids have an extra Carbon and Hydroxyl group on the molecules. This is an “Acid” moiety and the molecule is said to be “Carboxylated”. Just think Acid on the vine.For many of the benefits of cannabis, the molecules must be heated to...
I am sure there are some medications that do not benefit from dosing, but nearly everyone does. Even when we are drinking alcohol “medicinally” we generally know what our dose is based upon the alcohol content. We ALL know we can drink more wine/beer before our blood levels are potentially...
One often hears that the cannabis plant was “made for man”. It certainly does feel like it was. It is certainly amazing that the phyto-cannabinoids on the plant so closely resemble our own internal “endo-cannabinoids”. We make Anandamide and 2-AG while the plant makes THC and CBD.The molecules are actually...
I meet mainstream, non-cannabis docs more and more who want to help their patients obtain CBD rich medications. So, how is this happening? The same as it can and occasionally does happen to any physician who is aware and supportive of dosed cannabis medicines. What are these supportive physicians demanding?Strict...
Did you know that when cannabis is extracted using super critical CO2, the extract is a gold color. It is NOT green. It is NOT black.As we are not plants, we have few benefits from chlorophyl. Yet, many extracts, tinctures, oils contain green colors and some think this to be a...
It is well documented that CBD is a very potent bronchodilator and useful in the treatment of Asthma.Taking CBD by any method does result in decreased airway resistance. So, how about taking it by inhalation without smoke?Yes, how about that. So, now there are vape pens available that have CBD oil inside...
A compound found in marijuana can treat schizophrenia as effectively as antipsychotic medications, with far fewer side effects, according to a preliminary clinical trial. Researchers led by Markus Leweke of the University of Cologne in Germany studied 39 people with schizophrenia who were hospitalized for a psychotic episode. Nineteen patients...
With medical cannabis practiced the way it is generally practiced, there is no way for both the physician and patient to have any idea of what the patient is really taking.This might not matter for many casual users, but it matters a whole lot when you are sick and the...
The use of CBD for schizophrenia is becoming more and more common. Studies from around the world are showing great promise and my own experience with these patients and modest doses of high ratio CBD:THC dosed extracts are working very well for many.Here are a number of references:1.Cannabidiol exhibits anxiolytic...
This is a question that at times plagues me all day long. By FAR the most complex and confusing question I get is “How much CBD/THC should I use to treat my cancer”. My answer is always that I don’t know and none of us really yet do. Does Cannabis...
Cannabis plants are no different than most other plants, other than the medicine they make. There are two ways to obtain seeds.1. Have the flowering plant (female always) stressed out with light changes or colloidal silver. With light or otherexposures/deprivation, the female plant “feels” as is it might die, and...
Every attempt to determine if a 5 ng level means intoxication has always failed. I bet mine is over that right now and I am fully alert and functional as many of us are.As strongly as I have felt about 21 being the minimum age, I believe that any serum...
It seems to me that most patients do benefit from sublingual or “oral-bucal” extracts, but there are some patients who just don’t respond using the sublingual route – or they are starting to take 15 or 20 mg of whole plant CBD and not doing as well as they should...
I have spoken at Laguna Woods four times. The crowd this past time was close to 200 local members of the Laguna Woods Collective. Laguna Woods is it’s own incorporated city and the age requirement to live there is 55 years old. So, these patients were all very interested in...
I get pretty irritated when Drug Rehab physicians write articles on how dangerous and useless cannabis is. I am particularly concerned and disappointed when they don’t mention that their own income is derived in significant part from Rehab of Cannabis Patients. These docs have an axe to grind for obvious...
Well, the lab reports are back and pretty much as expected, the 30 large Omrita leaves had 11 mg TOTAL of CBD and THC. The claims made by some, that there is 500-1000 mg in 25 leaves never made sense and it is just not true.Patients can expect very little,...
Yesterday I blogged on a little experiment being done at StateWide Collective. The juicing of cannabis leaves may have nutritional benefits, but the claims to their being 500 – 1000 mg of cannabinoids in 25 large leaves is just ridiculous.The prior claims from many has been that this VERY large...
I don’t yet know the answer, but have an idea and will know for certain in a few days, at which time I will post the results.To begin with, I am not “against” juicing cannabis leaves, but I have always wondered how much cannabis is really in a juice. So,...
It is generally thought that cannabis genetics for the most part jive with Mendelian Genetics. There are other critical factors such as hermaphrodites, variable gene penetration and local growing factors that all playing a very important role in the final outcome of any plant – or person, for that matter.So...
Remember when you were vaccinated as a child to become immunized against various viruses and bacteria? We have a situation today where it appears that many people have taken some dose of SOMETHING, that has made them immune to facts. It works great and helps these people to no end.I...
Note that this was printed by the US Mint.
Yes, please check it out: http://patientinformationcenter.com. It is not a very complex or elegant site, but it gives any patient an email and a phone number to contact the nice folks at the other end. There is no charge to the patient.The stated purpose of the PIC is to act...
During alcohol prohibition, physicians, about $4 cash would give a patient a liquor prescription. This “prescription” was taken mostly to Walgreens and was filled. The quantity and type of liquor would be specified and a beautiful prescription (above) was generated.During prohibition Walgreens grew a LOT. However, after prohibition, as newer...
I have been listening to more and more complaints from collective owners in WA and CO. NOt much different than the ongoing complaints of collectives in CA:“We can’t do business under forms of legalization as the profit/costs are impossible”. Well, they are NOT impossible at all. Will some collectives fail...
There were two interesting events both related to CBD, that took place in 2003.1. the US Federal Patent on CBD and other cannabinoid molecular particles2. Application for trials with various CBD:THC extracts by GW Pharma was announced in:Drugs in R & D:2003 – Volume 4 – Issue 5 – pp 306-309Adis...
Within the year, we should be seeing the first of the adult cannabis distribution center. The cannabis growing will be better monitored, as it appears, than the manner in which medical cannabis is.What if as part of the state’s involvement, mandatory testing pops up? It sure might and these stores...
I do browse various forums and when I feel compelled to do so, write something. Last week I wrote that in medical cannabis, the physician is the gatekeeper. It was met with a lot of opposition and taken as if I and other docs “owned it all”.Here is my response:I...
As way of title explanation, the phytocannabinoids are the THC,CBD and others that come from the plant while the Endocannabinoids, Anandamide and 2-AG (THC and CBD analogs in that order) are made in our brains.In my experience, when an external hormone or “transmitter” is given to a patient for replacement...
I believe I have come up with a reasonable way to further studies on CBD and PTSD. If there is a physician out there who is a respected specialist in PTSD who would be willing to meet with me, I believe we could do some wonderful work.I would ask you,...
I just saw one of my patients whom I had not seen for a couple of years. I had a little extra time and he seemed open to talk about something he very rarely talks about.His father was murdered when he was 12 years old in Mexico. His father was...
Please see my blog regarding the US patent in 2003 by the Federal government for CBD. In addition, the patent boldly also states the many benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids.The application was applied for April 21, 1999 and was finalizing in 2003. The findings were published in Drugs R...
I have been in many online forums as well as some personal conversations with MANY growers who oppose legalization because it will hurt their income. Those who know me, know how I would feel about this position. Here is the majority of a letter I shared with an online forum...
Well, I am not an expert, but it seems that ObamaCare is already available to those with pre-existing illnesses as long as they have not had coverage for six months.The costs are way lower.Check it out. Again, what you see is all that I know.
I have been listening to some describe Cannabis as a hallucinogen. This is my response.After 7 years working in this industry as a physician, I believe, as has been said before, cannabis is primarily a medicine with certain “side effects” that are pleasant and helpful for many patients. I would...
Two years ago, California Ballot Initiative 19 failed by 4%. Very probably, this margin would have evaporated if Eric Holder didn’t threaten the states AND if the cannabis community and growers had been supportive.This time, Eric Holder, although strongly encouraged to do so, did not fire a shot over the...
I have reached the point where I believe distinguishing recreational from medicinal cannabis is unhelpful. I don’t even think a patient’s intent tells the story. As cannabinoids are involved in so many preventive health areas, one could argue that all cannabis use is medical. One could also argue that if...
Here is the articleHere is the PDF of the article in case in goes downPhysicians and Cannabis UseAnyone who reads my blog should read this article before continuing.To me personally and to all physicians, this is horrible news. The Colorado mavins have decided that cannabis use in Physicians precludes them...
To begin with, if you are having dental pain, please see a qualified health professional as soon as possible. Assuming that is not possible at the moment, which has been the case for most of us from time to time, we have found that the over the counter gels for dental...
CBD IN EVERY KITCHENMy experience with whole plant CBD rich medicines tells me that this should be available to everyone and anyone anywhere who wants it.That is a very tall order as most of the world could never afford to purchase all the wonderful extractions that are just becoming available...
There has been more chatter of late in the “Save Cannabis” google thread, about making the argument that all cannabis use is medicinal. Here is my response.I understand the position that all cannabis use is medical, but I don’t think it serves our cause very well. People argued in the...
Many of you have heard about this absurd Treaty from the 60’s. It prohibits any of the 300+ countries who signed the treaty from legalizing cannabis.Portugal did it and they did not get bombed. Uruguay may legalize Cannabis and I have not heard of any secret invasions into Uruguay.Here is a...
PATIENT COMMENT ON THEIR RESPONSE TO RICH CBD EXTRACTS:I must say that I have suffered from PTSD since I was a young child. I manage it by getting a lot of regular exercise: 50 mile bike rides, working out regularly, skiing, kayaking, et cetera. Having this sports related adrenaline dumps...
In most clinical studies and trials with CBD, the medicine used is “molecular” CBD. In other words, CBD that is just that one molecule in the medicine. With whole plant cannabis extractions, there are nearly 500 molecules involved.As I have discussed on a number of occasions, any consideration of using...
Please check out this article firstAnother brilliant study showing more nightmares from Cannabis. In this case, they picked some patients who have had multiple “Cannabis Addiction” diagnoses. Other than the Medical Board of California accused me personally of Cannabis Addiction, I have read a lot about the subject. It is...
In my prior blog on cannabis “addiction” I felt it was already too long to go into what “addiction” means.Nearly all the time, addiction is a term used to brand or label someone or a group as having drug/sex/other destructive behaviors that are either not good for the person or...
When I was in college and medical school at UCLA we all had to take statistics classes. I hated them. Most of us hated them. BORING!!After a few years of practicing Internal Medicine while on the UCLA Clinical Faculty, I found that I was not able to understand studies that...
In an effort to learn more about differentiating hemp from “cannabis”, it is clear that nearly all hemp flowers look like the photos below or very similar. They have a much less structured trichome pattern and as we all know, minimal cannabinoids – although of the 4% or 5% total...
Many of us have witnessed over recent months the new “medical cannabis” medications which are supposedly hemp based. (See http://www.dixiex.com) Assuming that these claims are correct, for some reason all of a sudden companies are selling online CBD capsules just like ordering Viagra online. I can’t get a clear answer as...
In general, when a patient is told to take 2 sprays or 3 sprays of a cannabis extract, they take all the sprays under their tongue and wipe it around the soft pink tissue in their mouth. Here is what I believe to be a better method to maximize the...
I recently purchased two 25 mg CBD capsules from these guys. No medical anything and they shipped two capsules to me last week. The two capsules with shipping was around $37. I tried one of them and it did have a great CBD effect. I just got the lab results and...
Hi Dr. Frankel, or perhaps, Allan, you preferSending an update of this awesome “healer”The medicine is amazing, remarkable for sureIt has given such relief that I never knew before Now with MS, the symptoms do rangeFrom spasticity, clonus and, of course, lots of painThen there is paralysis, as now I am...
TAKEN FROM THE US PATENT SITE WITH SEARCH TERMS:GW + PHARMACEUTICAL + PATENTS LINK TO SITE:120120225136INHIBITION OF TUMOUR CELL MIGRATION220120165402USE OF ONE OR A COMBINATION OF PHYTO-CANNABINOIDS IN THE TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY320120059062COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING CANNABINOIDS FOR TREATMENT OF NAUSEA, VOMITING, EMESIS, MOTION SICKNESS OR LIKE CONDITIONS420120004251USE OF THE PHYTOCANNABINOID CANNABIDIVARIN (CBDV) IN THE...
Last week there was a report out of the University Of Southern California that there is a near doubling of the risk of testicular cancer in young men who consume cannabis.After reviewing the article:1. The study group was way, way too small. How can you have a control group of less 150...
As the news spreads about CBD and more and more people are experiencing the amazing benefits, the dilemma arising is how does a patient get CBD rich medicine. Sure, there are some collectives that carry various forms of flowers and extracts, but these are available to relatively few. Also, as...
Before viewing the video below, I would like to tell you about a patient I saw two days ago. This patient, similar to many patients I see, had been to my office a week prior to obtain their recommendation. We gave him the usual reading material and URL’s to study...
Up until pretty recently nearly all CBD rich cannabis extracts had a fair amount of THC in them, making it difficult to asses whether the “happiness” or “cheerfulness” patients experience with CBD was due to the smaller, but still significant THC levels or from the CBD itself. There is also...
As most of you already know, California will not have a Cannabis Legalization Initiative on November’s election. The reason is that there were three initiatives all competing for scarce ballot signatures and cash – they go hand in hand. Esstially $1 or so is the cost of a single signature....
I have had the pleasure and honor of working with Martin Lee for a few years. Our work has mostly been CBD related, but we have shared many, many cannabis related stories and patients.Martin Lee is one of the finest men I have ever had the privilege to work with....
During the Paleolithic age, 400,000 – 100,000, years ago, early man did have fire available through natural sources. They would maintain some fire for their use, but it was not until the beginning of the Neolithic age, 100,000 years ago, that man actually controlled fire. He would start and control...
This information and dosing schedule is meant for patients with serious pain or a serious degenerative neurological disorder and do not respond to low doses of whole plant CBD. This should always be discussed with the patient’s physician1. Start patient off with 5 mg whole plant CBD. This initial CBD...
