The hemp/cannabis plant and its famous molecule, CBD, are frequently mentioned among alternative solutions for complex conditions that are difficult to treat effectively with conventional therapies. Research in this field is progressing, despite the numerous challenges it faces. We invite you to discover both the experiences and the related scientific advancements. Table of Contents Thought-Provoking Testimonials Ideas and Research on Cannabis/Hemp-Based TreatmentsThought-Provoking Testimonials
Let’s begin by exploring the testimonials that reveal the situations of some patients suffering from complex illnesses. These testimonials highlight the urgent need to investigate all possible solutions so that fewer and fewer patients succumb to their conditions.
- Franck Milone, 29 years old, suffers from multiple sclerosis. His quality of life is similar to that of many other patients with the same condition. But he doesn’t give in to despair. In fact, he finds in ingesting cannabis flowers a way to improve his quality of life. Convinced of the plant’s therapeutic properties, he plans to delve deeper into the subject. To this end, Frank creates a laboratory he names La Fleur (The Flower) within his company, Delled. After its creation, he sets himself a very specific goal: to market cannabis-based medicines by 2024. This could be a great opportunity for healing for many patients. Or at the very least, it would allow them to have a much better lifestyle. It’s worth noting that he’s not alone in this endeavor. In fact, Christian D. Muller, a CNRS researcher at the Hubert Curien Multidisciplinary Institute (IPHC), is also involved. We await proposed solutions in the coming years.
Continuing with the theme of personal accounts, Christian D recounts the circumstances of his nephew’s death in 2016. Let’s read on.
“He suffered from lymphoma and was taking CBD oil drops to alleviate the side effects of his treatment and restore his appetite. Having witnessed the beneficial effects of taking medicinal hemp, I naturally took over his role after his death within the UFCM I Care association, whose scientific value I had observed.”Furthermore, following his nephew’s death, Christian became interested in the lesser-known practices of patients suffering from complex illnesses like his late nephew. On this subject, he states: “During an appointment with people suffering from multiple sclerosis, shingles, or other illnesses, I asked them how they managed to cope. They replied, ‘I make my own medicinal hemp oil.'” When I saw these patients forced to produce their own medication, I knew something had to be done.” In the same vein, Bertrand tells us about his daily life as an HIV-positive patient and emphasizes how much cannabis has helped him. Let’s read on.
“Every morning, I would experience vomiting and stomach spasms. Sometimes I would suffer terribly for an hour, then I wouldn’t be able to eat or sleep. When I tried cannabis in 2013, it helped. I talked to my medical team, and they eventually prescribed it for me.” Later, he remains critical of his country’s legislation on medical cannabis.Along these lines, he states: “Medical cannabis is still prescribed as a last resort. This means that morphine is prescribed more readily than cannabis.” This rule has no medical justification; it is purely ideological.Ideas and Research on Cannabis/Hemp-Based Treatments
Indeed, the first point we can mention here is the collaboration between
Frank Milone
and
Christian Kelhetter
. The latter is proposing to the former to test CBD oil on cancer cells in vitro. Milone is considering funding the research, which is primarily focused on a notoriously aggressive cancer that significantly reduces patients’ life expectancy. Which one? Pancreatic cancer. We are following the progress of this research closely. However, the next step is already known. The researchers plan to begin in vivo testing on mice genetically selected to spontaneously develop pancreatic cancer. If the results are positive, Franck Milone hopes to launch a human trial as early as 2022. Christian D. explains:
“We have shown that hemp extract does not replace therapy but can be used as a complement.” CBD restores appetite, alleviates the effects of chemotherapy, and has no side effects. Unlike opiates, it does not cause pharmacological dependence. Unfortunately, I think the pharmaceutical industry in France isn’t ready yet.”
Then he elaborates.
“It has already been demonstrated in vitro that raw cannabis flower extract is more effective than cannabidiol (CBD) alone. Twenty times more CBD alone is needed for the same effectiveness as with raw cannabis flower extract.” In addition to the aforementioned in vitro tests, a medical cannabis experimentation programhas recently been launched. This program also targets diseases that require effective treatments with as few side effects as possible for patients. Christian D. Muller commented on this.“There are 3,000 patients who will be able to benefit from this, while it is estimated that 100 times that number would be used by people who self-medicate with medicinal hemp.” These testimonies and research clearly show that the medical cannabis industry is constantly evolving. Many researchers are dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to developing cannabis-based treatments within a few years that can help patients who need them. Especially since some doctors are gradually coming around to their side. This is the case with Anny, a general practitioner. She laments the fact that patients have to travel hundreds of kilometers to another country to access medical cannabis. She adds that they “risk losing several hundred euros worth of products at customs because it is illegal, because there are no loopholes for cannabis. French law is still unable to be nuanced on the subject, but it seems to be evolving.” Finally, it should be noted that she allegedly prescribed medical cannabis for anxiety, insomnia, hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders, neurological pain, muscle spasms, tremors, as seen in multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, discomfort related to chemotherapy, etc.
References
https://recherche.unistra.fr/actualites-recherche/actualites-de-la-recherche/chanvre-therapeutique-lindustrie-pharmaceutique-accuse-un-certain-retard
https://www.rue89strasbourg.com/filiere-alsacienne-legalisation-cannabis-therapeutique-204115
