Editing Work by Sarah Russo
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Journal of Psychopharmacoly
(November 2023)
Abstract
“Background: There is a growing interest in studying ibogaine (IBO) as a potential treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). However, its clinical use has been hindered for mainly two reasons: First, the lack of randomized, controlled studies informing about its safety and efficacy. And second, IBO's mechanisms of action remain obscure. It has been challenging to elucidate a predominant mechanism of action responsible for its anti-addictive effects.
Objective: To describe the main targets of IBO and its main metabolite, noribogaine (NOR), in relation to their putative anti-addictive effects, reviewing the updated literature available.
Methods: A comprehensive search involving MEDLINE and Google Scholar was undertaken, selecting papers published until July 2022. The inclusion criteria were both theoretical and experimental studies about the pharmacology of IBO. Additional publications were identified in the references of the initial papers.
Results: IBO and its main metabolite, NOR, can modulate several targets associated with SUDs. Instead of identifying key targets, the action of IBO should be understood as a complex modulation of multiple receptor systems, leading to potential synergies. The elucidation of IBO's pharmacology could be enhanced through the application of methodologies rooted in the polypharmacology paradigm. Such approaches possess the capability to describe multifaceted patterns within multi-target drugs.
Conclusion: IBO displays complex effects through multiple targets. The information detailed here should guide future research on both mechanistic and therapeutic studies.”
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Scientific Reports (Nature)
(September 2023)
Abstract
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the health and wellbeing of the global population. This paper presents the results of a longitudinal transcultural study that was begun at the peak of the pandemic (in April, 2020). An online survey was used to collect data from English-, Spanish-, and Portuguese-speaking participants. The survey collected information about sociodemographics, lifestyle activities, COVID-19-related circumstances, and drug use (with an emphasis on hallucinogenic drugs), as well as involving psychometric questionnaires. Users of hallucinogenic drugs had higher psychological well-being and lower scores on psychopathology scales, both at baseline and during follow-ups. This difference was larger when users were distinguished by frequency of use, as regular users scored higher on psychological well-being and lower on psychopathology scales. Subjects with more psychological distress had lower scores for all scales of post-traumatic growth, but if they were regular hallucinogens users, they had higher scores for post-traumatic growth. When comparing the results between cultural contexts, heterogeneous results were obtained. There were more English-speaking regular users of hallucinogenic drugs. Further research should analyse the potential role of hallucinogens in large-scale catastrophes, with a special focus on post-traumatic growth.”
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Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry
(January 2023)
Abstract
“Hallucinations are currently associated almost exclusively with psychopathological states. While it is evident that hallucinations can indicate psychopathology or neurological disorders, we should remember that hallucinations also commonly occur in people without any signs of psychopathology. A similar case occurs in the case of hallucinogenic drugs, which have been long associated with psychopathology and insanity. However, during the last decades a huge body of research has shown that certain kinds of hallucinations, exerted by hallucinogenic drugs, may serve to improve mental health. We propose that, in light of historical, epidemiological, and scientific research, hallucinations can be better characterized as a common phenomenon associated sometimes with psychopathology but also with functional and even beneficial outcomes. In the last sections of the manuscript, we extend our argument, suggesting that hallucinations can offer a via regia to knowledge of the mind and the world. This radical shift in the cultural interpretation of hallucinations could have several implications for fields such as drug policy, civil law, and psychiatry, as well as for the stigma associated with mental disorders.”
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European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
(March 2023)
Abstract
Ibogaine is a psychoactive alkaloid derived from the west-African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. Western cultures are increasing the interest for the substance due to its claimed anti addictive properties, although the evidence supporting this effect is still preliminary. The use of ibogaine often occurs with no medical supervision in uncontrolled settings, and its use has been associated with several reports of severe adverse events. This review aims to evaluate the clinical studies of ibogaine, with a focus on administration settings, to elucidate specific criteria that may promote safer contexts for ibogaine use. A systematic review of the literature was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scielo, ClinicalTrials.gov and Core.ac.uk electronic databases were searched, and clinical studies published until November 17, 2022, were retrieved. The final synthesis included 12 sources. Information about general characteristics of the studies, adverse effects, screening of participants and setting characteristics were summarized and discussed. It is concluded that the use of controlled settings, supported by trained professionals and equipment allowing for rigorous medical, psychiatric, and cardiac monitoring, are essential to promote the safety of patients receiving ibogaine.”
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ICEERS
October 2023
“The rising popularity of ayahuasca has sparked fascination worldwide. The comprehensive research on Ayahuasca, Global Consumption & Reported Deaths in the Media uncovered contrasting contexts on ayahuasca and examined the rate of participation with this plant medicine across various countries. The initial report presented information on eight countries, ordered according to the prevalence of ayahuasca consumption: Colombia (0.8%), the United States (0.5%), the Czech Republic (0.5%), the Netherlands (0.42%), Brazil (0.37%), Uruguay (0.33%), Estonia (0.27%) and Spain (0.2%).”
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Victory Rejuvenation Center
October 20, 2023
Explore the impact of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) on women's lives and the potential of cannabis as a holistic treatment option.
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Victory Rejuvenation Center
September, 2023
Gain insights into the intricate relationship between THC, testosterone levels, and opioid suppression.
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Victory Rejuvenation Center
September, 2023
Explore the vital roles of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in the body, their impact on overall health, and the benefits of hormone therapy.
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Victory Rejuvenation Center
October 25, 2022
Dr. Wilson-King describes the role of insulin resistance, highlights the latest science on the topic, and gives examples of ways that you can prevent it and maintain optimal well-being.
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Victory Rejuvenation Center
March, 2022
The endocannabinoid system has an essential role in how newborns eat and receive nutrients. What is the impact of cannabis while breastfeeding? Dr. Wilson-King outlines the current science and the existing research gaps.
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Victory Rejuvenation Center (November 2021)
“One of the questions often asked at the clinic is whether or not it is ok to use cannabis while pregnant. Cannabis use is rising in popularity worldwide. More people are starting to connect with the plant and use it for a wide range of conditions and situations. A large subset of people want to know if cannabis can be used safely during pregnancy, or not. As is the case with many great questions, there isn’t a firm yes or no to send people on their way with. “
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (June 2020)
“Are you attending protests in support of dismantling White Supremacy? Dr. Sarah Mann gives tips to help you care for yourself and those around you.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (September 2021)
“Striving for social justice and racial equity is active work. Medical professionals have the opportunity to create programs that give equal ability for all people to live healthy lives. Healthcare workers are in a unique position to get involved in programs bringing compassionate care to the forefront of medical institutions and educational centers. Inequality still exists in all aspects of society, which includes incarceration, policing, medicine, research, and the cannabis industry. It is the duty of healthcare workers to heal communities in need and critique systems that cause harm.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (October 2020)
“Matt Cascio, RN discusses compassion fatigue and how this can impact those in the healthcare sector.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (November 2021)
“It is essential for those who utilize and advocate for cannabis in clinical practice to be aware of the benefits and potential harms. While cannabis has been found to be helpful for a variety of conditions, the science hasn’t fully elucidated all aspects of its clinical use. One example is the nuanced scenario of cannabis for patients with heart conditions. It has been demonstrated in preclinical studies that cannabis has cardioprotective properties that may be clinically beneficial.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (December 2021)
“Shortly after the COVID pandemic hit in Winter 2020, life took a worrisome turn when my youngest son developed a severe motor tic disorder. My healthy son was 10 at the time. He suddenly became plagued with involuntary movements during all his waking hours. The lockdown and home schooling were almost a blessing. It meant that he wasn’t faced with the loss of his usual activities, like playing hockey and spending time with friends. Given the severity of his symptoms, these activities would have been impossible for him to do. Of course, it also raised the possibility that his condition had been triggered by the stress of the pandemic, which hit young people especially hard.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (August 2021)
“The SCC statement on delta-8-THC, its safety profile, and considerations for clinicians and patients.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (July 2021)
“Dr. Brent was a retired dentist and an avid herbalist, which framed most of the perspective for his research on cannabis and integrating it into the greater botanical medicine compendium.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (June 2021)
“Dr. Genevieve Newton explores how cannabis therapeutics may be a beneficial addition to hospice and palliative care. Discover the science and hear from experts in the field.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (May 2021)
“James Brent, DDS explores how listening with the senses and tuning into our hearts allows us to have a special relationship with cannabis and other plants.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (May 2021)
“Cannabis nurses Eloise Theisen, NP and Katherine Golden, RN give an insider perspective of what it’s like to operate a free hotline aimed at educating patients and the general public on cannabis therapeutics.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (April 2021)
“Dr. Genevieve Newton outlines the preclinical and clinical research on the applications of cannabis for anxiety and depression.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (March 2021)
“James Brent, DDS outlines the mind/body connection and how cannabis and other herbs may help bring the gut and the brain into alignment.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (March 2021)
“A student from Oakton Community College submitted a compelling answer to the question: what is the real difference between indicas and sativas?
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (February 2021)
“Sarah Mann, MD analyses the knowledge gap in medical schools on cannabis therapeutics and how education can empower both healthcare professionals and the patients that they serve.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (December 2020)
“James Brent, DDS explores the deeper connection healthcare professionals can have with the cannabis plant inspired from the herbalist perspective..”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (August 2020)
“Three seasoned Cannabis Nurses share their insight on modes of administration, patient access, and adversity to the cannabis “high”.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (July 2020)
“How does Cannabis Nursing address the booming need for education and worldwide support for cannabis medicine? The Society of Cannabis Clinicians interviewed three Cannabis Nurses to gain insight.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (April 2020)
“Dawn-Marie Steentra, LPN guides us through a day in the life of a Cannabis Nurse. The work requires ongoing compassion, education, and enthusiasm for patient advocacy.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (March 2020)
“What would we envision as the best cannabis model for international patient access? This question was explored at a collaborative event in Barcelona just before the COVID-19 lockdowns swept over Spain (and the world).”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (March 2020)
“Joe D. Goldstrich, MD, FACC outlines what we know about the antiviral properties of cannabis and whether or not it could be helpful or detrimental for COVID-19.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (March 2020)
“Sarah Mann, MD separates myth and conjecture from what is known (and unknown) about cannabis and sex. ”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (February 2020)
“Does cannabis have synergy with other plants? James Brent, DDS reviews the literature. ”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (January 2020)
“The SCC sent a poll to its membership to gauge how those within the organization were approaching the vape pen issue and EVALI. Learn more about their recommendations and considerations.”
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Society of Cannabis Clinicians (December 2019)
“Dr. Sarah Mann tells the tale of one of her patients who inspired the shift towards a cannabis integrated practice.”
