Vancouver, Canada: Naturally occurring chemicals in the body that mimic the effects of cannabis suppress stress-induced pain, according to pre-clinical data summarized in the August issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).
Researchers at the University of Georgia Neuroscience and Behavior Program demonstrated that brains in rats release endocannabinoids as a response to painful stimuli. Researchers reported an increase in the concentration of endocannabinoids two minutes after the introduction of painful stimuli, and again 15 minutes later.
The animals experienced greater pain when administered a chemical that blocked the effect of endocannabinoids, scientists noted.
Previous research on endocannabinoids has found the chemicals to play a role in appetite, motor coordination, blood pressure regulation, and combating cancer.
For more information, please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Senior Policy Analyst, at (202) 483-5500. Full text of the CMAJ synopsis, “Analgesia through endogenous cannabinoids,” is available online at:
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/173/4/357