Educational Resources
DRUG SCIENCE
Drug Science is an independent, science-led charity, bringing together leading drugs experts from a wide range of specialisms to carry out ground-breaking research into drug harms and effects. By telling the truth about drugs, Drug Science engages the public, media, policy makers and academics, equipping them with the knowledge and resources to enact positive change.
For young adults Drug Science have started an observational medical cannabis study in the UK called Project Twenty21, which you can sign up to if you are over eighteen years old. They gather data on the efficacy of cannabis based medicines for a wide range of conditions, epilepsy being one of those conditions.
Drug science have also done observational studies on the use of medical cannabis in children with severe forms of epilepsy.
Listen to a series of four videos from Global Cannabinoid Solutions, about the Drug Science observational study on the children within the End Our Pain group who are prescribed medicinal cannabis to treat their treatment resistant epilepsy. Hear from the professionals who ran the study.
The Endocannabinoid System
The Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological signalling system that maintains natural balance (homeostasis) in the body. It was first discovered in 1988 whilst researching THC, (which is a well known cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant).
We know it helps to regulate sleep, memory, appetite, mood, immune system, reproduction and fertility. There are cannabis receptors all over the body and brain and research is constantly evolving in this area to help us better understand it.
We know our body makes its own cannabinoids but when our body does not make enough cannabinoids, medical cannabis helps by connecting to receptors CB1 and CB2 in the body and act like an on off switch in the body to restore balance. CB1 receptors target appetite, motor co-ordination, motor activity, short term memory, pain, and immune cells, whilst CB2 receptors target the gut, immune system, eyes, reproductive system, respiratory tract, cardiovascular system, bone, kidneys, pancreas, liver, tumours, central nervous system, and adipose tissue.
Recommended Books
What would you do to save your child?
When Vera Twomey's daughter Ava was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy that causes multiple seizures a day, the family's life was thrown into chaos. Where they hoped to find treatment and support in the medical system, they found only frustration. The only medication that would have any effect on Ava's condition is a form of medicinal cannabis that was unavailable in Ireland.
Thus began the family's fight to alleviate their daughter's suffering and give her a chance at life. Faced with an intransigent system and political establishment, Vera's campaign eventually culminated in her decision to walk from Cork to Leinster House in Dublin in protest to ask health minister Simon Harris for help in person.
For Ava tells the story of the campaign for Ava's medication and the family's move to the Netherlands in order to legally access the medication that would save her life. It also pays tribute to the people who helped Vera achieve her goal. Above all, this is a moving story about the lengths a parent will go to for their child's health and happiness.
Canna-Manual
Written by cannabinoid scientist Christopher Tasker to help the public understand cannabis science, its medical applications, and social implications.
Overview:
Everything you need to know about cannabis. The Canna-Manual is an induction into the revolutionary world of cannabis, giving readers a deep dive into the complex history of cannabis, the latest science, and the realities for patients on the frontline of prohibition. Avoid the confusion around cannabis and over-the-counter cannabis products with this comprehensive guide. Cannabinoid scientist and consultant Chris Tasker takes you on a crash course in all things cannabis, helping readers build an in-depth understanding of the relationship and realities of cannabis and its complex relationship with humanity. Suitable for students, Patients, advocates, entrepreneurs, investors, and medics.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Canna-Manual-Cannabis-Context-Christopher-Tasker-ebook/dp/B08WKGHJ71/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=cannamanual&qid=1652278315&sr=8-1
Cannabis Revealed
Written by Bonni Goldstein, M.D., a well-respected practicing physician in California, and owner and Medical Director of Canna-Centers, this book explains the scientific research for over 28 chronic medical conditions for which cannabis is being used with positive results. Having helped thousands of suffering patients – including children – find relief with cannabis, Dr. Goldstein shares her expertise and years of clinical hands-on experience in chapters like How to Use Cannabis as Medicine, The Safety Profile of Cannabis, and Medical Risks of Using Cannabis, as well as true stories of how cannabis medicine has improved the lives of her seriously ill patients.
As medical cannabis laws continue to evolve, it is more vital than ever for patients suffering from life-changing medical conditions to understand the benefits of this plant in an honest, medicine-based perspective. Educational, practical and comprehensive, Cannabis Revealed exposes the truth behind cannabis so patients can make informed decisions and improve the quality of their lives.
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Cannabis is Medicine
Is Medicine, medical cannabis specialist Bonni Goldstein, MD, explains the science behind the use of this amazingly therapeutic plant and describes in easy-to-understand detail the recently discovered endocannabinoid system, involved in almost every human physiological process. Over 4 million people in the US are healing difficult-to-treat illnesses with cannabis medicine, and although 33 states have medical cannabis laws, many physicians remain reluctant to discuss how this plant may be beneficial to health. this book is the comprehensive resource for patients and their loved ones who have not found answers with conventional medicines.
Dr Goldstein has helped thousands of suffering patients -- including children -- find relief with cannabis. In her revelatory book, she explains the current state of scientific research on more than 28 chronic medical conditions that have responded positively to treatment with cannabis, and offers actionable advice on using various forms of medical cannabis, including CBD, to treat a range illnesses, navigating the medical cannabis industry, and detailed information on safety and legality.
Children's Books
Walter the Wizard is a new up and coming range of children's story books.
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The Authors hope is that each publication provides an insight into real life issues that effect our future generation in todays world.
Topics that need much more awareness surrounding them.
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The objective is to create conversations that challenge the current program and encourage debate, ensuring the expansion of thought.
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Publications so far include:-
The Magic Seed and The Worry Dragon.
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Magic Seed is the first of the UK’s educational Cannabis books for children.
Shedding light and awareness on childhood epilepsy and the healing powers of holistic medicine.
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The Worry Dragon is centred around helping children to manage their emotions and unhelpful thoughts.
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We are signposting you to these books which have been recommended by other parents. Intractable Epilepsy does not take any contribution from the sale of these books and is not responsible for their contents.
