A study conducted by Stanford University has found that there might be compounds in marijuana which have some very specific health benefits.

The study’s results reveal that cannabinoids – which are found in cannabis – might help to treat autism. “A new study shows that mutations associated with autism block the action of brain molecules that act on the same receptors that marijuana’s active chemical acts on,” according to the Autism Daily Newscast... “Danielle Piomelli of UC Irvine and Olivier Manzoni of INSERM, the French national research agency, treated mice exhibiting symptoms of Fragile-X Syndrome, a disorder that causes autistic symptoms, with novel compounds that correct the signaling of endocannibinoid transmitters in the brain [which cannabinoids can do]. The mice showed dramatic behavioral improvements in maze tests measuring anxiety and open-space acceptance.” ADN clearly believes that the study’s findings should be viewed as a reason for hope.

Get More: Autism | Autism Daily Newscast | Danielle Piomelli | marijuana study | Olivier Manzoni | Stanford University | Thomas Sudhof | UC Irvine |

NORML Women’s Alliance Welcomes Two New Board Members!

Two leaders from the cannabis industry have been newly elected to the NORML Women’s Alliance Foundation Board of Directors.  The new members, Rick Cusick and Mieko Hester-Perez bring a wealth of organizational development and leadership support to NORML Women’s Alliance Foundations’ goals.The NORML Women’s Alliance Board of Directors is a select group of individuals, from a variety of backgrounds, responsible for setting policy and overseeing the organizations’ general well being. 

Targeting Components Of The Endocannabinoid Signaling System May Help Reverse Autism Symptoms

Medical News Today.Com Spring 2013

Mutations found in individuals with autism block the action of molecules made by the brain that act on the same receptors that marijuana's active chemical acts on, according to new research reported online in the Cell Press journal Neuron. The findings implicate specific molecules, called endocannabinoids, in the development of some autism cases and point to potential treatment strategies.

"Endocannabinoids are molecules that are critical regulators of normal neuronal activity and are important for many brain functions," says first author Dr. Csaba Földy, of Stanford University Medical School. "By conducting studies in mice, we found that neuroligin-3, a protein that is mutated in some individuals with autism, is important for relaying endocannabinoid signals that tone down communication between neurons."

When the researchers introduced different autism-associated mutations in neuroligin-3 into mice, this signaling was blocked and the overall excitability of the brain was changed.

"These findings point out an unexpected link between a protein implicated in autism and a signaling system that previously had not been considered to be particularly important for autism," says senior author Dr. Thomas Südhof, also of Stanford. "Thus, the findings open up a new area of research and may suggest novel strategies for understanding the underlying causes of complex brain disorders." 

The Use of dronabinol (delta-9-THC) in autism: A prospective single-case-study with an early infantile autistic child

René Kurz, Kurt Blaas

Lindengasse 27/10, 1070 Wien, Vienna/Austria

CASE STUDY

Abstract

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of dronabinol (delta-9-THC)as supplementary therapy in a child with autistic disorder.

Methods:A child who met the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria for a diagnosis of autistic disorder and who took no other medication during the observa-tion time was included in an open and uncontrolled study. Symptom assessment was performed using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) before and after six months of medical treatment.

Result: Compared to baseline, significant improvements were observed for hyperactivity, leth-argy, irritability, stereotypy and inappropriate speech at follow-up (p=0.043).

Conclusion: This study showed that the use of dronabinol may be able to reduce the symptoms of autism.

Keywords:early infantile autism, autistic disorder, dronabinol, cannabinoid

Go Ahead And Turn Out The Lights

The Litro Glow Lamp was initially created to pursue health measures and alleviate side effects of hindrance to sunlight. Through trial and tribulation, we have created the ultimate in lighting. The lamp itself ascertains benefits never associated with traditional lighting. It is the first and only lamp that Glows after power interruption! The only lamp being implemented into schools, hospitals, hospice care, and the testimonials are outrageous!

We have just introduced Litro Glow Lamps into a world study to examine the actual clinical trials and effects of our lighting and children with autism. Children being submitted to Litro Glow Lamps are actually seeing ADD, ADHD, and Autism symptoms alleviated!