Perfil de fitocannabinoides en muestras derivadas al Laboratorio de control de calidad de la ENyS / Phytocannabinoid profile in samples sent to the ENyS quality control laboratory

[RESUMEN]. Las plantas de cannabis se clasifican en quimiotipos, según las concentraciones relativas de tetrahidrocannabinol (THC) y cannabidiol (CBD). El quimiotipo I tiene alto contenido de THC (sativa dominante); el quimiotipo II tiene un contenido aproximado 1:1 de THC:CBD (híbrida) y el quimiotipo III con CBD como constituyente predominante (indica dominante). El objetivo fue clasificar las muestras recibidas en el Laboratorio de con trol de calidad de la ENyS según su quimiotipo. El análisis de cannabinoides se realizó mediante cromatografía líquida de ultra alta resolución acoplada a espectrometría de masas y se calculó la razón THC/CBD. Se analizaron 121 muestras de tejido vegetal, que tuvieron un fuerte predominio de quimiotipo I (75%) y 139 muestras de aceite, con 41% de quimiotipo I, 40% de quimiotipo II y 19% de quimiotipo III.

[ABSTRACT]. Cannabis plants are classified into chemotypes, based on the relative concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Chemotype I has high THC content (sativa dominant); chemotype II has an approximate 1:1 content of THC:CBD (hybrid) and chemotype III has CBD as the predominant constituent (indica dominant). Our aim was to classify the samples received at the ENyS Quality Control Laboratory according to their chemotype. Cannabinoid analysis was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and the THC/CBD ratio was calculated. 121 plant tissue samples were analyzed, which had a strong predominance of chemotype I (75%) as well as 139 oil samples, wich rendered 41% chemotype I, 40% chemotype II and 19% chemotype III.

Inconsistencia científica de los estudios que difunden los efectos paliativos de la marihuana o relativizan sus consecuencias nocivas / Scientific inconsistency of the studies that disseminate the palliative effects of marijuana or downplay its harmful consequences

Los países o territorios que legalizaron la marihuana o consideran hacerlo tienen que prevenir el aumento de las sobredosis por drogas; los resultados que ofrecen las experiencias de Estados Unidos -promocionadas con dudoso respaldo científico- se confirmaron equivocados. Las tendencias de mortalidad por opioides en los Estados Unidos, líder mundial tanto en mortalidad por opioides como en trastorno por consumo de cannabis, no acompaña la hipótesis que propone la disponibilidad de marihuana para reducir la mortalidad por opioides. Durante la última década, las tendencias de mortalidad por opioides del país en las jurisdicciones que legalizan y no legalizan la marihuana, sugieren lo contrario. Las personas de raza negra no hispanas y los hispanos en particular, necesitan ayuda para revertir las tendencias que pudieron facilitarse por la legalización de la marihuana.

Caracterización y seguimiento de una población de uruguayos usuarios de derivados de cannabis medicinal artesanal / Characterization and follow up of a population of Uruguayan cannabis derivatives users in artisanal medicine / Caracterização e monitoramento de uma população de usuários uruguaios de derivados artesanais de cannabis medicinal

Introducción: el conocimiento del cannabis medicinal data de hace más de 10.000 años y tiene sus orígenes en el continente asiático y en la medicina oriental. En el último tiempo ha surgido especial interés en su uso terapéutico, y Uruguay desde 2013 cuenta con una ley que regula la tenencia y uso de la planta de cannabis. Objetivo: caracterizar el uso de los derivados de cannabis medicinal (DCM) en una población de usuarios uruguayos. Metodología: se realizó un estudio observacional, prospectivo, en una población de usuarios de DCM, a través de encuestas telefónicas. Los datos obtenidos se analizaron utilizando Excel®, mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: se incluyeron 32 usuarios entre 29 y 78 años, la mayoría de sexo femenino. La forma farmacéutica más utilizada fue el aceite y la principal indicación fue para el tratamiento del dolor. Se observó una disminución en la intensidad del dolor postratamiento. El principal efecto adverso observado fue la sequedad de boca. Conclusiones: es el primer estudio nacional en caracterizar el uso de DCM artesanal. Se incluyeron 32 usuarios de DCM artesanal. La principal indicación de DCM fue para el tratamiento del dolor, siendo la artrosis su principal causa. Todos los usos fueron para indicaciones no aprobadas si se compara con sus equivalentes industrializados. Predominó el uso en mujeres adultas. Se destacó una gran expectativa frente al inicio del uso. Los eventos adversos observados estuvieron dentro de los esperados y de entidad leve.

Summary: Introduction: knowledge on medical cannabis is over 10,000 years old and stems from Asian and Eastern medicine. In recent years, special interest on its therapeutic use has arisen, and in 2013 Uruguay passed a law to regulate possession and use of cannabis plants. Objective: to characterize the use of medicinal cannabis derivatives in a population of Uruguayan users. Method: observational, prospective study in a population of medicinal cannabis derivatives users through telephone surveys. Data obtained were analysed with Excel®, by using descriptive statistics. Results: thirty two users were included in the study, between 29 and 78 years old, most of which were female. The most widely used pharmaceutical form was oil and the main indication was to treat pain. A decline in pain intensity after treatment was observed. The main adverse effect observed was dry mouth. Conclusions: this is the first national study to characterize the use of artisanal medicinal cannabis derivatives. Thirty two users of artisanal medicinal cannabis derivatives were included in the study. The main indication for artisanal medicinal cannabis derivatives was the treatment of pain, arthrosis being the main cause. All users followed non-approved indications if compared to industrialized equivalents. The use was more extended among women. Great expectation upon initiation of use was noticed. Adverse events observed were mild and the expected.

Introdução: o conhecimento da cannabis medicinal remonta a mais de 10.000 anos e tem suas origens no continente asiático e na medicina oriental. Nos últimos tempos, surgiu um interesse especial em seu uso terapêutico e, desde 2013, o Uruguai possui uma lei que regula a posse e o uso da planta de cannabis. Objetivo: caracterizar o uso de derivados de cannabis medicinal (DCM) em uma população de usuários uruguaios. Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, prospectivo, em uma população de usuários de DCM, por meio de inquéritos telefônicos. Os dados obtidos foram analisados ​​no programa Excel®, por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: foram incluídos 32 usuários entre 29 e 78 anos, a maioria do sexo feminino. A forma farmacêutica mais utilizada foi o óleo e a principal indicação foi para o tratamento da dor. Observou-se diminuição da intensidade da dor pós-tratamento. O principal efeito adverso observado foi boca seca. Conclusões: este é o primeiro estudo nacional a caracterizar o uso de DCM artesanal. Foram incluídos 32 usuários artesanais de DCM. A principal indicação da CMD foi para o tratamento da dor, sendo a osteoartrite sua principal causa. Todos os usos foram para indicações não aprovadas quando comparados aos seus equivalentes industrializados. Predominou o uso em mulheres adultas. Houve uma grande expectativa desde o início do uso. Os eventos adversos observados estavam dentro do esperado e de entidade leve.

Uso del cannabis medicinal en niños con encefalopatías epilépticas farmacorresistentes. Experiencia en Hospital Garrahan / Use of medicinal cannabis in children with drug-resistant epileptic encephalopathies. Experience at Garrahan Hospital

Objetivo: Reportamos resultados sobre la efectividad, seguridad y tolerancia del cannabidiol como adyuvante terapéutico en pacientes pediátricos con encefalopatías epilépticas del desarrollo (EED) resistentes al tratamiento farmacológico y no farmacológico tras un seguimiento promedio de 20 meses. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo para evaluar la eficacia, la seguridad y la tolerancia del aceite de cannabis medicinal enriquecido con CBD añadido a los medicamentos anticonvulsivos estándar en niños con EED resistentes a los medicamentos atendidos en un único centro. Resultados: Entre octubre de 2018 y marzo de 2020, se incluyeron 59 pacientes. La edad media en el momento del inicio del protocolo fue de 10,5 años (rango, 2-17 años). La mediana de la duración del tratamiento fue de 20 meses (rango, 12-32). La mediana de edad en el momento de la primera convulsión fue de 8 meses (rango, 1 día - 10 años). Al final del seguimiento, el 78% de los niños tenía una disminución ≥ 50% en frecuencia de las crisis y el 47,5% tenía una disminución > 75%. Siete pacientes (11,9%) estaban libres de convulsiones. El número de crisis se redujo de una mediana de 305/mes a 90/mes, que supone una reducción media del 57% y una mediana del 71% (p < 0,0001). Los efectos adversos fueron en su mayoría leves o moderados. El CBD se interrumpió en 17 pacientes (28,8%) por falta de respuesta al tratamiento, aumento de la frecuencia de las convulsiones, intolerancia al fármaco o cumplimiento terapéutico insuficiente. Conclusión: En los niños con EED resistentes a los fármacos, el tratamiento a largo plazo del cannabis medicinal enriquecido con CBD como terapia adyuvante resultó ser seguro, bien tolerado y eficaz. Las reducciones sostenidas en la frecuencia de las convulsiones y la mejora de los aspectos de la vida diaria se observaron en comparación con nuestros preliminares (AU)

Objective: We report results on the effectiveness, safety, and tolerance of cannabidiol (CBD) as add-on therapy in children with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) resistant to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment after a mean follow-up of 20 months. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of CBD-enriched medical cannabis oil added to standard antiseizure medications in children with drug-resistant DEEs seen at a single center. Results: Between October 2018 and March 2020, 59 patients were included. The median age at protocol initiation was 10.5 years (range, 2-17 years). Median treatment duration was 20 months (range, 12-32). The median age at the time of the first seizure was 8 months (range, 1 day - 10 years). At the end of follow-up, 78% of the children had a decrease ≥ 50% in seizure frequency and 47.5% had a decrease of > 75%. Seven patients (11.9%) were seizure free. The number of seizures was reduced from a median of 305/month to 90/month, accounting for a mean reduction of 57% and a median of 71% (p < 0.0001). Adverse effects were mostly mild or moderate. CBD was discontinued in 17 patients (28.8%) due to lack of response to treatment, increased seizure frequency, drug intolerance, or poor compliance. Conclusion: In children with drug-resistant DEE, long-term treatment with CBD-enriched medicinal cannabis as add-on therapy proved to be safe, well tolerated, and effective. Sustained reductions in seizure frequency and improvement in aspects of daily living were observed compared to our preliminary results (AU)

Inorganic element profile of medicinal Cannabis extracts consumed by pediatric patients

Abstract The increasing number of reports of web-based experiences on the success of Cannabis-based therapies in controlling seizures in children suffering from refractory epilepsy have led to efforts by governments and associations to a recent change in legislation. The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) allowed the import of Cannabis extracts in 2015 and the registration of the first industrialized drug in 2017. In 2019, ANVISA approved procedures for the granting of a Sanitary Authorization for manufacturing and imports, establishing marketing requirements, prescribing, dispensing, monitoring and surveillance of cannabis products for medicinal purposes. Similar to other consumer products of health concern, is necessary to ensure the quality and health safety of these products worldwide. The aim of the present study to evaluate the presence of As, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Co, Cr and Mn present in Cannabis extracts and resins used in the treatment of pediatric patients with neurological diseases. Samples (48 national and 24 imported) were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry - ICP-MS. The imported extracts presented more homogeneous inorganic element values, while national extracts showed varied levels, thus indicating the highest health risk.

Uso terapêutico da cannabis medicinal em pessoas com doença neurológica degenerativa / Therapeutic use of medicinal cannabis in people with degenerative neurological disease / Uso terapéutico de cannabis medicinal en personas con enfermedad neurológica degenerativa

Objetivo: apresentar o estado da arte das publicações expressas na literatura cientifica mundial sobre a temática, bem como identificar os benefícios terapêuticos da Cannabis medicinal no tratamento dos sintomas das doenças neurodegenerativas especificamente doenças de Parkinson, esclerose múltipla e Alzheimer. Método: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, cuja busca de dados foi realizada nas bibliotecas virtuais. Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, Lilacs, Cochrane Library e Scielo no período de agosto a outubro de 2021. Resultados: foram encontrados 158 artigos. Vinte e tres artigos foram selecionados para serem lidos na íntegra e 8 atenderam aos critérios desta revisão. Conclusão: as evidências mostram que embora cada vez mais prescritos ou autorizados, a cannabis medicinal ou os Canabinóides para a doenças neurodegenerativas continuam a ser controversos para muitos médicos.

Objective: to present the state of the art of publications expressed in the world Scientific literature on the subject, as well as to identify the therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, specifically, Parkinson's diseases, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's. Method: this is an integrative literature review, whose data search was performed in virtual librares. Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, Lilacs, Cochrane Library and Scielo from August to October 2021. Results:158 articles were found. Twenty-three articles were selected to be read in full and 8 met the criteria of this review. Conclusion: evidence shows that although increasingly prescribed or authorized, medical cannabis or Cannabinoids for chronic pain remain controversial for many physicians.

Objetivo: presentar el estado del arte de las publicaciones expresadas en la literatura científica mundial sobre el tema, así como identificar los beneficios terapéuticos del cannabis medicinal en el tratamiento de enfermedades neurodegenerativas, en concreto, las enfermedades de Parkinson, la esclerosis múltiple y el Alzheimer. Método: se trata de una revisión integradora de la literatura, cuya búsqueda de datos se realizó en bibliotecas virtuales. Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, Lilacs, Cochrane Library y Scielo de agosto a octubre de 2021. Resultados: se encontraron 158 artículos. Se seleccionaron veintitrés artículos para ser leídos en su totalidad y ocho cumplieron los criterios de esta revisión. Conclusión: la evidencia muestra que, aunque cada vez más se prescribe o autoriza, el cannabis medicinal o los cannabinoides para el dolor crónico siguen siendo controvertidos para muchos médicos.

Benefícios terapêuticos dos canabinoides no tratamento da dor crônica em pacientes com câncer / Therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids in the treatment of chronic pain in cancer patients / Beneficios terapéuticos del cannabinoides en el tratamiento del dolor crónico en pacientes con cáncer

Objetivo: apresentar o estado da arte das publicações expressas na literatura cientifica mundial sobre a temática, bem como identificar os benefícios terapêuticos da Cannabis medicinal no tratamento da dor. Método: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, cuja busca de dados foi realizada nas bibliotecas virtuais. Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, IBECS, Lilacs, Cochrane Library, Emerald Insight e Scielo no período de agosto a outubro de 2021. Resultados: foram encontrados 367 artigos. Quarenta e três artigos foram selecionados para serem lidos na íntegra e 15 atenderam aos critérios desta revisão. Conclusão: as evidências mostram que embora cada vez mais prescritos ou autorizados, a cannabis medicinal ou os Canabinóides para a dor crónica continuam a ser controversos para muitos médicos.

Objective: to present the state of the art of publications expressed in the world scientific literature on the subject, as well as to identify the therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of pain. Method: this is an integrative literature review, whose data search was performed in virtual libraries. Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, IBECS, Lilacs, Cochrane Library, Emerald Insight and Scielo from August to October 2021. Results: 367 articles were found. Forty-three articles were selected to be read in full and 15 met the criteria of this review. Conclusion: evidence shows that although increasingly prescribed or authorized, medical cannabis or Cannabinoids for chronic pain remain controversial for many physicians.

Objetivo: presentar el estado del arte de las publicaciones expresadas en la literatura científica mundial sobre el tema, así como identificar los beneficios terapéuticos del cannabis medicinal en el tratamiento del dolor. Método: se trata de una revisión integradora de la literatura, cuya búsqueda de datos se realizó en bibliotecas virtuales. Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, IBECS, Lilacs, Cochrane Library, Emerald Insight y Scielo de agosto a octubre de 2021. Resultados: se encontraron 367 artículos. Se seleccionaron 43 artículos para ser leídos en su totalidad y 15 cumplieron con los criterios de esta revisión. Conclusión: la evidencia muestra que, aunque cada vez más se prescribe o autoriza, el cannabis medicinal o los cannabinoides para el dolor crónico siguen siendo controvertidos para muchos médicos.

Medical cannabis and cannabidiol: A new harvest for Malawi

In February 2020 parliament passed the Cannabis Regulation Bill (2020) which regulates the cultivation and production of industrial hemp and medical cannabis. The country will only fully benefit from this development if the medical and scientific community can take the lead in enabling the country to exploit the plant's potential to help address some of our economic and public health challenges. This special communication provides some basic information on cannabis and discusses its history and medical uses. Cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as one of the most important cannabis-derived phytochemicals and has formed the basis for the growth of the medical cannabis industry. The scientific data on the mechanisms of the effects of CBD on the human neuroendocrine-immune network is reviewed and the first effective cannabis-based FDA-approved treatment for epilepsy discussed. Some clinical research that is being done on the antipsychotic and neuroprotective properties of CBD is also reviewed. A case is made for the potential of CBD as a neuroprotective adjunctive therapy for the prevention of neuropsychological sequelae associated with complicated malaria. The safety profile of CBD is reviewed and finally, the potential importance of the re-medicalization of cannabis-based therapies for the broader field of phytomedicine is pointed out

Efficacy of cannabinoids in fibromyalgia: a literature review / Eficacia de los cannabinoides en la fibromialgia: revisión de la literatura

Abstract Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease of unclear etiology, involving a neural oversensitization and impaired pain modulation, in addition to a clinical deficiency of the endocannabinoid system. Fibromyalgia is associated with a number of somatic and psychological disorders and hence multiple pharmacological approaches have been used, including opioids, antidepressants, antiepileptics, and more recently medical cannabis. This narrative review comprises a review of the current literature on the efficacy of cannabinoids in fibromyalgia. The studies describe a possible influence of cannabis on pain control in patients with fibromyalgia, with positive effects on quality of life and sleep. The use of cannabis seems to be beneficial in patients with fibromyalgia; however, more robust studies are still needed to establish is actual efficacy in pain management, quality of life and improvement of associated symptoms.

Resumen La fibromialgia es una enfermedad crónica, cuya etiología no es clara, en la que se involucra una sobresensibilización neural y disminución de la modulación del dolor, así como una deficiencia clínica del sistema endocannabinoide. Está asociada a una variedad de trastornos somáticos y psicológicos, por lo cual se han utilizado múltiples abordajes farmacológicos, entre ellos opioides, antidepresivos, antiepilépticos y, recientemente, cannabis medicinal. En esta revisión narrativa se hace una reseña de la literatura actual relacionada con la eficacia de los cannabinoides en la fibromialgia. Los estudios describen una posible influencia del cannabis sobre el control del dolor en pacientes con fibromialgia, con efectos positivos sobre la calidad de vida y el sueño. El uso del cannabis parece tener beneficios en los pacientes con fibromialgia; sin embargo, aún se requieren estudios más robustos para establecer su verdadera eficacia en el manejo del dolor, calidad de vida y mejoría de los síntomas asociados.

Cannabis for medical and scientific purposes: the Colombian landscape / Panorama del cannabis con fines médicos y científicos en Colombia

Abstract The Colombian government, through Law 1787 of 2016, has created a regulatory framework that allows its citizens to have a safe and informed access to cannabis and its derivatives for medical and scientific purposes. Our country joins others in their efforts to legalize cannabis-derived substances for therapeutic purposes, as many jurisdictions have recognized the potential these products have in the treatment of certain medical conditions. This paper describes the current medical cannabis outlook in Colombia, compares the different medical cannabis supply systems in other parts of the world, summarizes the evidence related to the potential therapeutic benefits and potential risks of using cannabis for medical purposes.

Resumen Mediante la Ley 1787 de 2016, el Gobierno colombiano creó el marco regulatorio que permite el acceso seguro e informado al uso médico y científico del cannabis y sus derivados en nuestro territorio. Este movimiento hacia la legalización de sustancias derivadas de cannabis con fines terapéuticos se suma a otros instaurados en otros países que han reconocido el posible potencial que tienen estos productos en el tratamiento de ciertas condiciones clínicas. Este artículo describe la situación actual del cannabis medicinal en Colombia, compara los diferentes sistemas de provisión de cannabis con fines médicos en otras jurisdicciones, resume la evidencia alrededor de su utilización con fines médicos que justifica la legalización, y los potenciales riesgos que existen con el uso del cannabis.

A política para a cannabis no Brasil entre o direito penal e a saúde pública: da construção do discurso proibicionista às possibilidades de legalização / Cannabis policy in Brazil between criminal law and public health: from the construction of the prohibitionist discourse to the possibilities of legalization

A Cannabis sativa L tem acompanhado a trajetória da humanidade há milênios com destacado papel histórico no desenvolvimento das sociedades humanas. Por suas propriedades singulares e versatilidade é uma das mais antigas plantas cultivadas do mundo e também uma das primeiras plantas a ser utilizada como medicamento e sublimação em rituais religiosos. Durante o século XX, interesses políticos e ideológicos internacionais exacerbaram os atributos psicoativos da planta, tornando-a, proscrita e proibida inclusive ao uso medicinal. No Brasil, ao discurso proibicionista adicionou-se ainda o viés racista, imputando à pessoa escravizada a culpa pela introdução e fumo da erva assassina. Com as notáveis descobertas científicas sobre a cannabis o discurso proibicionista tem perdido força, iniciando-se um movimento global pela legalização que representa o início de uma nova era do entendimento sobre a planta e da concepção sobre o uso de substâncias psicoativas que não mais poderá ser contido pela repressão.

Cannabis sativa L has followed the trajectory of humanity for millennia with an outstanding historical role in the development of human societies. Due to its unique properties and versatility, it is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and also one of the first plants to be used as medicine and sublimation in religious rituals. During the 20th century, international political and ideological interests exacerbated the psychoactive attributes of the plant, making it proscribed and prohibited even for medicinal use. In Brazil, the prohibitionist discourse also added a racist bias, blaming slaves for the introduction and smoking of the killer herb. With the remarkable scientific discoveries about cannabis, the prohibitionist discourse has lost strength, starting a global movement for legalization that represents the beginning of a new era of understanding about the plant and the conception of the use of psychoactive substances that can no longer be contained by repression.

Uso y prescripción de cannabis medicinal por reumatólogos en Argentina / Use and prescription of medical cannabis by rheumatologists in Argentina

El uso y prescripción del cannabis y sus derivados en Reumatología está aún en discusión. La ley de cannabis fue sancionada hace casi 3 años, aunque la reglamentación recién está comenzando. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la forma en que el reumatólogo se posiciona frente al uso de cannabis en el marco de su práctica médica. A través de una encuesta realizada durante el Congreso Argentino de Reumatología 2019 se recabó la opinión de 314 médicos que respondieron preguntas acerca del uso, recomendaciones y posturas respecto a la indicación y uso de cannabinoides en su práctica diaria. El 78,3% (246) conocían la existencia de una ley nacional. El 51,6% (162) se mostró en desacuerdo con el uso de cannabinoides en sus pacientes, mientras que el 36,6% (115) respondió estar de acuerdo, el 3,2% (10) refirió estar muy de acuerdo, y 8,6% (27) estaba muy en desacuerdo. Para pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas autoinmunes, el 94,6% (297) refirió que nunca indica cannabinoides, el 4,1% (13) que los indican pocas veces, y el 1,3% (4) algunas veces. Para las enfermedades reumáticas degenerativas, el 90,4% (284) nunca indica cannabinoides, el 6,7% (21) lo hace pocas veces, y el 2,9% (9) lo hace algunas veces. Para la fibromialgia, el 84,4% (265) nunca indica cannabinoides, el 8,3% (26) los indica pocas veces, el 6,4% (20) los indica algunas veces. El principal obstáculo para la prescripción (permitido más de una respuesta) fue no disponer de la suficiente información científica para prescribir (50,3%, 158), el 47,5% (149) contestó que no conoce los componentes de la preparación, el 47,1% (148) no conoce las dosis o la posología, el 41,4% (130) no le resultan confiables los productores, el 38,9% (122) respondió que no le convencen los estudios clínicos en la especialidad. No hubo diferencias significativas entre las variables edad, género, años en la especialidad o lugar de ejercicio y las respuestas descriptas. Conclusión: El uso de cannabis en Reumatología de acuerdo a los especialistas que ejercen en Argentina requiere de un mayor sustento científico y farmacéutico para poder prescribirlo en un marco seguro.

The use and prescription of cannabis and its derivatives in Rheumatology is still under discussion. The cannabis law was enacted near 3 years ago, although the regulation is just beginning. The objective of this study was to know how rheumatologists positions themselves about the use of cannabis in the framework of his medical practice. Through a survey conducted during the 2019 Argentine Congress of Rheumatology, 314 doctors answered questions about the use, recommendations and opinions regarding the indication and use of cannabinoids in their daily practice. 78.3% (246) knew of the existence of a national law. 51.6% (162) disagreed with the use of cannabinoids by their patients, while 36.6% (115) agreed, 3.2% (10) reported to strongly agree, and 8.6% (27) strongly disagreed. For patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, 94.6% (297) reported that they never prescribed cannabinoids, 4.1% (13) prescribed them rarely, and 1.3% (4) sometimes. For degenerative rheumatic diseases, 90.4% (284) never prescribed cannabinoids, 6.7% (21) did it rarely, and 2.9% (9) did so sometimes. For fibromyalgia, 84.4% (265) never prescribed cannabinoids, 8.3% (26) prescribed them rarely, 6.4% (20) sometimes. The main obstacle to prescribing (more than one answer allowed) was not having enough scientific information (50.3%, 158), 47.5% (149) were uncertain about the cannabis preparation, 47.1% (148) had no knowledge about doses or posology, 41.4% (130) didn´t trust the producers, 38.9% (122) were no convince by the trials in the field. There were no significant differences between the variables age, gender, years in the specialty or workplace and the responses described. Conclusion: According to specialists in Argentina, the use of cannabis in rheumatology requires more scientific and pharmaceutical data to prescribe cannabinoids in a safer framework.

Actualización sobre el uso de los cannabinoides medicinales en enfermedades reumáticas / Update on the use of medicinal cannabinoids in rheumatic diseases

La marihuana medicinal ha sido propuesta en los últimos años como una solución a algunos problemas médicos refractarios a otros tratamientos. El dolor crónico es un síntoma habitual entre los pacientes que consultan al reumatólogo. Distintas enfermedades pueden verse involucradas en este pan-sindrome que engloba desde enfermedades autoinmunes, sindromes dolorosos locorregionales, enfermedades degenerativas hasta desórdenes con componentes psicológicos. En muchos de estos casos, sobre todo los dos últimos, las intervenciones farmacológicas no siempre son eficaces o seguras en el corto, mediano o largo plazo. A pesar de la puesta en primer plano del tema desde hace unos años y la reciente reglamentación de la Ley del cannabis medicinal para su autocultivo y venta en farmacias en Argentina, está la sensación entre los médicos que siguen faltando suficientes datos para el uso de los cannabinoides en las enfermedades reumáticas. Desde la puesta al día realizada en esta revista hace tres años, han aparecido algunos estudios fisiológicos acerca del potencial efecto inmunomodulatorio de los cannabinoides en artritis reumatoidea (AR) y esclerosis sistémica (ES) que resultan de interés, y algunos estudios clínicos que se mencionarán. En esta revisión se analizará la literatura actual de los cannabinoides en el tratamiento de las enfermedades reumáticas y se discutirá dicha evidencia en relación al contexto regulatorio local.

Medical marijuana has been proposed in recent years as a solution to some medical problems refractory to other treatments. Chronic pain is a common symptom among patients who consult a rheumatologist. Different diseases can be involved in this pan-syndrome that ranges from autoimmune diseases, locoregional pain syndromes, degenerative diseases to disorders with psychological components. In many of these cases, especially the last two, pharmacological interventions are not always effective or safe in the short, medium or long term. In this review, the most current literature on the subject regarding cannabinoids and the treatment of rheumatic diseases will be analyzed. Despite the focus of the issue in recent years and the recent regulation of the Medical Cannabis Law for its self-cultivation and sale in pharmacies in Argentina, there is still insufficient data for the use of cannabinoids in the short, medium and long-term in rheumatic diseases. In recent years, some physiological studies have appeared about the potential immunomodulatory effect of cannabinoids in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis (SS), and some clinical studies in SS, but there is still a long way to go to travel in this direction. In this review, the current literature on cannabinoids in the treatment of rheumatic diseases will be analyzed and this evidence will be discussed in relation to the local regulatory context.

Mercado del Cannabis medicinal en Colombia: una oportunidad para el sector salud que requiere lineamientos estratégicos del gobierno nacional y la academia / Medical Marijuana market in Colombia: an opportunity for the health sector that requires strategic guidelines from the national government

Resumen Los resultados de las investigaciones sobre cannabis medicinal han traído a las mesas de gobierno discusiones sobre su potencial terapéutico y las medidas a tomar para controlar su producción, comercialización y utilización. En Colombia, desde el 2017, el mercado del cannabis medicinal se encuentra regulado; sin embargo, existen brechas entre la norma, disponibilidad y acceso de los pacientes a productos farmacéuticos con derivados del cannabis, aprobados por el ente regulatorio y que cumplan con los estándares de calidad. Desde esta perspectiva, se considera necesario que el gobierno nacional lidere, en coordinación con la academia y el sector productivo, el desarrollo de preparados farmacéuticos a base de cannabis; además de establecer e implementar medidas estratégicas y concertadas, orientadas a mejorar el acceso y la utilización adecuada de los productos farmacéuticos de cannabis medicinal, en especial para los casos en los que se pueda establecer una clara relación riesgo/beneficio. Con ello, se contribuye a mejorar las condiciones de salud de pacientes que se pueden beneficiar de estas opciones, al igual que al desarrollo y consolidación de un sector promisorio para el país. MÉD. UIS.2020;33(1):53-8.

Abstract The results of medical marijuana research have brought to the government tables discussions about their therapeutic potential and the measures to be taken to control their production, commercialization and use. In Colombia, since 2017, the medical cannabis market is regulated; however, there are gaps between the laws, availability and the access of patients to pharmaceutical products with cannabis derivatives approved by the regulatory entity and that comply with the standards of quality. From this perspective, it is necessary for the national government to lead, in coordination with the academy and the productive sector, the development of pharmaceutical preparations based on cannabis and to establish and implement strategic and concerted measures, aimed to improve access and proper use of medical marijuana pharmaceutical products, mainly for cases in which a clear risk/benefit relationship can be established. This would help to improve the health conditions of patients who can get benefits from these options, as well as the development and consolidation of a promising sector for the country. MÉD.UIS.2020;33(1):53-8.

Cannabis medicinal: riesgos relacionados con la indicación previa a su aprobación / Medical cannabis: Risks related to its indication prior to approval

En los últimos años, se ha observado un incremento significativo en el interés por la prescripción del cannabis medicinal. En el siguiente artículo, se informa acerca de la escasa base científica que avala la prescripción de estos compuestos en un listado amplio y diverso de patologías médicas. Se considera fundamental que cualquier sustancia que vaya a ser utilizada en humanos siga un protocolo de aprobación estricto y científico, que pueda desligarse de modas o de resultados individuales. Es necesario que, antes de la prescripción de una droga en personas, deba tenerse un panorama claro de cuáles son los usos del compuesto en cuestión, pero, sobre todo, de su seguridad, que es prácticamente desconocida en el cannabis medicinal.

In recent years, the interest in medical cannabis prescription has increased significantly. This article provides information about the little scientific basis supporting the prescription of these products for a wide and diverse range of medical conditions. It is critical for any substance to be used in human beings to follow a strict scientific approval protocol, detached from any trend or individual outcome. Before prescribing any drug to human beings, it is necessary to have a clear picture of its uses, especially its safety, which is practically unknown in the case of medical cannabis.

O autocultivo de Cannabis e a tecnologia social / Cannabis self-cultivation and social technology

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar o autocultivo de Cannabis para fins medicinais no Brasil, avaliando em que medida a prática poderia ser enquadrada como uma tecnologia social, na formulação de Renato Dagnino. Com base em dados coletados em trabalho de campo (entrevistas semiestruturadas) em dois centros urbanos no Brasil (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro) e de uma participante nos Estados Unidos, identificam-se características dessas práticas que as aproximam de uma tecnologia social, como a adaptação a pequena escala, o atendimento a demandas sociais por meio de trabalho cognitivo, a participação ativa de produtores e usuários em seu desenvolvimento, e a ausência de diferenciação entre patrão e empregado. Pondera-se, entretanto, que a noção de tecnologia social está bastante ligada a um objetivo de transformação do setor produtivo, o que talvez limite a aplicação desse conceito em situações de produção não-comercial, para atendimento de necessidades diretas; e que a consideração dos riscos na produção de medicamentos talvez torne pouco aconselhável a generalização de práticas caseiras como a do autocultivo. Propõe-se que essa situação poderia ser remediada com o emprego de estratégias de ciência aberta e cidadã, envolvendo o diálogo com instituições públicas do campo tecnológico e científico.

Abstract The objective of this study is to analyze Cannabis self-cultivation for medicinal purposes in Brazil, evaluating to what extent the practice may fit into the framework of what Renato Dagnino termed a social technology. Based on data collected during fieldwork (semi-structured interviews) carried out in two Brazilian urban centers (São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro) and from a participant in the United States, we identified characteristics of these practices that make them akin to a social technology: adaptation to small-scale production, use of cognitive labor to meet social demands, active participation of producers and users in the practice's development, and lack of differentiation between boss and employee. It is worth noting, however, that the notion of social technology is closely linked to the objective of transforming the productive sector. This may limit the application of this concept to non-commercial production aimed at satisfying direct needs. Moreover, given the risks involved in the production of medicines, the generalization of homemade practices such as self-cultivation may not be advisable. These issues could be remedied by the use of open, democratic and citizen-oriented scientific strategies, involving dialogue with public institutions in the technological and scientific field.