Cannabis and Covid-19 Risks Precautions Prevention and Research

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Cannabis and COVID-19

There has been an overwhelming amount of misinformation about the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and, not surprisingly, some has involved the use of medical marijuana and CBD. We have even seen efforts to exploit the crisis to promote products such as "CBD hand sanitizer". There is no evidence to suggest that CBD improves the effectiveness of hand sanitizer. It is more important now than ever to get advice about your health from medical experts. This includes advice about the use of medical marijuana and CBD. While there is no evidence to suggest cannabis or CBD can prevent infection from the coronavirus, there is evidence indicating that marijuana and CBD can impact the way our bodies react to infection, and the severity of the resulting illness. We frequently talk about the role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating "homeostasis". This includes regulation of our immune system and the way our bodies respond to infection. Listed at the end of this email, you will find two links to articles that describe the current research (or lack of research) regarding cannabinoids and respiratory infections. There is some evidence that CBD and THC may reduce the "cytokine storm" that causes respiratory distress and death in many COVID-19 patients. This is consistent with what we know about cannabinoids and why they work in inflammatory conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis. We believe that the Endocannabinoid system is crucial in the regulation of our bodies‘ immune system. We do not recommend taking medical marijuana or CBD to prevent COVID-19 infection. We do believe in the evidence that full spectrum CBD products can provide significant health benefits, including a healthy immune system. We agree with the current FDA recommendations that CBD products should be recommended by a medical professional and used under medical supervision. Route of administration is a patient’s choice. Please be aware there have been public agencies promoting stopping smoking and vaping of nicotine as well as THC. These statements have been made as generalized recommendations, and cannot specifically address the possible role of THC and other cannabinoids as potentially helpful due to their proven anti-oxidant properties. As always, if you have any questions about your recommended products we are here to help you. We are available during normal business hours throughout the emergency at (561) 270-4040. Please continue to listen to the medical experts and keep your families safe. We sincerely hope we will be able to see you in person soon.   Dr. Mitchell Davis and the ComCan HealthCare Staff 5341 W. Atlantic Ave. Suite 306 Delray Beach, FL 33484 561-270-4040 comcanhealthcare@gmail.com Click the links below:  https://www.projectcbd.org/medicine/cannabis-cbd-covid-19 https://www.projectcbd.org/science/cannabis-and-immune-system

Vaping Related Lung Illness Update

As a Cannabis industry medical practice, we would like to update our patients on the current recommendations from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA regarding the issue of severe lung illness related to vaping. As of this date, there have been approximately 450 cases reported in multiple states, including Florida.  There have been 5 deaths reported.  To date no definitive source of the illness has been determined.  It has occurred in people vaping e-cigarettes or other vaping devices containing nicotine, substances extracted from cannabis (THC, CBD), or both.

Although not definitive, cases related to cannabis appear to be more common in products bought from the internet black market or unlicensed distributors.  One of the most common ingredients in samples from sick patients is Vitamin E acetate, which is a non-approved substance per Florida guidelines for dispensaries. At this time, there is no recommendation to avoid vape products sold in our licensed state dispensaries. 

Warning signs include coughing, fatigue and shortness of breath in anyone who has vaped within the last 90 days.  If you develop any of these symptoms, we urge you to report this to us, as well as your primary care doctor. 

Food and Drug Administration statement:
“Because consumers cannot be sure whether any THC vaping products may contain vitamin E acetate, consumers are urged to avoid buying vaping products on the street, and to refrain from using THC oil or modifying/adding any substances to products purchased in stores”.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statement includes these recommendations:
While this investigation is ongoing, consider not using e-cigarette products
Youth and young adults should not use e-cigarette products.
Women who are pregnant should not use e-cigarette products.
If you do use e-cigarette products, you should not buy these products off the street (for example, e-cigarette products with THC or other cannabinoids).
You should not modify e-cigarette products or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer.

We will continue to closely monitor and update our patients as needed.
Mitchell N Davis, DO, FACOI, FACG
Chief Medical Officer, ComCan Healthcare, LLC

DEA Reschedules CBD Medication to Schedule 5

DEA Reschedules CBD Medication to Schedule 5

The Drug Enforcement Administration announced the rescheduling today of Epidiolex, the first FDA-approved medication derived from the cannabis plant, from Schedule 1 to Schedule 5 under the Controlled Substances Act, CNBC reports.

The move paves the way for United Kingdom-based GW Pharmaceuticals, who manufactures Epixiolex, to begin distributing its new CBD epilepsy medication throughout the U.S.

“We are pleased that the DEA has placed EPIDIOLEX in the lowest restriction Schedule, because it will help ensure that patients with LGS and Dravet syndrome, two of the most debilitating forms of epilepsy, can access this important new treatment option through their physicians.” — Justin Gover, CEO of GW Pharmaceuticals, in a statement

Specifically, the rescheduling applies to CBD that exists in FDA-approved medications; it does not broadly apply to the CBD cannabinoid in all of its forms.

Shares in GW Pharmaceuticals rose 7 percent following news of Epidiolex’s rescheduling.

Epidiolex — an oral solution containing isolated, purified CBD — was approved by the FDA in June. A report in August determined that patients taking Epixiolex can expect to spend about $32,000 per year on the medication.

Early responses to Epidiolex have been positive, and research continues to point to CBD as a largely untapped medicinal resource.

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