Newly discovered cannabinoids hold promise for medical, pain applications
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LAS VEGAS — Lesser-known cannabinoids are showing potential for treating neurological disease, inflammation, pain, cancer and infection, according to dermatologist Jeanette Jacknin, MD.
Jacknin, CEO of Dr. Jacknin’s Skincare in Encinitas, Calif., spoke at PAINWeek 2022 on the potential benefits of newly discovered cannabinoids, including cannabigerol acid (CBGa), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa).
“Of the approximately 113 cannabinoids, the most common being CBD, less than 10% have been researched,” Jacknin told attendees.
CBGa recently was found to be helpful in treating neuropathic pain, neurodegenerative disease, epilepsy, cancer and skin disorders, she said.
According to Jacknin, research involving CBN has revealed its anti-inflammatory properties, efficacy in lowering intraocular pressure, neuroprotection, helpful effects in ADHD and pain control, appetite stimulation and antibacterial properties.
CBC also is important in neurology, she noted, and studies have shown that CBC improved function of neural stem progenitor cells. “It encourages neurogenesis,” Jacknin said. “We can only think this would be helpful as we get older.”
This cannabinoid also defends against oxidative stress, which can contribute to neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Jacknin said. It works best for depression when combined with THC and CBD, and can also be helpful in pain relief and acne and as an antibacterial, she continued.
Clinical trials need to be performed at different levels, Jacknin said, “but this is amazing for the future.”
According to Jacknin, the neuroprotective effects of THCa may be applicable to neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, inflammation, pain and cancer. Research is being conducted in epilepsy, brain tumor, Parkinson’s disease, AD, chronic traumatic encephalopathy and Huntington’s disease.
“Cannabinoids like this will revolutionize neurology treatment, prevention and pain,” she said.