Marijuana is a puzzling drug, and a contentious one at that. Pure THC is sold pharmaceutically (and DEA-OK), but the whole plant isn't OK with the feds. That said, many states have decriminalized it for medical use. The pharmacology of cannabinoids is complex; marijuana aficionados report the drug exhibits a certain capacity to make eating 99 cent frozen pizza a more sublime experience than it would be sober. This rationale has resulted in the use of rimonabant, a cannabinoid antagonist (that is, it blocks its effects, like yesterday's molecule does with nicotine) to treat obesity.
Currently, rimonabant is available only in Europe. Last week, NPR ran a story on an American who imported it from Europe to treat his obesity.
So why isn't it approved in the States? Like you'd expect, the psychopharmacology of cannabinoids is complex, and there is some concern about depression caused by the drug. Interestingly, it seems to act like an "anti-marijuana" in other aspects, such as improving short-term memory in rats.
And with that, I'm off to binge-eat for the holiday, as is every American's right and duty!
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i used this molecule personally ,then on my patients when it was being marketed in india i found it very effective and my diabetic medication was reduced to less then half of what it was before using it.i would definitely loike to take it myself,i suffered no sideeffects.
FYI, DEA distinguishes between the pharmaceutical form versus pure THC. The pharmacuetical form is listed on Schedule III as dronabinol (synthetic THC) in sesame oil in soft gelatin capsule (trade name Marinol). It's regulated at the same level as things like ketamine, testosterone, and anabolic steroids.
Pure THC (i.e. not diluted in oil and packaged in capsules) is listed on Schedule I, putting it in the same class as LSD, heroin, mescaline, etc. Still possible to work with, but only at the highest level of DEA oversight. (Meaning state & federal licenses, inspections, paperwork, background checks, special facilities, security features, etc.)
Its the same double-standard in this country, that is the US of A, as it was with RU-486. RU-486was approved and used for years in other parts of the world, most notably in Europe, but was only recently, and narrowly at that, approved in the US of A. Somehow people here think the biochemistry follows different patterns or is different in general in this country than elsewhere. THC is approved but don't get caught smoking a joint, and you could end up with your live ruined.
In regards to this day's chemical entity, pills are not the answer to treat obesity, exercise and healthier eating is the answer, but that I fear ain't going nowhere since it is easier to pop a pill than to actually use all your body.
Mandatory rimonabant therapeutic medication of every schoolchild kindergarten through college graduation! We will amputate the very meaning of sin. Side effects support a vibrant after-market. How would adults cope if it weren't for black depression?
Add a naltrexone sustained release preparation. Endorphins are crimes against the State. A combined pill is the ticket. I'd call it "Victory." Will your child be Victorious today?
A bit off-topic, I know. But a new use for a schedule I drug is being studied.
http://tinyurl.com/35qut8
Rimonbant is not approved for over the counter use in the united states due to its side effects. These side effects include insomnia and suicidal thoughts.
Anyone notice this molecule's general similarity to the -coxib drugs (like Vioxx)? It has the bizarre five-membered ring with the two phenyl groups. Without that piperazine moiety I wonder if it's be a good COX-2 inhibitor.
And I agree with Uncle Al. Marathon runners are endorphin/endocannabinoid junkies. =P
Vince
Can't see the likeness myself.