Scientists Gather in Italy to Share Findings on Cannabis-Based Research
Baveno, Italy, June 30, 2014 – The future of cannabis-based medicinal compounds and how they might be used to minimize suffering, improve lives and cure disease is the topic of researchers from around the world as they gather in northern Italy this week for the International Cannabinoid Research Society’s (ICRS) 24th Annual Symposium on the Cannabinoids.
The four-day event in Baveno, Italy is designed to allow investigators from laboratories all over the globe to openly share scientific findings involving those active molecules produced by the cannabis plant (“marijuana”), collectively known as the “cannabinoids”. Cannabinoids are the subject of increasing interest, both to medical researchers and pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of cannabis-based medicines.
“In addition to acting as a source for impartial information on cannabis and the cannabinoids, the main role of the ICRS symposium is to provide an open forum for researchers to meet and discuss their research,” said Jason B. Schechter, Ph.D., Managing Director of ICRS.
One of the symposium’s speakers, Giovanni Appendino, Ph.D., Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Eastern Piedmont in Novara, Italy told NACP he believes the greatest value in cannabis medicine is the potential to develop novel drugs that specifically target disease states – compounds he refers to as “intelligent” medicines.
“I believe that cannabis medicine can deliver intelligent drugs…that is, drugs that are specific for targets that are only involved in a disease state.” Dr. Appendino went on to give the example of cannflavins, flavonoid compounds found in cannabis that have been shown to possess unique anti-inflammatory properties.
“Inflammation is a chronic disease…and you need some chronic medicine. All we have is acute medication,” Dr. Appendino said. “You can’t give ibuprofen for long periods because you may damage your kidney or your stomach,” he said. “What we need, and I would say what we badly need, is some sustainable anti-inflammatory agent, something that can be taken over a long time.”
Dr. Appendino’s presentation was amongst 80 oral presentations and 143 poster presentations at this year’s ICRS Symposium, which has attracted some 350 researchers and scholars. NACP is a sponsor of the ICRS Symposium and will be featuring interviews filmed on site in its ongoing video series, CannaViewpoints.
“The ICRS Symposium has a distinguished history of bringing together some of the brightest minds in the world on the topic of cannabis-based medicines. NACP is proud to support this extraordinary institution and we look forward to sharing the insights we gain here,” said Gary M. Cohen, BSPharm, RPh, CSP, NACP Board Member.
About the National Association of Cannabis Pharmacy
The National Association of Cannabis Pharmacy™ (NACP™), founded in 2014, represents scientists, researchers and healthcare professionals in cannabis practice settings. Our mission is to provide educational programs and professional networking forums to promote the safe and appropriate use of cannabis-based products and medicines. By building collaboration among all organizations involved in cannabis-based medicines, NACP delivers the benefits and services needed to promote the highest standards of care and improved patient outcomes.
Source: National Association of Cannabis Pharmacy (NACP) www.nacprx.net
Media Contact: Nicole Watkins, [email protected]
About International Cannabinoid Research Society
The International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS) is a non-political, non-religious organization dedicated to scientific research in all fields of the cannabinoids, ranging from biochemical, chemical and physiological studies of the endogenous cannabinoid system to studies of the abuse potential of recreational Cannabis. In addition to acting as a source for impartial information on Cannabis and the cannabinoids, the main role of the ICRS is to provide an open forum for researchers to meet and discuss their research.
Source: International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS) www.icrs.co
Media Contact: [email protected]
