Over three million people in Britain regularly smoke cannabis but research is mounting about the long-term health dangers of using the drug.
Sensational headlines appeared in much of the tabloid press this spring that 'Cannabis could kill 30,000 people a year'. This was based on research from the Imperial College School of Medicine which concluded that the drug contained as much as ten times its main active ingredient (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol - THT) as it did 20 years ago.
The team reported that cannabis smoking was linked to greater increases in the number of cases of bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer and mental illnesses.
Another study published in the British Medical Journal this May by a team from London's St Mary's Hospital, said that regular use of cannabis is associated with an increased risk of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and depression.
Campaigners for the legalisation of cannabis deny that using the drug regularly leads to lasting physical or mental health, but do admit that it can lead to short-term memory loss and exacerbate existing lung problems. However, they say that mixing the drug with tobacco worsens potential dangers and that using a cardboard roach instead of a standard filter in joints allows ten times more tar to be inhaled than from normal cigarettes.
The criminal downgrading of cannabis last year by Home Secretary David Blunkett (from a class B drug to class C) means that possession will now just lead to a police caution, rather than arrest and prosecution.
The British Lung Foundation says that smoking three cannabis joints a day can cause the same damage to the lining of the lungs as 20 cigarettes. And when the two drugs are smoked together the effects are dramatically worse, they state.
But despite probable lung damage and feelings of anxiety, panic, paranoia and impending doom, many thousands of people living with HIV use cannabis regularly as an appetite stimulant, to prevent vomiting, as a way to reduce peripheral neuropathy and as a way of relaxing without using alcohol.
Apart from problems of impurities and quality control, many regular users report common side effects of lethargy and increased depression. There are also possible interactions with some anti-HIV medications and many of the disturbing psychological side effects (particularly to the NNRTI efavirenz - such as lurid dreams and psychotic episodes) have been shown to be worsened by consumption of cannabis.
Other concerns for regular users are a lowering of levels of the male hormone testosterone that can affect sex drive and fertility.
But some scientists are sure that the drug can have medical use and are developing an artificial formulation of marijuana in tablet form, called Marinol, aimed at helping people with HIV cope with sickness and nausea and also to stimulate the appetite.
GW Pharmaceuticals has prepared a nasal spray containing an extract of the drug which is being tried out on patients at three centres around the country.
So while millions continue to consume the drug illegally, just as they have done legally for thousands of years, many medical experts are now warning of serious dangers of taking cannabis regularly.
Perhaps ex-US President Bill Clinton ('I puffed but I didn't inhale') was wiser than usual, more than he knew himself!
Speaking English kills you!The charming Jane Phillips, who now works for Tonic PR, has sent me the final word on nutrition and health: 'The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans...The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and also suffer fewer heart attack than the British and Americans...The Japanese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British and Americans...The Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British and Americans...The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British and Americans...Conclusion: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you!' Dealing with Body Odour
The hot summer months bring many of us into contact with smelly people on public transport. But body odour is a perfectly natural thing and can be dealt with easily. The human body is covered with over three million sweat glands and most bad odours come from the armpits and groin areas where bacteria feast on the originally odourless sweat and produce the unpleasant chemical smells of BO. The more someone sweats the more likely they are to have body odour. Exercise, hot weather, anxiety and some medical conditions all cause more sweating. So does being overweight and eating spicy foods such as curry, onions and garlic. To avoid BO you are advised to wash your armpits and groin every day, use a deodorant soap, wear natural fabrics and apply bicarbonate of soda to offending parts. Some people swear by the use of deodorants but others insist they block the sweat glands and make the problem ever worse. |
Naturopathy is a system of integrated health techniques. Adrian Mercuri ND practises the treatment at London's Helios Centre. He explains how this holistic approach can bring harmony to the body
Also known as 'natural medicine' or 'nature cure', naturopathy developed in the late 19th century, founded on the belief in the power of the body to heal itself. Symptoms are treated in a multi-disciplinary approach that uses a combination of therapies and natural resources. Diet, medicinal herbs, massage, stress relief and exercise are all part of the healing process. A course of treatment can last from six weeks to two years depending on the condition.
To find out what's wrong I usually start with iridology. This is an investigation of the colour, patterns and markings on the iris of the eye. The theory of modern iridology was outlined first by a 19th century Hungarian physician. Dr Ignatz von Peczely studied the possibility of the iris being a map of the body's overall health patterns following changes he noted in an owl's iris while repairing its broken leg. I use iridology together with other clinical observations.
I incorporate botanical medicine in my treatment. Herbal remedies influence the body's recuperative functions rather than just treat the symptoms. Herbs have a delicate chemical balance, unlike the drugs extracted from them, and so the various constituents work together to promote recovery.
I also look at nutrition and the diet. Some clients with HIV have a very poor absorption of nutrients from the food they eat, and use up energy much faster than usual. Also there can be an excessive cholesterol build-up. Excess candida, which is common when the immune system is not functioning well, often requires a reduction in the amount of carbohydrate and certainly all yeast and fungus foods, such as marmite and mushrooms. However a reduction in carbohydrates may not be indicated if there is weight loss. It is always quite a fine balancing act to get the diet just right for each individual.
Massage release is vitalI also provide therapeutic massage, which restores and maintains optimal functioning of the body by releasing muscular tension and stimulating blood flow. As well as the physical relaxation it brings, holistic massage also helps with blood stimulation and to release repressed energy and toxic build-up in the body.
It is important that a client confides exactly what is going on so that the right firmness and depth of manipulation required by a particular part of the body can be applied. A discussion will often take place afterwards to find ways to prevent a further build-up.
HIV brings with it a great number of physical factors and conditions. Diarrhoea, neuropathy, jaundice, joint and muscle pain, headaches, fatigue, night sweats, insomnia and sudden weight loss are some of the states that can be helped. Naturopathy, which comprehensively encourages the body to detoxify and then rebuild itself, is particularly suitable for the treatment of this complex condition.
Some popular self-administered remediesDepression: For any signs of depression, boil 1-2 tsps of dandelion root in 500mls water and simmer for up to 5 mins. Do this up to three times a day. Dandelion root can be purchased from Neal's Yard Remedies (0207 627 1949) and/or Fresh & Wild (0207 792 9020). Also try Australian Bush Flower Essences: Emergency Essence (take 7 drops under tongue as needed; and Calm & Clear (take 7 drops under tongue twice a day).
Thrush & Athlete's Foot: Reduce and/or eliminate sugar and sugar products from the diet (this includes chocolate) and replace with alternative sweeteners such as rice or barley malt. Also take a course of acidophilus powder or capsules morning and night, preferably on an empty stomach. Peripheral neuropathy: Try tissue salts which are available from some health food stores and chemists. Specifically take Kali phos and Mag phos as directed on the bottle, for either chronic or acute pain. Adrian Mercuri works for the Healing Circle at the Helios Centre in Kings Cross, London. Subsidised sessions are offered to people with HIV and hepatitis. Tel 0207 713 7120. |
