25 min
My experience as a biotech clinical trial patient for 18 months
For a year and a half, I lived in shadows, hiding the truth of my life from family and friends. The past 18 months have been a silent and secretive journey. Today, with the permission of my legal counsel, I am able to reveal a part of my story. Here is what I am authorized to share with you now:
Psych Box
As individuals and as a collective society, we are built upon the principle of seeking justice for enduring truths, even in the face of dismissal or distortion by the press or government. The pillars of science and factual history remain steadfast, serving as a testament to unwavering realities. They stand strong under scrutiny, providing a stable foundation for understanding and exploration.
Throughout my journey, I have encountered various truths and challenges, each offering valuable insights and lessons for those who may be unaware. Here are the key takeaways from my experience, each echoing the resolute voice of facts and science:
Truths
- Origins in Ancient China: The first recorded use of marijuana dates back to 2737 BCE in ancient China, marking its initial use for medicinal purposes.
- Varied Legal Status: The legal status of marijuana varies significantly worldwide, leading to potential legal consequences for its possession, use, or distribution.
- Historical Medicinal Use: Both marijuana and mushrooms, as natural substances, were used by our ancestors for their healing properties. Between 2000–1400 BCE, cannabis was utilized in ancient India and Nepal for religious rituals and medicinal purposes. By 1000 CE, it was used in the Arab world for both medicinal and recreational purposes.
- Psilocybin Mushrooms and Mental Health: Psilocybin mushrooms have the potential to alleviate depression and enhance creativity and cognitive flexibility.
- Diverse Consumption Methods: Marijuana can be consumed in various ways, including smoking, vaping, ingestion (as in edibles), or topical application.
- THC – The Psychoactive Component: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that is responsible for the characteristic "high."
Dares
- North America's Historical Production: Historically, North America stands out as the number one producer of marijuana. The 1600s saw the initiation of hemp cultivation in North American colonies for producing rope, paper, and other materials.
- U.S. – A Major Consumer: The U.S. historically emerges as the leading consumer of marijuana. The 1930s witnessed an association of cannabis with Mexican immigrants and African American jazz musicians, amplifying the stigma in the U.S. Fast forward to 1996, California pioneered the legalization of medical marijuana in the U.S.
- Fungus and Climate Change: Fungi, under the influence of climate change, can potentially alter their parasitic structures, impacting human behavior.
- Perception Alteration with Psych Box: Psych Box holds the capability to modify the perception of time, space, and senses, offering a unique experiential dimension.
- Risk of Addiction: The misuse of certain substances can lead to addiction, underscoring the importance of responsible and informed use.
- Exploration of Legal Boundaries: Navigate the intricate landscape of legal restrictions and permissions, daring to explore the boundaries of what is permissible and what remains confined within the realms of legality.
Post understanding the basics, let’s deep dive to the core subject of this memo:
The ‘Clinical trial’:
The clinical trial spans across Europe and is launched by a pioneering US-based startup. The startup is eager to embark on a collaborative venture with the governments of numerous European countries. This ambitious endeavor aims to establish a strong foothold in the European market. The startup offers a wide range of products, including organic herbs, edibles, and prescribed pills. These products are all underscored by a commitment to quality and sustainability.
Their comprehensive plan unfolds in five strategic phases:
- Legalization of Prescribed Marijuana: Advocate for and work towards the legalization of prescribed marijuana in European countries, navigating the complex legal landscapes to ensure compliance and support from relevant authorities.
- Promoting Responsible Use: Champion the democratization of marijuana use for its myriad benefits, fostering awareness and education to ensure informed and responsible consumption.
- Job Creation in Key Locations: Generate substantial employment opportunities by investing in land fields in France, Spain, and Portugal, contributing to economic growth and community development in these regions.
- Economic Growth from 2025: Establish a mutually beneficial economic framework, aiming to witness tangible growth and prosperity within the European countries by 2025, enhancing the overall economic landscape.
- Establishing a Monopoly: Aspire to emerge as the first and leading entity to legalize marijuana in Europe, solidifying their position as a trailblazer and monopolist in the burgeoning European marijuana market.
Through this meticulously crafted plan, the startup envisions a future where their commitment to quality products, economic growth, and responsible use of marijuana converge to create a harmonious and prosperous European landscape.
The ‘Experiment’:
This clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of marijuana consumption on individuals aged 20-45 with high IQ and various concentration, digestion, and sleep disorders. The study will measure lung and heart rates, brain activity, body weight, and other factors in each patient for 18 months. Participants will consume marijuana every two days, both in micro and macro doses.
The ‘Participants’:
Number of Subjects: In this clinical trial, a comprehensive sample size of 1000 participants is meticulously selected to ensure the robustness and reliability of the study's findings. This extensive pool of subjects allows for a diverse range of data, contributing to the depth and breadth of the research. The large sample size also enhances the statistical power of the study, providing a solid foundation for analyzing the effects of marijuana on various health parameters.
Age Range: The age range for the participants in this study is strategically set between 20 to 45 years old. This demographic is chosen to encompass a broad spectrum of adults who are in various life stages and career phases, offering a multifaceted view of marijuana's impact across different age groups within the adult population. This age range also captures individuals who are generally in good health but may be experiencing the onset of adult lifestyle-related health issues, making it a crucial group for this investigation.
Characteristics: The participants in this trial are not just any random selection of individuals. They are characterized by a high IQ, providing a unique opportunity to explore the effects of marijuana on cognitive functions in an intellectually advanced group. Additionally, all subjects are diagnosed with concentration, digestion, or sleep disorders. This specific focus allows the study to delve deeply into the impact of marijuana on these particular health challenges, offering insights that could be pivotal for future medical recommendations and treatments.
Duration: The duration of this fictional clinical trial is set for 18 months, commencing in June 2022 and concluding in December 2023. This extended period is chosen to allow sufficient time to observe and analyze the long-term effects and potential benefits or drawbacks of marijuana use in micro and macro dosing. It provides a comprehensive timeframe to monitor the participants' health metrics, ensuring that the study's results are as conclusive and informative as possible, contributing valuable data to the ongoing global conversation about marijuana and health.
Procedure:
- Grouping: In the initial phase of the trial, subjects were randomly assigned to one of three distinct groups to ensure a diverse and unbiased distribution of participants. The three groups include:
- Control Group: Participants will not consume any marijuana.
- Micro-dosing Group: Participants will consume a minimal, sub-therapeutic amount of marijuana.
- Macro-dosing Group: Participants will consume a substantial amount of marijuana.
- If the cannabis used has a THC content of 10%, a 0.5-gram joint would contain about 50mg of THC (0.5 grams = 500mg, and 10% of 500mg is 50mg).
- So, for a dosage of 2.5-5mg of THC: You would need to consume approximately 1/10th to 1/20th of a typical joint, assuming a 10% THC content.
- For a dosage of 20-30mg of THC: You would need to consume approximately 2/5 to 3/5 of a typical joint, assuming a 10% THC content.
- Dosage: The dosage will vary significantly between the two experimental groups. Participants in the Micro-dosing Group will consume a small, sub-therapeutic amount of marijuana every two days, ensuring consistent and controlled exposure. On the other hand, participants in the Macro-dosing Group will consume a larger amount of marijuana every two days, allowing the study to comprehensively compare the effects of different dosage levels. Here is a link to access additional information.
- Monitoring: Throughout the trial, meticulous monitoring will be conducted to assess various health metrics. Regular assessments of lung function, heart rate, brain activity, and body weight will be carried out to gauge the physiological impact of marijuana consumption. Additionally, the trial closely monitored participants' sleep patterns, concentration levels, and digestive health to provide a holistic understanding of marijuana's effects on individuals with specific health disorders.
- Duration: The comprehensive nature of this trial necessitates an extended observation period. The trial will span a total of 18 months, allowing ample time to observe, record, and analyze both the immediate and long-term effects of marijuana consumption on the diverse group of participants, ensuring the findings are thorough and reliable.
- General guidelines: Winter Months (High Dosage): Maximum Dosage: Up to 30mg of THC per day. Minimum Dosage: Maintain at 5mg of THC per day. // Summer Months (Low Dosage): Maximum Dosage: Up to 15mg of THC per day. Minimum Dosage: Reduce to 2.5mg of THC per day.
This is an example of a patient. A microdose, which could be as low as 2.5-5mg of THC, depending on individual tolerance and the method of consumption. Should not exceed 20-30mg of THC for individuals without a built tolerance.
The amount of THC in a joint can vary greatly depending on several factors including the strain of cannabis, how the joint is rolled, and how it is smoked. Generally speaking, a typical joint contains about 0.5 grams of cannabis, and the THC content of the cannabis can range from about 5% to 20% (or even more in some cases).
Here's a rough calculation:
Please note that this is a very rough estimate and should be approached with caution. It's always best to start with a smaller amount and wait to see the effects before consuming more. Additionally, other methods of consumption, such as using a vaporizer or consuming edibles, allow for more precise dosing.
For example, in edibles, you can divide the total THC content by the serving size to determine the amount of THC per serving. If an edible package contains 100mg of THC and is divided into 20 pieces, each piece will contain 5mg of THC. To achieve a dose of 2.5mg, you could consume half of one piece. To achieve a dose of 20-30mg, consume 4 to 6 pieces.
Measurements:
Each patient had to undergo the following tests on a regular basis:
- Lung Function: Spirometry tests to assess lung capacity and function.
- Heart Rate: Continuous heart rate monitoring.
- Brain Activity: Regular EEG tests to measure brain activity.
- Body Weight: Monthly weight checks.
- Cognitive Function: Standardized cognitive tests to assess memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Evaluate any changes in intellectual capabilities and cognitive performance.
- Mental Health Assessment: Psychological assessments to monitor mental health status. Track symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
- Blood Analysis: Regular blood tests to evaluate the complete blood count, liver function, kidney function, and other biochemical parameters. Monitor for any potential toxicity or adverse effects on organ function.
- Sleep Quality: Sleep tracking devices to monitor sleep patterns, duration, and quality. Assess the impact of marijuana on sleep disorders and overall sleep health.
- Digestive Health Evaluation: Monitoring gastrointestinal symptoms and assessing digestive health. Evaluate the impact on appetite and digestive disorders.
- Quality of Life Assessment: Validated quality of life questionnaires to assess overall well-being, life satisfaction, and functional status. Evaluate the impact of marijuana on participants' daily life and well-being.
- Physical Activity Levels: Tracking physical activity levels and exercise patterns. Assess the impact on physical fitness, endurance, and overall health.
- Pain Assessment: Regular pain assessments using standardized pain scales. Evaluate the impact of marijuana on pain levels and pain management.
- Immune System Function: Monitoring immune markers and assessing immune system function. Evaluate the impact on immune health and susceptibility to illnesses.
- Medication Interactions: Tracking any other medications or supplements participants are taking. Monitor for potential interactions or alterations in medication efficacy.
- Side Effects Monitoring: Continuous monitoring and documentation of any side effects or adverse reactions. Assess the safety and tolerability of marijuana consumption in various dosages.
Results:
Positive
- Lung Function: Negligible impact on lung function.
- Enhanced decision-making towards healthier choices.
- Enhanced sportive endurance
- High heart rate (110 average), standing more (11h per day), move more (exercice 2h/day), exercice more burn avrg. 2000 kcal/day) . In general, the whole experience, the population have shaped their body with routine morning, mid-day and night positive behaviors.
- Boosted productivity by 20-35% (if taken once/week) - 30-50% (if taken once/day)
- Brain Activity: Notable enhancement in brain activity patterns associated with relaxation and creativity.
- Robust motivation to achieve tasks with exceptional quality.
- Pain Relief: Effective as a treatment for chronic pain in certain patients.
- Body Weight: Stable weight overall, with noticeable weight loss during treatment followed by gain post-treatment.
- Relaxation: A majority of users experience sensations of relaxation and euphoria.
- Other Observations: Potential benefits in treating sleep disorders and concentration lapses. Mild alleviation of digestive symptoms observed.
Negative
- Addiction: Consistent use can result in marijuana use disorder or addiction. Statistics: 47% of cannabis users partake multiple times daily, 17% once daily, and 10% at least five times a week.
- Marijuana may induce selective short-term memory lapses.
- Unsupervised and excessive consumption of drugs can lead to addiction.
- Contrarily, marijuana can enhance focus, allowing users to work for prolonged periods without fatigue or distraction.
- Impaired Coordination: Usage can hinder motor skills, coordination, and reflexes, heightening the likelihood of mishaps.
Specific
- Heart Rate: Slight increase in resting heart rate. In the long run, noticeable increase in resting heart rate.
- Nausea and Weight Loss Can help reduce nausea and stimulate appetite in cancer and HIV/AIDS patients.
- Marijuana = can cause burnout, anxiety, and depression IF taken for the wrong reasons.
- Mental Health: May provide relief for individuals with certain mental health conditions, such as PTSD and anxiety (though it can also exacerbate mental health symptoms in some individuals). This is the proof.
- Neurological Disorders Shows promise in reducing seizures and symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
- Brain Development: Use during adolescence can impair brain development and cognitive function.
- Respiratory Issues: Smoking marijuana can harm lung tissues and cause respiratory issues, similar to tobacco - if consumed massively.
Is the ‘Government’ going to legalize Marijuana?
Yes
- A staggering 90% of individuals have reported positive impacts in their lives since incorporating marijuana, with ongoing studies consistently showcasing its potential benefits for specific patient groups.
- Beyond traditional smoking, diverse and innovative consumption methods are available, including essential oils, edibles, live resin, infused pre-rolls, and cartridges, offering a tailored and potentially more health-conscious experience.
- Revenue Generation: The legalization of marijuana stands as a robust source of tax revenue.
- Projections indicate a substantial rise in worldwide legal cannabis sales, expected to increase by 15% to $37 billion in 2023. This surge is primarily driven by a 14% gain in the U.S., attributed to expanded legalization across states. Remarkably, the U.S. market is poised to account for 81% of global cannabis sales, even in the absence of federal legalization.
- Job Creation: The burgeoning legal marijuana industry is a significant contributor to job creation, offering numerous employment opportunities in regions where its sale and use are sanctioned.
- Progress on Legalization:
- Countries Where Marijuana is Legal for Recreational Use: The list includes nations like Canada, Uruguay, Georgia, and South Africa, reflecting a global shift towards more liberal marijuana policies.
- Countries Where Medical Marijuana is Legal: Countries such as Australia, Germany, Israel, Italy, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Zimbabwe, and Mexico recognize the medicinal value of marijuana, allowing its legal use for health-related purposes.
- Countries with Decriminalized Possession: Portugal, Netherlands, Switzerland, Jamaica, and Argentina have decriminalized the possession of marijuana, emphasizing harm reduction over criminalization.
- U.S. States with Legal Recreational Marijuana: Numerous U.S. states, including California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, and New York, have embraced the legalization of recreational marijuana, underscoring a nationwide trend towards more inclusive marijuana policies.
No
- Cultivation Impact: The cultivation of marijuana carries notable environmental consequences, including potential deforestation, extensive pesticide use, and significant water consumption. Despite the industry's growth and job creation potential, these environmental concerns present a substantial downside. Organizations like the United Food and Commercial Workers and the Teamsters are actively involved in the cannabis industry, highlighting its status as one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the United States. However, the environmental impact remains a pressing issue that cannot be overlooked.
- Classification as a Schedule I Drug: The classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug underscores the federal government's stance on its potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. This classification imposes stringent regulations on the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of marijuana, reflecting serious concerns about its safety and potential for abuse, even as various states move towards legalization and decriminalization.
- Potency and Testing Issues: The year 2022 brought to light significant issues related to the potency of marijuana products. Testing laboratories faced lawsuits for allegedly misrepresenting THC levels, a crucial factor in determining the strength and effects of marijuana products. This issue has led to state regulators from diverse regions, including Florida and Nevada, taking decisive actions to fine and suspend labs for violations. This situation underscores the challenges and controversies surrounding marijuana testing and regulation, highlighting the need for robust oversight and standardization in the industry.
Insights Gained from This Experience:
- Understanding Personal Boundaries: It's imperative for individuals to recognize and adhere to their limits regarding marijuana consumption, ensuring it remains a beneficial rather than detrimental experience.
- Acknowledging the Benefits: I've gained a deeper insight into the numerous advantages of marijuana, appreciating its potential when used for valid and appropriate reasons. For now, I will moderate my use to medical benefits only.
- Complexity of the Human Body: This journey has underscored the intricate nature of the human body. It's a continuous learning process as relationships and effects that seem apparent now may evolve or change over time.
- Marvel of the Human Brain: I've developed a profound admiration for the human brain, a magnificent network of interconnected neurons, each playing a crucial role in our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
- Comprehensive Self-Knowledge: Armed with extensive data from a thousand individuals, including myself, who have used marijuana weekly for the past 18 months, I've garnered an in-depth understanding of its effects on each organ and the body as a whole. This wealth of information has contributed to a more holistic and nuanced perspective on marijuana use and its impact on human health.
- What’s next? Could artificial intelligence be the next frontier? I'm currently collaborating with a talented team to integrate this data and enhance our understanding of Marijuana and other drugs’ impact in space. The alterations in gravity shift our perceptions, making it fascinating to delve deeper into how we can resist the influence of substances in the cosmos. Check this out as a sneek peak 👀
Definitions
- Recreational marijuana: Refers to the use of cannabis for enjoyment rather than for medical purposes. It is used to induce feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and altered perception.
- Cannabinoids: Chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with receptors in the brain and body to create various effects. Examples include THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The primary psychoactive compound in marijuana that binds to receptors in the brain, inducing the feeling of being “high.”
- CBD (Cannabidiol): A non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and analgesic properties.
- Terpenes: Organic compounds produced by a variety of plants, including cannabis, responsible for the aroma and flavor. Terpenes may also offer additional therapeutic effects alongside cannabinoids.
- Indica: A species of the cannabis plant known for producing relaxation and sedative effects, often used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain.
- Sativa: Another species of the cannabis plant, known for producing energizing and uplifting effects, often used to enhance creativity and focus.
- Hybrid: A crossbreed of Indica and Sativa cannabis strains, aiming to capture the beneficial effects of both types, such as relaxation from Indica and energy from Sativa.
- Edibles: Food products infused with cannabinoids, offering an alternative to smoking or vaping for consuming marijuana, with effects typically lasting longer compared to inhalation.
- Concentrates: Highly potent forms of cannabis where compounds like THC and CBD are isolated. Examples include shatter, wax, and live resin.
- Endocannabinoid System (ECS): A complex cell-signaling system in the human body that plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, and memory. Cannabinoids interact with the ECS, influencing these various physiological functions.
- CB1 Receptors: One of the two main types of cannabinoid receptors in the body, predominantly found in the brain and central nervous system. THC binds to CB1 receptors, leading to psychoactive effects.
- CB2 Receptors: The second main type of cannabinoid receptor, primarily located in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells. CBD often interacts with CB2 receptors, contributing to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
- Hippocampus: A region in the brain that plays a crucial role in memory and learning. Marijuana use, particularly high doses of THC, can affect the function of the hippocampus, potentially impacting memory and cognitive abilities.
- Amygdala: A part of the brain involved in emotional processing and fear response. Marijuana use can influence the amygdala, potentially leading to heightened anxiety or altered emotional responses.
- Liver Metabolism: The liver metabolizes cannabinoids, and its function can be affected by marijuana use. Edibles, in particular, undergo first-pass metabolism in the liver, converting THC to 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent form that produces more intense effects.
Resources:
- Cannabis Industry Statistics 2023
- Top Marijuana Startups In 2023: Dutchie, Jushi, Cresco Labs
- #BigIdea : 10 startups qui révolutionnent la Cannabis Tech: Kind Financial, Eaze, Jane, Leafly, Billowby, Weave, MassRoots, Grow Buddy, Hemp Temps
- 18 Emerging Cannabis Startups (2023): LeafLink, Cann, Binoid, 3Chi, Tokyo Smoke
- 10 marijuana industry trends to watch for in 2023
- A Study to Evaluate the Effects of Cannabis Based Medicine in Patients With Pain of Neurological Origin
- Cannabis clinical trials at UCSD
- Cannabis for Medical Use: Analysis of Recent Clinical Trials in View of Current Legislation
- The Characteristics of Clinical Trials on Cannabis and Cannabinoids: A Review of Trials for Therapeutic or Drug Development Purposes
