Cannabis Could be Used to Treat Obesity-Related Diseases

Researchers have discovered two compounds from cannabis leaves that can increase the amount of energy the body burns.

Test in animals have already shown the compounds can help treat type two diabetes while also helping to reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood stream and fat in key organs like the liver.

They are now conducting clinical trials in 200 patients in the hope of producing a drug that can be used to treat patients suffering from “metabolic syndrome”, where diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity combine to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Dr Steph Wright, director of research and development at GW Pharmaceuticals which is developing the drugs, said: “We are conducting four Phase 2a clinical trials and we expect some results later this year.

“The results in animal models have been very encouraging. We are interested in how these drugs effect the fat distribution and utilisation in the body as a treatment for metabolic diseases.

“Humans have been using these plants for thousands of years so we have quite a lot of experience of the chemicals in the plants.”

Although cannabis is an illegal drug, GW Pharmaceuticals has been granted a license to grow the plant in specially constructed greenhouses on a secret facility in the south of England.

- Read the entire article at The Telegraph.