title: Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD) revisited: can this concept explain the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and other treatment-resistant conditions?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Ethan B. Russo's paper of December 1, 2003 explored the concept of a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD) underlying the pathophysiology of migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and other functional conditions alleviated by clinical cannabis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Available literature was reviewed, including searches via the National Library of medicine database and other sources.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A review of the literature indicates that significant progress has been made since Dr. Ethan B. Russo's landmark paper, just ten years ago (February 2, 2004). Investigation at that time suggested that cannabinoids can block spinal, peripheral and gastrointestional mechanisms that promote pain in headache, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and muscle spasm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Subsequent research has confirmed that underlying endocannabinoid deficiencies indeed play a role in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and a growing list of other medical conditions. Clinical experience is bearing this out. Further research and especially, clinical trials will further demonstrate the usefulness of medical cannabis. As legal barriers fall and scientific bias fades this will become more apparent.
authors: Steele Clarke
authors: SC
authors: Smith
authors: Mark S
authors: MS
authors: Wagner
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D002188:Cannabis; D004351:Drug Resistance / Q000187:drug effects; D063388:Endocannabinoids / Q000172:deficiency*; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D008052:Lipid Metabolism, Inborn Errors / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D064086:Medical Marijuana / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D064086:Medical Marijuana