🌟 This week 🌟

(#hashtags for jumping to articles by searching for them with your browser)

• In kids with severe autism, the benefits of CBD sustained over a 2-year follow-up

• Diary entries on cannabis anxiety

• Medical cannabis laws linked to less workplace absenteeism

• Harms: worse lung health in cannabis users (#lunghealth) & worse testicular dysfunction (#sperm)

• Preclinical: CBD for fentanyl use disorder, Parkinson’s, neuropathic pain & Angelman syndrome

• Ketamine for methamphetamine use disorder + MDMA for social anxiety + ayahuasca for advanced Alzheimer’s

• For 5-MeO-DMT, the myth of traditional Indigenous use is a case of “fabricated ancestrality”

• Harm reduction: Vancouver’s safer supply program for opioids caused many benefits (#safersupply)

• War on Drugs: another (inhumane illegal) boat strike + DEA allowed huge shipments of fentanyl to cross the border

[numbers for C&P#192: 7.4k words, ~20 minutes reading time, 133 papers]

📌 Editor’s note 📌:
We’re back after a week off. And also, this is your official notice that this summer, this newsletter may not show up every Monday. I’ve got little kids & I live in Europe. We’ll be at the lake a lot, I’ll be minding them a lot & sometimes this newsletter will be the thing that has to give.

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I also suspect that you all won’t mind that much. I doubt many of you are here for cutting-edge news updates. My place in the community seems to be diving deep through all the science & finding pearls for you that might otherwise get missed. So every week, the finishing off of this newsletter & the reformatting it for the various platforms takes about half a day. That’s time that I could be using for processing more science instead. So I’ll focus on making sure I stay on top of all the science & if a newsletter doesn’t show up once in a blue Monday, just picture me by the lake with a 5-year-old in my lap watching the boats go by …⛵...🏊…☀️.

Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 192^nd edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science, assorted canna-news + the War on Drugs, harm reduction & other psychoactives. Support this work with a paid subscription or by buying me a coffee. If you purchase one of my canna-graphic novels based on Moby Dick, proceeds go to Americans for Safe Access to support medical cannabis patients.
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(nothing new. Been playing with the kids at the pool instead…)

And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week: the scintillating soul jazz of Young-Holt Unlimited

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🍃 BEST OF CANNABINOID SCIENCE 🍃

(most of the phytocannabinoid data is here & most of the ECS data is in the ‘Canna-Science Archive’ at the bottom)

On InMed Pharmaceuticals, a Canadian drug company with a pipeline that includes a topical CBN cream for epidermolysis bullosa (a painful disease of skin blistering), a drug that activates the CB1 & CB2 receptors for macular degeneration & an Alzheimer’s drug that activates the CB1 & CB2 receptors
https://cannabinoidpipelineinsights.substack.com/p/inmed-pharmaceuticals-a-cannabinoid
And IGC Pharma who has an Alzheimer’s drug that combines a low dose of THC with melatonin
https://cannabinoidpipelineinsights.substack.com/p/another-cannabinoid-r-and-d-product
I’ve been enjoying this new newsletter ‘Cannabinoid Pipeline Insights’ that shares breakdowns of what’s going on in pharmaceutical cannabinoids. I’d recommend giving them a follow.

⚕️ Clinical ⚕️

In children with autism & severe treatment-resistant behavioral symptoms, a long-term follow-up of CBD found that the initial improvements were maintained or further improved upon, particularly in irritability, social withdrawal & hyperactivity, with a 40% reduction in medication usage.
Long-term follow-up of children with autism spectrum disorder and severe treatment-resistant behavioral symptoms treated with purified cannabidiol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42248366/

In a diary study of people starting to use cannabis for anxiety, this excellent collection of quotes found improvements in sleep, emotional regulation, relationships, motivation, daily functioning & overall well-being.
Beyond symptom change: a qualitative descriptive study of reported quality of life experiences among adults prescribed medicinal cannabis for anxiety disorders
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11096-026-02176-2

In people with PTSD, the use of medical cannabis was linked to a ~35% lower probability of urgent care or emergency department visits.
Impact of Medical Cannabis Treatment on Healthcare Utilization Among PTSD Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5318/7/3/128

For medical cannabis patients in states with different cannabis laws, those in restricted states described concealment & legal risks while those in medical-only states encountered bureaucratic barriers & mixed provider support while those in fully legal states expressed autonomy but faced social misrecognition, with all patients reporting stigma, inconsistent clinical guidance & a need to self-manage treatment.
Beyond access: A comparative phenomenological study of medical cannabis patients in three legal contexts
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S259029112600642X

For US cannabis laws & health-related workplace absenteeism, medical cannabis decriminalization reduced the likelihood of health-related work absences by ~7%, with no significant effect from adult-use laws.
Cannabis laws and health-related workplace absenteeism in the United States
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15555240.2026.2680016

In a gendered analysis of US cannabis consumption since 2002, females have been converging with males in terms of greater consumption & dependence.
Gender convergence of cannabis use, dependence, and risk in the U.S.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0049089X26000803

On screening for prenatal cannabis, a survey of nurses found one-third of states reported universal maternal toxicology testing even though this contradicts clinical guidelines.
An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Screening, Testing, and Reporting Prenatal Cannabis Use by Recreational Legalization Status
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/birt.70083

For cancer pain & opioid usage, a meta-analysis of 15 studies found no significant effects from cannabinoids in placebo-controlled studies, but modest reductions in observational studies.
Cannabinoids and opioid consumption in cancer pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-026-10856-y

For developing therapeutic reference ranges of the blood concentration levels of cannabinoids & their clinical effects, an analysis of 23 articles produced helpful therapeutic data.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Cannabinoids: Therapeutic Reference Ranges for Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in Medical Cannabis, Nabiximols, Dronabinol and Nabilone
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42269696/
“For vaporized/smoked medical cannabis, an orienting therapeutic reference range of 15-30 ng/mL delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol was identified for pain reduction in diabetic peripheral neuropathy, while concentrations of <20 ng/mL delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol were significantly correlated with intraocular pressure reduction and 7.5-10 ng/mL with improvement of tic symptoms. Half-maximum effective concentrations of 7-29 ng/mL delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol were reported for “high” effects. For nabiximols, a preliminary therapeutic reference range of 1-10 ng/mL delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol was determined for treating neuropathic pain and spasticity in adults with multiple sclerosis. For chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, a preliminary therapeutic reference range of 1-5 ng/mL for nabilone and 5-15 ng/mL delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol for dronabinol was assessed. In conclusion, relatively low concentrations may be sufficient to achieve therapeutic effects across all substances studied, with medical cannabis demonstrating these effects at lower concentrations than typically observed in recreational use.”

📑 Reviews 📑

For muscle health & CBD, a review of the mechanisms of benefits for various pathologies.
Endocannabinoid system and skeletal muscle health: insights from cannabidiol
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmet.2026.102396

In dogs with epilepsy, a review of CBD found that it reduced the frequency & intensity of their seizures, especially in cases resistant to conventional anticonvulsants.
O USO DE CANABIDIOL NO TRATAMENTO DA EPILEPSIA IDIOPÁTICA CANINA: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A1%3A39979697/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Acrawler-gcd&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A194352632&crl=c&jrnl=1981223X&link_origin=openurl.ebsco.com/openurl

For cannabis nursing, a new book on many aspects.
Comprehensive Nursing Approaches to Cannabis Nursing
https://www.igi-global.com/book/comprehensive-approaches-cannabis-nursing/389718

For the therapeutic use of cannabis, a new book on medical uses, metabolites, toxicity & regulations.
Cannabis: Therapeutic Potential, Secondary Metabolites, Toxicity, and Regulations
https://www.routledge.com/Cannabis-Therapeutic-Potential-Secondary-Metabolites-Toxicity-and-Regulations/Rai-Feitosa/p/book/9781003668190

A book on cannabis nursing.
Clinical Integration and Specialty Practice in Cannabis Nursing
https://www.igi-global.com/book/clinical-integration-specialty-practice-cannabis/410565

⚠️ Harms ⚠️

For testicular dysfunction & cannabis use, a meta-analysis of 18 studies found cannabis users had lower normal sperm morphology & higher levels of SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) but no differences in sperm concentration, ejaculation volume, total sperm count, progressive motility or levels of testosterone or luteinizing hormone (#sperm).
Exploring the Association Between Cannabis Use and Testicular Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://academic.oup.com/jsm/article/23/Supplement_4/qdag118.697/8702403

In the lung health of cannabis users, with or without the use of tobacco, one-third had at least 2 chronic respiratory symptoms & two-thirds had an abnormality in at least one lung-function test (#lunghealth).
Respiratory health and quality of life in chronic cannabis users: An exploratory study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42247890/

In US people with chronic medical conditions, they had lower rates of cannabis use disorder, except in those with respiratory diseases, with the greatest risk factors being past-year depression & the use of other substances.
Cannabis use and cannabis use disorder in adults with chronic medical conditions in the United States
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030646032600170X

For managing health emergencies related to cannabis & synthetic cannabinoids, a review of treatment options [Portuguese].
Manejo de emergências relacionadas à cannabis, seus derivados e canabinóides sintéticos: uma atualização
https://revistardp.org.br/revista/article/view/1611

For cannabis & mental health, public health data since 2016 found increased levels of cannabis users with self-reported poor mental health, with rates higher in women, young adults & Hispanics.
Trends and disparities in self-reported past-month poor mental health among individuals using cannabis in the U.S., 2016-2023
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00127-026-03145-w

For suicidal ideation & cannabis use disorder (CUD), this thesis project found that adults with CUD had 57% higher odds of past-year suicidal ideation.
Trends in the association between cannabis use disorder and suicidal ideation in the United States, 2014–2023
https://escholarship.org/content/qt7880q6g4/qt7880q6g4.pdf
As always, the question is whether the use of cannabis was worsening people’s mental health or if that the people with the worst mental health were turning to cannabis the most.

In Canadian college students, a survey found that those both gambling & using cannabis had higher levels of depression, anxiety & stress than either the cannabis-only or gambling-only groups.
Examining the Co-occurrence of Cannabis-Gambling Behaviors and Mental Health Outcomes in Canadian College Students
https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/gaming_institute/2026/May27/51/

For the effects of CBD on female fertility & offspring, this thesis project found that the highest dose increased unfertilized eggs, reduced fetal weights in males only & changed gene transcription in the placentas of both genders.
Impact of preconception cannabidiol use in young female mice on fertility and placental development
https://umontreal.scholaris.ca/items/f55d6f27-d6ae-478e-88f9-cc1be1daf12e

In a mouse model of prenatal CBD or THC exposure, a machine-learning pipeline found that pups from both groups had reduced body weight & that the “CBD-exposed dams showed a heightened, weight-dependent probability of retrieving their lightest pups”.
A deep learning pipeline (MAS-PRT) reveals that prenatal CBD, but not THC, uniquely drives weight-dependent hyper-reactivity in maternal pup retrieval
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9514277/v1/7317aa06-0549-4a7c-9dbc-dbfaf3c2a394.pdf?c=1781090460

🐁 Preclinical 🐁

In a mouse model of Angelman syndrome (a rare genetic disorder of the nervous system with severe intellectual disability, insomnia & seizures), injections of CBD increased REM sleep, improved sleep homeostasis & reduced spontaneous seizures.
Cannabidiol corrects sleep deficits and reduces spontaneous seizures in Angelman syndrome model mice
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-026-02462-7

In a mouse model of fentanyl use disorder, the inhalation of CBD lessened addiction & regulated cellular stress & senescence.
Cannabidiol (CBD) and Fentanyl
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772559626002518

In a tissue model of Parkinson’s disease, a CBD-rich oil caused neuroprotective effects by lessening accumulation of alpha-synuclein, preserving homeostasis of dopamine & modulating inflammasome signaling.
Cannabidiol Protects Against 1-Methyl-4-Phenylpyridinium and Manganese-Induced Neurotoxicity via Nod-Like Receptor Protein 3 Inflammasome Suppression
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13249025/

In a rat model of neuropathic pain, CBD-rich extract reduced cold sensitivity but did not improve heat sensitivity.
Oromucosal Administration of a Cannabidiol-Enriched Cannabis sp. Extract for 2 Weeks Moderately Reduces Cold Hyperalgesia in Rats With Neuropathic Pain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42248695/

In a mouse model of liver injury from paracetamol, both cannabis extract & the terpene beta-caryophyllene reduced liver toxicity & improved liver architecture, with the terpene being more effective. Liver/preclinical.
Hepatoprotective Effects of β-Caryophyllene and Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extract Against Paracetamol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice
https://ljmas.com/index.php/journal/article/view/303

In a mouse model of PTSD, THC & CBD promoted avoidant coping responses & atrophy of the astrocytes (the brain’s most common support cell) in the nucleus accumbens (a reward center & regulator of feeding, stress & motivation), but only in males.
Cannabinoid use generalizes stress responses: involvement of astrocyte plasticity and activation of matrix metalloproteinases in the nucleus accumbens core
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-026-03687-0

In a mouse model of a high-fat westernized diet, the combination of CBD & omega-3 fatty acids lessened anxiety & improved memory performance.
Omega-3 And Cannabidiol Attenuate Anxiety And Memory Impairment In High Fat Diet Fed Mice Via Astrocytosis And Upregulation Of Brain Enzymes
https://besps.journals.ekb.eg/article_507794_2d8ade5817a7d6bb1213f573b115536e.pdf

In a mouse model of atherosclerosis (hardened arteries), the endocannabinoid oleoylethanolamide (the endocannabinoid of satiation) accelerated plaque removal via the regulatory T cells & genetic transcription via the PPARα receptors.
Oleoylethanolamide Enhances Regulatory T Cell Function to Accelerate Plaque Regression in Atherosclerosis via PPARα Activation
https://www.jbc.org/article/S0021-9258(26)02108-3/fulltext

In a mouse model of liver disease due to type II diabetes, the terpene beta caryophyllene (which activates the CB2 receptor) reduced oxidative stress & liver inflammation, scarring & injury markers.
Cannabinoid 2 Receptor Activation Mitigates High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Diabetic Mice by Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Fibrosis
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsptsci.5c00610

🆕 Novel Studies 🆕

(my grab bag section for stuff I haven’t quite seen before)

The drug AB-MDMSBA was identified as a synthetic cannabinoid & banned, but this analysis found it did not actually bind to the CB1 receptor.
AB-MDMSBA—Not a Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist
https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/prp2.70278

In a mouse model of depression being treated by transcranial magnetic stimulation, the benefits are mediated by CB1 receptors in the brain’s prefrontal inhibitory circuits.
Cell-type-specific CB1R signaling modulates prefrontal synaptic responses to HF-rTMS in chronically stressed mice
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0166432826003098

📰 US Headlines & Fav Articles 📰

In the US, the White House sent a letter to urge Congress to keep hemp-derived products legal
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/white-house-pushes-congress-to-ensure-fair-treatment-of-hemp-products-by-calling-off-broad-recriminalization-law-set-for-november/
And a major restaurant lobby told Congress to keep hemp THC drinks legal
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/major-restaurant-lobby-group-pushes-congress-to-keep-hemp-thc-drinks-legal-as-an-alternative-to-alcohol/
And a Republican Congresswoman is circulating draft legislation to keep them legal under federal law
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/gop-lawmaker-circulates-bill-to-keep-hemp-thc-drinks-federally-legal/
And a look at the Minnesota breweries & drink distributors that will be hurt
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/06/16/minnesota-breweries-could-be-wiped-out-by-upcoming-hemp-thc-ban

The US Census Bureau said that legal cannabis has generated almost $15B in taxes in the last 5 years
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-federal-report-tracks-nearly-15-billion-in-marijuana-revenue-collected-by-states-over-the-last-five-years/

The DEA began their on-site inspections at cannabis businesses that registered for the new cannabis rescheduling process
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/dea-begins-on-site-inspections-at-marijuana-businesses-that-applied-for-federal-protections-under-trumps-rescheduling-move/

The US Supreme Court upheld the gun rights of cannabis users when they unanimously sided with a man that was prosecuted for possessing a gun while also being a cannabis consumer
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/supreme-court-says-prosecution-of-marijuana-user-for-possessing-gun-violates-second-amendment/

The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) added dozens of cannabis components to its library of reference data for identification
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-science-agency-adds-new-cannabis-compounds-to-its-library-of-chemical-fingerprints/

The US expands wastewater testing for psychoactives
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/21/health/drug-testing-wastwater-sewage.html
While I’ve always been leery of the utility of wastewater testing for drugs, this article makes a pretty decent public health case for allowing local communities to expand their harm reduction measures around drugs that are showing up in the wastewater, such as xylazine (a tranquilizer frequently used to cut drugs) & nitazenes (a potent class of opioids).

History Corner: the famous quote about Nixon & the War on Drugs as well as his surprising turn towards harm reduction & treatment options (a 4-part series by Isaac Campos in conversation with Emily Dufton, author of ‘Addiction, Inc.’)
https://isaaccampos.substack.com/p/guest-post-dan-baum-should-have-known

🌐 International News 🌐

In Ukraine, the first legal medical cannabis products have been dispensed
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/ukraines-first-legal-medical-cannabis-products-have-been-dispensed-to-military-veterans-and-a-woman-with-ms/

In Ireland (sometimes known as the sanest country), the Joint Committee on Drugs Use recommended decriminalizing all drugs for personal use
https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2026/0624/1580028-drugs-committee/

In Canada, the main national cannabis lobbying group suspended its operations, citing the financial challenges of the industry & its ability to sustain a national association due to the illicit market
https://www.cp24.com/news/canada/2026/06/22/national-cannabis-organization-suspends-operations-citing-active-illegal-market/

CanAdelaar, the largest licensed cannabis grower of the Netherlands, plans to be taken over by Cronos, a Canadian cannabis company which is owned 41% by Altria (a US tobacco giant)
https://cannabislaw.report/dutch-news-a-us-tobacco-giant-is-behind-the-planned-take-over-of-the-netherlands-biggest-licensed-cannabis-grower/

In Ontario, the government ordered the cannabis producer SNDL to sell its network of dozens of cannabis stores because they greatly exceeded the limit of being allowed to have one “farmgate” retail location
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-sndl-cannabis-producer-ontario-store-network/

In Himachal Pradesh, India, their Cabinet allowed for hemp & medical cannabis cultivation
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/himachal-cabinet-approves-regulated-cannabis-farming-farmers-to-benefit-from-high-value-crop-jagat-singh-negi20260620225532/

In Luxembourg after partial legalization, an interdisciplinary analysis found a limited overall impact in the first year, with the main effect being an increase in cannabis-related DUI cases.
Impact of partial cannabis legalisation in Luxembourg: An interdisciplinary perspective
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772724626000491

⚖️ Business, Laws & Education ⚖️

A new US economic report found the first declines for legal cannabis revenue last year amidst price compression & oversupply as well as a 2.7% drop in cannabis-sector jobs
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/legal-marijuana-revenue-declined-for-the-first-time-in-2025-but-rescheduling-could-reverse-the-trend-industry-analysis-finds/

In New York’s social equity cannabis fund, a law thesis analysis found the failures to stem not from poor intentions but a structural failure to shift power.
WITH ALL THE STRINGS ATTACHED: ANALYZING PARTICIPATION OF DISEMPOWERED GROUPS IN STRUCTURING NEW YORK’S SOCIAL EQUITY CANNABIS INVESTMENT FUND
https://brooklynworks.brooklaw.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1694&context=jlp

For Ohio’s successful 2023 adult-use cannabis legalization, there was a positive relationship between a county’s medical dispensaries & its support for legalization, while a county’s overdose rate increases also led to increased support but this fell after a certain threshold.
Evaluating Ballot Initiative Results for Adult-Use Marijuana in Ohio: Understanding County-Level Support
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/polp.70144

For cannabis packaging & teen perceptions, a survey found that they identified colorful fonts, cartoonish imagery & product photos resembling candy or snack food packaging as appealing to people under 21.
Not just a label: Teens’ perceptions of what elements of cannabis product packaging appeal to underage individuals
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395926002070

For US cannabis warnings, a content analysis found that 93% of state cannabis programs required warnings, only half of warnings mention specific health risks, few programs required front-of-package warnings & warnings tended to be lengthy.
Characteristics of cannabis warnings in the United States: A content analysis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335526001610

For product labeling in New York, a survey found participants had low recognition of the required symbols & mixed results on the impact of COAs.
Cannabis Consumers’ Understanding of New York State’s Required Cannabis Product Labeling
https://www.mdpi.com/2813-1851/5/2/17

For Canadian cannabis retail stores, an analysis of their violations of cannabis laws such as inducements to purchase, endorsements & testimonials, lifestyle promotion, youth-appealing content & health or cosmetic benefit claims.
Online promotional practices and apparent violations from licensed cannabis retail stores in Canada
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395926002021

For cannabis, a review from India with a focus on patents.
Cannabis sativa: A Review on Recent Patents and Advancements for Human Health
https://www.benthamdirect.com/content/journals/cbc/10.2174/0115734072335013250212101757

🚗 Driving 🚗

For cannabis-impaired driving, on developing a framework for integrating data from across US states.
A multi-state methodological framework for behavioral surveillance of cannabis-impaired driving
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15389588.2026.2678490

🚓 The War on Drugs 🚓

Another Trump boat strike in the eastern Pacific killed 3
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/6/19/us-kills-3-in-strike-on-alleged-drug-smuggling-boat-in-eastern-pacific

Along the US border, 9000 troops have been deployed for a year at the cost of tens of millions of dollars per week, with the patrols simply pushing the cartels into the more remote regions
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/20/us/politics/troops-border-mexico.html

In New Mexico, the DEA allowed shipments of hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to reach the streets so that they could bring bigger criminal cases against the traffickers
https://apnews.com/article/dea-fentanyl-unseized-drugs-new-mexico-8f5b546e668e5007c64078da74b90903

In Venezuela, the Tren de Aragua leader “Niño Guerrero” killed in a joint US/Venezuelan operation
https://insightcrime.org/news/tren-de-aragua-leader-nino-guerrero-killed-in-venezuela-says-trump/

In Vietnam, over 400 arrested in the largest-ever drug trafficking crackdown
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/crime/over-400-arrested-in-vietnam-s-largest-ever-drug-trafficking-crackdown-5084171.html

In the Philippines, an ex-narcotics policeman arrested in the drug-war killing of a South Korean businessman
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippine-ex-policeman-arrested-in-notorious-drug-war-killing

In Bangkok, an alleged Nigerian drug kingpin arrested after trying to ram his way through a police blockade
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3268863/allegednigerian-drug-kingpin-arrested-in-bangkok-after-dramatic-standoff

For general cargo vessels, they have been increasingly drawn into the drug trade
https://cannabislaw.report/general-cargo-vessels-increasingly-drawn-into-drug-trade/

On the cannabis smuggling network between Nepal & the northern Indian state of Bihar
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/crime-news/the-cannabis-corridor-inside-the-nepal-bihar-marijuana-smuggling-network/

In Brazil, an influencer/criminal lawyer known as “Advogata” is on the run after charges of masterminding a criminal drug trafficking organization
https://cannabislaw.report/brazil-glam-influencer-lawyer-on-the-run-after-drug-trafficking-kingpin-accusations/

In Baltimore, 5+ tons of cannabis bound for Europe seized
https://cannabislaw.report/over-10000-pounds-of-cannabis-bound-for-europe-seized-in-baltimore/

In the Strait of Gibraltar, 4.8 tons of hashish seized in a Moroccan/Spanish joint operation
https://cannabislaw.report/morocco-spain-seize-nearly-4-8-tons-of-hashish-in-joint-strait-of-gibraltar-operation/

In Australia, the largest ever cocaine bust with 2.7 tons seized from an underground bunker system
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c14ygjzr8j7o

On the Peace Bridge between Canada & the US, the border patrol seized $4M worth of cannabis disguised as chocolate
https://cannabislaw.report/cbp-seizes-4-million-shipment-of-marijuana-on-peace-bridge/

In Bulgaria, 6 men arrested for a smuggling operation of 400 kg of cannabis
https://cannabislaw.report/six-men-and-400-kg-of-marijuana-were-detained-during-a-special-operation-at-the-bulgarian-border-checkpoint/

In Pakistan, a police constable & a veterinarian were arrested with 300+ kilograms of opium & hashish
https://cannabislaw.report/pakistan-police-constable-and-a-veterinarian-arrested-near-kasur-in-anti-narcotics-operation-314-7kg-of-opium-and-hashish-seized/

In Portugal, 3 arrested in a boat smuggling operation with 56 bales of hashish
https://cannabislaw.report/portugal-three-arrested-after-56-bales-of-hashish-seized-in-aljezur/

In Malaysia, a man got 7 years & 10 strokes for possessing 300+ kg of cannabis
https://cannabislaw.report/malaysia-man-jailed-7-years-10-strokes-for-cannabis-possession/

In Wisconsin, a truck with cheese powder was busted for smuggling 60 kg of cocaine
https://cannabislaw.report/truck-hauling-cheese-powder-from-wisconsin-busted-for-cocaine-at-blue-water-bridge/

In Kuwait, the bust of an air shipment from Britain yielded 86 kg of drugs
https://cannabislaw.report/kuwait-foils-86kg-drug-smuggling-attempt-in-air-shipment-from-britain/

At a Sri Lankan airport, someone was arrested with hashish worth Rs. 377 million (~$1.1M)
https://cannabislaw.report/a-foreign-national-has-been-arrested-by-sri-lanka-customs-officers-at-bandaranaike-international-airport-bia-katunayake-after-being-found-in-possession-of-a-large-stock-of-hashish/

In Bali, 7.8 kg of hashish seized after a high-speed car chase
https://cannabislaw.report/russian-nationals-carrying-7-8kg-hashish-arrested-in-bali-after-high-speed-car-chase/
https://cannabislaw.report/bali-shots-fired-as-indonesian-authorities-arrest-three-russian-hash-smugglers/

In Ukraine, an organizer of drug parties had 2.5 kg of psychoactives “for every taste”
https://cannabislaw.report/life-during-wartime-kyiv-organizer-of-drug-parties-detained-2-5-kg-of-drugs-and-psychotropics-for-every-taste-found-at-his-home/

WoD Research

For youth cannabis offenses in Massachusetts, a racialized analysis on the effects of decriminalization & legalization.
Decriminalization, Legalization, and Racial Gaps in Police Response to Youth Marijuana Offenses
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15564886.2026.2680563

For darknet drug platforms, a thesis project on the push & pull between prohibition & platform capitalism.
The Other(Ed) World:Discourses Negotiating Probation, Identity, Trust and Motivation in a Darknet Drug Market Platform Community
https://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=9227462&fileOId=9233995

In the Balkans, a dissertation on the smuggling of heroin, cocaine & migrants.
Cross-Border Smuggling in the Balkans: A Structure-Opportunity Theory Perspective, 2026
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3233/NHSDP260027

🛡️ Harm Reduction News 🛡️

‘Ottawa’s last supervised consumption sites close amid fears of overdose risks’
https://capitalcurrent.ca/ottawas-last-supervised-consumption-sites-close-amid-fears-of-overdose-risks/

At New York’s overdose prevention center OnPoint, since their launch, they intervened in 2000+ overdoses with no fatalities
https://mailchi.mp/onpointnyc.org/june-2026-newsletter

The FDA approved the 3^rd over-the-counter naloxone product: Rextovy, a 4 mg naloxone nasal spray
https://filtermag.org/fda-rextovy-over-the-counter-naloxone/

Harm Reduction Research

In Vancouver’s safer opioid supply program, participants reported reduced drug use, craving/withdrawal & overdose risk as well as safer drug use behavior & improved physical health, mental health, financial stability & social connections.
Participant perspectives on a safe supply program in Vancouver, Canada: impacts, satisfaction and improvement priorities
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12954-026-01481-3

For funding administrators of harm reduction programs, a survey found that social stigma against people who use drugs allowed for political entrepreneurialism including politicians scapegoating harm reduction services.
Funding Community Health Services for People Who Use Drugs in San Francisco: Determinants, challenges, and opportunities to improve implementation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666560326000836

In Vancouver, sex workers who use drugs, the majority owned take-home naloxone, though a barrier was recent homelessness.
Take-home naloxone (THN) ownership among a community-based cohort of sex workers who use drugs in metro vancouver: longitudinal trends and structural determinants (2017-2024)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12954-026-01483-1

For mobile addiction services, an analysis in Boston of their Community Care in Reach® model.
Multisite Mobile Addiction Services: Four-Year Outcomes
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/23/6/756

In Australian community pharmacies, a survey found high engagement with harm reduction services.
Provision of harm reduction services in community pharmacies: Findings from an Australian national sample
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42248708/

For fentanyl-related harm reduction, a review of 7 reviews found naloxone most consistently associated with reduced overdose mortality & improved bystander response as well as fentanyl test strips linked to behavior modifications.
Fentanyl-related harm reduction and structural determinants of overdose in the United States: An umbrella review with AMSTAR-2 Appraisal
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/405725999

For people who use crack, a review of safer smoking equipment programs found reduced pipe sharing, decreased injecting & improved engagement with health & social services.
Provision of safer smoking equipment to reduce health harms and enhance service engagement among people who use crack: a realist informed review
https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28750/1/Provision%20of%20safer%20smoking%20equipment%20to%20reduce%20health%20harms%20and%20enhance%20service%20engagement%20among%20people%20who%20use%20crack-%20a%20realist%20informed%20review.pdf

In India, a review of their harm reduction programs for people who inject drugs.
The harm reduction shift: A review of India’s NACP strategies for PWID
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13252326/

🍄 Psychoactives, Psychedelics & Plant Medicines 🍄

In Northern California, a spate of amanitas mushroom poisonings led to 4 deaths & 3 liver transplantations
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7520a2.htm

In Japan, on psychedelics in books & media.
From Exotic to Indigenous: Psychedelic Plants and Fungi in Countercultural Japanese Media
https://academic.oup.com/isle/advance-article/doi/10.1093/isle/isag028/8702686

Psychedelics & MDMA

For 5-MeO-DMT, its reputation as an ancient indigenous tradition as an example of “fabricated ancestrality”
Fabricated ancestrality: The Sonoran Desert toad, psychedelic globalization, and the ecological politics of 5-MeO-DMT
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950484826000056

For MDMA in people with social anxiety disorder, a randomized trial found great improvement in anxiety scores.
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized, Open-label, Wait-list Controlled Trial
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/406181781

For psychedelics & PTSD, a meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials found moderate-to-large reductions in symptom severity, with ketamine effects being small & MDMA being more promising.
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Treatment of PTSD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://www.mdpi.com/2813-1851/5/2/16

In a person with advanced Alzheimer’s disease, a case report of high-dose psilocybin leading to spontaneous autobiographical speech as well as improved ambulation, autonomous dressing, increased emotional responsiveness, sustained social interaction, potential memory retrieval, spontaneous conversation in engagement & the restoration of urinary incontinence
Transient multidomain functional improvement in advanced Alzheimer’s disease following high-dose psilocybin-containing mushroom administration: a case report
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2026.1813281/full?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

On trans people & psychedelics, a Reddit analysis of the themes of their experiences.
Altered states, authentic selves: Trans individual’s experiences with psychedelics and their implications for Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/26895269.2026.2681667
“Four themes were identified. The first acknowledged how psychedelic-induced altered states can lead to self-acceptance, gender euphoria, and gender realization. The second explored how psychological release during psychedelic trips can also facilitate a journey of self-acceptance. The third explored how these experiences can function as a catalyst for change. The last theme explored how psychedelic-induced altered states can simultaneously support and exasperate gender dysphoria.”

For psychedelics & ADHD, a review of 6 studies found insufficient evidence of efficacy.
The effects of psychedelics on attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder - a systematic review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42265057/

For psychedelics, a review of their structure-activity relationships.
Short- and Long-Acting Psychedelics: Structure–Activity Relationships, Pharmacology, and Implications for Neuropsychiatric Therapeutics
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acschemneuro.6c00202

Ketamine

For methamphetamine use disorder, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy facilitated a temporary psychological space for engagement with psychotherapy.
Navigating ‘K-Land’: A Qualitative Exploration of Participants’ Experiences of Study of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Methamphetamine Use Disorder
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1873497/abstract

In Norwegian ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, interviews on the ethics of its use found the main themes to be access to care, informed consent & therapeutic integrity.
Psychedelic ethics in practice: The case of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in Norway
https://www.akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/aop/article-10.1556-2054.2026.00486/article-10.1556-2054.2026.00486.xml

In ketamine for depression, a survey of providers on their therapeutic practices, modalities & treatment goals.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Depression: A Survey of Current Practices, Rationales, and Future
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/02791072.2026.2685515

In people with bipolar depression, compared to electroshock therapy, ketamine infusions caused similar benefits in only half of the patients.
Electroconvulsive Therapy and Ketamine Infusion in Patients with Bipolar I or II Depression: A Case Series
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42267236/

In adolescents with acute behavioral disturbances, a review on the use of intramuscular ketamine.
PP39 Intramuscular ketamine for management of paediatric acute behavioural disturbance: a scoping review
https://emj.bmj.com/content/43/Suppl_2/A18

For acute pain in the emergency department, a review of intramuscular ketamine found it comparable to IV morphine.
Intranasal ketamine versus intravenous opioids for acute pain in the emergency department: A scoping review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0735675726002755

For combining nano-ketamine & sertraline (Zoloft) in a rat model of depression, together they caused rapid onset & sustained drug action with benefits for oxidative stress & inflammation.
Intranasal nanoformulations of ketamine and sertraline: Comparative insights into combined protective antidepressant effect
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1773224726006076

Kratom

For a trauma patient, his use of the kratom alkaloid 7-OH may have contributed to a hypersensitivity to pain.
7-Hydroxymitragynine Induced Perioperative Hyperalgesia in 27-year-old Trauma Patient
https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1050&context=southatlantic2026

For kratom withdrawal in Malaysia, a survey of medical practitioners found opioid agonists commonly used for treatment.
The assessment and treatment of kratom dependence: findings from a physician survey in Malaysia
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00952990.2026.2677090

For the metabolites of kratom, an analysis of how they move through humans.
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragyine plasma pharmacokinetics in humans after single and 15 multiple oral kratom extract doses
https://academic.oup.com/jat/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jat/bkag042/8704792

Kava

On kava for anxiety disorders, a review of the clinical evidence & mechanisms of action.
Kava Kava in Anxiety Disorders: Current Evidence and Clinical Implications
https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/72694

Khat

In Madagascar, the cultivation of khat boosted local economic development & was more profitable than vegetable selling.
An assessment of the khat and vegetable trade in the local economic ecosystem: The case of northern Madagascar
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0331722

🍃 The Plant & its Products 🍃

🌱 Growing 🌱

For hemp & flax production, a review of the impacts of global warming & their possibility for carbon sequestration & bio-based composites.
Projected impacts of global warming on the production and qualities of hemp and flax plants and fibres: Toward adaptation strategies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669026009003

For growing hemp, an analysis of mulch management & chemical systems on yield.
Cover Crop Based Reduced Tillage Management of Floral Hemp
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/405803068

For hemp with drought stress, an analysis of seed priming with selenite & selenate on germination & early sprout growth.
Influence of selenite and selenate seed priming duration on the mitigation of drought stress in industrial hemp
https://www.croris.hr/crosbi/publikacija/prilog-skup/947082

For hemp exposed to forever chemicals, on using spectroscopy for detection & to analyze performance.
Short-wave infrared hyperspectral imaging coupled with ECOC-SVM classification enables discrimination of hemp plants treated with PFOA and PFOS
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213343726023651

In cannabis research, a book chapter on the molecular markers.
Scope of Molecular Markers in Cannabis Research
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003542681-13/scope-molecular-markers-cannabis-research-anna-zilov-arpan-modi

For cannabis flowering, a genetic analysis of the MADS-box transcription factors.
Genome-wide characterization of MADS-box genes reveals CsaSOC1 as a key regulator of flowering in Cannabis sativa L.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00299-026-03871-0

⚙️ Analyzing & Formulating ⚙️

For delivering CBD, a review of the different systems.
Enhancing therapeutic efficacy of cannabidiol through the development of advanced delivery systems
https://eprints.ugd.edu.mk/38492/

For masking the taste of cannabinoids (CBD & CBG), on using oil-in-water emulsions.
Oil-in-water Emulsion as a Strategy for Taste Masking of Cannabinoid Extract
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1208/s12249-026-03472-w

For hemp protein extractions, comparing the alkaline & cold plasma methods.
Comparison of the physicochemical properties of hemp protein extracted using alkaline and cold plasma methods
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772502226005421

For analyzing cannabinoid levels, on the effects of polysaccharides on retention.
Impact of chemical structure and substituents of polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases on cannabinoids retention under normal phase conditions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42262577/

🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber 🏗️

For solar panels, on reinforcement & optimization with hemp-sisal/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) hybrid biocomposites.
Development of Biosilica-Reinforced Hemp-Sisal/PLA Hybrid Biocomposites for Lightweight Photovoltaic Panel Structures with Fossa Optimization-Based MPPT Performance Evaluation
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/405661505

On a compression ignition engine fueled with pine oil & hemp oil methyl ester.
Optimization of Combustion, Performance, and Emission Characteristics of a Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition Engine Fueled with Hemp Oil Methyl Ester and Pine Oil Blends using Response Surface Methodology
https://www.jafmonline.net/article_2952_1b79b52d1bf6f71b2b1eb7ca08ed0776.pdf

On obtaining graphene oxide by the burning of waste hemp biomass.
Microwave-assisted pyrolysis of waste hemp biomass for the synthesis of graphene oxide–like material: A feedstock-process-structure-property relationship study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0961953426007397

For automotive panels, on the impact resistance of a composite of carbon, kenaf & hemp.
Structure–Property Relationship of Carbon–Kenaf–Hemp-Reinforced Sandwich Composites for Impact-Resistant Automotive Panels
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11665-026-14188-0

On polymeric composites for automotive applications using hemp & coconut fiber epoxy reinforced with carbon black.
Mechanical and thermal performance of hemp and coconut fibers epoxy composites reinforced with carbon black for automotive applications
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949822826008154

For epoxy composites in automotive interior applications, evaluating different ratios of hemp fiber & Indian mallow fiber.
Investigation of thermal, acoustical and wear properties for effective hybridization of Abutilon Indicum and hemp fiber in the epoxy-based composites
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13726-026-01688-y

For hemp/epoxy composite, on comparisons to flax-epoxy composites.
Comparative Mechanical Performance of Alkali-Treated Unidirectional Flax/Epoxy and Hemp/Epoxy Composite Manufactured via VARIM
https://www.mdpi.com/2413-4155/8/6/133

For hemp fiber-reinforced concrete, on using AI to predict its mechanical & durability properties.
Artificial Intelligence-Driven Prediction of Mechanical and Durability Properties of Hemp-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/406425172_Artificial_Intelligence-Driven_Prediction_of_Mechanical_and_Durability_Properties_of_Hemp-Fiber-Reinforced_Concrete

For recycled concrete, hemp rope enhanced strength & strain with little loss due to temperature.
Temperature-resilient performance of hemp rope–Confined recycled aggregate concrete in axial compression
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666682026000605

🌿 THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE 🌿

🏥 Public Health & Bioassays 🏥

In California after legalization, a public health survey found that doctor-recommended cannabis use fell by half but cannabis use held steady.
Doctor-Recommended Cannabis Use in the Era of Legalization: Trends from California (2019-2024)
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/25785125261452930

In a survey of Canadians before & after legalization, they had only modest differences in the knowledge of cannabis health effects, with the highest agreement on the risk of impaired driving & lowest agreement for schizophrenia risk, as well as significantly decreased awareness of harms related to pregnancy, breast-feeding, driving, schizophrenia & diabetes.
Knowledge about the health effects of cannabis before and after legalization of ‘recreational’ cannabis in Canada: findings from the International Cannabis Policy Study, 2018–2024
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00428-6

For Canadians who use cannabis with other drugs, they had 3 classes of use.
Simultaneous use of cannabis with other drugs: Identifying latent classes in a sample of Canadians
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42247742/
“We identified three latent classes: 1) low overall simultaneous use with occasional simultaneous use of cannabis with alcohol, 2) simultaneous use of cannabis with alcohol and hallucinogens, and 3) high overall simultaneous use (i.e., simultaneous use of cannabis with alcohol, hallucinogens, illicit stimulants, and prescription drugs).”

A Reddit analysis of cannabis use & cessation.
Understanding Cannabis Use and Cessation Through LLM-Based Analysis of Reddit Narratives
https://aisel.aisnet.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1011&context=treos_ecis2026

For cannabis harm reduction in Queer youth, community engagement for identifying research priorities.
Community-informed priorities for cannabis harm reduction research among LGBTQIA+ youth: Insights from a World Café
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42247745/

In human urine after taking Δ8-THCV, an analysis of the metabolites found.
Metabolite patterns in human urine after oral administration of highly purified Δ8-THCV
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11419-026-00772-5

In human blood & urine, a simplified method for quantifying CBD, THC & their metabolites.
An improved method for quantification of cannabidiol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and their metabolites in human plasma and urine
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0731708526002670

For monitoring semi-synthetic cannabinoids in UK consumer products, on an LC-MS/MS method.
Development and validation of an LC–MS/MS method for monitoring semi-synthetic cannabinoids in UK consumer products: an evidence-based analytical, regulatory, and pharmacovigilance framework
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0026265X26017935

🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults 🧒

In US young adults, cannabis use has increased rapidly in the last 25 years, with the rate of increase highest in females.
Secular Trends and Predictors of Frequent Cannabis Use From 2002-2019 in the United States
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025619626173492

For drugs at US universities, state cannabis legalization substantially reduced arrests & disciplinary incidents for drug law violations.
Impact of legalization of recreational marijuana on drug law violations: Evidence from US colleges and universities
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165176526002752

In undergraduates with anxiety, they had a heightened risk for experiencing cannabis-related consequences.
Does social anxiety influence reporting of cannabis consequences? A differential item functioning analysis of the Brief Marijuana Consequences Questionnaire (B-MACQ)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460326001747

For young adults using cannabis, an app with interventions was associated with less cannabis use.
Mobile intervention for emerging adults with regular cannabis use: a micro-randomized trial
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanam/article/PIIS2667-193X(26)00154-7/fulltext

🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders 🧠

In the mouse hippocampus (a memory center of the brain), CBD altered gene expression related to energy levels & modulated endocrine stress markers.
Selective hippocampal transcriptional adaptation to long-term cannabidiol exposure in mice
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12864-026-13028-8

In tissue & mouse models of ALS, inhibiting FAAH (the enzyme that degrades the endocannabinoid anandamide) lessened motor neuron degeneration “through the regulation of microglial environment, synapse plasticity, and neuronal development” as well as higher levels of endocannabinoids & N-acyl taurines.
Fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibition for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
https://df6sxcketz7bb.cloudfront.net/manuscripts/198000/198842/jci.insight.198842.v1.pdf

💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder 💭

In German problematic cannabis users, an analysis of their demographics.
Who is at risk? Core mental health symptoms and problematic cannabis use in Germany
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00430-y

For protective behavioral strategies around cannabis use, the use of more protective strategies predicted subsequent reduction in use frequency but not quantity or consequences, while conversely, experiencing higher-than-usual negative consequences predicted subsequent increases in protective behavioral strategies use.
Bidirectional associations between protective behavioral strategies for cannabis use and cannabis outcomes: A cross-lagged longitudinal approach
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460326001668

For people who use cannabis, this cannabis-cue priming study (where they expose people to the look, smell & feel of cannabis) found that this caused them to experience cravings & also in the people who use it to enhance their attention, exposure caused faster task performance.
Cannabis cues, motives, and attention enhancement: A cannabis priming pilot study.
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2027-79800-001

In a rat model of depression, the combination of CBD & temozolomide (an anticancer drug) caused antidepressant effects in males but not females.
Antidepressant-like effects of cannabidiol when combined with temozolomide in adult rats
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2026.1873308/abstract

In a female rat model of adolescent social instability stress, blocking the CB1 receptor increased social interaction & social reward motivation.
Adolescent cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) blockade mitigates the effects of adolescent social instability stress (SS) on socially directed behaviour in female rats
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306453026001976

🧬 Reproduction & Hormones 🧬

In people using cannabis during pregnancy, a survey of their demographics.
Cannabis Use Transitions During Early Pregnancy
https://publications.sciences.ucf.edu/cannabis/index.php/Cannabis/article/view/353

In pregnant ferrets in their 3rd trimester, a thesis project on the effects of THC (as well as alcohol) in the offspring.
Effects of Developmental Alcohol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Ferrets
https://www.proquest.com/openview/e18ac1fe7480ff51c4bd431e2f081d33/1

🦠 The Immune System & Microbial 🦠

In treatment-resistant autoimmune diseases, this case series of 70 patients found a regimen of melatonin, CBD & angiotensin 1-7 (a vasodilator) caused improvements to blood antibody levels & clinical symptoms.
Melatonin, angiotensin 1-7, and cannabidiol in refractory autoimmune disease: clinical case series
https://www.academia.edu/3071-4087/2/2/10.20935/AcadNeurosci8343

🦴 Pain, Musculoskeletal & Surgeries 🦴

In a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, their gut microbiome had less of the bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids & commendamide (a rather unknown endocannabinoid-like molecule) which demonstrated significant protective effects including for promoting antioxidant genes via the PPAR nuclear receptor.
Bacteroides-derived endocannabinoid-like commendamide attenuates skeletal muscle ferroptosis in vitro: implications for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12967-026-08407-4

In a mouse model of inflammatory pain, inhibiting the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down the endocannabinoid anandamide) reduced pain levels via opioid receptors & heme oxygenase-1 in the amygdala (an emotional processing center).
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor reduces persistent inflammatory pain in mice depending on mu- and delta-opioid receptors activity: Involvement of heme oxygenase-1
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166432826003050

🍽️ The Guts, Nutrition & the Microbiome 🍽️

In people with pancreatitis leading to hyperuricemia (high levels of uric acid) & in a mouse model, the high uric acid levels exacerbated the pancreatitis via the retrograde endocannabinoid signaling of the CB1 receptor enhancing inflammatory cytokines from the macrophages.
Hyperuricemia aggravates acute pancreatitis through CNR1-mediated inflammatory signaling and gut-pancreas axis dysregulation: a multi-omics and clinical study
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-54458-4_reference.pdf

On 3D-printing plant protein composites using protein powders from hemp & Australian sweet lupin.
An investigation into the textural profile of cooked 3D-printed plant protein composite formulations using Australian sweet lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) and hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) protein powders
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772502226005895

For THC as a probe into type 1 diabetes, a hypothesis paper on a shift of endocannabinoid tone toward CB2-associated regulatory signaling with changes to intestinal barrier dynamics, immune polarization & the blood-pancreas barrier.
Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol, a Cannabis sativa–Derived Natural Product, as a Probe of Endocannabinoid System Plasticity in Type 1 Diabetes: A Receptor-Level, Testable Hypothesis
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/natural-products/articles/10.3389/fntpr.2026.1812441/abstract

👀 The Eyes 👀

In a mouse model of retinal damage from early diabetes, activating their CB2 receptors decreased inflammatory cytokines & improved survival of photoreceptors.
1242-OR: Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Agonism Decreases Retinal Inflammation and Is Neuroprotective in Diabetic Retinopathy Models
https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/75/Supplement_1/1242-OR/167133

🖐️ The Skin & Topicals 🖐️

For hemp leaf extracts & skincare, an analysis of ethanol versus propylene glycol extraction for composition & bioactivity found propylene glycol to be better for cosmetic stability & formulation.
Comparative Study of Ethanolic and Propylene Glycol Extraction of Hemp Leaf Extracts: Phytochemical Analysis and Skincare Formulation Development
https://ejournals.swu.ac.th/index.php/sej/article/view/17324

🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy 🎗️

In a computer analysis of cancer cells, mutations were found in both their CB1 & CB2 receptors.
CNR1 and CNR2 Cannabinoid Receptor Mutations in Cancer Cells
https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/48/6/610
“In silico 3D structure of proteins reveals that these mutations cluster on the intracellular regions of CNR1 and CNR2, and certain residues may be able to destabilize the interaction with the G-alpha protein due to their close proximity. mRNA expression showed that CNR1 and CNR2 are within normal expression levels in most cancer types except kidney, where there is a tendency towards over-expression. Neither CNR1 nor CNR2 is a driver gene, and our analysis shows that mutations in cancer cells are deactivating (e.g., loss of function).”

🔬 Biochemical Discoveries & Research Tools 🔬

For the enzyme that produces CBC acid, an analysis of its binding & activity.
Improvement of cannabichromenic acid synthase activity and construction of recombinant yeast strain
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00203-026-04976-6

An analysis of the conversion of CBN into the phenanthrene CNP via light.
From Cannabinol (CBN) to Cannabiphenanthrene (CNP): A photochemical cascade reaction. A steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic investigation
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6908683

On creating phenyl-carbamates for inhibiting the FAAH enzyme as well as blocking the TRPV1 channel.
Structure-guided discovery of phenyl-carbamates as novel dual TRPV1 antagonists/FAAH inhibitors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42242015/

For cannabinoid bromination (adding a bromine, a common technique for improved potency or breakdown resistance), a comparison of 3 different methods.
Bromination of Cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L.: A Comparative Study Using an Enzymatic Catalysis Approach
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.orglett.6c01788

Thanks.
- lex

PS: For today’s scintillating soul jazz, ‘The Definitive Young-Holt Unlimited’. It all comes back to the drummer Isaac “Redd” Holt & the bassist Eldee Young meeting at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. They initially began in 1956 by forming a jazz trio named after their drummer Ramsey Lewis. But after a decade with him, they broke out to form their group the Young-Holt Trio with the pianist Hysear Don Walker, with their first Top 20 R&B hit being ‘Wack Wack’ (track #2 above). In 1968, Walker was replaced by Ken Chaney & the group changed their name to Young-Holt Unlimited, adding more funky rhythms to their repertoire. Their first smash hit was the instrumental “Soulful Strut” (track #3) & they recorded for the next 5 years before breaking up. Their influence continued into the hip-hop era with the band being sampled over 200 times. And I don’t know what it is that makes this album so delightful but between their covers of songs from the Doors & their delightful scat & patter, it’s been a delightful week having them play in the background this whole time.

This newsletter is the backbone of my work & I hope it brings you a measure of value. If so, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription & support my sharing all of the new cannabinoid science each week.

🌟 This Week 🌟

(#hashtags for jumping to articles by searching for them with your browser)

• For chronic lower back, crazy good data on inhaled cannabis

• For total knee replacements, high levels of CBD & low levels of THC for postsurgical pain

• On cannabis-associated violence (#Sikhs)

• Even sitting in a smoke-filled car can make your hair test positive for THC (#passive)

• Preclinical: cannabis for fatty liver + CBD for Alzheimer’s + CBG for obesity

• War on Drugs: Trump’s first boat strike probably killed human-trafficking victims (#boatstrike) + Federal cannabis trafficking cases fell to another record low

• Kratom trial just greenlit by FDA for opioid use disorder

• Harm reduction: the underground “hit doctors” of Canada (#hitdoctors)

[numbers for C&P#191: ~4.3k words, ~12 minutes reading time, 82 papers]

📌 Editor’s notes 📌:
The newsletter will take a break next week because of travels.

Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 191^st edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science, assorted canna-news + the War on Drugs, harm reduction & other psychoactives. Support this work with a paid subscription or by buying me a coffee.

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• the Huainanzi & Perfected People

And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week: country-soul pioneer, Arthur Alexander

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🍃 BEST OF CANNABINOID SCIENCE 🍃

(most of the phytocannabinoid data is here & most of the ECS data is in the ‘Canna-Science Archive’ at the bottom)

⚕️ Clinical ⚕️

In people with chronic low back pain, 5 years of inhaled cannabis was associated with “large, sustained, and statistically robust improvements in pain, disability, and pain interference, accompanied by near-total displacement of opioids, NSAIDs, antidepressants, and gabapentinoids”
Long-Term Inhaled Cannabis Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis of Prospectively Collected Patient-Reported Outcomes in 241 Treatment-Refractory Patients
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/14/6/1255

For people with pain after a knee replacement, a 25:1 CBD:THC oil reduced levels of moderate-to-severe pain over the next 26 weeks
Cannabis to Reduce Chronic Postsurgical Pain Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9622221/v1/8906402d-02a2-4971-80a3-319ed3604811.pdf?c=1780384340

In horse feed contaminated by low levels of CBD & CBDA, the horses had low but detectable levels in their plasma & urine
Plasma and urinary exposure of cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid in horses following consumption of contaminated feed
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13620-026-00350-6

⚠️ Harms ⚠️

In first-episode psychosis, those with cannabis exposure “exhibited better cognitive function, lower cortical E/I balance, lesser negative symptoms, and greater mood symptoms”, with cannabis resumption associated with relapse
Cognitive, Electrophysiological, and Behavioral Presentation of First-Episode Psychosis With or Without Cannabis Exposure
https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/abs/10.1176/appi.ajp.20250726

For cannabis-associated violence, a review of case reports argued that more research is needed on this topic (#Sikhs)
Cannabis, Psychosis, and Violence: Case Reports and Comprehensive Evidence Review
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1824748/abstract
This article is behind a paywall so I’m not sure if they covered it, but there is a whole literature from the 50s (reviewed here by the historian Ernest Abel) about cannabis increasing violence in animals. And to go along with that, there’s plenty of sociological evidence from that time of Reefer Madness that if you tell young men who like to fight that cannabis will make them more wild & better at fighting, then that’s what it’s going to do. I have a whole chapter in my graphic novel series planned out about the history of violence & cannabis use, such as among the Sikhs, the great warriors of India, whose hero Gobind Singh once single-handedly defeated a battle elephant with a sword in its trunk after drinking a mixture of cannabis & opium.

📑 Reviews 📑

For anxiety, a review of 5 studies of THC-rich cannabis
Effectiveness and safety of cannabis on anxiety treatment outcomes: a systematic review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666915326000740

For inflammatory bowel diseases, a review of 8 trials on THC-rich cannabis
Effectiveness of THC-containing cannabis for inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00456-2

For cannabis & PTSD, on the demographics of users & the patchy data
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder & Cannabis: An Epidemiologic and Genetic Narrative Review
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/b1934f6a35a6d034a13d358ea33afe24/download_pub

For synthetic drugs of the CB1 receptor in clinical trials, a review of 189 molecules
Synthetic CB1 Modulators in Clinical Trials: A Medicinal Chemistry Review
https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cmdc.70302

In zebrafish, a review on the endocannabinoid system’s involvement in reproduction & the reaction to environmental pollutants
Role of the endocannabinoid system in teleostei fish physiology: implications for reproduction and environmental interactions
https://www.scielo.br/j/bjb/a/mdTGZ8L3bBssYCWZyZCcSRc/?lang=en

🐁 Preclinical 🐁

In a rat model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly known as fatty liver disease), cannabis oil lessened the inflammation, liver scarring & other negative effects
Cannabis oil prevents early hepatic fibrosis, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in a sucrose-rich dietinduced MASLD model: role of cannabinoid receptors
https://karger.com/mca/article-pdf/doi/10.1159/000552533/4544010/000552533.pdf

In a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease, CBD improved spatial learning, memory & levels of pathological tau in the hippocampus (a memory center of the brain)
Cannabidiol attenuates tau hyperphosphorylation and cognitive deficits in an experimental model of Alzheimer’s disease and is associated with restoration of PP2A expression
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11011-026-01894-w

In a rat model of obesity, CBG lowered the influx of fatty acids, protected against excess lipids & improved antioxidant defenses in the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
Cannabigerol Alleviates Obesity-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction by Cardiolipin Fatty Acid Remodeling
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42233524/

For the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers, cannabis extracts caused inhibition & synergized with both kratom & Indian gooseberry
A study on the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of three medicinal plant crude extracts from Cannabis sativa, Mitragyna speciosa and Phyllanthus emblica
https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/items/f276664e-0bda-4695-8640-f60ae94ee531

On myrcene, a thesis project on its painkilling properties
A common terpene engages the endocannabinoid system to alleviate chronic pain
https://escholarship.org/uc/item/04b7z4z0

🆕 Novel Studies 🆕

(a grab bag section for cool & new stuff)

For cannabis strains, on using Leafly user reviews for tracking their popularity
Surveillance of Cannabis Strains Using Online Data: Observational Study
https://formative.jmir.org/2026/1/e89897

For passive hair exposure of THC & CBD, even briefly sitting inside a vehicle with cannabis smoke can trigger a false positive for active use (#passive)
Methodological considerations on repeated measures and sub-LOQ values in passive cannabis hair contamination
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0379073826002173

Lex’s roundup of fav newsletters:
#Canna: Marijuana Moment, Cannabis Law Report, Cultivated, Cannabis Musings (oy vey), Talking Joints Memo, Sticky Bits, Highly Objective, Cannabitch, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, Doctor Approved, Medical Marijuana Memory Blog (by Dame Alice O’Leary Randall)
#DrugWar: InSight Crime, Marshall Project, Students for Sensible Drug Policy
#HarmReduction: Filter, Drug Data Decoded, International Drug Policy Consortium, National Harm Reduction Coalition, Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
#Psychoactives: Psychedelic Alpha, Ecstatic Integration, ICEERS, Substance, The Microdose

📰 US Headlines & Fav Articles

The White House said it wants Congress to amend a law that, in November, will federally recriminalize hemp-derived full-spectrum CBD products
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/white-house-pushes-congress-to-keep-hemp-cbd-products-legal-by-amending-broad-ban-thats-set-to-take-effect-later-this-year/

In Maine & Massachusetts, the anti-cannabis ballot campaigns were accused of fraudulent & misleading tactics, with video evidence
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/anti-marijuana-ballot-campaigns-in-maine-and-massachusetts-accused-of-fraudulent-and-misleading-petitioning-tactics/

🌐 International Updates 🌐

In Spain, the Health Secretary said the government is not open to the legalization of adult-use cannabis, which is very funny because they have perhaps the world’s most flourishing network of gray-market cannabis clubs
https://www.democrata.es/en/health/padilla-rejects-legalizing-recreational-cannabis-and-claims-its-use-only-for-medical-purposes/

In Indonesia, on the dilemma of medical cannabis
The Medical Cannabis Dilemma in Indonesia: Its History, Benefits, and Risks from an Islamic Legal Perspective
https://journal.iaincurup.ac.id/index.php/alistinbath/article/view/14758

In Thailand, on tourism & the resistance to cannabis businesses
Unravelling tourists’ and residents’ appraisals to unethical cannabis-related businesses and their impact on resistance behaviours in tourism cities
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/20565607.2026.2681863

⚖️ Business, Laws & Education ⚖️

On the New York Stock Exchange, Trulieve became the first multistate cannabis operator to ring the bell & get uplisted after separating its adult-use assets from its medical business
https://www.cultivated.news/p/trulieve-rings-the-nyse-bell
https://cannabismusings.substack.com/p/cannabis-musings-june-9-2026

In an analysis of US cannabis taxes, increased taxes raised the price of products & reduced legal cannabis sales
The impact of taxes on prices and the demand for legally sold recreational Cannabis in the U.S.-An economic evaluation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42230272/

For hemp in the US, an economic analysis of its adoption in the economy with a focus on fiber
Quantifying the Economywide Impacts of Industrial Hemp Adoption in the U.S.
https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/361204?v=pdf

In young adults exposed to cannabis ads & warnings, on the effects of message complexity
Impact of Simple Versus Complex Cannabis Advertising Messages and Warnings on US Young Adults’ Product Perceptions
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/29767342261454137

🚓 The War on Drugs 🚓

In Trump’s boat strikes, the very first one probably killed victims of human trafficking (#boatstrike)
Top Pentagon Official Admits Boat Strike May Have Killed Victims of Human Trafficking
https://theintercept.com/2026/06/10/trump-boat-strikes-human-trafficking-victims/
This whole article is worth reading. Not only are these extrajudicial killings illegal & inhumane, they are also terribly carried out.

In Venezuela, Trump said the US killed a Tren de Aragua leader in an airstrike
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-says-u-s-killed-tren-de-aragua-leader-airstrike-nino-guerrero/

In the US, federal cannabis trafficking cases fell to another record low with just 383 in the last fiscal year
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-marijuana-prosecutions-hit-another-record-low-in-2025-as-state-legalization-expands-government-report-shows/

In Europe, they just released a report on their drug situation
https://www.euda.europa.eu/publications/european-drug-report/2026/drug-situation-in-europe-up-to-2026_en

A new book on the war on drugs focused on the US & Mexico in the late 20th century
Policing on Drugs: The United States, Mexico, and the Origins of the Modern Drug War, 1969–2000 by Aileen Teague (review)
https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/12/article/991522/summary
Since the next chapters of my graphic novel series that I’m writing now are on the origins of the Mexican War on Drugs & how they played out over the last century, I just put this book in my basket.

In Fiji, 47k cannabis plants uprooted with an estimated street value of $47M
https://cannabislaw.report/fiji-47m-worth-marijuana-plants-uprooted/

In Spain, a cannabis club was dismantled for operating as a retail drug store
https://cannabislaw.report/cannabis-club-in-granadilla-tenerife-dismantled-for-operating-as-a-retail-drug-outlet/

In Mexico, a new cross-border tunnel found in Tijuana was 1900 feet long & had a rail system
https://www.aol.com/news/mexican-authorities-uncover-cross-border-002515092.html

In Paraguay, a private jet was found with 577 pounds of hashish & cannabis aboard after the pilot fled the country
https://cannabislaw.report/entrepreneur-pilot-leaves-paraguay-before-3-6m-in-hashish-found/

In Cambodia, a British national arrested with 65 kg of cannabis
https://cannabislaw.report/british-national-arrested-with-65kg-of-marijuana-during-phnom-penh-condo-raid/

In Indonesia, an Australian woman found with 59 mL of cannabis vape liquid is facing 20 years in prison
https://cannabislaw.report/australian-woman-faces-jail-time-over-alleged-cannabis-vape-liquid-in-indonesia/

WoD Research

For Baltimore police & cannabis laws, interviews found that they opposed zero-tolerance criminalization but criticized the current models of cannabis legalization
Police experiences with cannabis legalization and perceptions of broader drug policy reform
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42236387/

In Oregon during their drug decriminalization laws, an analysis found immediate declines in both misdemeanor & felony charges, but “of those not dismissed, there appears to be a concerted effort on prosecuting those charges”
A longitudinal examination of the effects of drug policy shifts on PCS charging practices in Oregon
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1745-9133.70024

In South America, on the emergence of new synthetic drugs
Emergence of synthetic drugs in South America: insights from Brazil, Chile, and Colombia
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12954-026-01480-4

On Dark Web markets versus Reddit on talking about drug use
Substance Use Communication Across Public and Public Online Health Communities: Comparing Reddit and the Dark Web Forum Dread
https://scholars.cityu.edu.hk/en/publications/substance-use-communication-across-public-and-public-online-healt/

For NGOs during the Mexican War on Drugs, a thesis project on their role within the conflict
THE ROLE OF NGOS DURING THE MEXICAN WAR ON DRUGS
https://portalcris.vdu.lt/server/api/core/bitstreams/2041ae5e-a0b6-47b9-ad32-0ff0751fd1dd/content

For women drug dealers in Chile, a thesis project on their labor market trajectories
Precarious and gendered work: Labour market trajectories of women drug dealers in Chile
https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/488541404/Final_Copy_2026_03_17_Ortuzar_Madrid_C_PhD_Redacted.pdf

🛡️ Harm Reduction News 🛡️

In Canada, a ride-along with the underground “hit doctors” who inject drugs into people as a harm reduction service/business (#hitdoctors)
Meet the ‘hit doctor’: Inside an informal network of drug users trying to stay alive
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/inside-an-informal-network-of-drug-users-trying-to-stay-alive-9.7225457

Harm Reduction Research

For a hospital-based harm reduction program, interviews on operational barriers, tensions & educational gaps
Implementation and sustainability of hospital-based harm reduction delivery: a qualitative analysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12954-026-01476-0

In acute care health care professionals, a review of their views on harm reduction found they were generally willing to engage with interventions but this willingness did not always translate into action
Perspectives of Acute Care Health Care Professionals on Harm Reduction Interventions: A Scoping Review
https://journals.lww.com/cja/abstract/2026/06000/perspectives_of_acute_care_health_care.3.aspx

For drug houses, a thesis project interviewing people who use them
“IT’S THE SCARIEST, SAFEST ENVIRONMENT YOU’LL EVER BE IN”: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF DANGER AND SAFETY FOR PEOPLE WHO ACCESS DRUG HOUSES IN SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA
https://harvest.usask.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/7e4ab3a3-2c4f-403a-8ca0-ad28689c494c/content

🍄 Psychoactives, Psychedelics & Plant Medicines 🍄

On kratom for opioid use disorder, the FDA just greenlit the first human trial
https://filtermag.org/fda-human-trial-kratom-opioid-use-disorder/

A book review of mixing psychoactive substances with religion found this one to be lacking in the basics
Sacred Drugs: How Psychoactive Substances Mix with Religious Life
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13537903.2026.2676394

Psychedelics & MDMA

On advocating for using full psilocybin mushroom extracts instead of the isolated psilocybin molecule
Time to embrace the whole: considering the replacement of psilocybin with Psilocybe spp. in psychedelic research and therapy
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14786419.2026.2683121

For MDMA & boosters, a trial found that they prolonged the acute subjective effects without increasing adverse events
Comparison of acute effects of 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) with and without a supplemental booster dose in healthy participants: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-026-04148-6_reference.pdf

For music & psychedelic therapy, a review of modern & traditional practices
Optimizing music for psychedelic-assisted therapy: Examining contemporary practices, traditional entheogenic rituals, and musically-induced peak experiences
https://www.akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/aop/article-10.1556-2054.2026.00523/article-10.1556-2054.2026.00523.xml

For the Indigenous use of ayahuasca for addiction, a review of 19 studies
A scoping review of ayahuasca-assisted therapy for Indigenous people living with addictions: gaps, lessons learned and policy implications
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09687637.2026.2681541

In Brazil, a review of their 18 studies on psychedelics with a focus on ayahuasca
A trip through the psychiatric use of psychedelics in Brazil: A scoping review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950484826000172

For personality traits & the effects of psychedelics, a review of 48 studies found increases in openness & reductions in neuroticism to be the most consistent findings
Classic psychedelics and personality: An updated systematic review
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/02698811261449386
“The most consistent findings were increases in Openness and reductions in Neuroticism, especially with psilocybin and ayahuasca. Changes in other traits, such as Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness, were more variable. Microdosing was associated with modest reductions in Neuroticism and higher Absorption.”

For cognitive flexibility & psychedelics, this review looked at the mixed findings
Psychedelics do not always enhance cognitive flexibility: The potential role of time-varying effects on reward learning processes
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763426002459

Ketamine

In adolescents with suicidal ideation, a pilot trial of ketamine found a high participation rate & no serious adverse events
A pilot randomized trial of ketamine for suicidal ideation in a pediatric emergency department
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43678-026-01190-7

For oral ketamine, a review of 18 trials found the adverse effects to be predominantly mild & transient
Safety and tolerance of oral ketamine: A systematic review
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/pcn.70091
“Comparative analyses indicated higher rates of dizziness, sedation, and dissociative symptoms with ketamine, while serious adverse events were rare. Overall, oral ketamine demonstrates a favorable short-term safety profile.”

Kratom

For kratom, a review of its potency variations across Southeast Asia
Variations of Mitragynine Content in Kratom Leaves From Southeast Asia: An Updated Review
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cbdv.202502332

🍃 The Plant & its Products 🍃

🌱 Growing 🌱

For salt-stressed hemp, comparing the efficacy of cold plasma & metal nanoparticles seed priming to counter the stress
Cold plasma, Fe and Mn nanoparticles modulate antioxidant activity, cannabinoids gene expression, and fatty acid profile in salt-stressed hemp
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-56414-8_reference.pdf

For hemp in soil with heavy metals, on the response to inoculation with growth-promoting microorganisms
Sorghum and Hemp Responses to Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganism Inoculation in Metal-Contaminated Dredged Sediment: A System-Level Assessment Under Environmentally Relevant Outdoor Pot Conditions
https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/16/3/102

An analysis of cannabis tetraploids (4 copies of the genome)
Advances on tetraploid Cannabis sativa L.: Morpho-anatomy, ionomics and chemical profile
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669026009647
In agronomy, adding more duplicates of the genome is a common technique for improved yield. Unfortunately, due to Prohibition, cannabis has had less time to benefit from this type of agricultural science.

For terpene levels in leaves, an analysis of the effects of growing season, leaf maturity & cultivation method
Impact of Internal and External Factors on Terpenoid Profiles in Cannabis sativa Leaves: Metabolomic Approach
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/405446164_Impact_of_Internal_and_External_Factors_on_Terpenoid_Profiles_in_Cannabis_sativa_Leaves_Metabolomic_Approach

In cannabis stalks, a dataset of their proteome & transcriptome
Raw proteomic and transcriptomic data: Cannabis glandular trichome stalks
https://researchportal.scu.edu.au/esploro/outputs/dataset/Raw-proteomic-and-transcriptomic-data-Cannabis/991013371959702368

On cannabis grown in Nigeria, a lipid profile analysis of its roots, stems, leaves & seeds
Lipid Profile of Four Parts (Roots, Stem, Leaves, and Seeds) of Cannabis sativa Grown in Nigeria: Part I.
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A3%3A31129347/detailv2?id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A193898258&crl=f&jrnl=26160684

⚙️ Extracting, Analyzing & Formulating ⚙️

For cannabis extraction, a review comparing the various methods
From Plant to Extract: Different Factors in the Extraction of Cannabis sativa L. Inflorescences
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/25785125261454834

For rapid CBD level analysis, a comparison of 3 different methods
Comparing the Utility of Cannabidiol Quantitation Methods for Use in High-Throughput In Vitro Assays
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acsomega.5c12618

For dried cannabis flowers, a test of stability found no significant degradation after 9 months
STABILITY STUDY OF DRIED CANNABIS FLOWER
https://ojs.ikm.mk/index.php/kij/article/view/8357

For CBD dry powder formulations, a thesis project on formulation strategies
Cannabidiol dry powder formulations
https://ourarchive.otago.ac.nz/esploro/outputs/doctoral/Cannabidiol-dry-powder-formulations/9926865622101891

🍞 Food & Nutrition 🍞

For hemp as a dairy alternative, an evaluation of different types of water for creating cheese analogues
Systematic evaluation of hemp-based dairy alternatives: how processing water shapes the quality of milk and the characteristics of developed cheese analogs
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11694-026-04526-0

For Scottish cold-pressed hemp seed oil & its by-products, an analysis of their functional properties for food systems
Nutritional composition and functional properties of Scottish cold-pressed hemp oil and by-products for sustainable food applications
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590259826000282

On the properties of hemp protein hydrolysates & corn starch complexes
Influence of hemp protein hydrolysates on the textural, thermal, rheological, and structural properties of corn starch with varying amylose content
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213329126000365

On improving composite gels made of hemp seed protein hydrolysate
Physicochemical and Structural Characterization of Composite Gels of Commercial Hemp Seed Protein Concentrate and Hemp Seed Protein Hydrolysate
https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/12/6/484

🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber 🏗️

For hemp biodiesel with nanoadditives, a machine learning analysis of emissions & performance
Machine learning based prediction of diesel engine emissions and performance using hemp biodiesel enriched with nano additives
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-49243-2_reference.pdf

For aerospace composites reinforced with hemp, an analysis of fracture behavior & structural integrity
Fracture behaviour and structural integrity of hemp fibre reinforced composites for low load-bearing aerospace applications
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-44443-2

For hemp composites, on methods for micro-machining
Micro-scale machining response of unidirectional hemp fiber-reinforced bio-PBS composites
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10426914.2026.2682777

In an analysis of epoxy composites made with hemp & filled with red brick dust using machine learning
Mechanical and tribological response of red brick dust filled hemp-epoxy composites using response surface methodology and machine learning approach
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-53725-8_reference.pdf

On reinforcing hemp concrete with flax textile, an analysis of the effects of different configurations on compression & shear loading
Strengthening of hemp concrete with vegetal fabric reinforced cementitious matrix: experimental study on compression and shear behaviour
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352710226012647

🌿 THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE 🌿

🏥 Public Health & Bioassays 🏥

For people who combine cannabis & cigar/cigarillos, an analysis of their demographics
The Association Between Sociodemographic Factors and co-Use of Cigars or Cigarillos with Cannabis
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10826084.2026.2675987

In Bulgarian healthcare professionals, a survey of the readiness for recommending CBD products
ASSESSING THE READINESS OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS FOR PRESCRIBING AND DISPENSING CANNABIDIOL PRODUCTS IN BULGARIA
https://ojs.ikm.mk/index.php/kij/article/view/8358

For drug testing, an analysis of the effects from the liver breaking down THC into its metabolites
In Vitro Metabolism of Δ8-, Δ9-, and Δ10-THC in Human Hepatocytes: Distinct Δ10-THC Biotransformation and Implications for Drug Testing
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42229946/

🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults 🧒

For reducing cannabis use in youth, mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy reduced cravings & improved mindfulness & emotional regulation
RISK ASSOCIATED WITH MARIJUANA AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MINDFULNESS BASED COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF ADDICTION AMONG YOUTHS IN SELECTED REHABILITATION CENTRES IN KENYA
https://ajoeijournal.org/sys/index.php/ajoei/article/view/1161

In young adult females using cannabis, coping motives were associated with longer & higher subjective intoxication but only in solitary settings
Do motives for and contexts of cannabis use interact to predict heavy cannabis use at the event-level?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42237465/

In young adult women, on their profiles of co-using alcohol & cannabis & the effects on their coping & perceived well-being
Gender-Sensitive Coping–Well-Being Profiles Associated with Alcohol and Cannabis Co-Use Among Young Adult Women
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2026.2670631

🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders 🧠

In a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, the neuroprotective effects of exercise were mediated by crosstalk between dopamine & the endocannabinoids
Dopamine–endocannabinoid crosstalk drives exercise-induced bidirectional plasticity in Parkinson’s disease
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-026-01396-7_reference.pdf

In a mouse model of blood-brain barrier dysfunction, activating the CB2 receptor with a novel drug reduced neuroinflammation-associated dysfunction & white blood cell trafficking
Orally bioavailable CB2 receptor agonists attenuate neuroinflammation and stabilize the blood–brain barrier
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-9705876/v1

💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder 💭

In people at risk for cannabis use disorder participating in a cannabis cue stop-signal task (a measure of whether cannabis images alter your reaction times or executive control), they had no differences in inhibitory controls or prefrontal activation versus people at low risk
No differences in inhibitory control or prefrontal activation during a cannabis cue stop-signal task across CUDIT-R-defined CUD-risk groups
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-026-07099-4

For measuring cannabis craving, on the validation of a short form questionnaire
Validation and measurement invariance of a modified version of the marijuana craving questionnaire-short form across community and clinical samples
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42225013/

🧬 Reproduction & Hormones 🧬

In a rat model of prenatal THC exposure, dietary long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevented the memory impairment in both sexes, while in males they counteracted the synaptic hyperexcitability & in females they rebalanced the inhibitory shift
Perinatal LC-ω-3-PUFA supplementation offsets prenatal THC-induced cognitive deficit via sex-specific modulation of hippocampal neuroplasticity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42229740/

In a placental tissue model of gestational diabetes, the endocannabinoids mediated the changes in placental circulation
ENDOCANNABINOID MEDIATED PLACENTAL VASCULAR RESPONSES IN GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS
https://journals.lww.com/jhypertension/fulltext/2026/04001/endocannabinoid_mediated_placental_vascular.34.aspx

🍽️ The Guts, Nutrition & the Microbiome 🍽️

In a mouse model of colitis, seal oil increased intestinal permeability & reduced inflammation markers while both fish oil & seal oil protected from some of the changes to endocannabinoid & oxylipin levels, with 2-eicosapentaenoyl glycerol being a defining lipid
Seal and fish oils partially counteract inflammation and modulate endocannabinoidome lipid and oxylipin alterations in DSS-induced colitis
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-54447-7_reference.pdf

🖐️ The Skin & Topicals 🖐️

In human skin cells, a complex of CBD & a tyrosinase inhibitor caused antioxidant activity
Cannabidiol-thiosemicarbazone exhibits dual tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant activity in human skin-derived cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42235859/

🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy 🎗️

For cancer drugs, coverage of an early-stage CB2 receptor antagonist from Teon Therapeutics
https://cannabinoidpipelineinsights.substack.com/p/cannabinoid-r-and-d-and-cancer-research

💊 Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids 💊

For 3 synthetic cannabinoids, an analysis of their breakdown products
In vitro metabolic profile characterization for synthetic cannabinoids MDMB-BINACA, MDMB-PICA, and AB-CHMINACA
https://academic.oup.com/jat/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jat/bkag034/8699621

🔬 Biochemical Discoveries & Research Tools 🔬

On creating a nanosponge for delivering a drug to activate the CB2 receptor
Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges for the solubility enhancement and delivery of a selective CB2 receptor ligand
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1773224726005642

Thanks.
- lex

PS: For this week’s country-soul pioneer, Arthur Alexander & his debut album ‘You Better Move On’. This son of a bottleneck blues guitarist in Alabama, Arthur Alexander had joined a gospel group by the age of 12. After high school he began writing songs for sale to record labels & in 1962, Alexander released his own classic song “You Better Move On” (later covered by the Rolling Stones). Despite mishandling by Dot Records, his third single “Anna (Go To Him)” broke the R&B Top 10 & was later covered by his big fans, the Beatles. He spent the ‘60s & ‘70s writing music for others, though sometimes dropping out due to ill health. He eventually retired from the music business. He made a comeback album in 1993 but suffered a fatal heart attack just as the tour began. Many bands looked to him for their R&B sound & he was covered by everyone from Bob Dylan to Otis Redding & Tina Turner to Pearl Jam. As music critic Jason Ankeny stated, “his music is the stuff of genius, a poignant and deeply intimate body of work on par with the best of his contemporaries.”

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🌟 This Week 🌟

(#hashtags for jumping to articles by searching for them with your browser)

• Cannabinoids for the agitation of Alzheimer’s disease

• CBD for children with autism & for the neuropathic of a spinal cord injury

• Cannabis for the chronic pain of hypermobility

• For cancer, one study on CBD & one on cannabis

• On personality traits & cannabis usage, neurotics use it to cope & those with openness use it to explore

• Effects of cannabis smoking on the lungs

• Profile of endocannabinoid hero Rita Levi-Montalcini (#rita)

• Preclinical: CBD for cognitive decline for chemotherapy, age-related muscle decline, enhancing the painkilling effects of oxycodone & improving the efficacy of antibiotics

• Ketamine for substance use disorders

• Psychedelics: ibogaine for opioid dependence & psilocybin for long-term antidepressant effects

• War on Drugs: deep-dive on 2 sitting Mexican governors under US investigation

[numbers for C&P#190: ~6.5k words, ~17 minutes reading time, 124 papers]

Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 190^th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science, assorted canna-news + the War on Drugs, harm reduction & other psychoactives. Support this work with a paid subscription or by buying me a coffee. If you purchase one of my canna-graphic novels based on Moby Dick, proceeds go to Americans for Safe Access to support medical cannabis patients.
For producing cannabinoid content, work with my company White Whale Creations: writing, science archives, social media, newsletters & podcasts.
As always, ask me anything!

🤝 Sponsor 🤝:
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Johns Hopkins University, with support from Realm of Caring, is spearheading the groundbreaking National Cannabis Study to evaluate the benefits, risks & overall outcomes of using cannabis for conditions like pain, insomnia, anxiety & more. If you are an adult in the U.S. considering starting cannabis for health reasons, this is your chance to help shape the future of cannabis research — and get compensated for your time ($100!). Join now to share your experience & contribute valuable data that could revolutionize healthcare for many patients nationwide. To learn more & sign up, visit:
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Follow along on Instagram to keep on learning or sign up for the monthly CHRI email (curated by me) to get just the best of clinical research & new reviews twice a month.

🎥 Lex’s new work 🎤

@CannabinoidsAndThePeople on YouTube, TikTok & LinkedIn
Canna-edu videos sponsored by the National Cannabis Study (join & get paid $100 to talk about your use of our favorite plant)
- nothing new this week. working on a big one on CBD & the EU’s declaration of it as a reproductive toxicant

Canna-science Videos for CV Sciences on YT @CVSciencesInc & on TT @pluscbd
For 30% off their CBD, THC & PEA products, at pluscbdoil.com use the coupon code ‘LEX’

• CBD & THC for Neuropathic Facial Pain

• MS & THC & CBD

• CBD for Feline Gingivostomatitis Complex

@LexPelgerAndHisBooks on TikTok, YouTube & Instagram:

• Whitman on death

And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week: our hero Mose Allison!

📣 A request to spread the word 📣

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🍃 BEST OF CANNABINOID SCIENCE 🍃

(most of the phytocannabinoid data is here & most of the ECS data is in the ‘Canna-Science Archive’ at the bottom)

A capsule biography of endocannabinoid hero Rita Levi-Montalcini, the discoverer of the mechanisms used by the endocannabinoid PEA & a recipient of the Nobel Prize
From the Scientific Underground to the Height of Recognition: The 40th Anniversary of Rita Levi-Montalcini’s Nobel Prize and the Promising Horizon in Psychiatry
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11064-026-04769-9

⚕️ Clinical ⚕️

For the agitation of Alzheimer’s disease, a meta-analysis of 7 studies found cannabinoids lowered neuropsychiatric symptoms & agitation scores
Cannabinoids Treatment for Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Bayesian and Sequential Trial Analyses
https://www.ajgponline.org/article/S1064-7481(26)00400-8/abstract

For neuropathic pain from a spinal cord injury, a trial of high-dose CBD isolate found it significantly reduced the self-reported intensity of neuropathic pain & was generally well tolerated
High-dose cannabidiol for chronic neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury: a randomised clinical trial
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(26)00234-8/fulltext

In children with autism, CBD isolate improved irritability, tantrums, restricted & repetitive behaviors, sociality, anxiety & sleep problems
A Phase-2 Open-Label Trial of Cannabidiol to Treat Core and Associated Symptoms of Autism in Children and Adolescents Without Intellectual Disability
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10445463261452514

For chronic pain from hypermobility, a case series from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry found that the initiation of cannabis-based medicines improved all patient-reported outcomes with significant improvements in pain severity & interference
UK Medical Cannabis Registry: an updated analysis of clinical outcomes of medicinal cannabis therapy for hypermobility-associated chronic pain
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10067-026-08166-z

For severe, drug-resistant pediatric epilepsies, a meta-analysis of 46 studies found CBD reduced seizures in ~ half of patients
Cannabidiol Use in Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies: A Syndrome- and Age-Stratified Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40263-026-01301-z

In people with cancer using cannabis for their symptoms, more than half reported significant relief across all symptom domains
Association of iterative cannabis care plans with rates of symptom relief and side effect burden in oncology patients
https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2026.44.16_suppl.12070

For cancer survivors using CBD, a survey found that they used it for pain, insomnia, stress, depression & neuropathy
Cannabidiol and Cancer Survivors: Utilization and Experiences
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10966218261448666

For people with cancer, one-third of them used cannabis for symptom management & their household income & neighborhood disadvantage caused different effects on the help for their pain, sleep & anxiety
Associations between neighborhood disadvantage, cannabis use, and patient-reported outcomes among patients with cancer
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772724626000429

For cannabis use & PTSD symptoms in combat veterans, this thesis project hypothesized that decreased use would improve mental health outcomes but in fact, “decreased cannabis use was associated with worsening PTSD symptoms, reduced quality of life, and decreased satisfaction with concentration”
Effects of Cannabis Use Reduction on PTSD Symptoms in Combat Veterans: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study
https://www.proquest.com/openview/14beb7335d6ffca4d4a4356b09e3c76e/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

For personality traits & cannabis usage, neuroticism was associated with greater usage & related problems though coping motives, while openness was associated with greater usage through expansion motives
The mediating role of motives in the associations between the big five personality traits and marijuana outcomes: A cross-national study across four countries
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352853226000489

In cows experiencing heat stress, they had significantly reduced levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG
Effect of environmental temperature on oxidative status, inflammatory response and endocannabinoid system at oestrus in dairy cows
https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/vro2.70037

⚠️ Harms ⚠️

For calls to the US Poison Center, there are more cases for cannabis than any other drug besides except for alcohol, benzodiazepines & heroin, with many cases involving adolescents, plus a 10x increase in unintentional exposures in children
U.S. Poison Center Exposure Cases Involving Marijuana and Selected Comparator Substances
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871626001857

In European cannabis users, a review of public health data found rising use in Central & Eastern Europe, with consistent links to psychosis, anxiety, panic symptoms, derealization episodes & cannabis use disorder
Mental Health Consequences of Contemporary Cannabis Use in Europe: Potency, Patterns of Use, and Health System Context
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1778831/abstract

For preventing heart failure, a constellation of cardiology organizations put cannabis at the bottom of the risk-chart for cardiac risks from the most commonly used drugs
Prevention of heart failure: A scientific statement of the Heart Failure Association, the European Association of Preventive Cardiology, and the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions of the ESC, and the ESC Council on Hypertension
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurheartj/ehag362/8698338
“Substance misuse, including alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and stimulants, is linked to higher HF prevalence and hospitalizations.132,133 Alcohol intake exceeding 70 g/week increases the risk of HF progression by 4.9 times,30 while cannabis, opioid, and stimulant users exhibit a 2.52-, 3.48-, and 3.35-fold higher HF prevalence, respectively.”

For cannabis smoking & the lungs, a review of effects compared to electronic cigarettes
Puff or pass? The truth about vaping, marijuana, and tobacco safety
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/ocean/jprm/2026/00000009/00000001/art00002
“Regular cannabis smoking is associated with chronic bronchitis symptoms, airway inflammation, and impaired mucociliary function, although its long-term impact on COPD or lung cancer risk remains less clearly established than that of tobacco.”

In cannabis-induced first-episode psychosis, the 3 trajectories identified were rapid recovery, gradual recovery & persistent impairment, with dissociative symptoms representing the most powerful predictors of functional recovery
Functional recovery trajectories in cannabis-induced first-episode psychosis: The role of dissociative symptoms in the discrepancy between symptomatic improvement and functional outcomes
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178126003008

In men with cannabis use disorder as well as methamphetamine use disorder, they had higher scores for anxiety, affective lability (intense shifts in emotional states) & impulsivity
2D:4D ratio, affective lability, and impulsivity in men with cannabinoid and methamphetamine use disorders: A comparative analysis with healthy controls
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037837822600112X

For edibles causing prolonged neurological depression, a case report where the symptoms began 3 hours after ingestion & progressed to slurred speech & mental stupor by 12 hours
Prolonged Neurological Depression, Bradycardia, and Gastroparesis Following Acute Oral Cannabinoid Ingestion: A Case Report
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/495587/20260526-156211-bkddct.pdf

For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a case report with special considerations for comorbidities like seizure disorders & poor mental health
Special Report: Clinical Considerations of Cannabis Use in the Inpatient Medical Setting
https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.pn.2026.06.6.6

For prenatal cannabis use links to birth defects, public health data found the risks to be greatest among African Americans, American Indians & Alaskan Natives
Cannabinoid impacts on ethnic modulation of atrial septal defect prevalence USA
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41372-026-02717-7

In a fetus with a heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), a case report with a potential link to cannabis
Transient Fetal Nonimmune 2:1 Atrioventricular Block Possibly Secondary to Cannabis Exposure
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468644126000940

In a rat model of prenatal THC exposure, the persistent deficits in synaptic plasticity & memory formation were caused by an imbalance of excitation & inhibition in the hippocampus (a memory center of the brain) via changes to GABA (the brain’s most common inhibitory neurotransmitter) & glutamate (the brain’s most common excitatory neurotransmitter)
Prenatal cannabinoid exposure alters excitation-inhibition balance through glutamate and GABA receptor-mediated signaling
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021925826020685

📑 Reviews 📑

For CBD & the mucosa (linings of the insides of organs & body cavities), a review on CBD for targeting a range of diseases (good charts)
Cannabidiol for Mucosal Diseases: Therapeutic Potential and Advanced Delivery Strategies
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/18/6/638

For medical cannabis knowledge & the risk for infections, a practical guide for clinicians
Current state of knowledge on medical cannabis use and risk for infections: A practical guide for clinicians
https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciag343/8698442

For sleep physicians, a guide to what they need to know about the complexities of cannabis & slumber
What sleep physicians need to know about cannabis use for sleep
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44470-026-00095-7

For anesthesia & medical cannabis users, a review of an integrated approach for managing pain, pharmacology & anesthesia
Anesthesia and medical cannabis: an integrated approach
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42187203/

On using endocannabinoid levels to predict clinical states, a review of the benefits of measuring endocannabinoid ratios instead of absolute levels
Ratio-based cannabinoid signalling – limitations of absolute endocannabinoid levels in predicting clinical states
https://www.jpccr.eu/pdf-221732-140080?filename=Ratio-based-cannabinoid-s.pdf

For cannabinoids & PTSD, a review of 26 studies found insufficient evidence
Efficacy, effectiveness and safety of medical cannabis in PTSD: a scoping review
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00451-7

In skin melanocytes (that produce the melanin to color your skin) & melanoma (cancer) cells, UVA radiation increased oxidative stress while the cannabinoids CBG & CBD attenuated those changes & enhanced antioxidant defense
Metabolic Responses of Melanocytes and Melanoma Cells to UVA Radiation and Phytocannabinoids Exposure
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/15/6/690

For treating psychiatric disorders, a review of enhancing anandamide levels by inhibition of the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide)
Enhancing anandamide signalling through fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibition: An update on the pharmacological strategy for treating psychiatric disorders
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-026-04120-4

For neuropsychiatric disorders & GPR55 (which may one day be known as CB3), a review of its interactions with dopamine & glutamate (the brain’s most common excitatory neurotransmitter) in preclinical models
Role of GPR55 in glutamatergic and dopaminergic signalling: a review of preclinical evidence in neuropsychiatric disorders
https://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/article/S0026-895X(26)00031-3/abstract

A new book with an intriguing array of articles on drugs & society
Research Handbook on Drugs and Society
https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/research-handbook-on-drugs-and-society-9781802209136.html
I’m still waiting to become influential enough to get books like these sent to me for free…

🐁 Preclinical 🐁

In older & younger mice, exposure to cannabis smoke caused increased inflammatory markers in the prefrontal cortex (highest area of brain), while in the hippocampus (a memory center of the brain), it caused increased inflammation in the younger mice but lowered inflammation in the older mice
Effects of sub-chronic cannabis smoke exposure on inflammatory markers in serum and brain in younger and older mice
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S019745802600093X

In a mouse model of cognitive decline from chemotherapy, one month of CBD caused significant neurocognitive improvements in learning, memory, executive function & memory consolidation while mitigating the loss of neuronal plasticity, synaptic density & neurogenesis (the birth of new brain cells)
Cannabidiol alleviates chemotherapy-induced cognitive decline and neuropathology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304383526003757

In rats taking oxycodone for pain, CBD enhanced the painkilling effect without increasing the symptoms of addiction
Selective opioid-sparing effects of cannabidiol on opioid analgesia in rats
https://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5900(26)00156-2/abstract

In a mouse model of age-related muscle decline, CBD reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage & muscle aging with benefits for the gut microbiome
Cannabidiol alleviates D-galactose-induced muscle tissue aging in mice by modulating oxidative stress and is associated with alterations in gut microbiota
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212429226008990

For bacteria resistant to antibiotics, the combination of CBD & the antibiotic diclofenac caused synergistic & additive effects
Combining Diclofenac and Cannabidiol to Enhance the Antibacterial Capacity of Nonantibiotics Drugs Through Potentiation
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/928f120ab7cb59f7635e6a868a6aac24/download_pub

In blood immune cells of people with HIV, both THC & CBD suppressed inflammation & the formation of inflammasomes
Inflammasome formation and IL-1β secretion are reduced in peripheral blood monocytes from HIV+ cannabis users
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022356526011511

In a tissue model of diabetes, THC, CBG & CBD inhibited the enzyme α-glucosidase (helps with control of type 2 diabetes)
Potent α-Glucosidase Inhibition by a Non-Psychoactive CBG/CBD-Rich Cannabis Extract
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A1%3A31129329/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Acrawler-gcd&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A193898239&crl=c&jrnl=26160684&link_origin=none

🆕 Novel Studies 🆕

(a grab bag section for cool & new stuff)

For imaging the enzyme MAGL (which breaks down the endocannabinoid 2-AG), the first study in humans using PET scans
First-in-Human PET Study with [18F]MAGL-2102 for Neuroimaging of Monoacylglycerol Lipase
https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/67/supplement_1/261369.abstract

AHHH. After last week’s beautiful trilogy of endocannabinoids in cool animals, I’m distraught to see that in this paywalled paper, I can’t even tell which long-distance migrant they’re talking about: Bird? Whale? Butterfly? Fish? Ungulate? Reptile?
Fattening physiology in a long-distance migrant: interplay between baseline corticosterone, diet and the endocannabinoidome
https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/742374

Lex’s roundup of fav newsletters:
#Canna: Marijuana Moment, Cannabis Law Report, Cultivated, Cannabis Musings (oy vey), Talking Joints Memo, Sticky Bits, Highly Objective, Cannabitch, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, Doctor Approved, Medical Marijuana Memory Blog (by Dame Alice O’Leary Randall)
#DrugWar: InSight Crime, Marshall Project, Students for Sensible Drug Policy
#HarmReduction: Filter, Drug Data Decoded, International Drug Policy Consortium, National Harm Reduction Coalition, Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
#Psychoactives: Psychedelic Alpha, Ecstatic Integration, ICEERS, Substance, The Microdose

📰 US Headlines & Fav Articles

In the WNBA, cannabis now removed from the banned substances list & players can endorse hemp CBD products
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/wnba-removes-marijuana-from-banned-substances-list-and-sets-rules-for-player-endorsements-of-hemp-cbd-products/

In Alabama, 5 years after the legalization of medical cannabis & a shitstorm of lawsuits, the first legal medical cannabis purchase ever was made
https://www.wsfa.com/2026/06/03/historic-day-patients-first-medical-marijuana-purchase-made-alabama-history/

In Louisiana, you can now go to jail for a year for smoking cannabis within 2000 feet of a school, even a college campus (apparently because the governor is tired of “being inundated with the smell of marijuana” at football games)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/louisiana-governor-signs-bill-that-will-send-people-to-jail-for-smoking-marijuana-near-college-campuses/
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/louisiana-governor-is-tired-of-being-inundated-with-the-smell-of-marijuana-at-football-games-so-he-signed-a-bill-to-jail-people-for-it/

In Hawaii, the leading reason for being denied a gun permit is because of being a medical cannabis patient
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/more-people-are-denied-gun-permits-over-medical-marijuana-in-hawaii-than-for-any-other-reason-attorney-generals-report-shows/

In New York, medical cannabis operators are pleading with the state to not make them pay a $15M conversion fee to begin also serving the adult-use market, with 3 of the 10 businesses having already gone under
https://mjbizdaily.com/news/new-york-medical-cannabis-operators-owe-the-state-millions-they-claim-they-cant-afford/616246/

In detective fiction, a thesis project on their use of drugs
Detectives on Drugs: Contamination and Containment in U.S. Crime Fiction
https://www.proquest.com/openview/75c2b86281fe80072509e0fa7d549e94/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
This project focuses on modern US crime fiction, but the main thing I know is that Sherlock Holmes was super into cocaine.

For images of mushrooms in contemporary literature, a thesis project on the fungal imaginary
The Fungal Imaginary: Mushroom Motifs in Contemporary Literature
https://www.proquest.com/openview/99e96148e1c18fb16f6b55f77a140e58/1

🌐 International Updates 🌐

A deep-dive on a secret guideline from the International Narcotics Control Board in 2024 that CBD is not covered by international drug treaties & the extraction of uncontrolled cannabinoids falls into the category of industrial hemp
https://cannareporter.eu/en/2026/05/20/Exclusive-letter-from-INCB--kept-secret--reveals-that-CBD-is-outside-international-control./

Last year Germany imported 218+ tons of legal cannabis (but as Sean points out from my cannabis smuggling video linked there, that’s what San Francisco in the 1960s would use in just a few weeks)
https://cannabislaw.report/article-germany-imported-over-218-tons-of-legal-cannabis-in-one-year/

Across the 195 countries in the World Health Organization, this analysis compared their health warnings for alcohol, tobacco & cannabis, with the main finding being to strengthen warnings for alcohol
A comparison of labelling requirements for alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis across WHO regions and implications for alcohol labelling policy in Canada
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395926001921

⚖️ Business, Laws & Education ⚖️

On the RobinHood stock trading app, a few of the big cannabis companies showed up for the first time
https://app.moby.co/home/news/news-robinhood-is-opening-the-door-to-us-cannabis-with-reform-on-the-horizon
https://mjbizdaily.com/news/us-cannabis-stocks-are-trading-on-robinhood-what-does-it-mean/616260/

In California elected officials, a survey found that the top priorities were tax revenue, economic development & youth cannabis use, with low support for social equity
Cannabis policy priorities and public health: a survey of elected officials in California
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-026-27889-x

For intellectual property in the cannabis industry, a new book analyzing branding
A high-level analysis of the role of IP in the cannabis industry
https://academic.oup.com/jiplp/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jiplp/jpag060/8698124

For the American Disabilities Act & a case involving hemp extracts, a law thesis project on the complex question of chemical synthesis
High on Uncertainty: ADA Accommodation and Hemp-Derived Substances After Anderson v. Diamondback Investment Group, LLC
https://digitalcommons.law.umaryland.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1124&context=endnotes

In Thailand, a case study of integrating hemp into the value chain
Integration of the hemp value chain into local creative economy policy: A case study of Mae Hong Son, Thailand
https://academicjournals.org/journal/JDAE/article-full-text-pdf/1CF7E6074613.pdf

For mystery shoppers at cannabis retailers in 5 US states, the majority of stores requested ID, warned about driving post-use & made health claims such as help for anxiety & insomnia, while on use during pregnancy, some warned against it but the majority said it helps or it depends
Mystery shopper assessments of cannabis retailer practices and regulatory compliance in five U.S. states, 2025
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871626001997

Across 11 US cities, despite prohibitions, many sold hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids and/or hallucinogenic mushrooms
Retail Availability of Intoxicating Cannabis and Mushroom Products Across Eleven U.S. Cities: Sales Persist Despite Prohibitions
https://www.jsad.com/doi/abs/10.15288/jsad.26-00013

For perceptions of cannabis edibles, packaging with flavor imagery showed greater appeal, safety & healthiness, outdoor & medical imagery conveyed healthiness, animal imagery had greater appeal to children & product descriptors like all natural, organic or handcrafted were associated with less appeal
The Impact of Product Packaging on Perceptions of Cannabis Edibles: Results from Two Randomized Experiments
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2026.2670605

🚗 Driving 🚗

In Chile after the 2014 strengthening of alcohol-impaired driving laws, driving under the influence of alcohol declined substantially while driving under the influence of cannabis increased modestly, suggesting potential substitution
Alcohol- and cannabis-impaired driving in Chile, 2012–2022: trends in the context of alcohol policy changes and substitution theory
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15389588.2026.2664669

🚓 The War on Drugs 🚓

In Mexico, 2 more sitting governors are being investigated by the US for connections to cartels
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-06-03/u-s-is-investigating-two-more-mexican-governors-for-connections-to-cartels
This was an excellent deep dive on the situation that gives both sides of the story. I have to say that I was suspicious when one of the accused governors said that he was so honest “I practically sweat holy water” (as Gertrude said, “The lady doth protest too much, methinks”). Both governors are within President Sheinbaum’s party & the accusations, as well as more potential charges against allies, change her political calculus for elections next year. But she is circling the wagons & declaring the charges to be politically motivated US attacks against a leftist administration.

In Guatemala, the president denied reports that there is a deal with the US on anti-drug trafficking strikes
https://apnews.com/article/guatemala-us-drug-trafficking-agreement-trump-arevalo-cba80c7fddba03d69a35a3670d29498d

In Barcelona, a cannabis smuggling organization was dismantled with 5 arrested & 1.7 tons seized
https://cannabislaw.report/an-organization-that-smuggled-marijuana-from-the-port-of-barcelona-has-been-dismantled-and-1-7-tons-have-been-seized/
But meanwhile, the police patrol boats along the coastline are so thinly spread that narco gangs wave for the cameras in marinas
https://cannabislaw.report/spain-narco-gangs-wave-cheekily-at-cameras-in-marinas-as-spains-guardia-civil-has-one-functioning-boat-to-police-200km-of-costa-del-sol-coastline/

In Mexico, a list of officials accused of working with organized crime
https://insightcrime.org/news/most-notorious-mexico-officials-accused-organized-crime/

In New Zealand, a mob boss’s daughter sentenced for dealing cannabis
https://cannabislaw.report/nz-operation-highwater-daughter-of-late-gang-boss-steven-taiatini-sentenced-for-dealing-cannabis/

In California, a man alleged he was forced to work for 2 years without pay at a cannabis farm
https://cannabislaw.report/media-report-forced-labor-alleged-at-illegal-mendocino-county-marijuana-farm-for-2-years/

In South Africa, a drug lab bust arrested 11 people, including 4 Mexican nationals
https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/11-suspects-arrested-major-north-west-drug-lab-bust

In Greece, a mountain cannabis farm using solar power was busted for growing 1400+ plants
https://cannabislaw.report/in-the-land-of-the-gods-greece-mountain-cannabis-farm-using-solar-power-busted/

In Israel, a cannabis nursery was raided with hundreds of plants seized & 2 suspects arrested
https://cannabislaw.report/israel-police-arrest-two-in-raid-on-rehovot-cannabis-nursery-seize-hundreds-of-plants/

In the Netherlands, a man faces 9 years in prison for growing cannabis in a rental house
https://cannabislaw.report/dutch-citizen-faces-9-years-in-prison-for-growing-cannabis-in-a-denpasar-rental-house/

In Nigeria, a 63-year-old grandma from China was arrested with 31 kg of cannabis
https://cannabislaw.report/ndlea-arrests-63-year-old-at-logos-airport-for-bringing-in-31-kilos-of-canadian-loud/

In Oman, a passenger arrested after trying to smuggle 6 kg of cannabis
https://cannabislaw.report/oman-arrests-passenger-for-trying-to-smuggle-more-than-6kg-of-marijuana-through-muscat-airport/

In Australia, 5 kg of cannabis seized during a traffic stop
https://cannabislaw.report/outlaw-country-police-allege-27000-cannabis-haul-found-along-the-road-to-gundagai/

In Egypt, a hotel employee & guest who served a cannabis-infused cake to an unknowing tourist were sentenced to 3 years in prison with hard labor
https://cannabislaw.report/egypt-three-years-in-prison-for-egyptian-hotel-employee-and-brazilian-guest-following-hashish-cake-prank/

WoD Research

In Lebanon & Syria, a report on the changing landscape of drug trafficking
The Changing Landscape of Drug Trafficking Within the Emerging Political Context in Lebanon and Syria
https://www.aub.edu.lb/ifi/Documents/The-Changing-Landscape-of-Drug-Trafficking-Lebanon-Syria.pdf

On the use of drones by the Sinaloa cartel
The Drones of CDS
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1154&context=ncitereportsresearch

For cartel recruitment of juveniles, a thesis project on the political economy of violence
Big Trucks and Plated Guns: A Political Economy of Violence and Juvenile Mexican Cartel Recruitment
https://www.proquest.com/openview/22a94f88f240f0c24936e67ab37a9e57/1

🛡️ Harm Reduction News 🛡️

When a teen died after asking ChatGPT for drug mixing advice, his parents sued OpenAI
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/open-ai-chatgpt-drug-overdose-lawsuit/
In general, do not mix kratom with benzodiazepines. Two downers is too much downing

Harm Reduction Research

In East Africa, this thesis project analyzed the effects of drug policy on overdose mortality
Drugs, Development, and the State: Understanding Addiction Policy Variation in East Africa
https://www.proquest.com/openview/60d6d4f05702fefc390770908c7b9e9e/1
“My key findings are that while harm reduction coverage is associated with lower overdose mortality in the aggregate, this relationship is significantly weakened and reversed as corruption increases. MAT [medication-assisted treatment] is particularly vulnerable to corruption. Higher-level regime corruption exhibited the strongest influence on overdose rates.”

🍄 Psychoactives, Psychedelics & Plant Medicines 🍄

For women’s drug use in Latin America, a review of the last 24 years of research
Twenty-Four Years of Research on Women’s Drug Use in Latin America: A Scoping Review (2000-2024)
https://repositorio.cedes.org/handle/123456789/4833

Psychedelics & MDMA

For difficulties in psychedelic integration, interviews on therapist on themes of integration strategies
Symptom-Specific Nuances in Psychedelic Integration: A Qualitative Study of Insights from Therapists Supporting Extended Difficulties in Naturalistic Settings
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9448195/v1/6c20a261-caa8-4056-b82a-e026c0551576.pdf

For plant medicines in Indigenous mental health care, a review for respectful integration
Plant Medicines in Indigenous Mental Health Care: Traditional Knowledge, Contemporary Evidence, Ethical Principles, and Pathways for Respectful Integration
https://lonestarhealing.org/papers/plant-medicines-indigenous-mental-health.pdf

For US psychedelic facilitation training, an analysis of the 13 organizations
A landscape analysis of psychedelic facilitation training in the US
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0350037

For people with opioid dependence, a collective case study on the use of ibogaine
Exploring the Use of Ibogaine in Opioid Recovery: Insights from Lived Experience
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/02791072.2026.2673843

For treatment-resistant major depression, psilocybin caused meaningful antidepressant effects for up to 12 months
Long-Term Efficacy of Psilocybin with Adjunct Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Major Depression (EPIsoDE): 6- and 12-Month Naturalistic Follow-Up of a Phase 2b Trial
https://karger.com/pps/article-pdf/doi/10.1159/000552272/4541533/000552272.pdf

For people who took 5-MeO-DMT, voice journal analysis of their speech markers “revealed increased cognitive language, decreased social words, and altered voice quality (increased jitter/shimmer) [and] baseline speech patterns predicted psychedelic preparedness, emotional breakthrough, and post-experience well-being”
Speech markers of psychological change following a psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT retreat
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/02698811261443690

For anxiety & psilocybin, a meta-analysis of 25 studies found heterogeneous results that show promise for anxiety reduction
Effect of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy on anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://www.akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/aop/article-10.1556-2054.2026.00507/article-10.1556-2054.2026.00507.xml

For psychedelics & mania, a meta-analysis of 23 studies of euphoria, hypomania & mania
Psychedelic-induced hypomania and mania: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-026-03657-6

For the classic psychedelics, a review of how they move through the human body
A systematic review of the pharmacokinetics of classical serotonergic psychedelic compounds in healthy adult subjects
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/02698811261453938

For psilocybin, a case report of somebody passing out due to low blood pressure
Psilocybin-induced neurocardiogenic syncope: a case report
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-026-07079-8

Ketamine

For substance use disorders, a meta-analysis of 15 trials found ketamine significantly increased abstinence rates
Ketamine for substance use disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1835709/abstract

In people treatment resistant depression & suicidal ideation, the majority had improvements after ketamine IV treatments
Early suicidal ideation change and suicidality-associated emergency department utilization after ketamine or esketamine treatment in treatment-resistant depression
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/20451253261450747

For major depressive episodes, a meta-analysis of 26 trials found a single ketamine injection significantly reduced depressive symptoms
Meta-Analysis: Ketamine Injections Rapidly Reduce Major Depressive Episode Symptoms
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2849868

For people undergoing ketamine detoxification, a case series found that all reported urological symptoms
Management of ketamine use disorder and associated urological complications: an inpatient detox case series
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14659891.2026.2679106

For PTSD, a case study of using ketamine-assisted psychotherapy
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of an Asian American patient with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a case study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773021226000258

For ketamine, both neurotoxic & neuroprotective effects were reviewed across 55 animal & 21 human studies
Structural Neurotoxic and Neuroprotective Effects of Ketamine and Esketamine in Preclinical and Human Studies: A Systematic Review
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9827580/v1/a432eff6-09a3-48d7-9d8b-f535ef0549ee.pdf

For depression in cancer patients, a review of ketamine’s efficacy & safety
The Use of Ketamine for Depression in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of Efficacy, Safety, and Clinical Applications
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15360288.2026.2679720

🍃 The Plant & its Products 🍃

🌱 Growing 🌱

For fertilizing hemp, a case study from Poland on the energy efficiency of different types of fertilization
Energy efficiency of industrial hemp biomass production under recycled organic and mineral fertilization: A case study from Poland
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S116103012600198X

For weed control & industrial hemp, an analysis of 19 different treatments & their effects on growth
Effects of Weed Control Strategies on Fiber Yield and Yield Components in Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10343-026-01352-8

For cannabis pests in Pennsylvania, a thesis project found that they were more abundant but less diverse than natural enemy communities & looked at the possibility of using biological control methods
Understanding the Potential for Biological Control and Pest Management in Industrial Hemp Cropping Systems
https://etda.libraries.psu.edu/catalog/20035jlj5655

For hemp & borer pests, a thesis project assessing their resistance
Assessing Host Plant Resistance of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) to Borer Pests
https://agroecology.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/75/2026/05/Final-Agroecology-MS-Thesis.pdf

In 3 Chinese hemp varieties, an analysis of their cannabinoid & terpenoid levels
Cannabinoids and Terpenoids in Hemp Inflorescence and Leaves of Three Varieties in Yunnan China
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42185735/

For the AHL gene family, a genome-wide analysis of on its effects on cannabis flowering
Genome-wide identification of the AHL gene family in hemp and the role of CsAHL15 in delayed flowering
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669026009192

⚙️ Extracting, Analyzing & Formulating ⚙️

On creating a set of rules for identifying cannabinoids with mass spectrometry
A MassQL-Based Framework for Rule-Guided MS/MS Class-Level Retrieval and Analog Discovery of Cannabinoids
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42175698/

For finding toxic elements in cannabis, on using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES)
Determination of potentially toxic elements (Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead) in Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) from using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP OES)
https://academic.oup.com/jaoac/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jaoacint/qsag044/8698150

On improving CBD solubility by creating micro- & nanoparticles via the electrospray method
Development and characterization of electrosprayed cannabidiol micro/nanoparticles with improved solubility and drug release
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1773224726005071

🍞 Food & Nutrition 🍞

For strawberries, on applying a CBD-based edible coating to protect from bacteria
Evaluation of Phytocannabinoid-Based Edible Coating as a Natural Antimicrobial Solution to Improve Strawberry Quality and Shelf life
https://www.cetjournal.it/cet/26/124/050.pdf

When feeding dogs hempseed byproducts, they had an increase in the species richness of their microbiome
Longitudinal Assessment of the Canine Fecal Microbiota in Response to Dietary Hempseed By-Product and Oil: A 90-Day Nutritional Intervention Study
https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/13/6/534

For feeding hemp byproducts to animals, an analysis of the nutritional components
Valorization of By-Products Resulting from Hemp Processing in Order to Formulate Feed for the Livestock Sector
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A2%3A1700370/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Acrawler-gcd&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A193696758&crl=c&jrnl=15842665&link_origin=none

🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber 🏗️

For hemp biodiesel, on optimizing for a compression ignition engine
Hybrid Response Surface Methodology--Extreme Gradient Boosting Optimization of a Hemp Biodiesel--Diesel Fueled Compression Ignition Engine.
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A13%3A10866381/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Acrawler-gcd&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A193842463&crl=f&jrnl=20885334&link_origin=none

On creating supercapacitors electrodes with manganese dioxide & hemp-derived activated carbon
Hydrothermal Synthesis of MnO2 and Hemp-Derived Activated Carbon Composites for Tailored Electrochemical Performance
https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adem.70924

On creating an epoxy composite reinforced with hemp fiber coir & eggshells for good biodegradability
Sustainable Hybrid Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Hemp Fiber Coir and Nano Egg Shell Particle for Biodegradability Evaluation
https://www.epj-conferences.org/articles/epjconf/pdf/2026/26/epjconf_iemphys-26_01008.pdf

For hemp concrete walls, on developing a model of hot air moisture flow for lessening temperature fluctuations & moisture variations
Influence of Insulation Placement on the Hygrothermal Performance of Hemp Concrete Walls
https://www.epj-conferences.org/articles/epjconf/pdf/2026/27/epjconf_amt2026_01015.pdf

On the potential of using hemp for insulation & board materials
Innovative Hemp-Based Building Materials: Technical Properties and Ecological Potential
https://ndibv-building.com.ua/index.php/Building/article/view/589

For mortars using hemp & starch, an analysis of their mechanical, thermal & durability properties
Mechanical, Thermal, and Durability Performance of Bio-Based Mortars with Hemp and Starch
https://hal.science/hal-05633020/

For hemp-lime composites, on the effects of compaction & water-to-binder ratios on thermal conductivity & compressive strength
Effect of Technological Variables on Thermal Conductivity and Compressive Strength of Hemp–Lime Composites
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4109/7/2/33

🌿 THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE 🌿

🏥 Public Health & Bioassays 🏥

Among indigenous populations, a review of 40 studies on the prevalence of cannabis use, with Australia having the highest levels
Prevalence of Cannabis Use Among Indigenous Populations – A Systematic Review
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10826084.2026.2670614

For cannabinoids seized in northern Italy, a profile of the semi-synthetic cannabinoids found
Comprehensive Profiling of Phytocannabinoids and Semisynthetic Cannabinoids in Seized Materials from Northern Italy
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.6c00941

Among US healthcare professionals, a survey about cannabis found their highest self-reported knowledge to be for the risks of cannabis, followed by therapeutic indications & mechanisms of action, but their objective knowledge check scores were generally low
Knowledge, attitudes, and concerns about medical cannabis among U.S. healthcare professionals
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00450-8

For cannabis nurses, interviews on their themes for integration in the mainstream healthcare
Lessons learned from an academic and clinical partnership to address barriers and facilitators of cannabis education and practice
https://www.psychiatricnursing.org/article/S0883-9417(26)00096-8/abstract

In Washington state, a greater density of cannabis stores was associated with greater parental cannabis use frequency, acceptability of use & lower perceived addictiveness
Local availability of cannabis retail outlets on parents’ cannabis use, acceptability, and perceived addictiveness: A longitudinal study in Washington State
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0348182

In Bosnia & Herzegovina, a survey found the majority felt positively about the therapeutic effects of cannabis
Public Opinion Survey on Cannabis Legalization
https://hrcak.srce.hr/file/501568

For cannabis & cigarette consumption, a review of their impact
Investigating the Impact of Cannabis and Cigarette Consumption: A Systematic Review
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/405221011_Investigating_The_Impact_Of_Cannabis_And_Cigarette_Consumption_A_Systematic_Review

🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults 🧒

In adolescents with cannabis use disorder (CUD) & a co-occurring internalizing and/or externalizing disorder, the psychiatric comorbidity was associated with a doubled likelihood of repeating a grade or dropping out of school while CUD was not a predictor of school impairment
Adolescent with cannabis use disorder and other mental health disorders: does dual disorder worsen school impairment?
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00449-1

In transgender & gender diverse youth, greater gender minority stress was linked to greater use of alcohol & the co-use of alcohol & cannabis
Characterizing Alcohol and Cannabis Co-use and Related Harms Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11121-026-01931-1

For Queer young adults during the 2024 presidential election, discrimination had associations with alcohol & cannabis use
Psychological pathways linking discrimination to alcohol and marijuana use among LGB young adults during the 2024 presidential election
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42186182/

For young adults, a trial of an app for promoting lower-risk cannabis use appeared “promising, acceptable, and scalable”
Acceptability, Feasibility, and Outcome Responsiveness of the Joint Effort Mobile App for Promoting Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Among Young Adults: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
https://mhealth.jmir.org/2026/1/e71957

In young adults co-using alcohol & cannabis, they were less likely to engage in protective behavioral strategies around their alcohol use
Are alcohol protective behavioral strategies associated with simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis among young adults?
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14659891.2026.2678167

🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders 🧠

On GABA (the brain’s most common inhibitory neurotransmitter), on its potential control by endocannabinoid signaling
The endogenous cannabinoid system gates plasticity of tonic GABA inhibition
https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1113/JP289183

💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder 💭

For the co-use of cannabis & nicotine, a double-blind trial found that recent cannabis use was associated with a greater aversive response to an IV dose of nicotine
Recent Cannabis Exposure and Acute Nicotine Effects: Insights from Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Intravenous Nicotine Studies
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/405404213_Recent_Cannabis_Exposure_and_Acute_Nicotine_Effects_Insights_from_Randomized_Double-Blind_Placebo-Controlled_Intravenous_Nicotine_Studies

🧬 Reproduction & Hormones 🧬

In a small sample of pregnant cannabis users, cannabis use in early pregnancy was not significantly associated with preterm birth or small for gestational age
Cannabis use, preterm birth, and small for gestational age: findings from the national birth defects prevention study
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41372-026-02729-3

🦠 The Immune System & Microbial 🦠

In people with & without HIV in a tobacco smoking cessation trial, they had similar levels of cannabis use & pain-related sleep issues
Exploring Tobacco, Cannabis, and Pain-Related Sleep Disturbance Among People With and Without HIV Enrolled in a Tobacco Smoking Cessation Trial
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871626002012

For protecting against COVID-19, on a combination of cannabinoids & Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood)
Selected Cannabinoids, Cannabimimetic Agents and Artemisia Combinations as Theoretical Adjunct Strategies Against COVID-19
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/19/6/869

In a microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain) model of HIV, this thesis project found that CBD & THC significantly reduced HIV replication as well as modulating inflammation & immunomodulatory signaling
Exploring the Effect of CBD/THC on a Primary Microglia-like Cell Model During HIV-1 Infection
https://www.proquest.com/openview/4f14db0609a45fd2c51fc27a4d742315/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

🦴 Pain, Musculoskeletal, Inflammation & Surgeries 🦴

In older adults with chronic pain, those who intended to start medical cannabis reported more severe short-term pain, greater pain interference & lower subjective sleep quality
Baseline factors associated with intention to initiate medical cannabis among older adults with chronic pain in a prospective cohort
https://karger.com/mca/article-pdf/doi/10.1159/000552277/4542436/000552277.pdf

In people with arthritis, a survey found that cannabis users reported higher pain & stress as well as worse self-rated health
Cannabis use in arthritis: impact on health-related quality of life
https://karger.com/mca/article-pdf/doi/10.1159/000552591/4542073/000552591.pdf

🍽️ The Guts, Nutrition & the Microbiome 🍽️

In mice with no gut microbiome, on the differences in the levels of their endocannabinoid machinery across their organs
Intestinal colonization of germ-free mice with indole-producing E. coli modulates the central and peripheral endocannabinoidome
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022227526000969

💧 The Genitourinary System 💧

In a guinea pig model of bladder pain, activating both the CB1 & CB2 receptor abolished the hypersensitivity to pain
Combined peripheral cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor activation abolishes cystitis-induced bladder hyperalgesia
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1566070226000664

🖐️ The Skin & Topicals 🖐️

For transdermal delivery of CBD for diseases of skin inflammation, on creating an amorphous solid on a hydrogel platform
Amorphous Solid Dispersion Hydrogel Platform for Transdermal Delivery of Cannabidiol with Therapeutic Potential for Dermatitis
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/18/6/666

🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy 🎗️

In veterans using anticancer drugs, over one-third acknowledged the use of cannabis products within the previous 3 months
Cannabis Use by Veterans and Potential Interactions With Antineoplastic Agents: Analysis and Literature Review
https://cdn.mdedge.com/files/s3fs-public/issues/articles/0526FED%20AVAHO%20Cannabis.pdf

In breast cancer cells resistant to tamoxifen, CBD significantly enhanced cell death & apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Cannabidiol enhances tamoxifen efficacy via CREB-mediated suppression of ERα signaling in ER-positive breast cancer cells
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13578-026-01588-x

For treating prostate cancer with CBD & its major metabolite, on developing liposomal methods for better bioavailability
Liposomal CBD and 7-OH-CBD for Prostate Cancer Treatment: Physicochemical Characterization and Efficacy Across Multiple Lipid Compositions
https://www.ba.ic.cnr.it/nanomedicine2026/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Commito_Francesca_NM26.pdf

💊 Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids 💊

Characterizing the synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-5′Br-PINACA & its metabolites
Physicochemical Characterization and Metabolites Identification of the Synthetic Cannabinoid MDMB-5′Br-PINACA Using In Silico and In Vitro Approaches
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6c00107

🔬 Biochemical Discoveries & Research Tools 🔬

On creating drugs that are activated by fluorescent light to inhibit the enzyme MAGL (which breaks down the endocannabinoid 2-AG) for anti-inflammatory & liver protecting effects
A Rationally Engineered MAGL-Activatable Fluorogenic Probe Enables Efficient Discovery of Anti-Inflammatory and Hepatoprotective Agents
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6c01300

Thanks.
- lex

PS: For one of the greatest songwriters of the last century, here is the first Mose Allison album of only vocals, ‘Mose Allison Sings’ (1963). I’ve been excited to tell you about Allison ever since I discovered him & he’s the reason that I’ve been listening religiously to my Spotify Discover Weekly for the a number of years now. Because when he showed up on there 3 years ago, I listened to this album on loop for 2 months & I still play it often enough that my kids know exactly what’s coming. Honestly, I don’t know how to describe what makes him so magical. He famously suffered from a categorization problem because even though he might sound like boogie-woogie piano mixed with blues & jazz, he wrote some of the most fun, poetic, ironic & sometimes dark songs. Van Morrison called him “the jazz version of Lenny Bruce.”
Born on his grandfather’s farm in Tippo, Mississippi in 1927, Allison was playing piano by ear by the age of 5, wrote his first song at 13 & was figuring out the boogie-woogie tunes he heard on the local jukebox. He led bands during his university years & there met his wife of 65 years. They moved to New York in 1956 where he began recording with Prestige Records, but mostly instrumental pieces of Mississippi Delta blues & jazz standards released to unanimous critical acclaim. He released albums for Columbia before meeting the great Nesuhi Ertegun of Atlantic Records, a record producer who he prized for really getting what he was trying to do. Allison recorded with them for over a decade with a string of successes & by the 70s was playing more & more in Europe & Japan. His last album was 2010’s ‘The Way of the World’ & it went to #1 on the CMJ jazz chart. He passed away 6 years later in his home in Hilton Head, South Carolina. And for any Pixies fans out there, their song ‘Allison’ is a tribute to our beloved Mose.

This newsletter is the backbone of my work & I hope it brings you a measure of value. If so, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription & support my sharing all of the new cannabinoid science each week.

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🌟 This Week 🌟

(#hashtags for jumping to articles by searching for them with your browser)

• Cannabinoids for MS!

• CBD for the chronic pain of people with opioid use disorder

• Lungs: 13 studies on worsened respiratory symptoms

• Delightful new animal data: endocannabinoids in parrots, bats & snakes! (#animals)

• Preclinical: CBD for muscle atrophy

• Growing: CBD protected hemp from corn earworms

• Ketamine: Norway reimburses IV ketamine for depression (cue the jokes in my group chat)

[numbers for C&P#189: ~6k words, ~16 minutes reading time, 130 papers]

📌 Editor’s note 📌:
I had less time this week for the processing of science because I had to switch video editing software. After Kapwing choked on my 20-minute ‘Funniest Cannabis Smuggling Story of All Time’, I finally chose to go with Descript so I’ll be future-proofed for longer videos such as the podcasts I’d like to get back to making as these kids grow up. I used Descript for most of the videos I released below this week & while I’m still working on my colors & fonts, I’m excited for the new potential for making these videos better & more engaging. If you want to follow along, the main outlet I want to build up is my YouTube channel @CannabinoidsAndThePeople.

Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 189^th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science, assorted canna-news + the War on Drugs, harm reduction & other psychoactives. Support this work with a paid subscription or by buying me a coffee.

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If you purchase one of my canna-graphic novels based on Moby Dick, proceeds go to Americans for Safe Access to support medical cannabis patients.
For producing cannabinoid content, work with my company White Whale Creations: writing, science archives, social media, newsletters & podcasts.
As always, ask me anything!

🤝 Sponsor 🤝:
The Cannabis & Health Research Initiative

Want to help expand the knowledge of medical cannabis use in the real world & get paid 100 bucks to do so?

Johns Hopkins University, with support from Realm of Caring, is spearheading the groundbreaking National Cannabis Study to evaluate the benefits, risks & overall outcomes of using cannabis for conditions like pain, insomnia, anxiety & more. If you are an adult in the U.S. considering starting cannabis for health reasons, this is your chance to help shape the future of cannabis research — and get compensated for your time ($100!). Join now to share your experience & contribute valuable data that could revolutionize healthcare for many patients nationwide. To learn more & sign up, visit:
https://ncs.cannabisandhealth.org/

Follow along on Instagram to keep on learning or sign up for the monthly CHRI email (curated by me) to get just the best of clinical research & new reviews twice a month.

🎥 Lex’s new work 🎤

@CannabinoidsAndThePeople on YouTube, TikTok & LinkedIn
Canna-edu videos sponsored by the National Cannabis Study (join & get paid $100 to talk about your use of our favorite plant)

• Vaping vs Smoking Cannabis: Which Is Actually Safer? (the Science)

• The Funniest Cannabis Smuggling Story of All Time (20+ minutes, but I think it’s worth it)

Canna-science Videos for CV Sciences on YT @CVSciencesInc & on TT @pluscbd
For 30% off their CBD, THC & PEA products, at pluscbdoil.com use the coupon code ‘LEX’

• Cannabis for Arthritis

• Cannabis & Menopausal Sleep

• CBD & Schizophrenia

@LexPelgerAndHisBooks on TikTok, YouTube & Instagram:

• Huainanzi & Death

• Koestler, ESP & the Future (+ UFOs)

And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week: a godfather of the Cuban drums

💖 Ways to support this work 💖

- A paid subscription on Substack

- Buy Me a Coffee

- Venmo: @Lex-Pelger

- PayPal: donate here

🍃 BEST OF CANNABINOID SCIENCE 🍃

(most of the phytocannabinoid data is here & most of the ECS data is in the ‘Canna-Science Archive’ at the bottom)

⚕️ Clinical ⚕️

In people with multiple sclerosis using cannabinoids, a meta-analysis of 20 studies found significant reductions in pain intensity, spasticity severity & disability
Efficacy of Sativex® on pain, spasticity, and disability in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661826001659

In people with chronic pain using methadone for their opioid use disorder, CBD helped with pain at lower doses but worsened pain sensitivity at higher doses (1200 mg)
An opioid-withholding human laboratory paradigm during opioid agonist treatment for opioid use disorder and chronic pain: Phase- and dose-dependent effects of cannabidiol
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-026-02443-w

For CBD & drug-resistant epilepsy, a meta-analysis of 7 trials found it caused clinically meaningful reductions in seizures with an acceptable safety profile
Adjunctive Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2147/TCRM.S601774
And in pediatric epilepsy, CBD reduced epilepsy severity, seizures, medication use, emergency visits & hospitalizations
Effectiveness and tolerability of cannabidiol in paediatric epilepsy: a one-year multisite prospective study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1525505026002167

For chronic pain due to fibromyalgia or arthritis, 12 weeks of different combinations of cannabinoids (including CBD, THC, CBDA, CBG & CBC) had beneficial effects
Assessing the Efficacy of Cannabinoid Compositions for Treating 3 Classes of Chronic Pain: A Real-World Evidence Study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149291826001360

In people with Parkinson’s disease using cannabinoids, a meta-analysis of 11 trials found they had no significant benefit
Therapeutic effects of cannabinoids on Parkinson’s disease: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42138778/
Sometimes a piece of research just leaves you scratching your head. I don’t feel like diving into the guts of this one. Some of the most overwhelming anecdotal evidence you hear about cannabinoids is from people with Parkinson’s disease & roughly every month I see another clinical study backing that up.

In people with first-episode psychosis, cannabis use was not associated with significant differences in clinical outcomes or recovery but was associated with more intensive antipsychotic treatment
Cannabis Use and Clinical Outcomes in First Episode Psychosis: Results From a 2-Year Follow-Up Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42141813/
And in first-episode psychosis, cannabis use at baseline predicted lower adherence to treatment at 3 months
Medication adherence, cannabis use, and depressive symptoms in first-episode psychosis: longitudinal study
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09638237.2026.2672339

For smoked cannabis & gender differences, researchers found “a lack of consistent sex differences in the acute effects of smoked cannabis across a range of potencies”
Lack of Consistent Sex Differences in the Acute Effects of Smoked Cannabis: A Potency-Ranging, Controlled Administration, Human Laboratory Experiment
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9441659/v1/4eaf3e10-ad20-4c9f-8b77-7d6128c4bfb8.pdf
This is a study going against the grain, because most find gendered differences in the acute effects of cannabis.

For cannabis use among couples, interviews with South Asian people on the effects on their relationship
And they lived happily ever after? Experiences of couples affected by marijuana use explored using Rogers’ tentative law of interpersonal relationships
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14779757.2026.2670363

For cannabis edibles, the fast-acting edibles worked faster than the standard edibles though both produced several hours of subjective impairment
Behavioral and Self-Report Cognitive Impairment Differences between Fast-Acting, Standard, and Placebo Cannabis Edibles
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9621757/v1/0f842506-64c0-4c7f-ac26-a7b89e9b5837.pdf

In people using transcranial magnetic stimulation for their depression, cannabis use did not alter their clinical outcomes
Puff, Puff, or Pass? Use of Cannabis on TMS Outcomes for Major Depressive Disorder
https://www.tmsjournal.org/article/S3050-5291(26)00069-3/pdf

When giving CBD & THC to parrots, food did not increase the bioavailability but it did slow down the absorption time & extend the half-life (#animals)
Food Effects on the Pharmacokinetics of Orally Administered Cannabinoids in Hispaniolan Amazon Parrots (Amazonia ventralis)
https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-avian-medicine-and-surgery/volume-40/issue-2/AVIANMS-D-25-00008/Food-Effects-on-the-Pharmacokinetics-of-Orally-Administered-Cannabinoids-in/10.1647/AVIANMS-D-25-00008.full
Delighted to add this new piece of research to my small but growing collection of parrot/cannabinoid data…

In bats, a brief mention of how endocannabinoids may relate to their flying
High Relevance of Fatty Acid Oxidation in a Migrating Mammal, the Nathusius’ Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii)
https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1096/fj.202600860R
And truly delighted to add my very first endocannabinoid paper involving flying mammals…

In red-sided garter snakes, as they began their migration to feeding grounds, their levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG dropped in their hippocampus (a memory center of the brain) while blocking the CB1 receptor reduced male courtship behavior
The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol mediates seasonal life-history transitions in a wild reptile
https://cob.silverchair-cdn.com/cob/content_public/journal/jeb/jam/10.1242_jeb.251845/1/jeb251845.pdf
And delighted to have my 2^nd ever snake data, after the first on the Burmese python…

⚠️ Lung Harms ⚠️

(Many of these come from the American Thoracic Society Conference 2026 meeting just held in Florida. Look for the URL ‘academic.oup.com/ajrccm’)

In young adults who smoke or vape cannabis, vaping-only was not linked to increased respiratory symptoms but smoking & dual-use was
Cannabis vaping, smoking, and dual use and the onset of respiratory symptoms among US young adults
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749379726001649

In adults with asthma, those inhaling cannabis products had higher odds of asthma attacks
Smoked and Vaped Marijuana Is Associated With Higher Risk of Asthma Attacks
https://academic.oup.com/ajrccm/article/212/Supplement_1/aamag162.6533/8686991

In people with asthma, cannabis use was associated with increased morbidity & mortality
Impact of Marijuana Use on Asthma Exacerbation Outcomes: Insights From a Multi-Institutional Real World Dataset
https://academic.oup.com/ajrccm/article/212/Supplement_1/aamag162.6488/8686888

In a lung fungal infection, a case report linked it to cannabis use in a young adult (when normally it’s found in people with immune system problems)
Pulmonary Mucormycosis in an Immunocompetent Young Adult With Heavy Cannabis History
https://academic.oup.com/ajrccm/article/212/Supplement_1/aamag162.4194/8683948

In ventricular fibrillation (the lower heart chambers contracting rapidly in an uncoordinated manner), a case report of a man having a heart attack right after smoking cannabis
Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation and Multiorgan Failure Following Cannabis Exposure: A Critical Care Management Challenge
https://academic.oup.com/ajrccm/article/212/Supplement_1/aamag162.6505/8686686

For a rare lung pneumonia, a case report linked it to daily cannabis smoking
A Rare Case of Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia Due to Marijuana Inhalation
https://academic.oup.com/ajrccm/article/212/Supplement_1/aamag162.2308/8681643

In someone bleeding in their lung alveoli, the researchers on this case report deemed inhalant injury (of cannabis) to be the most likely cause
Recurrent Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Associated With Smoking Cannabis
https://academic.oup.com/ajrccm/article/212/Supplement_1/aamag162.105/8679810

In a young adult with inhalational lung injury, on the link to smoking butane hash oil
Butane Hash Oil-Induced Inhalational Lung Injury in a Young Adult: The Diagnostic Challenges
https://academic.oup.com/ajrccm/article/212/Supplement_1/aamag162.3038/8682569

In someone with cannabinoid hyperemesis, on the vomiting leading to a hole in the esophagus & air in the chest cavity
Esophageal Perforation and Pneumomediastinum Secondary to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
https://academic.oup.com/ajrccm/article/212/Supplement_1/aamag162.3176/8682762

In someone with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, they developed air in their chest cavity
A Chronic Habit With an Acute Complication: Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum Due to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
https://academic.oup.com/ajrccm/article/212/Supplement_1/aamag162.6521/8686879

In young adult vaping, both cannabis & nicotine were associated with respiratory symptoms, with dual use carrying more risk
Association of Nicotine and Cannabis Vaping and Respiratory Symptoms in U.S. Young Adults: The American Lung Association Lung Health Cohort Study
https://academic.oup.com/ajrccm/article/212/Supplement_1/aamag162.6514/8686517

In people who co-use tobacco & cannabis, they had more severe respiratory problems
Modes of cannabis administration, cannabis and tobacco co-use, and associations with respiratory and cannabis use outcomes in a permissive medical cannabis state
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460326001528

On lung collapse, a case report linking it to inhaled cannabis & e-cigarette use
Darth Vaper: The Pneumothorax Strikes Back
https://academic.oup.com/ajrccm/article/212/Supplement_1/aamag162.6524/8686876

⚠️ Harms ⚠️

In people who use cannabis, a review of health education interventions to reduce their cannabis & tobacco use
Health education interventions to reduce cannabis and tobacco smoking-related harms among people who use cannabis: a systematic review
https://www.ovid.com/journals/hedre/fulltext/10.1093/her/cyag016~health-education-interventions-to-reduce-cannabis-and
“Overall, school-based preventive programmes showed mixed effects, while motivational interventions more consistently reduced cannabis but not tobacco smoking.”

In the Swiss pilot of regulated cannabis sales & profiles of the different users, coping-related use was associated with higher problematic cannabis use
Who uses legal cannabis and why? Cluster profiles of participants in a Swiss regulated sales pilot trial
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772724626000387

📑 Reviews 📑

For neuroinflammation, a review of the effects of various cannabinoids
Effects of phytocannabinoids, synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids on microglia and astrocytes: Review of neuroinflammatory mechanisms
https://academic.oup.com/jnen/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jnen/nlag049/8679007

For gum disease & CBD, a review found that it modulated inflammatory signaling, reduced bone loss & caused antimicrobial & antibiofilm (slimy aggregations that resist treatment) effects against oral microorganisms
Cannabidiol in Periodontal Therapy—Is There Hope or Just a Bias? A Systematic Review
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/14/5/1163

For different types of pain, a review on targeting the endocannabinoid system
Endocannabinoid system modulation in acute, chronic, and neuropathic pain: reviewing experimental models, clinical evidence, and nanotechnology delivery
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42154330/

For obesity, a review of targeting the endocannabinoid system & the enzyme FAAH (which breaks down anandamide)
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and the endocannabinoid system in obesity: Mechanistic insights and pharmacological opportunities beyond incretin-based therapies
https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bph.70511

On CBDV, a review of its mechanisms & relevance for epilepsy, autism, Rett syndrome & more
Cannabidivarin: current evidence on pharmacological activity, biopharmaceutical limitations and clinical prospects
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11101-026-10252-8

🐁 Preclinical 🐁

In a rat model of inflammatory pain, CBD, CBN & THCV reduced the hypersensitivity
Effect of cannabidiol, cannabinol and tetrahydrocannabivarin in managing inflammatory pain
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-51275-7_reference.pdf

In a mouse model of muscle atrophy, CBD lessened the muscle mass loss, reduced the oxidative stress & restored markers of the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
Protective Effects of the Phytocannabinoid Cannabidiol on Disuse-Induced Muscle Atrophy through Modulation of Proteolysis and Mitochondrial Regulation
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/49/5/49_b26-00020/_pdf

In a rat model of testicular dysfunction due to a high-fat diet, the terpene beta-caryophyllene restored sperm count & sperm motility as well as elevating testosterone levels
β-caryophyllene mitigates high fat diet-induced testicular dysfunctions by targeting JNK/ERK-1 and JAK-1/STAT-3 pathways in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42143136/

In a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, the probiotic Lactobacillus mucosae reduced the brain’s oxidative stress, neuronal damage & cognitive impairment via the CB2 receptors
Lactobacillus mucosae Reduces Neuronal Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer’s Disease via the Regulation of CB2 Signaling
https://www.imrpress.com/journal/JIN/25/5/10.31083/JIN48598
One more to add to our list of natural cures that utilize the endocannabinoid system…

🆕 Novel Studies 🆕

(a grab bag section for cool & new stuff)

On YouTube videos on cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, researchers rated only 25% as useful & 2% as exemplary
Assessing the Quality of YouTube Videos About Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/original_article/pdf/480233/20260518-95243-zh4vrb.pdf
Unfortunately, they did not list the ~100 videos that they reviewed, but here’s hoping that my 4 videos on the subject are at least in the 25% considered useful.

For the corn earworm infesting cannabis, on the effects of cannabinoid & terpene levels on their egg laying & larval fitness, with higher CBD linked to lower larval survival
Evaluating the effects of terpene and cannabinoid variation in hemp (Cannabis sativa) germplasm on Helicoverpa zea oviposition and larval fitness
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10340-026-02044-y
One of the great mysteries of the cannabis plant is: why did it ever evolve to produce these metabolically expensive cannabinoids? One theory is protection from the harsh UV lights of the Eurasian steppes, but another theory is that they are a second-line defense against insects after the primary defense of terpenes. So while they don’t have to be mutually exclusive, this is one piece of evidence in favor of the “insect protection” model.

Lex’s roundup of fav newsletters:
#Canna: Marijuana Moment, Cannabis Law Report, Cultivated, Cannabis Musings (oy vey), Talking Joints Memo, Sticky Bits, Highly Objective, Cannabitch, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, Doctor Approved, Medical Marijuana Memory Blog (by Dame Alice O’Leary Randall)
#DrugWar: InSight Crime, Marshall Project, Students for Sensible Drug Policy
#HarmReduction: Filter, Drug Data Decoded, International Drug Policy Consortium, National Harm Reduction Coalition, Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
#Psychoactives: Psychedelic Alpha, Ecstatic Integration, ICEERS, Substance, The Microdose

📰 US Headlines & Fav Articles

In Delaware, terminally ill patients can now use cannabis in the hospital (though not smoking or vaping)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/delaware-governor-signs-bill-allowing-medical-marijuana-use-in-hospitals-by-terminally-ill-patients/

In the New York State medical cannabis program, surveys found geographical inaccessibility & the high cost of certification & products to be the central barriers
Patient Experiences and Access Barriers in the New York State Medical Cannabis Program: Findings from Two Consecutive Cross-Sectional Surveys, 2023 to 2024
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149291826001335

‘America’s First War on Drugs Was Also a War on Jazz’
https://lithub.com/americas-first-war-on-drugs-was-also-a-war-on-jazz/
An excellent history of the early War on Drugs under Harry Anslinger & how viciously he pursued certain Black cultural figures like Billie Holiday & Thelonious Monk.

🌐 International Updates 🌐

In Canada, an editorial against cannabis legalization as trading reduced crime for increased health problems
Cannabis Legalization Outcomes in Canada: Trading Off Increased Health Problem for Reduced Crime Burdens Is Not Good Enough
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/07067437261454772
“About one-in-four (25%) of active cannabis consumers use cannabis on a daily/near-daily basis—an intensive use pattern that commonly involves high-potency products and that is strongly associated with various—acute and chronic—cannabis-related harms (e.g., cannabis use disorder, mental health problems)^.2–5 Depending on the survey source, 40–60% of past-year users were estimated by the ASSIST’s cannabis involvement scale to be at moderate-to-high risk for cannabis use-related problems, a proportion that has been increasing over-time.^2,3 Nationally, cannabis-related hospitalizations increased from 23,322 in 2017/18 to 34,013 in 2024/25; in Ontario, the annual numbers of both cannabis-related Emergency Department visits (5,645–12,424) and cannabis-related hospitalizations (4,215–7,793) approximately doubled between 2015 and 2024. In addition, numerous other studies have documented increases for a variety of severe cannabis-related physical (e.g., poisonings, injuries) and mental health (e.g., psychosis, self-harm) harms associated with legalization.⁶”

On the history of the corridos (ballads in traditional Mexican style) during both the Mexican Revolution & the rise of narcoculture
The Mexican Corrido as Cultural and Political Narrative
https://www.proquest.com/openview/95b52fccbc065324d19001cf267f1bf1/1

⚖️ Business, Laws & Education ⚖️

For the first time, the US DOJ sued a cannabis MSO to clawback $8M from an “erroneous” 280E tax refund
https://businessofcannabis.com/doj-sues-terrascend-for-8-3m-in-first-known-280e-refund-clawback/

In medical cannabis pharmaceuticals, on the Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, extraction & purification technologies & batch-to-batch reproducibility
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients in Medical Cannabis: Manufacturer Profiling, Standardization Challenges, and Technological Compatibility
https://www.mdpi.com/2218-0532/94/2/41

For business operational efficiency & US medical cannabis laws, this Korean analysis found that medical cannabis “significantly reduces efficiency, particularly among firms with greater operating complexity”
Medical Marijuana Legalization and Firm Operational Efficiency
https://www.earticle.net/Article/A484691
This makes me glad to not be a firm with “greater operating complexity”. The most complex part of my business day is figuring out how to get it all done before picking up the kids…

🚓 The War on Drugs 🚓

Another strike in the eastern Pacific against a suspected drug-trafficking vessel killed one person
https://nypost.com/2026/05/27/us-news/us-military-kills-alleged-narco-terrorist-in-lethal-strike-on-drug-trafficking-vessel-in-eastern-pacific/

‘Inside Thailand’s British Drug Mule Gangs’, a documentary by the UK’s Channel 4
https://cannabislaw.report/channel-4-uk-documentary-inside-thailands-british-drug-mule-gangs/

In Switzerland, a man was caught with 50 kg of cannabis & claimed it was for personal use
https://cannabislaw.report/switzerland-man-caught-with-50-kilos-of-cannabis-for-personal-use/

In Faro, Portugal, a man running from his car crash dropped packets of hashish as he fled
https://cannabislaw.report/portugal-police-in-faro-have-arrested-a-30-year-old-man-who-allegedly-fled-the-scene-of-a-car-crash-on-the-a22-motorway-leaving-behind-packages-of-hashish-he-was-trying-to-transport/

WoD Research

For racialized arrests, adult-use cannabis laws did not reduce racial disparities in non-cannabis drug arrests or other crimes & may even widen the disparities
Recreational Marijuana Laws and Racial Disparities: New Evidence on Arrests and Deaths of Despair
https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/738358

In China after the Second Sino-Japanese War (late 1930s), on the government’s control of narcotics & its monopoly in Taiwan
The Nanjing Nationalist Government’s institutional attempt on the control of the narcotic drug and predicament of its monopoly
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17535654.2026.2641375

In Nigeria, on the history of drug crime & societal instability
Drug Crime and Societal Instability in Nigeria: A Historical Examination of the Relationship Between Drug Trafficking and Social Disorder, 1989- 2022
https://www.acjol.com/paper/7374.pdf

On the Silk Road 2, an analysis of drug names for early detection of novel psychoactives
From Language to Forensic Intelligence: Drug Name Recognition in the Cryptomarket Forum of Silk Road 2
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11196-026-10503-z

🛡️ Harm Reduction News 🛡️

Harm Reduction Research

In Portugal, interviews on the benefits of their drug policy of decriminalization
The Portuguese police experience with drug decriminalisation
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10439463.2026.2674973

For implementing drug checking services, on perspectives from harm reduction staff on the increased engagement, but also barriers such as legal risk, criminalization & organizational capacity
Shifting Perspectives: Harm Reduction Staff Perceptions of Drug Checking Implementation
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/29767342261444522

🍄 Psychoactives, Psychedelics & Plant Medicines 🍄

Psychedelics & MDMA

In people with depression, a single dose of psilocybin caused rapid antidepressant effects that persisted for more than 3 months
Short-Term and Late-Term Effects of Psilocybin on Symptoms in Major Depression A Randomized Clinical Trial
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2849099

In people with suicidal behavior who used ayahuasca in a neo-shamanic context, interviews on the positive effects
Ayahuasca use and improvements in suicidal behavior: An exploratory qualitative study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950484826000160

In Swiss physicians giving psychedelic-assisted therapy, a survey of their clinical methods
Psychedelic-assisted therapy: a survey on the clinical methods of Swiss physicians
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/20451253261448745

In people taking DMT, on a list of the effects
DMT, Madness, and Healing: Psychosis Model, Therapy Model, and Their Relations to Mystical Experiences and Positive Emotionality
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9640916/v1/cd589555-b143-483f-8196-d4269d76dfd1.pdf

For eating disorders & psychedelics, a meta-synthesis of 8 studies found themes of transformation
Understanding experiences of psychedelic treatments for eating disorders: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12916-026-04929-2

For autism & psychedelics, a review of the evidence & mechanisms
Classic psychedelics and autism spectrum disorder: preclinical evidence, mechanistic insights and unresolved challenges
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763426002186

On psychedelic harm reduction, a new book
Psychedelic Harm Reduction
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-21107-1#page=192

Ketamine

For treatment-resistant depression, an editorial on Norway’s reimbursement of off-label IV ketamine use as a treatment
Transforming treatment-resistant depression care in Norway: Public health reimbursement for off-label intravenous ketamine
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/20503245261452347

For suicidal ideation & depression, a trial found that buprenorphine sustained & enhanced the effects
Low-Dose Buprenorphine Following Ketamine Treatment for Suicidal Ideation in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/appi.ajp.20250840

For depression & oral ketamine, a meta-analysis of 8 studies found significant effects
Short-term effects of oral ketamine for the treatment of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876201826001875

In people using ketamine for depression, their most common adverse experiences were sleep disturbances as well as appetite & weight changes
Treatment-emergent psychiatric adverse events in patient-reported outcomes during ketamine use for major depressive disorder: a retrospective analysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43440-026-00867-1

For responsiveness to ketamine’s antidepressant effects, on using a microRNA as a predictive biomarker
Unraveling MicroRNA-29a as a potential predictive biomarker of depressive-like phenotype and ketamine antidepressant efficacy: an integrative in vivo and in vitro approach
https://www.jbc.org/article/S0021-9258(26)01349-9/pdf

On the complications from ketamine, a review of the negative “urological, neurological, neuropsychiatric & hepatobiliary [liver]” effects
Beyond the High: A Narrative Review of the Chronic Complications of Recreational Ketamine Use
https://www.imrpress.com/journal/BJHM/87/5/10.31083/BJHM53976

For unipolar & bipolar depression, a review found that the most predictive factors were body mass index, dissociation & previous neuromodulation treatments
Clinical Predictors of Antidepressant Effects of Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Unipolar and Bipolar Depression: A Systematic Review
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40263-026-01296-7

Kratom

Among people using kratom, a trial found no participants meeting the threshold for clinically meaningful withdrawal
Assessment of Abuse Potential-Related Effects of Oral Dried Kratom Leaf Powder in Healthy Normal Participants Following Single and Multiple Daily Doses
https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/dta.70089

In kratom users, public health data found associations with cannabis use, substance use disorders & serious psychological distress
Kratom Use and Associations With Mental Health in the United States
https://www.ovid.com/jnls/journaladdictionmedicine/abstract/10.1097/adm.0000000000001701~kratom-use-and-associations-with-mental-health-in-the-united

For kratom, a case report of its use leading to multi-system organ failure & death
Kratom Kills: Mitragyna Speciosa Induced Multi-system Organ Failure and Death
https://academic.oup.com/ajrccm/article/212/Supplement_1/aamag162.4879/8684306

For kratom & liver injuries, a review of 32 cases
Liver Injury Associated With Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): A Systematic Review
https://www.ovid.com/jnls/journaladdictionmedicine/abstract/10.1097/adm.0000000000001663~liver-injury-associated-with-kratom-mitragyna-speciosa-a

On 7-hydroxymitragynine (a potent alkaloid from kratom found only at low levels naturally in the plant), a review of its effects on the opioid receptors & case reports of harms
7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): Clinical Implications of a Potent, Unregulated Opioid Partial Agonist Derived from Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40429-026-00755-x

🍃 The Plant & its Products 🍃

🌱 Growing 🌱

In medicinal cannabis, the impact of planting density & the duration of the vegetative stage
The Impact of Planting Density and Vegetative Duration on Yield Optimization and Cannabinoid Stability in Medicinal Cannabis Under Controlled-Environment Cultivation
https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/12/5/619

For best agronomic practices, a Spanish trial found that cultivar & time explained most of the variance
Replication Data for Influence of Agronomic Practices on the Bioactive Compound Production in Cannabis sativa L.
https://portalinvestigacio.uib.es/documentos/6a0355516fd4f64b19ec2a49?lang=de

For hemp stalk quality, on the effects of cultivar, year & flower harvest
How do cultivar, year, and flower harvest affect industrial hemp stalk quality?
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092666902600871X

On hop latent viroid as the greatest threat to the cannabis industry
The Birth of a Silent Killer in the Cannabis Production Industry
https://giahpezeshksj.ut.ac.ir/article_106954_en.html

For testing mycotoxins in US cannabis flower & concentrates, failure rates are low
Mycotoxin Trends of Cannabis Compliance Testing in Cannabis Flower and Concentrates in the United States
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149291826001037

In hemp grain infected with Fusarium, on the limits of detecting mycotoxins
Separation of trichothecene mycotoxins in a matrix of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed, and quantification of deoxynivalenol in hemp grain infected with Fusarium graminearum
https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/jsf2.70073

In 25 Iranian landrace populations, a genetic, environmental & morphological analysis
Integrating temporal morphophysiological and genomic markers for precise classification of flowering time in cannabis
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-53686-y_reference.pdf

In Kenya, an analysis of the local hemp-type cannabis
Phytochemical screening and multi-analytical characterization of Cannabis sativa, cultivated in Mt Kenya region, Kenya
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44473-026-00159-9

⚙️ Extracting, Analyzing & Formulating ⚙️

A review on analyzing cannabis with ambient ionization mass spectrometry
Application of Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry to the Analysis of Cannabis
https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-anchem-080524-100042

For Moroccan cannabis, on optimizing an ultrasound-assisted extraction
Optimization of Ultrasound Assisted Extraction of Moroccan Cannabis Sativa seed oil using Response Surface Technology: Yield and Antioxidant Activity
https://revues.imist.ma/index.php/morjchem/article/view/55129

If CBD is degraded by a combination of light, heat & oxygen, it can have visible yellowing that acts as a simple quality indicator
Storage-induced color change as an indicator of Cannabidiol degradation in MCT oil
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669026008435

For analyzing extracts, using a patented absorbance-transmittance excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy with machine learning
Quantification of 14 Major and Minor Cannabinoids with Absorbance–Transmittance Excitation–Emission Matrix Spectroscopy and Machine Learning
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/25785125261449640

For measuring CBD & THC, modeling different operating conditions
Multivariate Robustness Modeling of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Quantification Using Two-Level Full Factorial Design
https://www.mdpi.com/2218-0532/94/2/42

On using an open-source lab for screening CBD oils
Faster operation of 2LabsToGo-Eco using Debian 13, Django 5, and Raspberry Pi 5, verified via screening of cannabidiol-containing oils
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00764-026-00406-x

On creating cannabis-infused nanoparticles for antibacterial & anticancer activities
Green Synthesis of CeO2 Nanoparticles Using Cannabis sativa L. Seed Extract for Antibacterial and Breast Cancer Applications
https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/slct.202507256

🍞 Food & Nutrition 🍞

For cannabis beverages eroding their containers, those with a low pH had a significant erosive potential
Erosive Potential of Commercially Available Cannabis Beverages
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42138577/

For hemp waste after CBD extraction, an analysis of its properties & potential as a plant protein ingredient
Structural and functional properties of hemp protein isolates from industrial hemp waste after cannabidiol extraction
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0268005X26004832

On hemp silage (animal feed), on the effects of different additives on the nutritional quality & fermentation
Effects of different additives on nutritional quality and fermentation characteristics of industrial hemp silage
https://www.jafs.com.pl/pdf-218807-140081?filename=Effects-of-different-addi.pdf

🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber 🏗️

For biofuel production, a review of using hemp
Exploring the potential of industrial hemp for sustainable biofuel production
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13399-026-07162-2

In bitumen for road surfacing, adding a hemp biochar improved aging, increased rutting resistance & enhanced the mechanical strength but slightly reduced moisture damage resistance
Influence of hemp-based biochar from pyrolysis on bitumen properties and bituminous mixture performance
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509526003979

On creating compressed earth blocks using gelatinized starch & hemp fiber
Upcycling excavated soils into compressed earth blocks using low-dosage gelatinized starch and hemp fibers: comparative study between France and Côte d’Ivoire
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123026021481

For natural fiber mats for the transportation industry, on the mechanical properties of hemp versus other fibers
Comparative Evaluation of Structure–Processing–Property Relationships in Flax, Hemp, and Cattail Discontinuous fiber Thermoset Composites
https://4spepublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/pc.71196

On reinforcing epoxy composites with hemp fiber & nanoparticles
Advanced hemp-based hybrid composites: A study on the influence of various nanofillers on mechanical and morphological properties
https://jmmm.material.chula.ac.th/index.php/jmmm/article/view/2427

For building materials, on hemp-lime composites for lowering the carbon footprint
Sustainable masonry elements based on hemp–lime composites
https://www.ceeol.com/search/chapter-detail?id=1424816

For hemp-based insulation, an analysis of different formulations
Experimental study on the production and characterization of hemp-based insulating materials
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A12%3A39814604/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Acrawler-gcd&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A193696762&crl=c&jrnl=15842665&link_origin=none

For hemp insulation, on comparing different binders to create aerogels for more efficiency
Development of a novel hemp-based building material with enhanced thermal performance
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainability/articles/10.3389/frsus.2026.1844355/abstract

For soil stability, on enhancing it with hemp fibers & cement
Study of behaviour of hemp fibre reinforced clayey soil
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003724964-34/study-behaviour-hemp-fibre-reinforced-clayey-soil-visvanathan-anusudha-prasad-raghavendra-stephen-simon-gideon-faslur-rahuman-muqadthasy-niyaf-mohamed-omary-nurdin-yash-kumar-poddar

🌿 THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE 🌿

For cannabinoids in medicine, a review of the advantages & adverse effects
Cannabinoids: Therapeutic Applications, Mechanisms, and Challenges in Modern Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42163693/

🏥 Public Health & Bioassays 🏥

For pediatric trauma & cannabis, the levels did not change after the legalization of cannabis
Pediatric Trauma Trends Before and After Recreational Cannabis Legalization in Nevada: A Retrospective Repeated Cross-Sectional Study
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/13/5/681

For detecting THC in spinal fluid, validation of a new analytical method
Detection of Delta9-THC in cerebrospinal fluid: New validation strategies for forensic and clinical toxicology applications
https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/informit.T2026051800002191844250898

🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults 🧒

For young adults, exposure to cannabis advertising & price-based promotions are linked to initiation of cannabis use
How Cannabis Advertising and Price-Based Sales Promotion Shape Early Use: A National Study of Adolescents
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10826084.2026.2670629

In young adult college students, they drew minimal distinctions between the health consequences of cannabis based on its cannabinoid contents or route of administration
Perceived effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content on cannabis-related health risks and benefits
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42149482/

In US young adults using cannabis, on how personality traits related to their usage
Latent profile analysis of personality characteristics among US young adults in relation to cannabis use and intentions over time
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460326001619

On Snapchat, an analysis of the posts of college students about cannabis use
Sharing Over Viewing: Cannabis-Related Snapchat Content and College Student Use
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41347-26-00645-z

In Illinois, a thesis project found cannabis legalization was not linked to an increase in positive THC urine screens in young people
Changes in THC Positivity Rates in Adolescents Corresponding to Legalization of Recreational Marijuana in Illinois
https://escholarship.org/content/qt3p10k08h/qt3p10k08h.pdf

🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders 🧠

In brain scans of cannabis users, their levels of use were not linked to changes in the size of their hippocampus (a memory center of the brain)
Cumulative exposure to cannabis and hippocampus MRI in middle age: results from the coronary artery risk development in young adults (CARDIA) study
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-026-04096-1_reference.pdf

In people with cannabis use disorder, while fMRI-neurofeedback reduced their brain hyperactivity in regions related to cravings, they experienced no changes in subjective cravings, anxiety or focus
Exploring fMRI-neurofeedback to reduce craving-related brain activity in people with cannabis use disorder: A feasibility study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460326001516

For neurodegenerative disorders, on a drug to modulate both a serotonin receptor & the enzyme FAAH (which breaks down anandamide)
New chalcogen-optimized 1,3,5-triazines as dual 5-HT6R/FAAH modulators: A versatile approach to neurodegenerative disorders
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0223523426004113

For CBD derivatives & neuroinflammation, a thesis project on CBD-derived chalcone intermediates
Exploring Synthesized CBD Derivatives: Implications of Therapeutic Strategies for Neuroinflammation
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1885&context=senior_theses

💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder 💭

In people with cannabis use disorder, four different cannabis craving trajectories were identified, with high craving trajectories associated with greater baseline anxiety, depression & obsessive-compulsive symptoms as well as poorest treatment outcomes
Longitudinal craving profiles in cannabis use disorder: A latent class growth analysis of the achieving cannabis cessation: Evaluating N-Acetylcysteine Treatment (ACCENT) (CTN-0053) trial
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871626001894

In Alberta, Canada, legalization of cannabis did not lead to an increased need for addiction treatment
What Is the Impact of Recreational Cannabis Legalization in Canada on Substance Use Treatment in Alberta?
https://www.ovid.com/jnls/cja/fulltext/10.1097/cxa.0000000000000274~what-is-the-impact-of-recreational-cannabis-legalization-in

In people with schizophrenia, those who reported cannabis use were predominantly young men & marked by more positive psychotic symptoms, behavioral dyscontrol & unstable short-term outcomes
Schizophrenia associated with cannabis use in the psychiatry département in Toamasina, Madagascar: Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics
https://www.psychiatryjournal.in/archives/2026/vol8issue5/PartA/8-1-30-994.pdf

In young & aged mice, the terpene beta-caryophyllene at high doses caused impairments in attentional control, while in aged low-performing mice, low doses enhanced inhibitory control
β-caryophyllene, a CB2-selective phytocannabinoid, differentially modulates attention and inhibitory control in low- and high-performing young and aged mice
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-026-07093-w

🦠 The Immune System & Microbial 🦠

In people with lupus, their lymphocytes (a class of white blood cells) had higher levels of CB2 receptors & lower levels of CB1 receptors, with CB1 receptor expression strongly correlated with disease activity
Cannabinoid receptor expression profiling in lymphocyte subsets reveals clinically relevant immune patterns in SLE
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1848747/abstract

In a mouse model of HIV, treatment with doxycycline had different effects on the levels of CB1 receptors in different brain regions
Longitudinal Analysis of Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptor in HIV-1 Tat Transgenic Mice Using PET Imaging and Western Blot Analysis
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/25785125261450903

🍽️ The Guts, Nutrition & the Microbiome 🍽️

In a mouse model of intestinal injury from radiation (like in cancer treatments), the radiation caused increased levels of the CB2 receptor & activating that receptor as well as inhibiting the enzyme FAAH (which breaks down anandamide) protected the small intestine & spleen
CB2R agonism protects intestinal epithelium through β-catenin/HoxA10 loop in radiation injury
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12967-026-08268-x

In a mouse model of obesity, inhibiting the body’s CB1 receptors suppressed food intake & activated satiation in the brainstem & hypothalamus (regulates temperature, heart rate, sleep & hunger via hormones)
Inhibition of peripheral CB1 receptors modulates food intake and metabolic efficiency in obesity independently of the gut–brain vagal axis
https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1111/bph.70507

In a mouse model of acute pancreatitis, restoring levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG reduced inflammation & lung injury
Disrupted endocannabinoid signaling contributes to systemic inflammation in acute pancreatitis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42153289/

🩸 The Liver, Drug Interactions & Cannabinoid Metabolism 🩸

In a mouse model of liver fibrosis (scarring) due to a high-fat diet, inhibition of the enzyme MAGL (which breaks down the endocannabinoid 2-AG) in liver cells caused less liver scarring & bone destruction
Inhibiting hepatocytes MAGL alleviates osteoporosis caused by high-fat diet-induced liver fibrosis in male mice
https://watermark02.silverchair.com/bvag114.pdf

In a rat model of hyperglycemia, insulin increased their liver levels of CB1 receptors while activation of the CB1 receptors caused enhanced lipid-producing effects in liver cells
Insulin increases expression of cannabinoid receptor 1 by suppressing lysosomal degradation via ERK signaling pathway
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13181381/

💨 The Lungs 💨

In a mouse model of acute lung injury, on a new drug derived from CBD that inhibits the TRPV4 receptor to lower inflammation & lung scarring as well as preserving the integrity of the pulmonary vascular barrier
Discovery of a novel cannabidiol-derived transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 inhibitor to reduce pulmonary edema and lung vascular permeability in mice
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s11658-026-00939-3

👀 The Eyes 👀

In the eyes of people with & without schizophrenia, chronic cannabis use was linked to aberrations
Early-Onset Cannabis Use, Retinal Biomarkers, and Risk for Schizophrenia: Preliminary Study
https://www.clinicaltherapeutics.com/article/S0149-2918(26)00104-9/abstract

In horses, CBD caused no changes to their intraocular pressure or tear production
Short-Term Daily Oral Administration of Cannabidiol Does Not Impact Rebound Tonometry Intraocular Pressure or Schirmer Tear Test Values in Healthy Adult Horses
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/vop.70188

🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy 🎗️

In cervical cancer cells, the combination of THC & CBD with cisplatin caused diverse anticancer effects, including less DNA repair capacity & more autophagy (cellular recycling) & apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Antiproliferative Effects of Cannabinoids and Cisplatin in Cervical Cancer Cells
https://www.ovid.com/journals/canrep/fulltext/10.1002/cnr2.70561~antiproliferative-effects-of-cannabinoids-and-cisplatin-in

In breast cancer cells, nabilone (a pharmaceutical cousin to THC) disrupted the complex between the CB2 receptor & human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+, linked to treatment resistance)
Computational Characterization of Nabilone-Induced Disruption of the CB2-HER2 Receptor Complex in HER2+ Breast Cancer
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/11779322261449332

💊 Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids 💊

For synthetic cannabinoids, a proposal to analyze their levels with a “Steric-Engineered Thermodynamic Gating” strategy
Steric-Engineered Thermodynamic Gating: Metastable Assemblies for Chemical-Class Discrimination of Synthetic Cannabinoids
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/anie.3463809

🔬 Biochemical Discoveries & Research Tools 🔬

On synthesizing cannabistilbene I in a cell-free system for anti-inflammation
Cell-Free Synthesis of Cannabistilbene I: A Dual Acting Anti-Inflammatory from Cannabis sativa
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.6c00318

For allosteric modulators of cannabinoid receptors (which cause other molecules to bind more or less strongly at the main binding site), a thesis project on their design & biological evaluation
Allosteric modulators of cannabinoid receptors: design, synthesis and biological evaluation
https://repository.library.northeastern.edu/files/neu:ms425v55h

Thanks.
- lex

PS: For a godfather of the Cuban drums, ‘Soul Bag’ by Mongo Santamaria. Born Ramón Santamaría Rodríguez, his father nicknamed him Mongo, supposedly from a Mali word for ‘chief of the tribe’. And he certainly was. As a child in Havana, he learned the rumba & saw how music infused everything. He reminisced, “In the neighborhood where I came from we had all kinds of music, mostly from Africa. We did not leave it alone; we changed it our way. The music we made dealt with religion and conversation. The drum was our tool and we used it for everything”. He was mentored on the bongos & congas, dropping out of school to become a professional musician & began performing at the famed Tropicana club. In 1948 at the age of 29, he traveled to Mexico City with a dance team & was soon living in New York City. He spent 6 years playing with the likes of Tito Puente & Cal Tjader. In 1959, he recorded his own song “Afro Blue” which became the first jazz standard built upon the typical African 3:2 cross-rhythm. His big breakthrough into the mass market is said to have come about in 1962 because of a bad night at a Cuban nightclub in the Bronx. Only 3 people showed up to the show & so as Mongo talked with Herbie Hancock about the common threads between Afro-Cuban & African-American jazz, Hancock started playing his song “Watermelon Man”. Santamaria jumped up & started playing it as the whole band realized they had something magical on their hands. They were rushed into the studio & as soon as it was released, it shot to the top of the pop charts, the only one of his tunes to ever get there. But the success of the song led to him blending Afro-Cuban & African-American music as well as remixing Cuban-flavored versions of R & B & Motown songs. He spent the next decade on delightful albums in that vein before exploring rock, electric jazz, but always coming back to his roots as one of the great Cuban percussionists. He kept making the music until shortly before his death in 2003 at the age of 85.

This newsletter is the backbone of my work & I hope it brings you a measure of value. If so, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription & support my sharing all of the new cannabinoid science each week.

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🌟 This Week 🌟

(#hashtags for jumping to articles by searching for them with your browser)

• Cannabis for sleep + THC & CBD for neuropathic facial pain + PEA for back pain

• For US teens, more cannabis use than tobacco for the first time ever (#teenuse)

• Ingestion: vapes less toxic than pre-rolls (#ingestion)

• Devil’s Advocate Corner: when the EU declared CBD a reproductive toxicant, they had the data to back it up (#EUCBD)

• Prenatal Cannabis Week: 9 studies

• For CHS, topical capsaicin

• Medical cannabis dispensaries & adult-use cannabis laws associated with reduced non-fatal opioid poisonings

• For TBIs, ibogaine microdosing caused complete recovery in 2 people (#ibogainebrain)

• Harm reduction: a US retrospective analysis found overdose prevention centers could have saved so many lives

[numbers for C&P#188: ~11k words, ~28 minutes reading time, 255 papers]

📌 Editor’s notes 📌:

• Donate $13 to Realm of Caring for their 13^th anniversary! For funding & running cannabis studies, for offering free medical cannabis education to doctors & patients & for advocacy for medical cannabis, Realm of Caring is making a real difference in the lives of people who use medical cannabis.

• From filmmaker James Gallagher, here’s the trailer for his new film ‘Humans of Cannabis: Pakistan’ about the farmers whose genetics changed the world & who now are getting left behind.

Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 188^th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science, assorted canna-news + the War on Drugs, harm reduction & other psychoactives. Support this work with a paid subscription or by buying me a coffee.

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🍃 BEST OF CANNABINOID SCIENCE 🍃

(most of the phytocannabinoid data is here & most of the ECS data is in the ‘Canna-Science Archive’ at the bottom)

⚕️ Clinical ⚕️

For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, topical capsaicin (an ingredient of hot peppers that activates the TRPV1 receptor) greatly reduced abdominal pain & stopped vomiting in half of patients
Topical capsaicin for treatment of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome: a prospective observational study
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/24734306.2026.2667681

Among people using cannabis for sleep, the majority reported that it helped improve sleep quality & duration, though they had an association with cannabis use disorder
1034 Racial/Ethnic Differences in Cannabis Use Disorder Among Sleep-Motivated Cannabis Consumers Across Two Age-Distinct Cohorts
https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/49/Supplement_1/A460/8674325

In people with sciatica-related back pain, PEA caused significant reductions in pain & improvements to daily functioning
Water-Dispersible Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) Supplementation for Functional Improvement in Adults With Chronic Sciatica-Related Back Pain: A Pilot Clinical Trial
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/original_article/pdf/485986/20260505-130741-hea997.pdf

For neuropathic facial pain, a case report of 2 females with a balanced THC:CBD formulation who experienced a marked painkilling response, improved functional performance & improved scores in physical domains & psychological well-being
Cannabinoid Therapy for Refractory Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain: Quantification of Somatosensory Alterations (QualST) by 3D Stereophotogrammetry—Two Case Reports
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13137124/

In people with arthritis, a survey found that they used cannabis to help with their pain & replace their painkilling medications
Perceptions regarding the use of cannabis in orthopaedics for treating musculoskeletal joint pain: A survey of arthritis patients
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/03000605261438343

In children & adults with epilepsy, a combination of CBD & a ketogenic diet had a 30-40% responder rate, with more improved outcomes associated with starting CBD before the ketogenic diet
Concurrent use of ketogenic diet therapy and cannabidiol in children and adults with epilepsy: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0920121126000859

For schizophrenia & cannabis use, a genetic analysis found that a certain immunogenetic background may increase vulnerability or reduce schizophrenia risk
HLA Class II Immunogenetic Profiles Shape Psychosis Outcomes in Cannabis Users: DRB5/DRB1*16 Vulnerability and DRB4/DRB3-Linked Protection, Particularly Against Schizophrenia
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4087/7/3/56

In people taking CBD with & without low doses of THC, a study of how it moves through their body, with a few people in the CBD-only group testing positive for THC
The acute and chronic pharmacokinetic oral fluid profile of oral cannabidiol (CBD) with and without low doses of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in healthy human volunteers
https://www.ovid.com/journals/joat/abstract/10.1093/jat/bkaf102~the-acute-and-chronic-pharmacokinetic-oral-fluid-profile-of

For people microdosing cannabis, psychedelics & MDMA, a survey on their reasons (for cannabis, it was pain)
Prevalence and Reasons for Microdosing Cannabis, Psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA Among US Adults
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749379726001248

For intraocular pressure, a meta-analysis of 5 studies found THC reduced it via the oral or topical route
Intraocular pressure-lowering effects of tetrahydrocannabinol drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://www.canadianjournalofophthalmology.ca/article/S0008-4182(26)00150-X/fulltext

For non-fatal opioid poisonings, in public health data from US people with employer-sponsored insurance, medical cannabis dispensaries & adult-use cannabis laws were associated with reduced non-fatal opioid poisonings
The association between state cannabis legalization and non-fatal opioid poisonings among adults with employer-sponsored insurance in the United States
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335526001257

For feline gingivostomatitis (a mouth & gum infection of swelling & sores), a case report where broad-spectrum CBD oil caused reduced inflammation, fewer ulcers & a marked improvement in the oral cavity, with the main negatives being sleepiness, diarrhea & decreased food intake
Cannabidiol Oil for Feline Gingivostomatitis Complex: A Case Report
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/1e59ddc499321e0d1e2e4935ddbcd18a/download_pub

Prenatal Cannabis Use + Fertility

The EU declared CBD to be a “reproductive toxicant” (#EUCBD)
https://businessofcannabis.com/cbd-is-a-reproductive-toxicant-say-the-eu-in-a-major-blow-to-industry/
I saw many outraged takes online, but while I think this is a conservative take, they certainly have the data to back it up. You can see a review here & preclinical studies here on behavioral alterations, increased offspring anxiety (in females only) as well as repetitive behaviors, suppressed uterine contractions & altered thermal pain sensitivity & behavior changes.

In pregnancy, a call for a reproductive justice approach to cannabis use in Canada
Legacies of prohibition in Canada: calling for a reproductive justice approach to cannabis use during pregnancy
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/23311886.2026.2667551

For prenatal cannabis use, greater levels of depression, anxiety & irritability were associated with greater odds of using cannabis & cannabis use was associated with reductions in those symptoms
Use of cannabis to regulate negative affect in pregnancy: Bidirectional findings from an ecological momentary assessment study
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2027-64415-001

For prenatal cannabis exposure, public health data found no association with later delays in motor or language attainment, but there was a delay in saying their first word
Mediating the Impact of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure on Neurobehavioral Disinhibition: The Role of Delayed Developmental Milestone Attainment
https://www.scilit.com/publications/04073617d47672d70759e7eb76f62b16

For cannabis use during pregnancy, a review of 10 studies found an association with low birth weight, smaller head circumference, cognitive & behavioral challenges & possible long-term vulnerability to substance use
Cannabis use during pregnancy: effects on mother and child
https://roam.macewan.ca/items/824638fa-d014-4ba9-826d-6cbe8846627d

For prenatal cannabis usage, self-reports can underestimate usage, especially among disadvantaged populations
Validity of Self-Reported Cannabis Use Based on Urine Toxicology Measures in a Population-Based Pregnancy Cohort in Michigan
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10826084.2026.2670606
And I would never report my usage either. With the number of horror stories of people not able to leave the hospital with their newborn because of a positive cannabis test, this abominable practice means that no pregnant person should ever be honest about their cannabis use. Thanks to the heroes at Pregnancy Justice for keeping this issue at the forefront & fighting for change.

For cannabis use in pregnant people, there is a gap between those who wanted counseling about cannabis use & those who received counseling
Receipt of reproductive safety data among pregnant marijuana users and nonusers
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00737-026-01712-3

For perinatal cannabis use (before & after birth), an analysis of proposed clinical health messaging
Clinical Health Messaging for Perinatal Cannabis Use: Perspectives From Postpartum Individuals With Use During Early Pregnancy
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/29767342261449036

In a mouse model of prenatal cannabis ingestion, the male offspring had decreased risk-taking behavior (which was enhanced by a high-fat diet) & locomotion, while female offspring were protected from alterations to emotional behavior & synaptic depression
Effects of maternal voluntary cannabis consumption on high fat diet-induced emotional alterations and gut microbiota in adult offspring
https://www.authorea.com/doi/pdf/10.22541/au.177374787.70081276/v1

In a tissue model of embryo implantation & placenta formation, CBG altered metabolism, extracellular matrix remodeling & the inflammatory response, suggesting a potential risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes
The impact of cannabigerol exposure on human endometrial stromal cells decidualization
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300483X26000995

⚠️ Harms ⚠️

For the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, an analysis of the adverse event reports related to medical cannabis, with the top categories being psychiatric disorders, nervous system disorders & GI disorders, with 14 cases involving suicidal ideation or behavior
A retrospective analysis of voluntary adverse event reports to the TGA with higher THC medicinal cannabis products
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00048674261445267

For treating lung cancer with immune checkpoint inhibitors, cannabis users had increased mortality & healthcare utilization
PP01.09: Cannabis Use in the Era of Immunotherapy: Real-World Outcomes in Advanced NSCLC Patients
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1556086426002054

In someone with lesions from lupus, a case report on smoked cannabis being a trigger, but transitioning to edible & vaporized cannabis caused sustained remission of skin lesions
Refractory Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Resolved by Identifying an Unconventional Trigger: A Case of Cannabis-Induced Exacerbation
https://www.ovid.com/jnls/jdnaonline/fulltext/10.1097/jdn.0000000000000871~refractory-subacute-cutaneous-lupus-erythematosus-resolved

For pediatric cannabis ingestion & emergency department visits in British Columbia, Canada, the number of visits increased 55+ % from pre-legalization to post-legalization (though 90% of these were intentional use, assumedly with adolescents)
The impact of recreational cannabis legalization on pediatric emergency department visits in British Columbia, Canada
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13151408/

In people who regularly use cannabis, they had reduced heart reflex sensitivity & heart rate variability
Regular Cannabis Use Impairs Autonomic Cardiovascular Control in Humans
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2026.41.S1.2300303

In frequent cannabis users, they had inconsistent perceptions of self & worse diet quality
Associations Between Cannabis Consumption, Stability of Self-Perception, and Diet Quality
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2026.41.S1.2300496

In young people who use cannabis, a review of 21 studies found evidence of decreased IQ, lower executive function & decreased memory
How does cognition change over time in young people who use cannabis recreationally? A narrative review of the longitudinal literature to date
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-026-07072-1

In breast reduction surgery, cannabis use was associated with increased risk of bruising & delayed wound healing
The Impact of Marijuana Use on Postoperative Outcomes in Reduction Mammaplasty: Risks, Complications, and Considerations
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1748681526002664

For cannabis use disorder, a review of it as a disorder of motivational dysregulation
Cannabis Use Disorder as a disorder of motivational dysregulation: a systematic review of clinical, neurocognitive, and treatment evidence
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10550887.2026.2667987

On drugs for cannabis use disorder, a book chapter
Pharmacotherapy for Cannabinoid Use Disorder
https://link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/978-3-031-57159-6_77-1

For synthetic cannabinoid abuse, a Russian analysis of rehabilitation models
Ethno-territorial features of psychotherapy rehabilitation models in addictive communities abusing synthetic cannabinoids
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15332640.2026.2657005

A case report of a stroke induced by synthetic cannabinoids
When high turns harmful: Synthetic cannabinoid-induced stroke in a patient with cryptogenic risk factors
https://institutionalrepository.aah.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2766&context=advocategme

For synthetic cannabinoids, a case report of memory loss & multisystem toxicity
Synthetic Cannabinoid Use Complicated by Multiorgan Dysfunction
https://scholarlyworks.corewellhealth.org/corewellhealth_west_research_posters/159/

For the synthetic cannabinoid HHC, a case report of acute kidney injury
Hexahydrocannabinol-induced rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury: a case report combining comprehensive toxicokinetic and metabolomic investigations
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00435-7

For vaping, a negative review on oxidative stress, inflammation & endothelial damage
The Cardiopulmonary Complications of Vaping
https://journals.lww.com/cardiologyinreview/fulltext/9900/the_cardiopulmonary_complications_of_vaping.833.aspx

📑 Reviews 📑

For the runner’s high, a review of the endocannabinoids as a neuromodulatory mechanism
The Neurochemical Orchestra of the Runner’s High: A Narrative Review of Neuromodulatory Mechanisms with a Focus on Endocannabinoids
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/10738584261440907

For substance use disorders, a commentary on the benefits of California Sober
Redefining Recovery: The Expanding Cannabis Landscape and Its Implications for the California Sober Approach in Addiction
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-026-01660-0

In brain scans of cannabis users, a review of neuroimaging studies
What Do Thirty Years of Neuroimaging Research Tell Us About Recreational Cannabis Use and Brain Integrity? A Narrative Review of the Multimodal Neuroimaging Evidence to Date
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2147/SAR.S584766
“Consistent evidence showed that acute intoxication with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was associated with greater brain activity in fronto-striatal pathways. For regular cannabis users compared to controls, there was consistent cross-sectional evidence of lower hippocampal volumetry and white matter microstructure of the superior longitudinal fasciculus, and of different fronto-striatal activity and connectivity during cue-reactivity tasks and resting-state. In cannabis users, there was emerging evidence from Positron Emission Tomography studies of altered neurochemistry in fronto-striatal pathways (eg, lower N-acetyl aspartate); lower glucose metabolism in the frontal cortex; and lower density of cannabinoid receptors, which may reverse with abstinence.”

In people with gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying), a review of 38 studies found cannabinoids improved total symptom scores & caloric intake even while paradoxically slowing gastric emptying
Cannabis-Based Medicines in Gastroparesis and Related Syndromes
https://www.atlanticare.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2026-ResearchDay/Cannabis-Based%20Medicines%20in%20Gastroparesis%20and%20Related%20Syndromes-Poster-Dave%20Che.pdf

In wound healing, a review of 18 studies found topical cannabis or CBD hydrogels improved collagen formation, the development of new blood vessels & wound closure
Cannabis sativa (Vijaya) in Wound Healing: A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/404394344_Cannabis_sativa_Vijaya_in_Wound_Healing_A_Systematic_Review_of_Preclinical_and_Clinical_Evidence

For autoimmune diseases, a review of the potential of cannabinoids
Cannabinoids in autoimmune diseases: mechanistic insights and translational challenges
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006295226003655

For adolescent psychiatry, a review on using CBD
Integrating Cannabidiol into Adolescent Psychiatry: Clinical Applications and Safety-Risk Profile for Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
https://www.benthamdirect.com/content/journals/aps/10.2174/0122106766389534251023105458

For neurodegenerative diseases, a review of the cannabinoids helping via the microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain)
Cannabidiol and other non-psychotropic cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa as therapeutics for microglial-mediated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00445-5

In traumatic brain injury, a review on modulating the endocannabinoid system
Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms of Traumatic Brain Injury: The Endocannabinoid System as a Modulatory Axis
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/b07e18656f4edcc62608db2a1557ce49/download_pub

In sepsis (an immune system overreaction to an infection), a review of targeting the endocannabinoid system for the dysfunctions of the microvascular system (small blood vessels)
Microvascular Effects of Endocannabinoid Signaling in Sepsis: A Mechanistic and Systematic Review
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/micc.70062

In neuropathy from chemotherapy, a review of 3 trials found no improvements
Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15360288.2026.2664668

For inflammation & oxidative stress, a review on the potential of the cannabinoids (nice chart)
Harnessing Cannabinoids to Target Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Translational Medicine
https://jintb.org/index.php/jintb/article/view/30

For memory impairment from cannabinoids, a review of the molecular mechanisms
Memory impairment and chronic high-dose Δ9-THC/cannabis exposure: a narrative review of molecular mechanisms underlying neurotoxic effects
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-026-07070-3

For the GPR18 receptor, a review of its function & unclear links to the endocannabinoid system (nice charts)
Targeting GPR18: Structural modelling, ligand discovery, and therapeutic potential in neuroinflammatory disorders
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006295226003710

For the phospholipase enzyme superfamily, on how it implements many of its wideranging changes via endocannabinoids
The Phospholipase A2 Superfamily in Health and Disease: From Lipid Signaling to Inflammation, Cancer, and Neurodegeneration
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/404326543_The_Phospholipase_A2_Superfamily_in_Health_and_Disease_From_Lipid_Signaling_to_Inflammation_Cancer_and_Neurodegeneration

🐁 Preclinical 🐁

In a rat model of phantom limb pain, the combination of CBD, THC & beta-caryophyllene lowered immune system reactivity, lessened inflammation & decreased pain via inhibition of GABA (the brain’s most common inhibitory neurotransmitter) in the spinal cord
Targeting Phantom Limb Pain with Cannabinoids in a Rat Model
https://scholarship.miami.edu/esploro/outputs/journalArticle/Targeting-Phantom-Limb-Pain-with-Cannabinoids/991033050794802976

In a rat model of PTSD, in males, THC disrupted fear memory reconsolidation (a good thing), but in females, this only occurred at estrus & diestrus, not at proestrus
Sex-specific role of microglia in Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-induced disruption of fear memory reconsolidation
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-026-02434-x

In a mouse model of diet-induced obesity, THC as well as cannabis extracts reduced body weight & fat mass & normalized adipokines (cytokines from fat cells), while cannabis extracts (but not THC) also normalized glucose clearance
Δ9 Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabis extracts differentially improve adipoinsular dysfunction in diet‐induced obesity
https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1113/JP290431

In a mouse model of intestinal stem cells damaged by radiation (as in cancer treatment), CBD rescued the dysregulation of their fatty acids & enhanced their proliferation
Cannabidiol triggers fatty acids β-oxidation mediated by Stat2 to facilitate intestinal stem cells regeneration post radiation
https://www.nature.com/articles/s12276-026-01711-5

In a rat model of spinal cord injury, vaping THC altered breathing parameters
THC exposure alters ventilation after cervical spinal cord injury
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2026.41.S1.2300460

In a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease, the combination of intense exercise & CBD improved cognitive impairment
Combating cognitive decline in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease: The role of high-intensity interval training and cannabidiol administration in modulating microRNA-124, BACE1, and nestin
https://cjn.tums.ac.ir/article_40594.html

In a mouse model of metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (formerly known as fatty liver disease), this thesis project found that both CBD & CBG decreased liver fatness via the synthesis of lipids & the reduction of oxidative stress
Cannabinoid Modulation of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in a Mouse Model
https://digscholarship.unco.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1133&context=honors

In a mouse model of pain, CBD inhibited the ion channel Piezo2 to mediate its painkilling effects
Piezo2 mediates cannabidiol-induced analgesia of mechanical allodynia
https://langtaosha.org.cn/lts/en/preprint/view/197

In rats taking THC, different strains of rats experienced different effects
An Assessment of THC-Associated Physiological Effects in HS and WKY Rats (Abstract ID: 269631)
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/article/S0022-3565(26)01019-0/abstract

In rats, CBG (at high doses) reduced locomotor activity but not anxiety-like behavior
Cannabigerol reduces locomotor activity but not anxiety-like behavior in naive rats
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2026.41.S1.2344445

In a zebrafish model of type II diabetes, CBD did not significantly lower blood glucose levels but did increase performance on optomotor responses
The impact of cannabidiol (CBD) in hyperglycemic zebrafish (Danio rerio)
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0348975

In a zebrafish model of seizures, on characterizing a series of CBD analogues
In Vivo Characterization of Synthetic Cannabidiol Analogs for Seizure Suppression in Zebrafish
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acschemneuro.6c00205

In a mouse model of inflammation due to obesity, the terpene citral (from lemongrass) caused painkilling partially via the CB2 receptor
Citral exerts a more pronounced antinociceptive effect in obese adult male C57BL/6J mice mediated through the CB2 receptor
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014299926003766

In a mouse model of atherosclerosis (hardened arteries), the gut bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila helped via the CB2 receptor
Akkermansia muciniphila attenuates high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis through regulation of the endocannabinoid system
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464626001751

In a mouse model of depression, the combination of gastrodin (a component of orchids popular in Traditional Chinese Medicine) & transcranial magnetic stimulation helped partially via the gut-brain axis & the endocannabinoid system
Synergistic antidepressant effects of gastrodin combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation: Mediation by the gut-brain axis and endocannabinoid system
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022395626002566
One more for a list of exotic treatments that help via the endocannabinoid system…

🆕 Novel Studies 🆕

(a grab bag section for cool & new stuff)

For the toxicity of a vaping device vs a pre-roll, this white paper found pre-rolls to have a much higher toxicity (exceeding the EPA threshold by 2 orders of magnitude), though the vapes had markedly higher levels of nickel (via this post by author Arnaud Dumas de Rauly) (#ingestion)
Comparative Toxicity of Emissions: Electronic Cannabis Delivery Systems (ECDS) versus Combustion of Un-Infused Cannabis Pre-Rolls. A Screening-Level Hazard Characterization White Paper
https://ecdsvspreroll.com/

For the metabolites produced when CBD is burned, 86 compounds were detected, with several known to have adverse health effects
Detection and identification of small-molecule cracking products formed on pyrolysis of cannabidiol part 1: C3–C10 compounds
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00442-8

In a tobacco plant, on genetically inserting the full CBD biosynthesis pathway of 128 genes from 5 cannabinoid synthesis families
Reconstitution of cannabidiol biosynthesis pathway in Nicotiana benthaminana through multigene synthetic engineering
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669026007065

In today’s edition of ‘who approved this research?’…
For cannabis use, public health data showed the levels were higher in states that legalized
Cannabis Legalization and Emerging Adult Risk: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/cir.153.suppl_1.TU138
And for young adults taking a survey, changing out the word “marijuana” for “cannabis” did not change their responses
Assessing Reliability of a Change in Survey Item Terminology from “Marijuana” to “Cannabis” Among a Sample of U.S. Adolescents and Young Adults
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2026.2650106

Lex’s roundup of fav newsletters:
#Canna: Marijuana Moment, Cannabis Law Report, Cultivated, Cannabis Musings (oy vey), Talking Joints Memo, Sticky Bits, Highly Objective, Cannabitch, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, Doctor Approved, Medical Marijuana Memory Blog (by Dame Alice O’Leary Randall)
#DrugWar: InSight Crime, Marshall Project, Students for Sensible Drug Policy
#HarmReduction: Filter, Drug Data Decoded, International Drug Policy Consortium, National Harm Reduction Coalition, Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
#Psychoactives: Psychedelic Alpha, Ecstatic Integration, ICEERS, Substance, The Microdose

📰 US Headlines & Fav Articles

The TSA clarified that they’re not looking for cannabis, but it’s up to the individual security officer if an illegal substance is found
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/medical-marijuana
While the DOT clarified that truckers & pilots still can’t use medical cannabis despite the new reclassification to Schedule III
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/truckers-and-pilots-still-cant-use-medical-marijuana-even-though-trump-reclassified-it-transportation-department-says/
And the US Army reminded soldiers that all cannabis products are banned, even CBD lotions
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/army-reminds-soldiers-of-zero-tolerance-marijuana-policy-warning-that-even-cbd-lotion-remains-banned/

On cannabis rescheduling, a legal & ethical analysis through a Biblical Worldview
Cannabis Reclassification: Economic, Legal, and Ethical Implications of Executive Order 12866
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1266&context=hsgppconference
I have to say, though this isn’t the lens I use to view the world, they had some fairly reasonable conclusions concerning the benefits of medical cannabis versus the dangers of normalized substance use, though they did lose points with me for quoting professional POS Jerry Falwell.

In Colorado, Wanda James sued her fellow CU regents for their longest-ever sanction against her after she opposed a cannabis public health campaign that she deemed racist
https://www.westword.com/news/colorado-university-regent-sues-peers-sanctions-40888152/

🌐 International Updates 🌐

In France, new strict food regulations will limit CBD edible levels to ~2 mg per day
https://cannabislaw.report/france-to-restrict-cbd-edibles-under-stricter-eu-novel-food-enforcement/
Meanwhile, the country is emerging as Europe’s dominant exporter of industrial hemp raw materials
https://hemptoday.net/france-emerges-as-europes-dominant-exporter-of-industrial-hemp-raw-materials/
“Until the 2021-22 marketing year, French hemp exports were almost nonexistent, totaling just 415 metric tons, mainly to Canada. But export opportunities opened sharply beginning in 2022-23, with shipments rising to 47,950 metric tons in 2023-24 and holding at 47,765 metric tons in 2024-25. About 72% of exports now go to EU member states.”

In Nepal, a review of their current cannabis laws & its traditional uses
Current Nepalese Legislative Framework, Pharmacology and Chemistry of Medicinal Cannabis: A Comprehensive Review
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X261451344

In Nigeria, a review of skoochies, an “unregulated concoction that commonly mixes codeine-based cough syrups, cannabis extracts, alcohol, tramadol, and sometimes benzodiazepines”
Skoochies as a Multi-Substance Psychoactive Cocktail: Pharmacological and Public Health Implications
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Olamide-Fasakin-2/publication/404291399_Skoochies_as_a_Multi-Substance_Psychoactive_Cocktail_and_Its_Review_Article_Pharmacological_and_Public_Health_Implications/links/69f1ecd5db00ec75d02e2b85/Skoochies-as-a-Multi-Substance-Psychoactive-Cocktail-and-Its-Review-Article-Pharmacological-and-Public-Health-Implications.pdf

⚖️ Business, Laws & Education ⚖️

The first ever bankruptcy protection for a cannabis MSO
https://cannabislaw.report/delaware-court-grants-cannabist-first-ever-chapter-15-bankruptcy-protection-for-a-cannabis-mso/

For labeling inaccuracy & contamination, this thesis project tested 70 products & found 30% not containing a listed cannabinoid, 74% containing a cannabinoid not listed, residual solvents in more than half the samples & microbial contamination on almost every flower product
Labelling Inaccuracy and Contamination in Commercial Cannabis Products: A Chemical and Microbiological Surveillance
https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/frsc_projects/142/

After 5 years of legalization in Ontario, an analysis of the products available & the trend of decreasing prices
An update on cannabis products, cannabinoid content, plant type, and prices five years after legalization in Ontario, Canada
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42093040/

In cannabis retailers in 5 US cities, an analysis of their noncompliance for youth-appeal marketing, health claims, discounts & required warning signage
Cannabis retailers’ marketing practices and compliance with state regulations: A 2025 point-of-sale audit in 5 U.S. Cities
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460326001437

In Florida gun laws, a federal lawsuit on medical cannabis users prohibited from owning firearms
High-Caliber Tensions: Implications of Florida’s Medical Marijuana Program on the Right to Keep and Bear Arms
https://repository.law.miami.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4821&context=umlr

In hospitality establishments, on the willingness to pay for cannabis edibles
The Roles of Motivation, Opportunity, and Ability on Willingness-To-Pay for Cannabis-Infused Edibles in Hospitality Establishments and the Mediating Role of Involvement
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/402269463_The_Roles_of_Motivation_Opportunity_and_Ability_on_Willingness-To-Pay_for_Cannabis-Infused_Edibles_in_Hospitality_Establishments_and_the_Mediating_Role_of_Involvement

🚗 Driving 🚗

For driving, the combination of cannabis edibles & alcohol produced greater impairment & subjective intoxication than either substance alone, but cannabis by itself or with a small amount of alcohol did not significantly impair performance
Impact of Cannabis Edibles Combined With Alcohol on Driving, Field Sobriety Performance, and Subjective Effects: A Within-Participant Crossover Trial
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2848548

For driving & problematic cannabis use, a survey found that those with likely cannabis dependence reported greater psychological symptoms & driving inattention
Beyond just intoxication: An exploration of the potential links between problematic cannabis use, self-reported psychological dysfunction, and subjective driving capabilities
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022437526000733

For driving performance in medical cannabis users with chronic pain, they had better reaction times in a divided attention simulation, but the overall findings were tainted by a lot of simulator sickness
Medical Marijuana Initiation and Simulated Driving Performance Among Mid-to-Late-Life Adults With Chronic Pain: Prospective Observational Feasibility Cohort Study With Matched Controls
https://formative.jmir.org/2026/1/e79735

🚓 The War on Drugs 🚓

The Inspector General of the Pentagon said it will review the “established targeting framework” for the dozens of attacks on alleged drug-smuggling boats, though it will not examine their legality
https://apnews.com/article/boat-strike-pentagon-inspector-general-evaluation-targeting-72e9006c57aa2c695744402934e4ca66

In Vietnam, four people sentenced to death for narcotics trafficking & heavy sentences for the remaining 12 defendants
https://vietnamnews.vn/society/1781332/four-sentenced-to-death-in-major-laos-viet-nam-drug-trafficking-bust.html
And a female DJ sentenced to death for narcotics trafficking
https://vietnamnews.vn/society/1780931/a-female-dj-sentenced-to-death-for-drug-trafficking.html

In Singapore, a 73-year-old’s death sentence appeal for a charge of carrying 43 g of heroin was dismissed because the judge concluded the defendant did know he was carrying drugs
https://mothership.sg/2026/05/man-heroin-trafficking-death-sentence-appeal-dismissed/

In California, a man charged with tax evasion of $7.1M for allegedly hiding $80M in contraband cannabis sales
https://cannabislaw.report/a-southern-california-man-pin-hsien-hsu-has-been-arrested-and-charged-with-evading-7-1-million-in-state-sales-tax-after-allegedly-hiding-80-million-in-contraband-marijuana-sales/
In law enforcement, that’s what they call the Al Capone method…

In India, the bust of several cartels has pushed local narcotics labs underground
https://ommcomnews.com/india-news/indias-drug-war-pushes-cartels-underground-sparks-rise-of-local-narco-labs/
And their first large-scale bust of Captagon (a synthetic amphetamine-based stimulant, popular in the Middle East)
https://argusenglish.in/national/operation-ragepill-how-indias-first-captagon-bust-signals-a-new-narco-terror-transit-threat
And the home minister announced that the country will be drug-free by 2047
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-will-wipe-out-narcos-be-drug-free-by-2047-shah/articleshow/131129372.cms

In the Philippines, 11 narcotics officers were dismissed for kidnapping & murdering 2 local cockfight enthusiasts
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/05/02/2525009/napolcom-dismisses-11-drug-war-cops

In South Africa, a bust of 2 Audis led to “17 compressed dagga bales”, with one of the arrested parties being a constable
https://www.cannabiz-africa.com/blog/da-calls-for-ipid-to-investigate-saps-involvement-in-illicit-cannabis-dealing

WoD Research

For the synthesis of illegal drugs, an analysis from Dutch court rulings on how it’s done
A crime script analysis of synthetic drug production
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12117-026-09596-6

In Bolivia, on the torture & state violence practiced under their drug policy
https://idpc.net/publications/2026/4/forbidden-voices-torture-and-cruel-inhuman-or-degrading-treatment-under-drug-policy-in-bolivia

In Ontario, cannabis legalization did not substantially change trends for drug-related offenses
Impact of cannabis legalization on drug possession offences among people who experience incarceration in Ontario, Canada
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095539592600157X

For online drug trafficking, a comparative analysis of Iran vs Switzerland, with the latter adopting a 4-pillar policy of prevention, treatment, harm reduction & law enforcement
A Comparative Analysis of Cyber Police Capacity in Preventing Online Drug Trafficking in Iran and Switzerland
https://csiw.qom.ac.ir/article_4382_en.html?lang=en

On drug trafficking in Mexico, a book on routes through protected environmental areas
Drug Trafficking and Protected Areas in Mexico
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-18218-0

For the drug trafficking over the Myanmar/NE India border, interviews with prisoners on the size & nature of the drug smuggling
Facets of Cross-Border Drug Trafficking in Manipur–Myanmar Borderland
https://usiofindia.org/pdf/USI_Journal_Jan_March_2026.pdf

In Myanmar, on their opium boom after World War II
Opium Pathways: Mountains, Mules and Resource Extraction in Shan State, Myanmar
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/dech.70066

For narco-outlaw figures in Colombia & Central America, a thesis project on their literary representation
Where Anomie Meets Neoliberalism: Narco and Organized Crime Outlaw Figures in Post-1989 Colombian and Central American Northern Triangle Literature
https://www.proquest.com/openview/ed91f9e33231d104014c18c1fe4ea658/1

🛡️ Harm Reduction News 🛡️

In Ireland, approval for their first supervised drug injection facility to become permanent
https://www.thejournal.ie/irelands-first-supervised-drug-injection-facility-to-become-permanent-7045976-May2026/

The National Association of EMS Physicians & their position statement on the importance of offering opioid use disorder treatments for harm reduction
The Role of Emergency Medical Services in Addressing Opioid Use Disorder—A Position Statement and Resource Document of NAEMSP
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10903127.2026.2668009

An editorial against designating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction
Fentanyl Is Not a WMD
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-026-10499-z

Harm Reduction Research

For overdose prevention centers in the US, a retrospective model found that increased availability could have saved thousands of lives & tens of billions of dollars
County by county estimation of possible deaths averted, infections averted, and cost savings of overdose prevention centers in the United States from July 2019-June 2025
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13131708/

In Canadian safer supply programs, on their rise & fall
The Rise and Fall of Safer Supply Programs in Canada
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2848523

For safer supply programs, interviews on the disruptions & harm from their discontinuation
A continuum of disconnection: the impacts of safer supply program closures on continuity of care, transition, and total loss of service access
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12954-026-01469-z

At Insite (Vancouver’s supervised consumption site), a case report of prescribed fentanyl leading to the reduced usage of unregulated drugs, more site engagement & increased retention on oral opioid agonist therapy
Safe Supply at Insite, North America’s First Supervised Consumption Site: A Case Report of Reduced Harms From the Toxic Drug Supply in a Client Prescribed Powdered Fentanyl Alternative
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/dar.70175

In people who smoke crack in England, interviews on the importance of safer smoking materials
Innovation, respiration and drug paraphernalia policy: a mixed methods study of crack pipe practice and respiratory harm in England
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12954-026-01470-6

On nyaope (the highly addictive street drug of South Africa), a chemical profiling found multiple opiates & adulterants
Chemical Profiling of Nyaope and Its Public Health Implications
https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/14/5/410

For the opioid crisis, a legal analysis of it as unjust enrichment for the pharmaceutical companies
The Opioid Crisis as Unjust Enrichment
https://scholarship.law.unc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=7079&context=nclr

For the opioid crisis, a thesis project comparing the public health approaches of the United States versus Portugal
Catching Up with Death The Opioid Crisis in the United States vs. Portugal’s Public Health Approach
https://spiral.lynn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1220&context=studentpubs

🍄 Psychoactives, Psychedelics & Plant Medicines 🍄

In Amanita muscaria mushrooms (the red-capped kind used by Siberian shamans), a review of clinical evidence & self-experimentation
Amanita muscaria in the evolving novel psychoactive substances landscape - toxicological risks and clinical implications: a narrative review
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2026.1838212/abstract

Psychedelics & MDMA

In people with a traumatic brain injury, ibogaine microdosing caused progressive neurological recovery, with 2 of the 3 cases achieving complete symptom remission (#ibogainebrain)
Clinical Improvement Following an Integrative Iboga Microdosing Protocol in Post-Concussive and Hypoxic Brain Injury Syndromes: A Case Series
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2026.1840956/abstract

For psilocybin mushrooms in the Sierra Mazateca, on their extractive disappearance
From Agents to Earth Beings: Sacred Mushrooms and New Extractivism in the Sierra Mazateca
https://brill.com/view/journals/wo/30/1/article-p61_4.xml

For the wounded healer narrative in psychedelic therapists, a thesis project of interviews
Alchemy of the Wounded Healer: A Narrative Inquiry into the Lived Experiences of Psychedelic Use Among Licensed Healthcare Professionals Across Spiritual, Personal, and Professional Domains
https://www.proquest.com/openview/1844cffae9d9a86fc247d0cbf157112c/1

In people with psychosis, case reports of potential benefits from psychedelics
Variability in outcomes and subjective effects of psychedelic use in psychotic populations: Case-based evidence from naturalistic settings
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950484826000147

In young people who had difficult psychedelic experiences, interviews on their experiences & harm reduction strategies
Adolescents’ and Young Adults’ Integration Processes for Extended Difficulties Following Challenging Psychedelic Experiences: A Qualitative Investigation
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9668424/v1/8ead3bf5-9495-4369-abf9-983acdb615a5.pdf

In people taking ayahuasca, their resilience predicted their response to challenging experiences as well as meaning-making in psychospiritual outcomes
Baseline Resilience as a Predictor of Ayahuasca Acute Effects and Moderator of the Relationship between Acute Effects and Psychospiritual Outcomes
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/28314425261448756

In a comparison of ayahuasca users vs meditators, the meditators had a higher score on their “‘Delusion of Me’ (DoM) index, a unidimensional self-report measure comprising three domains: acceptance, decentering, and non-attachment”
Investigating Hypo-Egoic Features: Ayahuasca’s Psychedelic Path Versus Meditation’s Mindful Journey
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42083787/

For the effects of psychedelics on authoritarian attitudes, a meta-analysis across 3 studies found no significant changes
Effects of psychedelic use on authoritarian attitudes revisited
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/02698811261443677

In people with cancer, interviews found them open to the idea of psychedelic therapy
Anything that helps: cancer patient and carer perspectives on psychedelic-assisted therapy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42080906/

For anorexia, on the potential models with psilocybin
Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa: Clinical Considerations and Emerging Models of Care
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-026-01679-z

A new book on psychedelics & the development of our religious practices
The Role of Psychedelics in the Development of Human Religious Practices: The Innate Human Quest for Transcendence
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-032-20214-7_4

For psychedelic therapy, on the synergy with music
The Harmonious Dance: A Narrative Review on Psychedelics and Music in Therapeutic Settings
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42083530/

For ibogaine & psychiatric disorders, a review of the 3 trials
From monotherapy to sequential models: An updated scoping review on ibogaine’s role in treatment for psychiatric disorders
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/02698811261443674

In a mouse model of fibromyalgia, low-dose LSD improved pain & mood
A New Use for an Old Compound: Microdosing LSD to Reduce Fibromyalgia Symptoms
https://drugrepocentral.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.14293/iDR.26.001SA

In older mice, this thesis project found that psilocybin caused a shift in their gut microbiome
Psilocybin Induces Shifts in Gut Microbial Composition of Aged Mice
https://www.proquest.com/openview/a1416a58462672ef3ce5918dc824fe1c/1

Ketamine

For new ketamine analogues, a report from the French addictovigilance network
Emerging new psychoactive ketamine analogues: patterns of use and health risks identified by the French Addictovigilance Network
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395926001787

In young people using ketamine, a review of their problems with urinary tract damage & addiction
Ketamine: an emerging epidemic in young people - implications for primary care
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42134962/

For postpartum depression, a meta-analysis of ketamine found therapeutic promise & minimal transfer into breastmilk
Ketamine and esketamine for the prevention of postpartum depression: A systematic review and network meta-analysis, with an integrated evidence synthesis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178126002829

In adults with suicidal ideation, 4 weeks of ketamine injections showed beneficial effects
Suicidal Ideation Effectiveness and Safety Outcomes from the Ketamine for Adult Depression Study (KADS)
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13811118.2026.2669779

In people using ketamine for depression, brain scans found non-responders had higher brain network density
Changes in depression symptom network structure following ketamine treatment in treatment-resistant depression
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032726008165

In people taking ketamine for depression, AI analysis of brain scans found that greater gray matter volume in frontal regions predicted treatment response, while greater volume of the cerebellum (brain region of voluntary movement, motor learning & balance) predicted non-response
Structural imaging predictors of ketamine response in treatment-resistant depression: a machine learning approach
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-026-04085-4

For people with tobacco use disorder, a single dose of ketamine had little impact on their cravings or withdrawals
Effects of a Single Sub-Anesthetic Dose of Ketamine in Tobacco Use Disorder: An Active-Placebo, Randomized Crossover Study
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/16/5/496

For helping with speech in adolescent autism, a hypothesis of using ketamine infusions
Rewiring Speech in Autism: A Ketamine Infusion Hypothesis
https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/7464

For depression & suicidal symptoms, a meta-analysis of 26 trials with ketamine found it helped acutely, though longer-term outcomes were not well established
Ketamine Infusions and Rapid Reduction of Suicidal and Depressive Symptoms in Major Depressive Episode: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2848531

In people with depression & bipolar disorder, a review of 26 ketamine studies found it helped with sleep & circadian rhythm
Effects of ketamine on sleep and circadian rhythmicity in major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder: A systematic review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032726007676

For treatment-resistant depression, a review of 21 studies on ketamine
Cognitive effects of intravenous Ketamine in treatment-resistant depression: A systematic review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42100880/

For ketamine, a review of how it interacts with glutamate (the brain’s most common excitatory neurotransmitter)
Ketamine and the glutamatergic system: A systematic review of NMDA receptor modulation
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/484

Kratom

For kratom, a review of its alkaloids & their properties
A review on Mitragyna alkaloids pharmacology, biosynthesis and biotechnological insights
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1687157X26000545

For kratom & pigment problems, a case report of kratom use for lower back pain leading to blue-gray pigmentation of the face, neck & hands
Photodistributed Hyperpigmentation in a Chronic Kratom User: Histologic and Elemental Characterization
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cup.70126

Kava

For kava, a survey on consumption patterns found reported effects to include reduced anxiety, improved mood & sedation, with only 12% reporting it to be habit-forming & more than half finding it to be a substitute for alcohol
Kava (Piper methysticum) consumption patterns and conceptualizations: results from an online survey
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13011-026-00728-3

Cathinones

A storytelling essay on the cathinone 3-MMC
On 3-MMC: A Cathinone I Have Come to Know and Love
https://philpapers.org/rec/OSTOMA-2

🍃 The Plant & its Products 🍃

🌱 Growing 🌱

For cultivating medical cannabis, on the feasibility of using reclaimed municipal water
Feasibility of medicinal cannabis cultivation in outdoor conditions using municipal reclaimed water
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00433-9

For hemp growing in Turkey, interviews with farmers on the effects of efficiency on their carbon balance
Assessing the relationship between technical efficiency and net carbon balance in industrial hemp production systems in Turkey
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jeq2.70192

For planting density in the southeastern United States, higher planting density reduced stem height & diameter but improved bast fiber yield
Plant population effects on fiber hemp growth and yield in Southeastern United States
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/agj2.70427

For cannabis fertilization, on the interplay of phosphate availability & nitrogen balance
Phosphate availability shapes source–sink dynamics and nitrogen balance in dual-purpose hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Insights from physiological and transcriptomic analyses
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669026007727

In salt-stressed hemp, phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria & phosphorus-enriched biochar enhance growth & yield
Phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria and phosphorus-enriched biochar enhance growth, cannabinoid content, and essential oil yield in salt-stressed hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168945226002360

In different cannabis cultivars, on the effects of methyl jasmonate & insecticides on yield
Interactive Effects of Methyl Jasmonate, Cultivar, and Insecticide Treatments on Agronomic and Phytochemical Traits of Cannabis sativa L.
https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/hortsci/61/5/article-p900.xml

For hemp cultivars in Puerto Rico, on the agronomy for the best yield
Flower yield, cannabinoid and terpene content of selected hemp cultivars
https://revistas.upr.edu/index.php/jaupr/article/view/23101

In waterlogged hemp, on the effects on growth & yield
Industrial hemp response to waterlogging stress: Influence of duration and growth stage on physiological performance and yield
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9546420/v1/05746efd-2a1c-498b-8db1-d3d425703909.pdf

For cannabis with a dual-stress event (nutrient lockout & growth chamber failure), on trying to create a recovery protocol
Physiological Recovery and Morphological Reversion of Cannabis sativa Following Environmental Stress and Nutrient Lock Out
https://minds.wisconsin.edu/handle/1793/97340

On hemp fiber degumming with a novel natural thermal-cooling cycle
A novel natural thermal-cooling cycle treatment for hemp fibers degumming
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652626010280

In 5 cultivars of northern Morocco, an analysis of their morphological traits
Morphological traits characterization of five Cannabis sativa L. cultivars from the Rif Mountains, northern Morocco
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42535-026-01715-6

For a decarboxylated extract of Gorilla Glue, on its profile & the stability of its CBD
Gorilla Glue Cannabis Extracts: Cannabinoid Profiling and CBD Hydrolysis Investigation
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/495

Profiling the Z-face cultivar
Cannabinoid Profiling of Z-Face Cannabis Cultivar Extracts
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/493

In a genetic analysis of hemp, a new control region found for flowering time
Identification of a major QTL and candidate gene for photoperiodic flowering in industrial hemp via BSA-seq and fine mapping
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-9403686/v1

On dehydrating & oxidizing cannabis leaves with a hybrid solar-electric method
Hybrid solar-electric thermal dehydration and oxidation of Cannabis sativa L. leaves. Prospecting of CBD, THC and CBN concentration
https://scielo.iics.una.py/scielo.php?pid=S2409-87522026000100073&script=sci_abstract&tlng=en

⚙️ Extracting, Analyzing & Formulating ⚙️

During the processing of cannabis flower, on the changing cannabinoid profile during decarboxylation, extraction & purification
Exploring cannabinoid profile changes during cannabis flower decarboxylation, extraction, and purification
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/506

On cannabinoid extraction via ohmic heating (aka Joule heating, a technique of heating material by passing an electric current through it)
Evaluation of Cannabinoid Extraction from Cannabis Flowers Using Ohmic Heating
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/468

For creating hemp extracts that are protein-rich but cannabinoid-free, on combining solvent-free ultrasound & microwave-assisted extraction
Production of Protein-Rich and Cannabinoid-Free Extracts from Industrial Hemp by Combined Solvent-Free Ultrasound- and Microwave-Assisted Extraction
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.6c00123

For detecting CBD in beverages, on using surface-enhanced infrared absorption
Reduced Graphene Oxide for Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption Detection of Cannabidiol in Beverages
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsanm.6c00649

On analyzing neutral cannabinoid levels using HPLC-DAD
A sustainable approach to analyzing neutral cannabinoids using HPLC-DAD
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/505

For analyzing cannabinoid levels, on a liquid chromatography photo-diode array (LC–PDA) method
Innovative Framework for Blinded Evaluation of Methods: Application to Cannabinoid Quantification in Hemp
https://watermark02.silverchair.com/qsag039.pdf

On optimizing terpene profiling using a GC-MS
GC-MS Terpene Profiling in Cannabis extracts: Method Optimization and Analytical Validation
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/491

For CBD nanosystems, a patent review
Unraveling approaches for cannabidiol delivery nanosystems: A patent review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332226005457

On creating complexes of cannabinoids & terpenes in 3D-printed films
3D-Printed Mucoadhesive Hydrogel Buccal Films Based on HPMC and Carbopol Bioinks Incorporating Cyclodextrin–Cannabinoid Complexes and Terpenes
https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/12/5/386

On crystallizing CBD into crystals & microgels for better bioavailability
Hydrophilic carriers for encapsulation of hydrophobic drug cannabidiol: Vaterite CaCO3 crystals and multilayer microgels made of sustainable polymers
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772950826002049

🍞 Food & Nutrition 🍞

For gluten-free baked goods, on optimizing hemp seed oil extraction
Optimization of hemp seed oil extraction and functional testing of its by-product in gluten-free baked goods
https://www.scielo.br/j/bjft/a/vVkyLxcp55ysdzPwnXTXCvR/

For bottled water infused with CBD, on the efficacy of an aseptic bottling process
Refreshing Innovation: Quality, Safety, and Chemistry of CBD-Infused Bottled Water
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/cc6305871ce3da70dde0da164ef99389/download_pub

For hempseed proteins, a review on their use as a food ingredient
Hempseed proteins as novel food ingredients: a review
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00217-026-05128-2

For hemp seeds, on an ethanol extraction & the extract’s efficacy for inhibiting nitric oxide
Establishment of Ethanol Extraction Conditions for Hemp Seed and Evaluation of Nitric Oxide Inhibitory Activity of Its Extract
https://www.e-jkfn.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.3746/jkfn.2026.55.4.311

For hemp protein isolate extracted by an alkaline method, an analysis of its water holding & fat absorption capacity
Investigating the Water Holding Capacity and Fat Absorption Capacity of Hemp Protein Isolate (Cannabis sativa L.) Extracted by Alkaline Method
https://fsct.modares.ac.ir/article_28581_en.html

From hemp seeds, on the properties of the novel polysaccharide HSP-Ia
Structural characterization and in vitro evaluation of the hypolipidemic activity of the HSP-Ia, a bioactive polysaccharide derived from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0144861726005564

In feeding hemp to sheep, their digestibility decreased for dry matter, organic matter & crude protein
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol resist rumen microbial metabolism but impair feed digestibility and alter VFA profiles
https://connectsci.au/an/article/doi/10.1071/AN25332/272633/9-tetrahydrocannabinol-and-cannabidiol-resist

🏗️ Industrial Uses & Fiber 🏗️

For cannabis removing forever chemicals from the soil, a thesis project on improving uptake via microbial inoculations
IMPROVING CANNABIS SATIVA’S PHYTOREMEDIATION CAPABILITIES OF FOREVER CHEMICALS THROUGH MICROBIAL INOCULATIONS
https://commons.nmu.edu/theses/921/

For removing copper from water, on using a hemp hydrogel
Synthesis and Characterization of Hemp Oil-Impregnated Chitosan-Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogels for Synergistic Copper (II) Ions Removal from Water
https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/56d90d6dc6d9a03abf239038dbc05b87/download_pub

For brake pads, on combining hemp, flax, bamboo & coconut shell
Investigation of the Usability of Agricultural and Biomass Wastes in Brake Pad Composites
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9618636/v1/c36052ac-c1c6-4194-bd96-4b3fffb114e9.pdf

For automotive interiors, on a biocomposites based on hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil-based bio-composites as a sustainable alternative for automotive interior applications
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13726-026-01647-7

For vinyl ester composites (often used in airplanes), on improving properties with hemp & agave fiber
Mechanical and drilling studies on interfacial adhesion improved hemp and agave hybrid fibre & biosilica reinforced vinyl ester composite
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00219983261449598

On reinforcing polyethylene with hemp to improve wear resistance
Studies on Wear Behavior of Hemp Fiber-Reinforced High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Composites Using Taber Abrasion Test
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003471844-5/studies-wear-behavior-hemp-fiber-reinforced-high-density-polyethylene-hdpe-composites-using-taber-abrasion-test-kondusamy-samsudeensadham-sriram-sriguhan-sudeep

In polymer composites with hemp fiber, on predicting roughness
Integrating AWJ Process Parameters with Ensemble Learning Techniques (RF & XGBoost) for Accurate Surface Roughness Prediction in Hemp Fibre Polymer Composites
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/11508321

For creating a plastic composite with pineapple leaf & hemp fibers
Enhanced polylactic acid composites reinforced with pineapple leaf and hemp fibers
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13726-026-01668-2

On a biocomposites film made with starch, agar & hemp fiber
Structure–property relationships in multifunctional starch/agar biocomposite films reinforced with alkaline–peroxide treated hemp fibers for sustainable applications
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468217926000791

For plastic composites, on enhancing its properties with torrefied (roasted) hemp hurd
Hemp hurd torrefaction as an effective strategy to enhance PLA-based composite mechanical and tribological properties
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-51164-z

On creating a renewable plastic using hemp as a filler
EFFECT OF HEMP FILLER ON THE MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PLA/PBAT COMPOSITE FILMS
https://icntcconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ICNTC-2026-BOOK-OF-ABSTRACTS.pdf

On improving hemp & jute fiber moisture resistance & mechanical properties with a mild calcium carbonate treatment
A Mild Calcium Carbonate Treatment Improves Moisture Resistance and Mechanical/Interfacial Properties of Jute and Hemp Fibers
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.6c00108

For hemp pressing cake (residue), on comparing combustion via heat & power vs anaerobic bacterial digestion
Energy Valorization of Industrial Hemp Pressing Residues (Cannabis sativa L.) - Combustion, Anaerobic Digestion and LCA using OpenLCA
https://www.epj-conferences.org/articles/epjconf/pdf/2026/25/epjconf_jiama2026_01008.pdf

For hempcrete, a review of advances & techniques
Advancements in hempcrete as a bioresource-based material for sustainable and low-carbon construction
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41062-026-02665-3

For walls, on using a hemp-clay composite with gum arabic
Assessment of the possibility of using a clay-hemp mixture modified with gum arabic as a wall material
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710226010570

For sustainable concrete, on the synergy between waste rubber & hemp fibers
Eco-Friendly Structural Solutions: The Synergy of Waste Rubber and Hemp Fibers in Sustainable Concre
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15440478.2026.2665745

For hemp lime concrete, an AI to predict its compressive strength
Machine learning prediction of compressive strength of hemp lime concrete for sustainable and resilient infrastructure
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s43621-026-03262-1_reference.pdf

For composite panels, a lifecycle assessment of their carbon footprint
Cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment of advanced composite panels incorporating CO2-derived multi-walled carbon nanotubes and hemp fiber for sustainable building applications
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352710226011009

🌿 THE CANNA-SCIENCE ARCHIVE 🌿

On delivering cannabinoids to rodents, a review of the many ingestion methods
Pharmacokinetics of Cannabinoids Delivered by Diverse Routes in Rodents
https://karger.com/mca/article-pdf/doi/10.1159/000551979/4535029/000551979.pdf

🏥 Public Health & Bioassays 🏥

In older adults using cannabis edibles, on their reasons for using them for pain, sleep & mental health
Edible Cannabis and Pain, Sleep, and Mental Health Management in Older Adults
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2848773

In a palliative care practice, on lessons for implementing medical cannabis
Cannabis in the Clinic: How to Implement an Embedded Medical Cannabis Program in an Academic Palliative Care Practice
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0885392426003015

In a genetic analysis of Moroccan people, on their novel variant of the CB1 receptor
Genomic and structural analysis of the endocannabinoid system in Moroccans: A novel CNR1 variant (V392A) impairs CB1 receptor stability
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0347606

In Iranian healthcare students, they had therapeutic awareness of medical cannabis but operational hesitancy
Healthcare students’ knowledge and attitude toward medical cannabis: a cross-sectional study in southeastern Iran
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00424-w

In oral fluid, a review on detecting THC with mass spectroscopy
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol detection times using mass spectroscopy in oral fluid: a systematic review using a 5 ng/mL cut-off value
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00414-026-03805-1

In a breath sampling device, on the factors associated with recovering THC, CBD & CBN
Factors influencing the recovery of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, and cannabinol from a breath sampling device
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1752-7163/ae6d2c/pdf

In dried blood spots vs drawn blood, a comparison of measuring THC levels & its metabolites
Determination of THC and THC-COOH in Dried Capillary Blood Spots and Comparison to Venous Blood of Recreational Cannabis Consumers in a Pilot Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42120005/

In canine urine, on identifying rare cannabinoid metabolites using GC-MS
Characterization of unusual Immunoassay Cross-Reactive Cannabinoid Metabolites in Canine Urine via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15376516.2026.2665315

🧒 Adolescents & Young Adults 🧒

In US adolescents, cannabis use surpassed tobacco use for the first time (#teenuse)
Changing Norms, Changing Risks: Adolescent Cannabis Use Surpasses Tobacco in the United States
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460326001413

In California adolescents, a survey found they considered cannabis to be less harmful than cigarettes, nicotine vapes & alcohol, with harm perceptions declining with age (unlike for other substances)
Adolescents view cannabis as less harmful than cigarettes, nicotine vapes, and alcohol: Findings from two California school surveys
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871626001365

In US college students, on their rates of problematic cannabis usage
Operationalizing ASSIST-based indicators to estimate the prevalence and correlates of problematic cannabis involvement among U.S. college students
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00446-4

In college students with high levels of psychological stress, they had higher odds of co-using alcohol & cannabis as well as co-occurring alcohol & cannabis use disorders
Psychological Distress, Unmet Need for Mental Health, and Associated Simultaneous Alcohol and Cannabis Use, and Co-Occurring Disorders Among College Students
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2026.2670608

In young people with problematic cannabis use, interviews on the factors that promoted or hindered their help-seeking
Help-Seeking for Problematic Cannabis Use Among Young People: A Qualitative Study with Professionals and People with Lived Experience
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2026.2670615

In adolescents with cannabis use disorder, motivational interviewing helped reduce their scores & decrease anxiety & depression levels
Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder Among Adolescents Attending Public Schools
https://ajoeijournal.org/sys/index.php/ajoei/article/view/1137

In Asian & Latinx college students, a younger age of immigration was linked to higher levels of cannabis use
Age at Immigration Linked to Cigarette and Marijuana Use in Asian and Latinx U.S. College Students
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10903-026-01917-9

Among Andalusian adolescents attending school, those testing positive for COVID were ~ 3x more likely to have used cannabis in the last month
Association between cannabis use and result of COVID-19 testing among scholarised adolescents in Andalusia: A cross-sectional study
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0347098

In youth with pain, public health data showed females having lower levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG & males with sleep problems having higher levels of anandamide & oleoylethanolamide (though no link between pain levels & endocannabinoids)
427 Endocannabinoids and pain: Exploring sex differences and pain risk factors in youth
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-clinical-and-translational-science/article/427-endocannabinoids-and-pain-exploring-sex-differences-and-pain-risk-factors-in-youth/A7FD991859ED4FC3BB9131C58BFFECB7

In early adolescence, the endocannabinoid 2-AG & the related lipid 2-oleoylglycerol were associated with behavioral urgency, while anandamide was associated with higher-order functions like perseverance
Associations of endocannabinoid serum concentrations with behavioral impulsivity and substance use in late childhood to early adolescence
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871626001651

In an adolescent rodent model of THC use, they had elevated levels of anxiety & anhedonia (lack of pleasure)
Adolescent THC-Induced Changes in Behavior and Synaptic Plasticity (Abstract ID: 230707)
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/article/S0022-3565(26)00205-3/abstract

🧠 The Brain & Neurological Disorders 🧠

In a genetic analysis of people with Alzheimer’s disease, a certain variant of the enzyme FAAH (which breaks down anandamide) preserved brain volume & slowed cognitive decline
Cognitive and Neuroanatomical Effects of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Polymorphism rs324420 in Aging and Alzheimer Disease
https://journals.lww.com/alzheimerjournal/abstract/9900/cognitive_and_neuroanatomical_effects_of_fatty.196.aspx

In rat brain wave scans, on the changes caused by THC & CBD
Effects of THC, CBD, and Their Combination on EEG Dynamics in Rats
https://www.biomed.cas.cz/physiolres/pdf/2026/75_385.pdf

In a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy, CBD did not alter seizure activity & THC only increased sedation
Behavioral, electrophysiological, and epigenetic characterization of acute cannabinoid treatment during pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus in mice
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-9569465/v1

In a mouse model of stroke, activating the CB2 receptor decreased damage, loss of neuronal dendrites & hypertrophy of the astroglia (brain immune support cells)
CB2R Agonist Reduces Astroglial and Microglial Reactions and Attenuates the Impact of Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Mice
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-9533706/v1

💭 Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder 💭

In women with PTSD, positive beliefs about the antianxiety & antidepressant effects of cannabis mediated both their duration of use & psychological outcomes
Cannabis Expectancies as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Psychiatric Symptoms in Women With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/original_article/pdf/442695/20260505-124906-hea997.pdf

In brain scans of people with cannabis use disorder, they had differences in responses to reward functions in certain brain regions (the bilateral insula & right putamen)
Brain reward function in people with moderate-to-severe cannabis use disorder who tried to cut down or quit: an fMRI study
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-50870-y

In males & females with first-episode psychosis, compared to healthy controls, males had lower CB1 levels while the levels did not differ in females
The Brain Endocannabinoid System is Differentially Regulated in Male and Female Patients with First-Episode Psychosis
https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/52/3/sbag038/8667491

In the genetics of cannabis use disorder & psychosis, a meta-analysis found overlapping genetic clusters “including intracellular signaling, synaptic function, and neuronal development”
Genetic Pathways Point to the Biology Underlying the Association Between Cannabis Use Disorder and Psychosis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667174326000248

In brain scans of chronic cannabis users, abstinence was associated with increased levels of the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide)
PET imaging of FAAH in chronic Cannabis users: longitudinal assessment during short-term abstinence
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-026-02438-7

In people with alcohol use disorder, on the factors associated with using cannabis or CBD to help
Cannabis for Harm Reduction: Exploring Mental Health and Other Motivational Factors among Adults at Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder in Florida
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2026.2670620

In people with methamphetamine use disorder (but not opioid use disorder), a certain genetic variant of the enzyme FAAH (which breaks down anandamide) was protective against methamphetamine use disorder
FAAH rs324420 Polymorphism in People With Opioid and Methamphetamine Use Disorders: Psychological Associations
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42135911/

In people with hypersomnolence (an inability to stay awake), cannabis use had little effect on their time to sleep
0719 Much Ado About Nothing? Cannabinoids Do Not Impact Multiple Sleep Latency Test Variables in Suspected Central Disorders of Hypersomnolence Patients
https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/49/Supplement_1/A320/8674340

In a rat model of ADHD, increasing their levels of the endocannabinoids anandamide & 2-AG lessened defensive behavior in a gendered manner
Acute elevation of anandamide and 2-AG levels modulates defensive behavior in a sex- and strain-dependent manner in an animal model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091305726000559

In a rat model of autism, in males, activating the PPAR-α nuclear receptor (that regulates genetic transcription) increased levels of the endocannabinoid PEA, normalized brain levels of FAAH (the enzyme that breaks down anandamide) & reinstated social behaviors, while in the females, it did not alter their social reward or change their endocannabinoids
PPAR-α activation in a model of autism modulates social reward and endocannabinoid signaling selectively in male rats
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028390826001693

In a mouse model of genetic risk for schizophrenia, activating the CB1 receptor suggested a comorbidity between schizophrenia & cannabis use disorder
Genetic risk for schizophrenia modulates WIN 55,212-2 reward: Evidence from a heterozygous transmembrane domain neuregulin 1 mutant mouse model
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-026-07080-1

In a mouse model of alcohol intoxication, they had increased heart levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide, which mediated dysfunction of the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
Anandamide is a key mediator of alcohol-induced cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2026.41.S1.2300878

In a rat model of risky decision-making driven by punishment, a thesis project on the role of the cannabinoid receptors
The Role of Cannabinoid Receptors in Punishment-Driven Risky Decision-Making
https://www.proquest.com/openview/951d1ec22bac8c3d1ba9cd7d49949391/1

🦠 The Immune System & Microbial 🦠

In people with HIV, frequent cannabis use was associated with more frequent HIV clinic visits
Longitudinal analysis of symptoms and healthcare utilization among daily cannabis-using persons living with HIV: impact of co-occurring cocaine use
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00443-7

In people with chronic fatigue, cannabinoids had differential effects on the respiration of their mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
Cannabinoid-based personalized therapeutic approach to ameliorate mitochondrial function in patients with chronic fatigue (Abstract ID: 269335)
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/article/S0022-3565(26)01014-1/abstract

In immune cells, on the effects of CBD, cocaine & a drug to activate the CB1 receptor
Cannabidiol and Cocaine Induce Heterogenous and Donor-Dependent Inflammatory Responses in Primary Human Peripheral Immune Cells (Abstract ID: 230793)
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/article/S0022-3565(26)00235-1/abstract

For extracts of hemp seed, compared to black rice & oat, hemp seed extract had the most significant antimicrobial effects against 3 foodborne pathogens
Comparison of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Hemp Seeds, Black Rice, and Oats by Extraction Conditions
https://www.e-jkfn.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.3746/jkfn.2026.55.4.340

🦴 Pain, Musculoskeletal, Inflammation & Surgeries 🦴

In people with spinal cord injuries, higher levels of cannabis use were associated with greater pain interference in mood & life enjoyment but not increased depression severity
Self-reported Opioid and Marijuana Use in a Clinical SCI Setting and Impact on Pain Interference and Depression
https://www.archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993(26)00190-5/abstract

In people with fibromyalgia using medical cannabis, it typically took 3 months of tinkering with dosages & formulations to find their best levels
REAL-WORLD TITRATION PATHWAYS AND THERAPEUTIC INTEGRATION OF MEDICAL CANNABIS IN FIBROMYALGIA: INTERIM ANALYSIS OF A REFRACTORY CLINICAL COHORT
https://www.ahr-journal.org/site/article/view/181

For surgery on extra bone growth in the hips, cannabis users had no significant differences in postoperative outcomes
Does preoperative marijuana use influence postoperative outcomes following arthroscopic treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome? A prospective cohort analysis
https://academic.oup.com/jhps/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jhps/hnag020/8667552

In a rat model of pain, the inflammation was mediated by crosstalk between the endocannabinoids & the glucocorticoids in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (a brain region for modulating pain as well as defensive & aversive behaviors)
Glucocorticoid–endocannabinoid crosstalk in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) promotes pain resolution
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13142447/

In mice with growth impairment due to a mutation in pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A2 (PAPPA2), it worked via the cannabinoid receptors for bone formation
Sex-specific hormonal rescue of bone growth in PAPPA2-deficient mice
https://boneandjoint.org.uk/article/10.1302/2046-3758.155.BJR-2025-0563.R1

On drugs to inhibit both the enzymes FAAH (that breaks down anandamide) & soluble epoxide hydrolase (involved in pain & inflammation)
Synthetic and Pharmacological Studies on Polynitrogen-Containing Leads to the Identification of New Dual sEH/FAAH Inhibitors (Abstract ID: 220628)

https://jpet.aspetjournals.rg/article/S0022-3565(26)00319-8/abstract
Pharmacological Investigations and Structure Activity Relationships of Polynitrogen Dual FAAH and sEH Inhibitors (Abstract ID: 229956)
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/article/S0022-3565(26)00344-7/abstract
Effects of Dual Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase and Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors on Anxiety-Like Behavior in Rats (Abstract ID: 221485)
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/article/S0022-3565(26)00354-X/abstract
Dual Inhibition of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase and Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Reduces Inflammatory and Orofacial Pain in Rats (Abstract ID: 221469)
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/article/S0022-3565(26)00307-1/abstract

❤️ The Heart & Blood ❤️

In adolescents with high blood pressure, they had higher levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG
Neuropeptides and endocannabinoid system as regulators of blood pressure in adolescents with primary hypertension
https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2026/05010/neuropeptides_and_endocannabinoid_system_as.60.aspx

In a rat model of high blood pressure, CBD lowered a cardiovascular reflex, probably via the GPR18 receptor
Cannabidiol attenuates visceral sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular responses through GPR18 receptors in rats
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2026.41.S1.2297969

In a rat model of high blood pressure, blocking both the CB1 receptor & the nitric oxide-synthesizing enzyme helped to lower blood pressure
Chronic simultaneous inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and peripheral cannabinoid CB1 receptors blockade ameliorates pulmonary hypertension in monocrotaline-induced rat model
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2026.1831802/abstract

🩸 The Liver, Drug Interactions & Cannabinoid Metabolism 🩸

In liver cells, on the different effects of CBD & CBG on the AhR/CYP1A pathway
Cannabigerol and cannabidiol differ in their ability to affect the AhR/CYP1A pathway in vitro
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691526002309

🍽️ The Guts, Nutrition & the Microbiome 🍽️

For obesity, a hypothesis on CB1 receptors in the liver being a key driver
Is Hepatic Cannabinoid 1 Receptor a Key Driver of Obesity? Implications of the Weight-Reducing Efficacy of the Hepatotropic Inverse Agonist TM38837
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42135988/

In a rat model of metabolic syndrome, inhibition of the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) reversed memory impairments but did not improve spatial memory performance
Chronic intranasal URB597 treatment reverts short-term memory deficits in a rat model of metabolic syndrome
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024320526002547

In a mouse model of Crohn’s disease, the CB2 receptor was found to promote the immune system’s T cells to go to the guts & increase inflammation
CB2R promotes T cell gut homing and exacerbates ileitis in a murine Crohn’s model
https://academic.oup.com/ibdjournal/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ibd/izag066/8678283

🎗️ Cancer & Chemotherapy 🎗️

In someone with advanced cancer, on the long bureaucracy to allow her to use medical cannabis
Rolling It Out: Operationalizing Inpatient Use of Medical Cannabis for Symptom Management in Advanced Cancer
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0885392426003349

For combining cannabinoids with chemotherapy cancer treatment, a meta-analysis of the preclinical evidence found a significant effect in a number of tumor types
Antitumor Activity of Cannabinoids and Their Interaction with Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Evidence
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/19/5/768

For CBD & cancer, this review found it caused antitumor effects via a variety of mechanisms
Cannabidiol-Induced Tumor Cell Death: Molecular Mechanisms and Translational Perspectives in Cancer
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2147/DDDT.S597740

In a mouse model of neuropathy from chemotherapy, the synthetic cannabinoid KLS-13019 combined with the treatment paclitaxel reduced tumor size while significantly lessening neuropathy
KLS‑13019, A Synthetic Cannabidiol Analogue Reverses Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy while Preserving Chemotherapeutic Efficacy in Tumor-Bearing Models (Abstract ID: 273334)
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/article/S0022-3565(26)01040-2/abstract

In melanoma cells, CBD-loaded nanoparticles reduced cell viability & caused antitumor activity
Lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated cannabidiol enhances selective cytotoxicity in melanoma cells
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/470

In canine breast cancer cells, they had overexpression of endocannabinoid-related receptors & CBD downregulated key inflammatory genes
Modulation of the endocannabinoid system reduces inflammatory signalling in canine mammary carcinoma cells
https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/vro2.70034

In colorectal cancer cells, cannabis stem extracts caused cytotoxicity
Phytochemical profiling, selective cytotoxicity, and FoldX-assisted molecular interaction analysis of Cannabis sativa L. stem extract
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0254629926002450

In breast cancer cells, resistance to the treatment trastuzumab is driven by the CB2 receptor, suggesting it as a target to overcome resistance
Cannabinoid CB2 receptor drives trastuzumab resistance and predicts durable anti-HER2 response
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41388-026-03814-9

💊 Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids 💊

For derivatives of the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018, on their effects on body temperature, painkilling, locomotor activity & catalepsy
In vivo evaluation of synthetic cannabinoid JWH018 derivatives as potential new psychoactive substances
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-51639-z_reference.pdf

In mice, on co-administering a benzodiazepine with the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-APINACA
Behavioral and Pharmacokinetic Implications of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist and Benzodiazepine Co-Administration in C57BL/6 Mice (Abstract ID: 221452)
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/article/S0022-3565(26)00476-3/abstract

In synthetic cannabinoids, those with a valinamide or tert-leucinamide head moiety had activity at the 5-HT2A serotonin (psychedelic ) receptor
5‐HT2A receptor agonism by tert‐leucinamide and valinamide synthetic cannabinoids: In vitro and in vivo evidence
https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1111/bph.70457

For screening synthetic cannabinoids, on an optical method
Analyte-templated aggregate remodeling for broad-spectrum visual screening of synthetic cannabinoids
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0039914026006168

🔬 Biochemical Discoveries & Research Tools 🔬

In tissue cultures, how CBDA interacts with the translation initiation factor EIF2A
The study of the molecular mechanism of action of cannabidiol in 2D and 3D in vitro cell models reveals new insights about the translation factor EIF2A
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/404624106_The_study_of_the_molecular_mechanism_of_action_of_cannabidiol_in_2D_and_3D_in_vitro_cell_models_reveals_new_insights_about_the_translation_factor_EIF2A

For this CB1 receptor & the phosphorylation of ERK, it seems to be driven by downstream G proteins
G proteins rather than arrestin drive ERK phosphorylation downstream of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor
https://www.authorea.com/doi/full/10.22541/authorea.15003148/v1

For the structures of the CB1 & CB2 receptors, a review on how these alter the binding of ligands
Structural Insights into Cannabinoid Receptors CB1 and CB2: Determinants of Ligand Selectivity
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemical-biology/articles/10.3389/fchbi.2026.1830007/abstract

For the CB2 receptor, a structure analysis on positive allosteric regulation (binding to a side site to alter binding strength at the main binding site)
Structural basis for positive allosteric regulation of CB2 receptor
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-72923-6_reference.pdf

On the behavioral effects from dual inhibitors of the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) & the enzyme MAGL (which breaks down the endocannabinoid 2-AG)
Dual Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) and Monoacylglycerol Lipase (MGL) Inhibitors Produce Ratio-Dependent Cannabinoid Activity In Vivo (Abstract ID: 225992)
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/article/S0022-3565(26)00477-5/abstract

On new inhibitors of the MAGL enzyme (which breaks down 2-AG)
Covalent Inhibitors of Monoacylglycerol Lipase Induce Conformational Changes and Proteasomal Degradation
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jacs.5c22859

For creating novel endocannabinoid analogs, a thesis project on their design, synthesis & biological evaluation
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel endocannabinoid analogs
https://repository.library.northeastern.edu/files/neu:ms35v287s

Thanks.
- lex

PS: For this week’s heavenly singing from South Africa, the album ‘Shaka Zulu’ by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. This 1987 album was produced by Paul Simon after the men’s choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo sang on his album Graceland. First founded in 1960 by Joseph Shabalala, he began with a group of relatives who grew up singing together on the farm & named them Ladysmith Black Mambazo (the name of his hometown + black for the black oxen, strongest of all farm animals + the Zulu word for a chopping axe, a symbol of the group’s vocal ability to clear the path to success). They wrote songs of hope & peace, protesting against South Africa’s system of apartheid. Later, when Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990, he said that he listened to their music to help him through & upon his release, declared them to be South African cultural ambassadors to the world. When Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize, Ladysmith Black Mambazo accompanying him to the ceremony.
In their first years, they were not known outside their hometown, but after winning choral competitions from Durban to Johannesburg, they were eventually banned from competitions so that other groups would have a chance to win. Their first album came out in 1973 & it was the first record from a South African group of Black musicians to go gold. When Shabalala converted to Christianity, new religious material entered the group’s repertoire, especially Methodist hymns. The group became so popular that in 1981, the apartheid government even allowed them the travel to Germany as part of a South African music festival. Then Paul Simon came to South Africa in 1985 to collaborate with African musicians & he flew Ladysmith Black Mambazo to London for the recording of ‘Graceland’. He later brought them to New York City to perform on Saturday Night Live to promote the album. After this, their popularity never waned & they’ve been touring at least 6 months of the year ever since.

This newsletter is the backbone of my work & I hope it brings you a measure of value. If so, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription & support my sharing all of the new cannabinoid science each week.

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🌟 This Week 🌟

• THC & CBD for rheumatological conditions

• Stigma still a problem for medical cannabis use, especially in older folks

• Cannabis users need more anesthesia

• In college athletes, cannabis linked to slower reaction times

• Cannabis Use Disorder Week: 9 studies

• For CHS, growing your own is actually a risk factor

• Preclinical: CBD for neuropathic pain, depression, PTSD & lung injury

• Psychedelics: first documented traditional use of psilocybin in Africa + 3 on psychedelics for autism

• Ketamine: 3 on the bladder problems

• War on Drugs: attack on innocent Ecuadorian fishermen + CIA-linked assassinations in Mexico +lots of good reporting

• Harm reduction: US overdoses down everywhere except the West + CDC should abandon the term “EVALI”

[numbers for C&P#187: ~7.5k words, ~20 minutes reading time, 152 papers]

Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 187^th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science, assorted canna-news + the War on Drugs, harm reduction & other psychoactives. Support this work with a paid subscription or by buying me a coffee.

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If you purchase one of my canna-graphic novels based on Moby Dick, proceeds go to Americans for Safe Access to support medical cannabis patients.
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🎥 Lex’s new work 🎤

@CannabinoidsAndThePeople on YouTube, TikTok & LinkedIn
Canna-edu videos sponsored by the National Cannabis Study (join & get paid $100 to talk about your use of our favorite plant)

• Prenatal Cannabis Exposure (on this video that took me a lot of time, almost 17 views!)

Canna-science Videos for CV Sciences on YT @CVSciencesInc & on TT @pluscbd
For 30% off their CBD, THC & PEA products, at pluscbdoil.com use the coupon code ‘LEX’

• Cannabinoids for Age-Related Pain

• Fibromyalgia & Cannabinoids

• CBD for CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder

@LexPelgerAndHisBooks on TikTok, YouTube & Instagram:

• Folk Tale Collections & One Poetry

And as always, at the bottom is the album of the week: Big Boy Crudup, Father of Rock & Roll (?!)

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🍃 BEST OF CANNABINOID SCIENCE 🍃

(most of the phytocannabinoid data is here & most of the ECS data is in the ‘Canna-Science Archive’ at the bottom)

⚕️ Clinical ⚕️

For people with a rheumatological condition, those using THC/CBD-balanced products had the highest positive impact scores, with the most benefit seen from dried cannabis or edibles
Perceived Impacts and Predictors of Cannabis Products used by Rheumatology Patients in Alberta: A Multivariable Analysis of Cross-sectional Survey Data
https://acrjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/acr.80071

For schizophrenia & CBD, a meta-analysis of 5 trials found small improvements to positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, etc) & general health, but no effects on negative symptoms (lack of motivation, flattened affect, social withdrawal, etc)
Cannabidiol for the treatment of positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00406-026-02249-3

For anesthesia in cannabis users, a meta-analysis of 7 studies found they required more propofol as well as moderately increased levels of opioids
Anesthetic Requirements in Chronic Cannabis Users: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://www.scivisionpub.com/pdfs/anesthetic-requirements-in-chronic-cannabis-users-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis-4174.pdf

In someone with a glioblastoma (most aggressive brain cancer), a case report of radio-chemotherapy combined with CBD leading to 25 months of stability
Unexpected long survival of a patient with glioblastoma treated with bevacizumab and cannabidiol
https://jcimcr.org/pdfs/JCIMCR-v7-4002.pdf

For brain aneurysms, THC use was not associated with more risk or more severe clinical presentations
Recreational substance use and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: differential effects of alcohol and THC
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10143-026-04295-w

For Dravet syndrome (a rare pediatric epilepsy), a comparison found that stiripentol worked as well as fenfluramine & caused a greater seizure reduction than CBD
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Stiripentol, Cannabidiol, and Fenfluramine as First-Line Add-On Therapies for the Treatment of Seizures in Dravet Syndrome: A Network Meta-Analysis Study
https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0046-1822865

In college athletes, cannabis use was linked to ~20% slower reaction speed, which was partially reversed with a year of abstinence
Cognitive Performance Recovery Following Marijuana Cessation in NCAA Division I Athletes
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2026.1821656/abstract

For stigma in cannabis, a review of 25 studies on how “ageism, legal ambiguity, and provider bias, leads to nondisclosure of cannabis use”
Stigma, Including Anticipated Stigma, and Cannabis Use Disclosure Among Older Adults in Health Care Settings: An Integrative Review
https://journals.healio.com/doi/abs/10.3928/19404921-20260416-01
And an analysis of stigma causing harm when cannabis is being used as a medicine
Taboo or Treatment? Cannabis as Medicine in the Face of Stigma
https://dialogues.rutgers.edu/images/Journals_PDF/dialogues-issue20_accessible-compressed.pdf#page=124

For dronabinol (pharmaceutical THC) prescribed by Medicare, its usage decreased slightly from 2014 to 2019, with the most common areas of medicine being internal, family, oncology & infectious diseases
Geographical Disparities and Medical Specialty Differences in Dronabinol Prescribing in Medicare
https://utppublishing.com/doi/pdf/10.3138/guthrie-2025-0006
Patients tend to dislike dronabinol because isolated THC, without anything else to modulate it, is often said to either feel like nothing, or like “getting kicked in the face by a horse”.

In Connemara ponies taking CBD for 3 weeks, on the metabolic effects (moderate changes to insulin dynamics) & how it moves through their system (a slow elimination)
Metabolic effects and pharmacokinetics of oral cannabidiol (CBD) in Connemara ponies following 21 days of treatment
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1813917/full

Cannabis Use Disorder

For cannabis use disorder, a review on anxiety as a driver of progression
Anxiety as a driver of cannabis use disorder progression: neurobiological, psychological, and clinical pathways
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14659891.2026.2657872

For cannabis-related disorders (CRD), Medicare data showed adult-use cannabis laws associated with increased rates of CRD diagnoses & claims
The Impact of Recreational Cannabis Laws on Cannabis-Related Disorders in the US Medicare Population
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308522

For cannabis use disorder risk, an analysis found 5 distinct classes of users, with the high-risk class increasing during legalization expansion
Latent classes of substance use patterns and cannabis use disorder Risk in U.S. Adults during recreational Legalization expansion (2015–2023)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460326001346

For cannabis use disorder, in females, their symptom severity decreased with age & their mental health scores improved, while males did not have these age-related improvements
Sex differences in age-related patterns of cannabis use disorder symptoms and mental health
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00952990.2026.2650344

In midlife adults, the risks for cannabis use disorder were greatest in those with the highest use frequency, whether medical or nonmedical
Cannabis use disorder risk among midlife adults reporting medical and nonmedical cannabis use, 2019-2024
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871626001596

For cannabis & lung cancer, public health data found an association between cannabis use disorder & a few types of lung cancer
Association of cannabis use and lung cancer: a retrospective cohort study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169500226004824

In a Canadian analysis of higher-risk cannabis use, on the rates & ingestion methods across the provinces
Differences in higher-risk cannabis use outcomes across Canadian provinces and territories: A cross-sectional study
https://link.springer.com/article/10.17269/s41997-026-01202-0

For assessing cannabis use disorder, a meta-analysis of 40 studies found a lack of clear evidence for the current diagnostic tools
The psychometric properties of validated tools to assess cannabis use disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42046882/
And unsurprisingly, an evaluation of the ‘Perceived Barriers for Cannabis Reduction and Cessation Scale’ found it to be a reliable measure of perceived barriers for cannabis reduction
Psychometric evaluation of the perceived barriers to cannabis reduction and cessation scale
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460326001383

⚠️ Harms ⚠️

In frequent cannabis users, the morning after using cannabis, they had no cognitive impairment, but worse memory
Cognitive performance and subjective effects the morning after last use of smoked cannabis by adults who use cannabis frequently: An observational study
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5fa2eabb04edcf45a65121de/t/69d3eef9406c4e6cd92805ab/1775496960488/cognitive+performance+the+next+day.pdf

For the accidental ingestion of THC by children, an editorial against the automatic reporting of cases to child protective services (CPS)
Things We Do for No Reason™: Reporting every child who ingests tetrahydrocannabinol to child protective services
https://shmpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jhm.70334
“Yet, ingestions of other household products, like cleaners with more capacity to harm children than THC, do not automatically trigger reporting. CPS investigations can cause harm. Instead of automatic reporting, hospitalists should consider whether the child’s caregiver took reasonable steps to prevent unintentional ingestion and recognizes the dangers of child-friendly THC packaging. Hospital providers must explore the circumstances of each ingestion to determine which should trigger mandatory reporting.”

In children, on differentiating between cannabinoid hyperemesis & cyclic vomiting syndrome
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Versus Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome in Children Presenting to the Emergency Department
https://scholarlyworks.corewellhealth.org/corewellhealth_west_research_posters/120/

For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, higher risk was associated with an older age of first cannabis use, more frequent use of edibles & concentrates, riskier cannabis use patterns, growing your own cannabis, using cannabis for headaches/migraines or nausea/vomiting & experiencing bipolar disorder or psychosis/dissociative identity disorder
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome prevalence and risk factors in the U.S.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395926001593

For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a case report & advice on diagnosis & care in the emergency room
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: Diagnosis and Care in the Emergency Setting
https://www.ovid.com/jnls/aenjournal/fulltext/10.1097/tme.0000000000000625~cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome-diagnosis-and-care-in-the

For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a case report of a 13-year-old with significant weight loss whose diagnosis was initially superior mesenteric artery syndrome (compression in the GI tract)
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Mimicking Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: A Case of Delayed Diagnosis in an Adolescent
https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2994-8754/JTG-2026-00001

In youth affected by psychosis, those in early psychosis care had a “strikingly high rate of cannabis use”
Prevalence of cannabis use in psychosis-affected youth: Insights from an Ontario-based early intervention cohort
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15332640.2026.2657003
As always, is cannabis use driving the psychosis or is it a DIY treatment that they found?
(my recent video on this complex subject)

For brain imaging in substance-induced psychosis, a review found cannabis use linked to alterations in the cerebellum (brain region of voluntary movement, motor learning & balance) & cingulate cortex (a brain region of social cognition, emotional processing & learning)
Structural Neuroimaging in Substance-Induced Psychosis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-026-01678-0

In youth with prenatal tobacco-cannabis co-exposure, public health data found they had more early school-age physical aggression, while postnatal cannabis exposure was linked to more relational aggression, with maternal sensitivity being protective against both types of aggression
Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to Tobacco and Cannabis and Child Aggression at Early School Age: Role of Early Maternal Sensitivity
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10578-026-02020-8

In male rats exposed to THC as adolescents, they had reduced body weight during exposure & later, reduced novel object recognition & increased vulnerability to anxiety
Long-term effects of adolescent THC exposure on anxiety-like behavior and cognitive function in male rats
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-026-07067-y

In a mouse model of prenatal CBD or THC exposure, CBD-exposed females had impaired risk appraisal, CBD-exposed males had synaptic rigidity, while both THC- & CBD-exposed offspring had lessened long-term depression (reducing the strength of a synapse)
Prenatal Cannabidiol and THC Exposure Induce Sex-Specific Executive Dysfunction via Divergent Pathological Rewiring of the Adult Medial Prefrontal Cortex
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9428628/v1/ad21fcdc-3eb0-46dd-809b-53ce0e2b2e4d.pdf

In a mouse model of prenatal CBD exposure, it’s linked to preterm birth because it activates the ion channel PIEZO1, a regulator of contractions
Cannabidiol modulates PIEZO1 activity to regulate uterine contractility and pregnancy outcome
https://langtaosha.org.cn/lts/en/preprint/view/194

In a mouse model of prenatal exposure to both stress & THC, they had disrupted maternal caregiving & the offspring as adolescents had reduced motivated behavior & increased anxiety-like behavior, with female offspring most affected by THC for self-care & social behavior
Concurrent maternal stress and THC exposure alters maternal regulation and downstream adolescent corticolimbic programs
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-026-04049-8_reference.pdf

📑 Reviews 📑

In menopausal women, a review on the potential of cannabis for sleep disturbances, genitourinary symptoms & hormonal changes
Medicinal Cannabis and Sleep Improvement in Menopausal Women: Integrating Nocturia, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, and Endocannabinoid Regulation
https://asrjs.com/pdfs/medicinal-cannabis-and-sleep-improvement-in-menopausal-women-integrating-nocturia-genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause-and-endocannabinoid-regulation-312.pdf

For neuropsychiatric disorders, a review of targeting the endocannabinoid system (with great charts)
The Endocannabinoid System in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Mechanisms, Dysregulation and Therapeutic Potential
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/14/5/968

For depression, on the evidence of cannabis helping via reductions of neuroinflammation in the brain & hyperactivity in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis
Interplay between the HPA Axis and Inflammation as Mechanisms Therapeutic Targets of Cannabis sativa in Depression
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2026.1801474/abstract

For Alzheimer’s disease, a review of the data for CBD & THC
Cannabinoids in Alzheimer’s disease: animal–human evidence and clinical pharmacology challenges
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2026.1833021/abstract

For cannabis & chronic pain, a Polish review of the evidence
Practical aspects of using cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain and the current situation in Poland: a narrative review
https://journals.viamedica.pl/palliative_medicine_in_practice/article/view/111341

In children with cancer, a review of drug interactions with cannabinoids found the highest risk to be for cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide, ifosfamide, irinotecan, vinblastine & vincristine while potential synergies were found with temozolomide, vinblastine, vinorelbine & irinotecan (and if you’re confused as to how some of those drugs are on both lists, you are not alone)
An Overview of Cannabinoid Interactions With Common Pediatric Antineoplastic Agents
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42057496/

For dogs with cancer, a review of the antitumor effects of CBD
Antitumor Effects (Potential) of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Canine Oncology: A Systematic Review
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1800410/abstract

🐁 Preclinical 🐁

In a rat model of neuropathic pain with depression & anxiety, CBD reduced anxiety, depression & pain-related behaviors via the CB1 & a serotonin receptor in the anterior insular cortex (integrator of sensory & emotional aspects of pain)
Cannabidiol in the Anterior Insular Cortex Attenuates Chronic Neuropathic Pain and Comorbid Anxiety- and Depression-Like Behaviors: Involvement of CB1 and 5-HT1A Receptor Signaling
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9226782/v1/73b6fdeb-ee2d-4035-a5b0-29a6fc00f8ea.pdf

In a female rat model of depression, CBD caused increased freezing times, higher cortisol levels & improved memory-related performance
Effects of Cannabidiol on Behavior and Oxidative Stress in a Rat Model of Depression Under Chronic Stress
https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/16/3/73

In a mouse model of PTSD, CBD shifted their genes towards non-stressed levels
Cannabidiol modulates spontaneous recovery through distinct and conserved transcriptomic signatures in mPFC subregions
https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-026-10111-4_reference.pdf

In a rat model of lung injury due to blood loss, CBD reduced oxidative stress, suppressed inflammation & inhibited apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Cannabidiol attenuates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury by modulating RIPK1/RIPK3-mediated necroptosis and HIF-1α/VEGF signaling
https://ijbms.mums.ac.ir/article_27571.html

In rats, the combination of cannabis & aerobic exercise modulated cardiac inflammation
Cannabis supplementation combined with aerobic exercise is associated with modulation of AKT, PI3K, and inflammatory gene expression in cardiac tissue and blood of fatty liver rats
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2452014426000841

In mice taking CBG, this thesis project found no significant impact on motor coordination or fatigue
Use of a Cannabigerol and Cannabidiol Formulation on Motor Coordination and Fatigue in the C57BL/6 Mouse
https://harvest.usask.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/93f716bb-abd9-48cf-b449-4d449ba19ca1/content

In rats taking hemp seed oil for 10 weeks, they developed mild fatty liver disease
Immunohistochemical analysis and distribution of lymphocytes and Kupffer cells in the liver of rats with long-term experimental use of hemp seed oil
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42048501/

In a genetic expression analysis, CBD, CBC, CBG & CBN were predicted to alter metabolism & have some benefits for the heart but adverse effects for the brain, with potential liver toxicity from CBC, CBN & (more strongly) CBD, while CBG protected the liver
Transcriptomic comparison on the mechanism of action of four major constituent cannabinoids in hemp extract
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-026-00432-w

For HIV in human astrocytes (the brain’s most common support cell), this thesis project found that THC & CBD lowered inflammation
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Diminish Primary Human Monocyte-Astrocyte Inflammatory Interactions: Implications for Chronic HIV
https://www.proquest.com/openview/4ad57a4697459f031a09ce57d8e50b76/1

🆕 Novel Studies 🆕

(a grab bag section for cool & new stuff)

In an analysis of the public comments on cannabis rescheduling, ~29% supported it, ~7% opposed it &~63% said it didn’t go far enough, with the supporters being motivated most by therapeutic benefits & economic impacts, while the opposers were concerned with public health risks, addiction & underage use
Characterizing public comments via Regulations.gov in response to proposed cannabis rescheduling in the United States
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42029003/

Lex’s roundup of fav newsletters:
#Canna: Marijuana Moment, Cannabis Law Report, Cultivated, Cannabis Musings (oy vey), Talking Joints Memo, Sticky Bits, Highly Objective, Cannabitch, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, Doctor Approved, Medical Marijuana Memory Blog (by Dame Alice O’Leary Randall)
#DrugWar: InSight Crime, Marshall Project, Students for Sensible Drug Policy
#HarmReduction: Filter, Drug Data Decoded, International Drug Policy Consortium, National Harm Reduction Coalition, Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
#Psychoactives: Psychedelic Alpha, Ecstatic Integration, ICEERS, Substance, The Microdose

📰 US Headlines & Fav Articles

The DEA shares two Canadian cannabis horror stories (a murder + a God complex) that point to the rare but real mental health dangers of high levels of THC
https://www.justthinktwice.gov/news-statistics/2024/06/12/descent-cannabis-induced-psychosis-one-edmonton-familys-horror

In Georgia’s medical cannabis program, lupus added as a qualifying condition & vapes as an ingestion method (but not smoking)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/georgia-governor-signs-bill-to-expand-medical-marijuana-access-by-allowing-vaping-and-adding-new-qualifying-conditions/
As always, I believe that the uses of medical cannabis should be left to healthcare practitioners & not to lawmakers. And for so many patients, smoking & its fast relief is their ideal ingestion method.

In New Jersey, a court said a police officer can’t be fired for off-duty cannabis use
https://cannabislaw.report/new-jersey-court-rules-police-officers-cant-be-fired-for-off-duty-cannabis-use/

In Connecticut, lawmakers reinstated a cap on THC levels at 35%
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/connecticut-lawmakers-pass-bill-to-reinstate-thc-limits-for-marijuana-flower/

The Grand Ole Opry named Señorita as its official THC beverage
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/05/14/3294752/0/en/se%C3%B1orita-named-official-thc-beverage-partner-of-opry-entertainment-group-venues.html
In celebration, here is a performance by the Cannabis Crusader Willie Nelson at the Grand Ole Opry in 1965, looking very clean cut.
This one is also in tribute to my grandfather “Pap” who introduced me to Willie & who, for someone of his generation, was surprisingly sympathetic to cannabis.

History Corner: 1975: a sentence of 12 years in prison for a 19-year-old selling 11 grams of grass
https://boingboing.net/2026/05/15/19-year-old-got-12-years-for-selling-5-of-pot-in-1975.html

🌐 International Updates 🌐

In Greece, the government moves to ban hemp flowers despite an advisory board saying that this contradicts EU law
https://businessofcannabis.com/greece-moves-to-ban-hemp-flower-sales-despite-government-advisory-body-warning-of-conflict-with-eu-law/

In a German draft of a new law, the government would end public healthcare coverage of cannabis flowers (but not extracts or pharmaceutical cannabinoids)
https://cannabislaw.report/germany-update-rate-stabilization-act-end-of-cannabis-flowers-as-a-reimbursable-service-planned/
And a federal court placed further restrictions on cannabis telemedicine
https://cannabislaw.report/germany-judiciary-restricts-practices-of-telemedicine-platforms-for-cannabis/

In the UK, the first available cannabis suppositories were made by Curaleaf
https://cannabislaw.report/good-shit-curaleaf-laboratories-becomes-first-uk-manufacturer-of-medical-cannabis-suppositories/

In Zambia, medical cannabis to be integrated into the public health system
https://cannabislaw.report/zambia-major-policy-shift-new-controlling-body-aims-to-integrate-cannabis-into-public-health-system/

In Pakistan, the government met with tribal leaders to formalize cannabis cultivation
https://cannabislaw.report/pakistan-govt-engages-tribal-elders-to-formalise-cannabis-cultivation/

In Bolivia, dozens demonstrating for cannabis decrim
https://www.infobae.com/america/agencias/2026/05/02/decenas-se-manifiestan-en-bolivia-a-favor-de-la-despenalizacion-de-la-marihuana/

In Thailand, on the recent see-sawing of cannabis legality
https://www.talkingdrugs.org/from-legalisation-to-limbo-thailands-turbulent-cannabis-industry/
Plus, the Thai press has been reporting on a cannabis fatality due to a heart attack after smoking cannabis
https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016636

⚖️ Business, Laws & Education ⚖️

In Massachusetts, the greatest cannabis retailer density was in areas of high social vulnerability & low child opportunity
Place-Based Inequities in E-cigarette/Vape and Cannabis Retail Density in Massachusetts: The Role of Child Opportunity and Social Vulnerability
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0012369226005982

In a secret buyer program in a Minnesota city, more than half of stores sold hemp-derived THC products to pseudo-underage individuals
More Than Half of Retailers Sold Hemp-Derived THC Products to Underage-Appearing Buyers Despite Age Restrictions
https://www.jsad.com/doi/abs/10.15288/jsad.25-00393

For opportunities in industrial hemp, on using an AI to analyze social media for analyze barriers & possibilities
Exploring barriers and opportunities in industrial hemp through NLP on social media
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162526001976

🚓 The War on Drugs 🚓

In Ecuador, an account from innocent fishermen wrongly attacked by US drones for suspected narco-trafficking
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/apr/21/ecuador-us-boat-strike-survivors
Those mother fuckers. When the US patrol boarded the fishing boat after the drone attack with their guns drawn, they first deleted videos of the attack & then stole the crew’s food & beer. The crew were then handcuffed, hooded, held at sea for several days & then taken to El Salvador for questioning before finally being released to immigration authorities. Of course, their boat won’t be replaced & the people behind this extrajudicial attack won’t be held responsible for their wrongs.
“For the crew of the Don Maca, the experience has left lasting trauma. “I get scared in the middle of the night. I can’t sleep well. My ears still hurt,” Palacios said. “I think that’s it for me. I’m done with fishing. Going back out there is impossible. I thought they were going to kill us.” Other crew members have declined to speak publicly, citing fears of reprisal, said Palacios: “They’re afraid someone will kill us for what happened.””

Meanwhile, 120 organizations joined to demand an end to complicity in US extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean
https://elpais.com/us/2026-04-23/mas-de-120-organizaciones-exigen-el-fin-de-la-complicidad-de-terceros-paises-en-las-ejecuciones-extrajudiciales-de-estados-unidos-en-el-caribe.html