C&P#102: Cannabis for MS, arthritis & female orgasms
C&P#102: Cannabis for MS, arthritis & female orgasms
Kickbacks among AUS canna-docs
This week…
Cannabis for MS, arthritis & female orgasms
2 reviews of CBD for heart problems
A horror show of negative lung case reports from the American Thoracic Society Conference
3 case reports of CHS
For middle-aged adults, the benefits of psychedelics for mental health & cognitive function
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 102nd edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science + assorted canna-news & psychedelic updates. On the cannabinoids, ask me anything.
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The Canna-Science Writeup:
Analysis of the week's best papers, sponsored by CV Sciences
#MS
In people with multiple sclerosis, those using medical cannabis improved on a number of scales
Clinical outcome analysis of patients with multiple sclerosis - Analysis from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38728958/
Our first two studies of the day come from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. It's such an excellent source of data because everyone in the UK using the variety of cannabinoid formulations has their data entered into this central depository where it can be analyzed by researchers. In this case, they looked at 141 patients with multiple sclerosis who used cannabis-based medicinal products. After six months, improvements were measured on the scales of…
General health-related quality of life
Cognitive function
Mental health
Physical health
Emotional problems
Social functioning
Sexual functioning
The most common form of ingestion was oil and the average doses per day were 120 mg of CBD and 25 mg of THC. For more research, see the Multiple Sclerosis page of CVResearch.info.
#Arthritis
For people with osteoarthritis, cannabis-based medicines improved their pain
Assessment of Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Osteoarthritis: Analysis From the UK Medical Cannabis Registry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38669060/
Our next study focused on 77 patients in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry with osteoarthritis. The majority of patients were prescribed both CBD and THC with average daily doses of 25 mg and 105 mg respectively (it seems to me that those numbers are reversed – but they have the same data in the table as in the article’s text, so I guess not it’s not a mistake, but that’s a lot of THC per day). All patients reported a reduced pain severity as well as decreased pain interference with their life. Their scores for general anxiety disorder went down and their sleep quality and quality of life scores went up. This article did not mention topicals, but topicals are also worth exploring for anyone dealing with osteoarthritis. See more arthritis studies on the Musculoskeletal & Rheumatic Disorders page of CVResearch.info.
#Orgasms
In females with challenges in achieving orgasm, cannabis use before partnered sex increased orgasm frequency & orgasm satisfaction
Assessment of the effect of cannabis use before partnered sex on women with and without orgasm difficulty
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38711949/
The background statement of this paper’s abstract says it all: “Up to 41% of women face challenges achieving orgasm, a statistic unchanged for 50 years.”
So in this observational study, the researchers collected over 400 surveys with more than half the women reporting a difficulty achieving orgasm during sexual activity with a partner. Of those having difficulties, 72% of them reported that cannabis use before partnered sex increased orgasm frequency and 71% said it increased the ease of having an orgasm. 67% reported cannabis improved orgasm satisfaction. In those who had a history of sexual abuse, cannabis was especially efficacious for a more positive orgasm response.
There are several theories for why cannabis helps increase orgasms:
The dishabituation theory proposes that cannabis lessens the routine of habits such as distraction
The neuroplasticity theory proposes that you learn to orgasm while using cannabis (similarly, people report learning certain physical sports better when using cannabis because they’re less anxious about making mistakes & can enjoy the learning process, “get out of your head & into your body”)
The amygdala reduction theory proposes that less activity in the amygdala (a fear center of the brain) helps in achieving orgasm, with this being especially relevant to those with hypervigilance, anxiety, or PTSD
This research comes as more states are considering adding “female orgasmic disorder” to their approved qualifying conditions for cannabis use. Also, you can support this research by donating to a planned trial led by the Female Orgasm Research Institute.
For this use or for any of the conditions above, the Reserve Gummies of PlusCBD are an ideal way to get a combination of THC and CBD into your system.
Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
Clinical
A double-blind industry study on 2:1 THCV:THC gummies found them to be more energizing & for participants to enjoy their daily activities more with no added fatigue or hunger
Phylos® and People Science® Announce Results of IRB-Backed Controlled Research Study on the Energizing Effects of THCV
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/phylos-and-people-science-announce-results-of-irb-backed-controlled-research-study-on-the-energizing-effects-of-thcv-302072118.html
In German people using cannabinoid medicines, the most frequent reasons for use were pain, sleep disturbance, stress/tension, inner restlessness, depressive mood & muscle tension with 84% reporting a significant improvement to quality of life
Patient-reported outcomes in chronic diseases under treatment with cannabis medicines : Analysis of the results of the Copeia survey
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38451340/
A case study of five patients where cannabis extracts reduced their pain, spasticity & inflammation
The effect of full-spectrum cannabis leaf extract on pain, inflammation, and quality of sleep: Case series
https://journals.lww.com/imed/fulltext/2024/02020/the_effect_of_full_spectrum_cannabis_leaf_extract.7.aspx?context=latestarticles
In people breastfeeding who use cannabis, THC peaked two hours after ingestion but levels stayed measurable throughout the day, indicating bioaccumulation
Human Milk Cannabinoid Concentrations and Associations with Maternal Factors: The Lactation and Cannabis (LAC) Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38695182/
Using transcranial direct current stimulation in people with cannabis use disorder may require different stimulations because of changes to brain morphology
Cortical Morphology in Cannabis Use Disorder: Implications for Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Treatment
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38628838/
Harms
The smoking of cannabis linked to an advanced epigenetic age
Cannabis smoking is associated with advanced epigenetic age
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38609099/
Well, just call me grandpa...
Using public health data, cannabis smokers had changes to their lung immune functions (elevated CXCL5 & CEACAM6) “possibly rendering them vulnerable to smoking-related tumors in later life”
Long-lasting cigarette smoking alterations in immune function occur in cannabis smokers, possibly rendering them vulnerable to smoking-related tumors in later life
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38633792/
And in young people, cannabis use disorder is linked to more acute heart problems (though no difference was found in mortality rates with those admitted without CUD)
Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Young Cannabis Users: A Nationwide Analysis
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202404.2013/v1
For accidental pediatric ingestion of cannabis, states with legal adult use laws use significantly less advanced medical resources for cases of cannabis intoxication in children
Cannabis Legalization and Resource Use for Ingestions by Young Children
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/doi/10.1542/peds.2024-065881/197223/Cannabis-Legalization-and-Resource-Use-for
“These findings suggest the need for a focus on policies and procedures to minimize invasive testing in cases of cannabis intoxication in children.”
A case report of a cannabis user with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (tears in a heart artery)
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in the Setting of Marijuana: A Case Report
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/245587/20240429-24684-1y1ndkq.pdf
A case report of a crime-lab worker with a contact allergy to cannabis
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis to marijuana
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38616499/
Three case reports of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
A Case of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy Due to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis
https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1005&context=continental-midamerica-mountain2024
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38688569/
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: Case Study
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4278654/v1/87e05593-fbbb-4ab6-8989-0b5da8935516.pdf
From the national poison data system, the cases of delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC & THC-O reports in 2021 & 2022
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol, and tetrahydrocannabinol-O acetate exposures reported to America's Poison Centers
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38686923/
“The most common related clinical effects were mild central nervous system depression (25.0 percent), tachycardia (23.0 percent), and agitation (15.6 percent). More than one-third (38.4 percent) of cases experienced a serious medical outcome, and 10.3 percent were admitted to a noncritical care unit and 5.3 percent to a critical care unit.”
Reviews
A review of using cannabinoids for lung infections including COVID, flu, pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus & haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
Cannabis effectiveness on immunologic potency of pulmonary contagion
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38635412/
For ulcerative colitis, a review of four studies found cannabinoids improved disease activity
Therapeutic Effects of Cannabinoids on Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
https://jhsmr.org/index.php/jhsmr/article/view/1041
Two reviews of CBD for heart problems
Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38703078/
A Systematic Review of Cannabidiol Effects in Coronary Syndromes: Challenges to Clinical Translation
https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=132782
A review of the targets of CBD, THC, anandamide & 2AG
A review of the direct targets of the cannabinoids cannabidiol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, N-arachidonoylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380233394_A_review_of_the_direct_targets_of_the_cannabinoids_cannabidiol_D9-tetrahydrocannabinol_N-arachidonoylethanolamine_and_2-arachidonoylglycerol
Preclinical
In mice, moderate doses of cannabis improved their learning & memory in neurobehavioral tests
Cannabis sativa Boosts Brain Functions and Ameliorate Anxiety, when used Sensibly and not Abusively
http://journal.article2publish.com/id/eprint/3767/1/Charles3522024EJMP115886.pdf
In a mouse model of autism, CBD lessened their repetitive self-grooming & hyperlocomotion behaviors as well as their social deficits
Cannabidiol is a behavioral modulator in BTBR mouse model of idiopathic autism
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38784096/
In a mouse model of neuropathic pain from diabetes, the combination of CBD & the terpene beta caryophyllene prevented deterioration of the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell) & reduced pain hypersensitivity
Cannabidiol and Beta-Caryophyllene Combination Attenuates Diabetic Neuropathy by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome/NFκB through the AMPK/SIRT3/Nrf2 Axis
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202404.1827/v1
In a rat model of PTSD, CBD combined well with clonidine for memory destabilization & lessening the effects of traumatic memories
Dual-step pharmacological intervention for traumatic-like memories: implications from D-cycloserine and cannabidiol or clonidine in male and female rats
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-024-06596-8
In a mouse model of methamphetamine use disorder, CBD helped to make behavioral changes via RNA networks
Identification of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network for treating methamphetamine-induced relapse and behavioral sensitization with cannabidiol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38702929/
In a rat model of spinal fusion surgery, CBD & THC had no adverse effect on bone healing or spinal fusion rates & may have even enhanced bone healing
The effect of cannabinoids on single-level lumbar arthrodesis outcomes in a rat model
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38704096/
In an animal model, the CB1 receptors regulate thirst & water intake via the brain’s insular cortex
Cannabinoids regulate an insula circuit controlling water intake
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38636514/
An evergreen note on reading restricted papers:
First stop for seeing if there’s a free version of a paper, use the Google Scholar Chrome extension (Mac version), Google Scholar itself or try ResearchGate.
Three other helpful browser extensions are: Unpaywall, Open Access Button & PaperPanda
For the infamous backdoor, use Sci-Hub – the pirated papers repository (Chrome extension here). This works better for older paper than the stuff that just came out.
Finally, email the author. They’re almost always happy to oblige because, thanks to the predatory academic publishing system, they don’t make a dollar off of their papers.
the Headlines & Fav Articles
A Fox News poll finds 69% of people in the US want cannabis legalized, including the majority of Republicans, Democrats & independents
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/69-of-american-voters-including-majority-of-republicans-support-marijuana-legalization-fox-news-poll-finds
In the US, for the first time ever, more people use cannabis every day than drink alcohol every day+
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/daily-marijuana-use-in-u-s-is-now-more-common-than-daily-alcohol-drinking-new-study-finds/
A new sustainability white paper from Blinc group on reducing e-waste in the cannabis vaping industry
The Green Puff: Transforming Cannabis Vaping Into A Sustainable Practice
https://theblincgroup.com/sustainability-white-paper
Somebody planted dozen of cannabis plants in the tulip garden of the Wisconsin Capitol
https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-capitol-building-marijuana-plants-grounds-f0d0a1159e2f2c2a9e4f3df527abdde9
(a TBT to C&P#2) This reminds me of a wonderful scene from Steinbeck’s ‘Sweet Thursday’ that I never forgot. In this wonderful little book, there’s a colorful character called Joseph and Mary Rivas with a history of petty crime. He loves learning about chess from Doc because it’s one of the only things at which you cannot cheat. Anyway, one of Joseph and Mary’s greatest achievements was while working as the gardener for the Plaza in Los Angeles, right next to the city’s main police station. As Steinbeck told it,
“At about this time the Los Angeles Police Department had a puzzle on its hands. Marijuana was being distributed in fairly large quantities and at a greatly reduced price. The narcotics squad conducted raid after raid without finding the source. Every vacant lot was searched from San Pedro to Eagle Rock. And then the countryside was laid out on graph-paper and the search for the pointed leaves of the marijuana went on in ever-widening circles: north past Santa Barbara; east to the Colorado River; south as far as the border. The border was sealed, and it is well known that muggles [an excellent old word for weed] does not grow in the Pacific Ocean. Six months of intensive search, with the co-operation of all local officials and the state police, got absolutely nowhere. The supply continued unabated, and the narcotics squad was convinced that the pushers did not know the source.
Heaven knows how long the situation might have continued if it had not been for Mildred Bugle, thirteen, head of her class in Beginning Botany, Los Angeles High School. One Saturday afternoon she crossed the Plaza, picked some interesting leaves growing around a potted palm, and positively identified them as Cannabis Americana.
Joseph and Mary Rivas might have been in trouble but for the fact that the Los Angeles Police Department was in worse trouble. They could not bring him to book. How would it look if the newspapers got hold of the story that the Plaza was the source of supply? That the product had been planted and nurtured by a city employee, freshened with city water, and fed with city manure?”
Joseph and Mary was given a floater so strongly worded that it singed his eyelashes. The police even bought him a bus ticket as far as San Luis Obispo.
Doc chuckled. ‘‘You know. Mack,” he said, “you’re almost building a case for honesty.”
International
Colombia’s public art project: ‘Las caras del cannabis [The faces of cannabis]”
https://cambiocolombia.com/cultura/las-caras-del-cannabis-la-complejidad-de-su-prohibicion
In Australia, an investigative report finds cannabis doctors being paid kickbacks from companies for prescribing their cannabis products
https://cannabislaw.report/australia-long-running-investigative-tv-show-a-current-affair-alleges-doctors-being-paid-kickbacks-for-prescribing-cannabis
In Thailand, a poll finds that more than 60% agree with the govt’s plan to return cannabis to its designation as a narcotic
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40038141
In Malaysia, in their potential use of cannabis for mental illness from the perspective of sharia law
The Use of Cannabis in The Treatment of Mental Illness: A Review from the Perspective of Shariah Law and Legislation in Malaysia
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380512843_Penggunaan_Ganja_Dalam_Rawatan_Penyakit_Mental_Tinjauan_Dari_Perspektif_Hukum_Syarak_Dan_Perundangan_Di_Malaysia_Satu_Sorotan_Literatur
“The Mufti of Penang himself has given the opinion that the use of natural plants such as cannabis in medicine is necessary if it does not threaten safety.”
The Laws, The War on Drugs & the End of Prohibition
The factors associated with considering driving after cannabis used to be low risk include being male, using weekly or daily, & general peer approval of driving after cannabis use
Factors related to the low-risk perception of driving after cannabis use
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001457524001295
It’s true that among many groups, they don’t see driving after cannabis use as dangerous. An interesting article on changing what’s considered normal & what is condoned can be seen in this article ‘How the war on drunk driving was won’.
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
The Psychoactive Research
In middle-aged adults who use psychedelics, they had protective effects for their executive function & depression
Is Use of Psychedelic Drugs a Risk or Protective Factor for Late-Life Cognitive Decline?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38694265/
On psychedelics & changes to death anxiety
Investigating the relationship between changes in metaphysical beliefs and death anxiety following a significant psychedelic experience
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38753981/
And how psychedelics reduce the fear of death
How Do Psychedelics Reduce Fear of Death?
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12152-024-09564-3
A review of psilocybin potentially creating a positive feedback loop of empathy & pro-social behavior that leads to enduring antidepressant effects
The effect of psilocybin on empathy and prosocial behavior: a proposed mechanism for enduring antidepressant effects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38609500/
2022: Ketamine for cluster headache attacks
Intranasal ketamine for acute cluster headache attacks-Results from a proof-of-concept open-label trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34806165/
How LSD flattens the brain’s hierarchy of information flow
LSD flattens the hierarchy of directed information flow in fast whole-brain dynamics
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.25.591130v1
The Plant & the History
The UN attempting to measure all of the exports of industrial hemp products
Measuring Global Exports of Industrial Hemp Products: Insights from National Product Classifications
https://www.un-ilibrary.org/content/books/9789213589281
Growing, Farming & Processing
The influence of drying & storage conditions on terpene & cannabinoid content
The influence of drying and storage conditions on the volatilome and cannabinoid content of Cannabis sativa L. inflorescences
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38702447/
Improving micropropagation through increased air change rate
Improve Cannabis sativa micropropagation through increasing air change rate in photoautotrophic and traditional tissue culture
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304423824003972
A thesis project on nutrient management in controlled environments
Nutrient Management of Cannabis in Controlled Environments
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1187&context=etd2023
Using cannabis to remove heavy metals from strongly contaminated soil
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) can utilize and remediate soil strongly contaminated with Cu, As, Cd, and Pb by phytoattenuation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38692366/
Genome sequencing of the cannabis fungal pathogen Neofusicoccum parvum
Draft genome sequences for four isolates of the hemp (Cannabis sativa) fungal pathogen Neofusicoccum parvum
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38682959/
On the protein coating of the cannabis cryptic virus (CanCV)
The artificial production of viral-like particles in Nicotiana benthamiana suggests the pro-assembly role of the Cannabis cryptic virus RdRP
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42161-024-01628-w
A review of hemp as an agricultural crop
Hemp as Agricultural Crop
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Muhammad-Arshad-Ullah/publication/370409616_Hemp_as_Agricultural_Crop/links/653b9cea24bbe32d9a748aa7/Hemp-as-Agricultural-Crop.pdf
How the flow works in supercritical fluid CO2 extraction
Axisymmetric flow model of cannabis oil extraction of supercritical fluid extraction CO2 process
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666202724001241
Food & Nutrition
Analysis of the proteins in hempseed hearts
Comparative Physicochemical and Functional Analyses of Protein Ingredients and Their Enzymatic Hydrolysates from Industrial Hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) Hearts
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00118
Industrial Use
Turning cannabis residues into wall panels & chipboards
Processing of hemp and cannabis residue into non-adhesive chipboards and wall panels
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380178273_Processing_of_hemp_and_cannabis_residue_into_non-adhesive_chipboards_and_wall_panels
On utilizing hemp waste
An Overview of Microwave Assisted Pyrolysis for Waste Management, with Some Thoughts about Processing Industrial Hemp and Other Woody Wastes
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380204177_An_Overview_of_Microwave_Assisted_Pyrolysis_for_Waste_Management_with_Some_Thoughts_about_Processing_Industrial_Hemp_and_Other_Woody_Wastes
A review of the hemp value chain
Enviro-economic and feasibility analysis of industrial hemp value chain: A systematic literature review
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/gcbb.13141
And a review of hemp for rural development
Exploring the potentialities of industrial hemp for sustainable rural development
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380066818_Exploring_the_potentialities_of_industrial_hemp_for_sustainable_rural_development
During cold weather, evaluating the thermal performance of hempcrete
Thermal performance evaluation of hempcrete masonry walls for energy storage in cold weather
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359431124009724
Energy study of a hempcrete building in Morocco
Numerical simulation study of the effect of integrating hemp concrete and passive strategies on the energy consumption of a residential building in Al-Hoceima
http://www.iapress.org/index.php/soic/article/view/1933
Analyzing the industrial hemp value chain in northern Australia
Potential of Establishing Industrial Hemp Value Chains in Northern Australia
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380204575_Potential_of_Establishing_Industrial_Hemp_Value_Chains_in_Northern_Australia
And on the possibilities for hemp-based insulation in Australia
Assessing the opportunity for producing hemp-based insulation in the Australian market
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380189784_Assessing_the_opportunity_for_producing_hemp-based_insulation_in_the_Australian_market
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
Public Health
Hair testing for cannabinoids not good enough to quantify how much cannabis someone is using
Associations between hair-derived cannabinoid levels, self-reported use, and cannabis-related problems
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38407636/
Adolescents & Young Adults
Among college students who use cannabis, they exercised as much as those who did not use cannabis
Physical Activity and Health Outcomes Among College Students Who Use Cannabis
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=8025&context=ijesab
In adolescents with cannabis use disorder, a review of using CBT
Cognitive-behavioral therapies in the management of adolescents with cannabis use disorder (CUD): A systematic review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38759505/
The Brain
In humans with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease), they had upregulated levels of CB2 receptors & activating the CB1 receptor seemed to be neuroprotective via the suppression of inflammation
Cannabinoid receptors as new targets for HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM/TSP) treatment
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38704874/
In a model of Parkinson's disease, the terpene beta-caryophyllene decreased neuroinflammation & caused neuroprotection of the dopamine-producing neurons
β-Caryophyllene decreases neuroinflammation and exerts neuroprotection of dopaminergic neurons in a model of hemiparkinsonism through inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome
https://www.prd-journal.com/article/S1353-8020(24)00834-4/abstract
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders
In people with schizophrenia and/or cannabis use disorder, they had higher levels of BDNF (a key brain growth factor)
Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor level and its relation with cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia: A cross-sectional exploratory study in patients at a tertiary care hospital
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38687312/
In Canadians with eating disorders, the legalization of cannabis has led to rates of regular use among patients going from ~5% to ~24%
Changing cannabis legislation in Canada and a longitudinal look at "regular" cannabis use in patients with eating disorders
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38759416/
Machine learning for screening for cannabis use disorder
The screening of cannabis addiction using machine learning, MoCA, and anxiety/depression tests
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468227624001716
And among heavy cannabis users, a trial on mobile contingency management showed reduced use
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Mobile Contingency Management Intervention for Cannabis Use Reduction
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-024-01314-z
In people with stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders, a meta-analysis of seven studies found that they had higher baseline levels of anandamide & 2AG
Endocannabinoids and Stress-Related Neurospsychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Basal Concentrations and Response to Acute Psychosocial Stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38683635/
2024 Annual Meeting of the Society of Biological Psychiatry
Despite some intriguing looking research, all of these papers are so paywalled that you can only see the first few sentences of the abstracts.
Impact of Adolescent Cannabinoid Exposure on Neuronal Activity and Cognitive Function in Adulthood
https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(24)00174-4/abstract
Frequent Exposure to THC During Adolescence Disrupts Microglia Homeostasis and Disables Their Critical Functions in Young Adulthood
https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(24)00236-1/abstract
Terminal Type-Specific Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Alterations in Patients With Schizophrenia
https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(24)00175-6/abstract
35. Investigating Endocannabinoid Metabolism in Opioid Treated Chronic Pain Patients With and Without Opioid Use Disorder: A PET Study With Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Radioligand [C-11]CURB
https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(24)00371-8/abstract
146. Trial Pet Imaging of the Cannabinoid-2 Receptor in Rats and Monkeys Using [18F]JHU94620-D8
https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(24)00482-7/abstract
393. The Crash Landing: Case Report and Literature Review of Cannabis Withdrawal Psychosis
https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(24)00993-4/abstract
Hormones & Reproduction
A thesis project in a novel goat model found male fertility & testosterone levels not altered by CBD exposure
A Novel Goat Model To Characterize Male Fertility Following Paternal Cannabidiol Exposure
https://repository.lsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=7059&context=gradschool_theses
The Guts
In public health data of people with GERD (a reflux disease), cannabis users had greater rates of esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus lining) but lower rates of esophagus narrowing & esophagus cancer
Association of Cannabis Use with Complications Among Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Insights from National Inpatient Sample
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38700593/
In a case report of a child with gut dystonia (problems with abdominal muscle contractions), nabilone (a synthetic similar to THC) caused them to gain weight, reduce medication use & allowed them to return to school
NABILONE FOR GUT DYSTONIA IN PAEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE: A RETROSPECTIVE CASE REVIEW
https://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/bmjpo/8/Suppl_3/A28.full.pdf
In bacteria of the human gut microbiome, oil rich in stearidonic acid caused them to produce more N-stearidonoyl-ethanolamine & commendamide
Human gut microbiota and their production of endocannabinoid-like mediators are directly affected by a dietary oil
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38695302/
A thesis project in a zebrafish model of colitis showed that blocking the CB1 receptor lessened intestinal inflammation & restored intestinal motility
Impact of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) signalling on intestinal inflammation and motility
https://researchrepository.ucd.ie/entities/publication/e9ac3905-efd5-4ff0-87c2-1713b1d6aaf4/details
The Heart
In people with hypertension, hemp protein helped to lower their blood pressure
Hemp seed protein and its hydrolysate compared with casein protein consumption in adults with hypertension: a double-blind crossover study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38710445/
The Lungs
Posters from the 2024 American Thoracic Society Conference
In cannabis smokers, lung scans showed a higher respiratory symptom burden, probably from small airway inflammation
Quantifying the Impact of Cannabis Smoking in Lungs of Young Adults Using CT and 129Xe MRI
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A1256
In cannabis smokers, they had higher levels of coughs, sputum production & shortness of breath
The Relationship Between Cannabis Metabolites and Self-reported Use With Respiratory Symptoms and Spirometry in the Colorado Cannabis Cohort
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A7122
In people with asthma, cannabis smokers had more chronic bronchitis, COPD, reduced lung function & elevated white blood cell counts
Metabolic Characterisation of Cannabis Use Demonstrates Detrimental Impact on Future Health Outcomes in Asthmatics
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A4324
A survey found that cannabis smokers (but not tobacco) had increased chances of multiple COVID-19 infections
Cannabis Use, Tobacco Use, and COVID-19 Infection: Findings From a Longitudinal Observation Cohort Study
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A4203
In young adults, increased e-cig & tobacco use, but not cannabis, linked to depressive symptoms
E-cigarette Use, Marijuana Use, and Depressive Symptoms in Young Adults: The VapeScan Study
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A7312
In monkeys, prenatal THC exposure harms the offspring's lung development & function
Prenatal Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure Adversely Impacts Lung Development, Function, and Volume in Rhesus Macaque Offspring
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A6227
And alters the lung genetic transcription
In Utero Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure Alters the Lung Transcriptome, Epigenome and Development in Rhesus Macaque Offspring
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A4688
A case report of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome leading to hypophosphatemia (low blood levels of phosphorous)
Hypophosphatemia: A Unique Presenting Feature of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A3395
A case report of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome leading to retropharyngeal abscesses (deep neck abscesses)
A Case of Retropharyngeal Abscesses Caused by Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Due to Chronic Marijuana Use
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A7349
A case report of a young person with asthmatic cannabis smoker with large amounts of air in their chest cavity
Air Everywhere in a Young Male With Inhalation Marijuana Use and Asthma
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A6406
A case report of a cannabis & tobacco smoker with persistent air in the chest cavity
Puff Puff Pop: A Persistent Pneumothorax in a Primary Marijuana Smoker
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A3672
A case report of cannabis smoking leading to pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (overproliferation of a type of white blood cell)
Marijuana Mayhem: A Rare Cause of Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A2116
And a case report of a cannabis smoker with pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis who now waits for a lung transplant
Up in Smoke: Unraveling the Mystery of Cystic Lung Disease in Marijuana Enthusiasts
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A3850
A case report of a cannabis smoker experiencing schizophrenia & malnutrition with a fungal infection in the lungs
Unique Case of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Unraveling Potential Risk Factors in an Immunocompetent Patient With Marijuana Use and Malnutrition
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A2394
A case report of a cannabis smoker with sarcoidosis (tiny growth in the lungs)
A Tale of Two Chest Tubes, Marijuana Versus Sarcoid
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A5918
A case report of synthetic cannabis use leading to prolonged seizures
New-onset Refractory Status Epilepticus Induced by Synthetic Marijuana: A Case Report
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A2117
In public health data of people with COPD, THC use was associated with weight loss & interacted with levels of oleoylethanolamide
Weight Loss in Airway Predominant Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Is Predicted by the Interaction Between Phytocannabinoids and Endocannabinoids
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A6776
In a mouse model of asthma, an inverse agonist of the CB1 receptor caused improved airway compliance & reduced airway reactivity
Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Inverse Agonist, INV-202, Increases Surfactant Phosphatidylcholines and Improves Lung Compliance in a Mouse Model of Asthma
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A4343
In a mouse model of exposure to sulfur mustard gas, activating the CB2 receptor reduced lung injury & inflammation
Pharmacological Activation of Cannabinoid-2 Receptor Reduces Acute Lung Injury and Inflammation Induced by 2-chloroethyl Ethyl Sulfide
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A6849
In airway cells, exposure to THC e-cigarettes up-regulated the levels of inflammatory cytokines
Single-cell RNA Sequencing Profiling of Respiratory Airway Epithelium With Chronic Inhalation Tetrahydrocannabinol Containing E-cigarettes
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A4290
Cancer & Chemotherapy
Cannabis use may be associated with reduced prostate cancer
Marijuana Use May Be Associated with Reduced Prevalence of Prostate Cancer: A National Survey on Drug Use and Health Study from United States of America
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38790970/
In a small trial of people with breast & oral cavity cancer, a preoperative dose of small amounts of THC & CBD was well tolerated but did not change endpoints
Safety and Feasibility of Administration of an Oral Cannabis Preparation in The Preoperative Period in Breast and Oral Cavity Cancer
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/84/9_Supplement/PO4-18-05/744891
For colorectal cancer cells, the anti-cancer properties of cannabis extracts
UNVEILING THE ANTICANCER POTENTIAL OF Cannabis sativa: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON PURIFIED COMPOUND’S MOLECULAR IMPACT IN COLORECTAL CANCER CELLS
https://ijoeete.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/18-rohit-2.pdf
In lung cancer cells, CBD caused its antitumor effect via TLR4 signaling
Influence of TLR4 signaling on Cannabidiol’s antitumor effectiveness in lung adenocarcinoma cells
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/tjb-2023-0256/html
Synthetic Cannabinoids
A review of the synthetic THC derivatives in the wild
An emerging trend in Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPSs): designer THC
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38702834/
On synthetic cannabinoids leading to liver ischemia
Acute Liver Ischemia Caused by Vasculitis Due to the Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38707482/
The metabolism of HHC
Insights into the human metabolism of hexahydrocannabinol by non-targeted liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38687640/
Cool Chemistry & Tools
Designing drugs to act as negative allosteric modulators of CB2
Computational Investigation of Potential Negative Allosteric Modulator (NAM) Binding Sites for Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/46198/
A thesis project on creating allosteric modulators of the CB2 receptor
Design, Synthesis, and Structure Validation of Sultam Analogs as Potential Allosteric Modulators of Cannabinoid Receptor Subtype 2 (CB2)
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/46196/
Posters from the 2024 Toxrun International Congress
How to optimize gas chromatography for cannabinoid profiles
Phytocannabinoid profiling in cannabis extracts: derivatization and gas chromatography optimization
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/234
On the binding of cannabinoids to albumin (the most common protein circulating in the blood)
Binding affinity of synthetic cannabinoids to human serum albumin by high-performance affinity chromatography
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/206
Nanoparticles for enhancing CBD oral delivery
Zein/HP-β-CD nano-in-microparticles as a platform to enhance cannabidiol oral delivery
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/254
An extraction technology named FlackTek
Efficient cannabinoid extraction using FlackTek technology
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/232
The effects of ADB-FUBINACA on neuronal cultures & their ß-galactosidase activity
The effect of synthetic cannabinoid ADB-FUBINACA on primary neuronal cultures ß-galactosidase activity: preliminary findings
https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/article/view/135
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For this week’s classic crooner album, Dinah Shore’s “Musical Orchids”. After failing the auditions for some of the most famous big bands of the 1940s, Dinah Shore struck off her own & became the first singer to achieve major success outside the big band format. With 80 of her songs hitting the charts from 1940 to 1957, she recorded some of the biggest hits of her era & opened up the way for female singers to follow her. She also set herself up for a long career in film & television.
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.