C&P#105: Our CBN graphic novel republished!! + substance use disorders
C&P#105: Our CBN graphic novel republished!! + substance use disorders
Also, I got kicked off LinkedIn (but I’m back)
This week…
Our CBN graphic novel republished!!
CBD for osteoarthritis, high-blood pressure & Parkinsons
Special section on cannabis use disorder & opioid use disorder
On the link between adolescent cannabis use & psychosis
CBD baby formula!
A new phytocannabinoid: epicannabidiol hydrate
A new synthetic cannabinoid: ADB-5'Br-BINACA
On the role of music and psychedelic therapy
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 105th 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.
Editor’s note:
After 7 years out of print, our second graphic novel in the #MobyDickPotBooks series called ‘Anandamide, or; the Cannabinoid’ has been republished: ‘The CROWN, or; How to Shoot an Elephant’
It’s the story of the long scientific hunt for the structure of the first cannabinoid, cannabinol (CBN), as explained through elephants. Because looking for those slippery lipids is like hunting for invisible elephants at the bottom of a test tube. It’s the best piece of science writing I’ve ever created & with the help of illustrator & multimedia artist Sumacc Esquives, it looks great. Images from the history of illustration along with her drawings of cannabinoid elephants to show how chemists pieced together the structure from the chemical clues. For anyone interested in the history of science, the chemistry of the cannabinoids, the history of the War on Drugs or visual storytelling, you’ll enjoy it.
(also, buying one is a great way to support the work of this newsletter – and I’m happy to send the PDFs to any friends of the newsletter. And if you wanted to have me on your podcast or platform for an interview, now would be the time)
In semi-related news, on the same day as being republished, I also got permanently kicked off Linked – which felt rather devastating after 10 years work of connecting on there. But after much outcry & scrambling, I finally got the answer that they don’t mind the canna-science, they just didn’t want CBD ads in the sponsor section of this newsletter that I post there. So after promising to stop that, I’m back & can connect with you all there. And hats off to the most canna-friendly platform out there.
So overall, a weird Father’s Day weekend – but I’m very excited to have my best piece of work out again for sharing with the world. Your reviews & recommendations are much appreciated.
Free resources (my Linktree)
See the extensive cannabinoid science archive I maintain for CV Sciences at CVResearch.info
Read my free How-To Guides or watch my 3-Minute Cannabinoid Science videos on YouTube or read my canna-science journalism here
As always, here’s the Glossary of Cannabinoid Terms & at the bottom is the album of the week
For more…
Subscribe here: upgrade to a paid subscription to support my work sharing cannabinoid science
Work with my company White Whale Creations to produce content for cannabis & psychedelic companies: writing, science archives, social media content, newsletters & podcasts: My portfolio
Buy ‘SUNset’, our Queer cannabis history graphic novel or ‘The CROWN’, our story of the hunt for the structure of CBN. To see more about this series of cannabis graphic novels based on Moby Dick, see lexpelger.com
A request to spread the word
This newsletter only spreads by word of mouth,
so please forward to colleagues & tell your friends & relatives.
Sponsor: PlusCBD & a commitment to education & research
One sign of a great CBD company is when they go to the next level for educating their customers. PlusCBD has articles for all levels of knowledge, videos about how CBD works & a YouTube channel of great educational content.
(Plus, they even sponsored two seasons of my podcast ‘The Lex Files’)
In addition, they’ve done more peer-reviewed research than any other company other there. They put their money down to advance the field.
Check out this (partial) bibliography:
A GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) study on hemp extracts to prove their safety
A clinical trial on healthy people to show that hemp extracts helped their cholesterol, sleep quality, stress response & perceived life pleasure
A post-marketing safety study where experts went over 2 years of PlusCBD’s adverse event reports to find the high safety levels
A case series of using CBD to treat PTSD
And funding me to create the extensive cannabinoid science archive at CVResearch.info
PlusCBD takes their commitment to education & research to the next level. And they do the same with their products.
Buy their excellent products today at PlusCBDoil.com & use the coupon code “LEX” for 30% off.
My work this week:
My TikToks:
(@lexpelgerandhisbooks or on YouTube)
Our CBN graphic novel republished! & LinkedIn account banned + LinkedIn Back
For Juneteenth, The Murder of Tupac: a primer on the assassination & harassment of Black activists
Ways to support this work:
A paid subscription on Substack
Buy Me a Coffee
Venmo: @Lex-Pelger
PayPal: donate here
The Canna-Science Writeup:
Analysis of the week's best papers, sponsored by CV Sciences
#Osteoarthritis
In people with osteoarthritis of the hand, a CBD transdermal improved many factors
An open-label feasibility trial of transdermal cannabidiol for hand osteoarthritis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38783008/
In a trial of 15 people with osteoarthritis of the hand, they were given a 4% CBD gel to apply three times a day for four weeks. Urinalysis confirmed that the CBD was being absorbed into the body. The participants experienced…
Significant reductions in current pain, average pain, and maximum pain
A significant increase in grip strength
Significant improvements in three quality-of-life measures: fatigue, stiffness, and anxiety
During the washout period with no CBD, all of these improvements began to revert back towards baseline. For more research, see the Pain & Inflammation page of CVResearch.info.
#BloodPressure
The benefits of 5 weeks of CBD for blood pressure and its improvements to memory
EFFECTS OF CHRONIC CANNABIDIOL DOSING ON BRAIN BLOOD FLOW: INSIGHTS FROM THE HYPER-H21-4 TRIAL
https://journals.lww.com/jhypertension/abstract/2024/05001/effects_of_chronic_cannabidiol_dosing_on_brain.593.aspx
In the HYPER-H21-4 trial, participants took CBD to see the effects on their blood pressure. The data from that initial study indicated that “chronic administration of CBD reduces ambulatory blood pressure in those with untreated and treated hypertension”. In this follow-up substudy, the researchers wanted to examine the effects of the CBD on the participant’s brain blood flow and memory. So in a triple-blind randomized crossover design, 15 patients with high blood pressure took either placebo or oral CBD (200 to 400 mg per day) for five weeks. In good news, the CBD did not alter the brain’s blood flow but it did significantly improve participant scores on a memory test. More heart studies can be seen on the Cardiovascular System page of CVResearch.info.
#Parkinsons
In a rat model of Parkinson's disease, CBD improved symptoms and helped newborn neurons
Cannabidiol improves nonmotor symptoms, attenuates neuroinflammation and favors hippocampal newborn neuronal maturation in a rat model of Parkinsonism
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38770713/
A common rat model for Parkinson's disease is creating brain lesions with 6-hydroxydopamine, a neurotoxin that destroys dopamine-producing neurons (biomedical research is not pretty). The mice lose dopamine production across a number of brain regions and have reduced formation of new neurons in the hippocampus (memory center of the brain). This causes memory impairments and “despair-like” behavior. But when the rats were given CBD, they experienced…
Decreased neuroinflammation
Reduced loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (a feeder of dopamine to the rest of the brain)
Reduced memory impairments and lessened despair-like behavior
Reduced mortality
Repeated CBD treatments caused more maturation of the new neurons in the hippocampus
It was my grandmother’s Parkinson’s that got me into the importance of CBD. I’d urge anyone dealing with a neurodegenerative disorder to consider high levels of CBD and low levels of THC to help both the brain and the mind. There’s more of the research on the Parkinson's & Dyskinesia page of CVResearch.info.
Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
A veterinarian on the promise of CBD-rich hemp products
Efficacy of cannabinoids in veterinary medicine
https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/cannabinoids-efficacy/
Clinical
A survey found that ~20% of pregnant people used CBD, most commonly for anxiety, depression, PTSD, pain, headache & nausea or vomiting
Cannabidiol-Only Product Use in Pregnancy in the United States and Canada: Findings From the International Cannabis Policy Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38723262/
In women with polycystic ovary syndrome, supplements of oleoylethanolamide significantly decreased glycemic status & inflammatory factors as well as a “remarkable” increase in total antioxidant capacity
Examining the oleoylethanolamide supplement effects on glycemic status, oxidative stress, inflammation, and anti-mullerian hormone in polycystic ovary syndrome
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38778429/
A case report of someone with KCNB1-related epilepsy responding to CBD
Continuous spike-wave of slow sleep in a patient with KCNB1-related epilepsy responsive to highly purified cannabidiol: a case report and comparison with literature
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38769754/
Preliminary data on CBD for familial hemiplegic migraine (migraine with aura & motor weakness)
Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Familial Hemiplegic Migraines
https://journals.lib.sfu.ca/index.php/ugrs/article/view/6347
In people with cyclic vomiting syndrome, an app focus on heartfulness meditation improved psychological outcomes as well as increased levels of anandamide, PEA & N-oleoylethanolamine
ACUTE AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF APP-DELIVERED HEARTFULNESS MEDITATION ON PSYCHOLOGICAL OUTCOMES AND THE ENDOCANNABINOID SIGNALING SYSTEM IN CYCLIC VOMITING SYNDROME
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38713142/
Harms
Analysis of CBD drug interactions reported to the FDA, the most common were with warfarin, tacrolimus, tofacitinib, clobazam & valproic acid
Drug Interactions With Cannabidiol (CBD): A Review of Reports to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)
https://institutionalrepository.aah.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1265&context=sciday
“There were also potential drug interactions on Naranjo score with aripirazole, dihydrocodeine, sildenafil, fosaprepitant, dimeglumine, tofacitinib, and tramadol-paracetamol”
In mothers with cannabis use disorder, their offspring had a 3x risk of autism
Exposure to maternal cannabis use disorder and risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring: A data linkage cohort study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38788554/
And a public health survey linked prenatal cannabis exposure to developmental delay on the communication domain but this was later found not significant after adjusting the data
Evaluation of the Association Between Prenatal Cannabis Use and Risk of Developmental Delay
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949732924000413
A rather shrill review on cannabis causing psychosis among the youth (however, they’re not wrong)
Dazed & Confused . . . and . . . Psychotic?
https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1703&context=healthmatrix
In adolescents but not young adults, cannabis use was associated with an increased risk of psychotic disorder
Age-dependent association of cannabis use with risk of psychotic disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38775165/
And in adolescents with prodromal symptoms of psychosis, metabolic analysis linked cannabis use to perhaps engaging an alternative metabolic pathway related to increased energy demand & ketogenesis in psychotic-like experiences
An exploratory study of metabolomics in endogenous and cannabis-use-associated psychotic-like experiences in adolescence
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4237477/v1/c725c13d-03d5-4c03-b7fa-43b1ffa9fa81.pdf?c=1716404756
A case report of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome causing a paradoxical response to propofol
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: Perioperative Concern with Potential Paradoxical Response to Propofol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38771607/
A case report where cannabis use may have exacerbated gangrenous cholecystitis (necrosis of the gallbladder wall)
Can cannabinoids contribute to cholecystitis - a case of gangrenous acalculous cholecystitis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38838128/
In young rats, the highest level of cannabis smoke exposure caused lung damage
Histological Assessment of Cannabis Sativa on the Lungs of Neonatal Albino Wistar Rats
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380669719_Histological_Assessment_of_Cannabis_Sativa_on_the_Lungs_of_Neonatal_Albino_Wistar_Rats
Reviews
For Alzheimer's disease, a review of the neuroprotective effects of the cannabinoids (in-depth chart)
A Comprehensive Exploration of the Multifaceted Neuroprotective Role of Cannabinoids in Alzheimer's Disease Across a Decade of Research
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202405.1367/v1
For postoperative pain, a review of using the cannabinoids
Use of cannabinoids for acute postoperative pain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38801917/
For bariatric surgery, a review of the data on the effects of cannabis use on anesthetic considerations, weight loss, complications, mortality & psychiatric outcomes
Perioperative Cannabis Use in Bariatric Patients: A Review of Outcomes and Proposed Clinical Pathway for Management
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38769238/
For oral diseases, a review of using CBD
Cannabidiol and its application in the treatment of oral diseases: therapeutic potentials, routes of administration and prospects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38788594/
For psychiatric disorders, on lowering neuroinflammation & oxidative stress by targeting GPR55 (a receptor that may one day be known as CB3)
Modulation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress by targeting GPR55 - new approaches in the treatment of psychiatric disorders
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38796643/
For bacterial infections, a review of targeting the endocannabinoid system
Exploring the versatile roles of the endocannabinoid system and phytocannabinoids in modulating bacterial infections
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38775488/
A review on the new synthetic psychoactives on the street
What's New on the Street?: An Update on New Opioids, Psychoactive Drugs, and Synthetic Marijuana
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38705689/
A Danish review of cannabis for chronic pain
Cannabis medicine for chronic pain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38708699/
CUD & OUD
A data synthesis of treatments for cannabis use disorder
Effectiveness of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder interventions: a European and international data synthesis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38780801/
“It was found that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and/or Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) improved short-term outcomes in the frequency of cannabis use and dependency severity, although abstinence outcomes were less consistent. These improvements were typically not maintained nine months after treatment. CBT and MET (or combined CBT + MET) treatments that extend beyond four sessions were more effective than fewer sessions over a shorter duration. Combining CBT or MET (or combined CBT + MET) with adjunctive Contingency Management (CM) improved therapeutic outcomes.”
On the risks for cannabis use disorder, a functional connectivity time-varying study of the brain
The risk of cannabis use disorder is mediated by altered brain connectivity: A chronnectome study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38709211/
And over a year of use, adolescents with cannabis use disorder had more severity than adults with cannabis use disorder
Persistent increased severity of cannabis use disorder symptoms in adolescents compared to adults: a one-year longitudinal study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38709252/
And a book chapter on cannabis use disorder among older adults
Cannabis Use Disorder
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-55711-8_17
In people using opioids, they had higher levels of anandamide (AEA), PEA & oleoylethanolamide with those higher AEA levels associated with a lower perception of social inclusion
Endocannabinoids and related lipids linked to social exclusion in individuals with chronic non-medical prescription opioid use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38773316/
In adult mice, exposure to THC as adolescents increased their later opioid responses
Neural circuit basis of adolescent THC-induced potentiation of opioid responses in adult mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38712160/
In rats with prenatal exposure to THC, they had higher responses to food & opioid cues, especially in males
Dynamic Overrepresentation of Accumbal Cues in Food- and Opioid-Seeking Rats after Prenatal THC Exposure
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38766015/
Preclinical
In a tissue model of multiple sclerosis, cannabis cultivars lowered neuroinflammation via the glial cells (guardian immune cells of the brain)
Selected cannabis cultivars modulate glial activation: in vitro and in vivo studies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38778343/
In a mouse model of neuropathic pain from chemotherapy, the combination of CBD & CBG lowered mechanical sensitivity & behavioral signs of opioid withdrawal
Single and Combined Effects of Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabidiol (CBD) in Mouse Models of Oxaliplatin-Associated Mechanical Sensitivity, Opioid Antinociception, and Naloxone-Precipitated Opioid Withdrawal
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/6/1145
Against MRSA, cannabinoids combined with silver acted synergistically to cause antibiotic effects
Combinations of Cannabinoids with Silver Salts or Silver Nanoparticles for Synergistic Antibiotic Effects against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/13/6/473
And on exploring used hemp biomass as a source of antimicrobial cannabinoids
Spent Material Extractives from Hemp Hydrodistillation as an Underexplored Source of Antimicrobial Cannabinoids
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/13/6/485
In brain immune cells, the flavonoid cannflavin A caused anti-inflammatory & neuroprotective effects via TLR4 signaling
Cannflavin A inhibits TLR4-induced chemokine and cytokine expression in human macrophages
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38780010/
Creating an infant formula with CBD for pediatric patients
Infant formula as a solid lipid dose form for enhancement of the oral bioavailability of cannabidiol for paediatric patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38782154/
A new cannabinoid: epicannabidiol hydrate
A novel cannabinoid in hemp: Isolation by flash chromatography and identification by liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666831924000468
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
White House opposes the end of cannabis testing for military recruits
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/white-house-opposes-proposal-to-end-marijuana-testing-for-military-recruits-calling-cannabis-use-a-readiness-and-safety-concern
Sure, let them drink themselves to death instead like my grandfather told me about.
The American Medical Association endorses drug decriminalization
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/american-medical-association-endorses-drug-decriminalization
Trulieve fined $350K over Massachusetts cannabis worker’s death
https://mjbizdaily.com/trulieve-fined-350k-over-massachusetts-marijuana-workers-death
SFGate: ‘California's pot economy is crashing. What comes next?’
https://www.sfgate.com/cannabis/article/california-cannabis-economy-crash-19492956.php
On the cannabis companies amending their previous tax bills on somewhat legal ground & why GTI not doing it might be a sign of strength
https://bengalcapital.substack.com/p/position-of-strength
NFL sued by football player Randy Gregory because of his $500k fine for a positive THC test after he started taking physician-prescribed dronabinol (a synthetic pharmaceutical THC)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/nfl-sued-by-player-who-was-fined-over-500000-for-positive-thc-tests-caused-by-prescribed-cannabis-medication
Two members of Honeysuckle Media filmed assaulting pro-Palestine activists
www.instagram.com/reel/C8TTjdoNG48/
History Corner: “Ten Years for Two Joints” ‘The Entrapment of John Sinclair’ by the poet Ed Sanders & John Lennon’s ‘Won’t You Care for John Sinclair’
https://www.counterpunch.org/2024/04/05/the-entrapment-of-john-sinclair/
Learn more about John Sinclair, jazz poet, activist & founder of the White Panther Party on his website:
https://johnsinclair.us/
International
In Slovenia, voters approved two non-binding ballot measures in favor of cultivation by medical patients as well as possession & cultivation by all adults
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/voters-in-slovenia-approve-marijuana-ballot-measures
The Laws, The War on Drugs & the End of Prohibition
Tenants evicted for cannabis use from their federally subsidized housing in states with legal cannabis
https://truthout.org/articles/federally-subsidized-tenants-are-being-evicted-for-pot-even-where-its-legal
I fucking hate this bullshit.
On advocating for a standard unit of THC in Canada’s legal cannabis market
Canada's THC unit: Applications for the legal cannabis market
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38772194/
A case headed to the Michigan Supreme Court about whether the smell of cannabis is probable cause for searching a vehicle
People v. Armstrong Brief: Marijuana Odor Can't Be Probable Cause Where It's Legal
https://policycommons.net/artifacts/12368885/people-v-armstrong-brief/13265347/
A thesis project on THC urine test found that almost half of the samples got a false positive on the 5 different testing devices
Can the Results Be Trusted? Assessing the Reliability of In-Home Drug Tests for the Detection of THC in Urine
https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1338&context=suurj
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
Turns out that despite decades of anti-patent stances, Lykos (formerly MAPS) filed 4 patents in late 2022
https://psychedelicalpha.com/news/breaking-lykos-therapeutics-moved-to-patent-mdma-in-late-2022-filing-reveals
On Jonathan Robinson’s Zoom MDMA sessions
On psychoactives, I’m normally a “let people destroy themselves” kind of guy. But after seeing a number of incidents in underground therapy & having a therapist wife specialized in trauma, I’m strongly against anyone without training in trauma care overseeing people with PTSD taking MDMA. It can unlock things that make the whole situation so much worse, and if your facilitator was just some guy with empathy who drops you once the shit keeps hitting the fan for months afterwards, you can come out of the experience in so much worse shape than you started.
Joe Welker of PsychedelicCandor responds to a cease & desist letter from Rev. Hunt Priest, the founder of the Christian psychedelic organization Ligare
The Psychoactive Research
On the role of music and psychedelic therapy
The Role of Music in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: A Comparative Analysis of Neuroscientific Research, Indigenous Entheogenic Ritual, and Contemporary Care Models
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/psymed.2023.0058
In people with alcohol use disorder, a combination of esketamine & mindfulness decreased alcohol cravings & caused greater mystical & associative experiences
Esketamine combined with a mindfulness-based intervention for individuals with alcohol problems
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38863284/
The Plant & the History
Growing, Farming & Processing
A model of cannabis pollen dispersal across the US
Hemp pollen dispersal across the United States
https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr851014
“Our findings reveal that pollen deposition rates escalate from summer to autumn due to the reduction in convective activity during daytime and the increase in wind shear at night as the season progresses. We find diurnal variations in pollen dispersion: nighttime conditions favor deposition in proximity to the source, while daytime conditions facilitate broader dispersal albeit with reduced deposition rates.”
In the germination & initial growth of hemp, a study on the effects of acidity stress
The effects of acidility on industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed germination and initial seedlings growth and development
https://fiver.ifvcns.rs/handle/123456789/4640
On the effects of off-target pesticide use of 2,4-D & dicamba
Evaluating the vegetative and reproductive response of hemp (Cannabis sativa) to simulated off-target events of 2,4-D and dicamba
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/86D286BEAC43988BE8093C43849A9009/S0890037X24000381a.pdf/evaluating_the_vegetative_and_reproductive_response_of_hemp_cannabis_sativa_to_simulated_offtarget_events_of_24d_and_dicamba.pdf
On the extraction parameters for cannabis leaves
Bioactive Compound Extraction of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Leaves through Response Surface Methodology Optimization
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380458323_Bioactive_Compound_Extraction_of_Hemp_Cannabis_sativa_L_Leaves_through_Response_Surface_Methodology_Optimization
A monoecious XY cannabis plant
Why not XY? Male monoecious sexual phenotypes challenge the female monoecious paradigm in Cannabis sativa L.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2024.1412079/full
A genetic analysis of the ARF gene family & its role in male flower development & CBD biosynthesis
Comprehensive analyses of the ARF gene family in cannabis reveals their potential roles in regulating cannabidiol biosynthesis and male flower development
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2024.1394337/full
Food & Nutrition
On the effects of adding hemp to tsoureki, a Greek dough product
Effect of the storage process on quality characteristics of hemp-enriched "tsoureki" a rich-dough baked Greek product
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38767858/
Hemp flour for gluten-free cakes
Investigation of the Usability of Hemp Flour in the Production of Gluten-Free Cakes
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15428052.2024.2357282
On the glycoproteins of hemp seeds
Extraction, structural characteristics and antioxidant activity of hemp seeds glycoprotein
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10068-024-01583-3
On analyzing the levels in hemp seeds, sprouts & microgreens
Analysis of phytocannabinoids in hemp seeds, sprouts and microgreens
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38723555/
In pregnant dairy cows, supplementing their diet with flaxseed oil & fish oil increased their cannabinoid receptors & altered the genetic machinery in their placentas to enhance lipid metabolism & modulate oxidative stress
Maternal supplementation with n-3 fatty acids affects placental lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, the endocannabinoid system, and the neonate cytokine concentrations in dairy cows
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38769527/
In beef cattle, the wasteful gut bacteria that turn amino acids into ammonia do not seem to be modulated by CBD
Activity of Cannabidiol on Ex Vivo Amino Acid Fermentation by Bovine Rumen Microbiota
https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5637/10/6/267
Industrial Use
On making hemp/carbon & hemp/glass hybrids
Development and characterization of hemp/carbon and hemp/glass hybrid and novel functionally graded hybrid composites for structural applications
https://4spepublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/pc.28540
A review of the papers on cannabis as a green building material
Green Insulation Revolution: A Bibliometric Analysis of Cannabis-Based Composite Materials in Building Construction
https://www.bio-conferences.org/articles/bioconf/pdf/2024/28/bioconf_wa2en2024_01034.pdf
On analysis & extraction of the cellulose from hemp for use as a biopolymer
STUDIES ON THE CHARACTERIZATION OF ISOLATED CELLULOSE MATERIAL FROM HEMP MATERIAL
https://www.jimrjournal.com/uploads/JIMR52April24.pdf
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
Public Health
Public health data on self-reported cannabis use over the last 40+ years showed that more people are now smoking than drinking
Changes in self-reported cannabis use in the United States from 1979 to 2022
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38775461/
In the US during COVID, cannabis legalization seemed to be associated with increased level of opioid mortalities
United States marijuana legalization and opioid mortality trends before and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38700393/
On how cannabis edible packaging alter consumer preferences
The impacts of packaging on preferences for cannabis edibles: A discrete choice experiment
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38796927/
Adolescents & Young Adults
On why adolescents are taking CBD for their health
Commercial Cannabidiol for Community-Based Young Adolescents: Predicting Medicinal Use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38775636/
Among young adults, smoking was the most common mode of ingestion followed by vaping & then edibles
Prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of multi-modal cannabis use among young adults who currently use cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38873660/
The Brain
In people with multiple sclerosis who chronically used cannabis, abstinence caused improvements in a number of cognitive domains
The effects of cannabis abstinence on cognition and resting state network activity in people with multiple sclerosis: A preliminary study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38815510/
In pediatric patients with epilepsy, a new method for monitoring their plasma levels of CBD & fenfluramine
Innovative LC-MS/MS method for therapeutic drug monitoring of fenfluramine and cannabidiol in the plasma of pediatric patients with epilepsy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38703746/
In Puerto Rican people with Alzheimer's, on the CYP2C9 liver enzyme & its role in the processing of THC
A study on CYP2C9 polymorphism in Puerto Rican Alzheimer's Patients and its role in the Pharmacokinetics of ∆-9-tetrahydrocanna-binol
https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/5380
In brain tissue of epileptic rats, leptin appeared to use the same pathways as the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 to modulate oxidative stress
The effects of leptin and cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist/antagonist in cerebral tissues of epileptic rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38775505/
In a model of Alzheimer's disease, CBD modulated the level of potassium channels
MiRNA Regulation of Cerebrovascular Inwardly Rectifying K+ Channels During Onset of Alzheimer Disease: Role of Cholesterol and Cannabidiol Treatment
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2024.39.S1.2131
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders
A survey of Swiss cannabis users found cannabis use linked to ADHD & depressive symptoms, “suggesting potential self-medication in nonclinical populations”
Cannabis use and its association with psychopathological symptoms in a Swiss adult population: a cross-sectional analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38841675/
In people with cocaine use disorder, daily CBD did not cause changes to levels of anandamide in their blood
Absence of Evidence for Sustained Effects of Daily Cannabidiol Administration on Anandamide Plasma Concentration in Individuals with Cocaine Use Disorder: Exploratory Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38770686/
An editorial on cannabis and psychiatry by the great Dr. Kirsten Müller-Vahl
Medical Cannabis in Psychiatry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38714200/
In a rat model of cannabinoid withdrawal, increasing the withdrawal with CB1 antagonist rimonabant caused increased cFOS levels (a measure of neuronal activity) in female but not male brains
cFOS expression following rimonabant precipitated withdrawal from WIN 55212-2 in the rat brain
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/389/S3/539.abstract
In a mouse model of withdrawal from methamphetamine, activating the GPR55 receptor (which may one day be known as the CB3 receptor) improved anxiety & depression behaviors
GPR55 activation improves anxiety- and depression-like behaviors of mice during methamphetamine withdrawal
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38720745/
In a mouse model of anxiety, chronic unpredictable mild stress caused low levels of anandamide in the hippocampus & prefrontal cortex
Brain region specific regulation of anandamide (down) and sphingosine-1- phosphate (up) in association with anxiety (AEA) and resilience (S1P) in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress
https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4408665/v1/0cb19399-b62e-4577-910f-282713d9951f.pdf?c=1716445888
Hormones & Reproduction
In gestational diabetes in lactating mothers, their milk had higher levels of PEA & related fatty acids
The human milk endocannabinoidome and neonatal growth in gestational diabetes
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1415630/full
In rat brains, prenatal exposure to cannabis had gender-specific effects on somatostatin & peptide Y interneurons
Prenatal ethanol and cannabis exposure have sex- and region-specific effects on somatostatin and neuropeptide Y interneurons in the rat hippocampus
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38789401/
Musculoskeletal & Exercise
In people performing an endurance exercise, 150 milligrams of CBD 90 minutes before did not alter pain levels but also did not compromise performance
The Effect of Cannabidiol on Subjective Responses to Endurance Exercise: A Randomised Controlled Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38782848/
Pain & Surgeries
The painkilling & antioxidant effects of Moroccan cannabis seed oil
Assessment of Moroccan Cannabis sativa Seed Oil: Chemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Toxicological, and Antinociceptive Effects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38795371/
And the antioxidant effects of cannabis from northern Morocco
Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of essential oil of Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa L. from the Al-Hoceima province in northern Morocco
https://www.e3s-conferences.org/articles/e3sconf/abs/2024/57/e3sconf_joe4_01020/e3sconf_joe4_01020.html
In a mouse model of pain, a study of how the internalization of CB1 receptors altered the pain response as well as recognition memory
Mice expressing an Internalization-Resistant form of CB1R exhibit altered responses to Cannabinoids and impaired Recognition Memory
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/389/S3/503.abstract
The Guts & Metabolism
In a mouse model of metabolism, a lack of cannabinoid receptors altered glucose metabolism in females but not males
Characterization of the effects of cannabinoid receptor deletion on energy metabolism in female C57BL mice
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1386230/abstract
In a rat model of metabolic syndrome, the effects of CBD on the insulin signaling pathway in the heart
Effects of CBD on the Phosphorylation of Cardiac Insulin Receptor in Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2024.39.S1.2088
And how H4CBD reduced cardiac damage
Pseudocannabinoid H4CBD Reduces Cardiac Damage Indicator 4HNE in OLETF (Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty) Rats
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2024.39.S1.2189
The Heart
In the adrenal glands of hypertensive rats, they had lower levels of CB1 but higher levels of CB2
Comparative assessment of CacyBP/SIP, β-catenin and cannabinoid receptors in the adrenals of hypertensive rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38780511/
The Skin
For systemic sclerosis (a rare disease of tightening & hardening of the skin), activating the CB2 receptor improved the dysregulated T cells
Cannabinoid receptor 2 selective agonist alleviates systemic sclerosis by inhibiting Th2 differentiation through JAK/SOCS3 signaling
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38797049/
On creating a CBD topical using danewort extract
Development and Characterization of a Microemulsion Containing a Cannabidiol Oil and a Hydrophilic Extract from Sambucus ebulus for Topical Administration
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/16/6/705
The Eyes
For glaucoma, designing FAAH & MAGL inhibitors for use in eyedrops
Design and Synthesis of Endocannabinoid Enzyme Inhibitors for Potential Peripherally Selective Glaucoma Treatments
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2682&context=research_symp
Cancer & Chemotherapy
For glioblastomas, metabolic models highlight the power of CBD & adapalene
Metabolic models predict fotemustine and the combination of eflornithine/rifamycin and adapalene/cannabidiol for the treatment of gliomas
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38701414/
For liver cancer, combining photodynamic therapy with CBD encapsulated within AZB-I@Lec-T
Cannabidiol and Aza-BODIPY Coencapsulation for Photodynamic Therapy Enhancement in Liver Cancer Cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38776245/
In bone cancer, a new THC analog (TDP) decreased cell viability via oxidative stress
A Novel tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) analog, 3,10,10-Trimethyl-1,2,3,4,4a,6,7,8,10,10a-decahydro-9-oxa-5-phenanthrenone (TDP), mitigates the decrease in cell viability in oxidatively-stressed osteosarcoma bone-like cell cultures, UMR 106-01 BSP (UMR cells)
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.2024.39.S1.1406
Synthetic Cannabinoids
A review of the toxicology of the synthetic cannabinoids
Toxicology of synthetic cannabinoids
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38721719/
Structure-activity relationships of some of the synthetic cannabinoids
Structure-Activity Relationships, Deuteration, and Fluorination of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists Related to AKB48, 5F-AKB-48, and AFUBIATA
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38766866/
A new synthetic cannabinoid: ADB-5'Br-BINACA
Identification of ADB-5'Br-BINACA in plant material and analytical characterization using GC-MS, LC-QTOF-MS, NMR and ATR-FTIR
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38810333/
Cool Chemistry & Tools
On using biodegradable polymers as cannabinoid drug delivery systems
How Biodegradable Polymers Can be Effective Drug Delivery Systems for Cannabinoids? Prospectives and Challenges
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38799700/
Increasing CBD bioavailability with Pickering emulsions
Pickering emulsions as an innovative approach for the oral administration of drugs with low bioavailability and poor stability: application for cannabidiol
https://hal.univ-lorraine.fr/hal-04585198
As well as with self-emulsifying systems
Harnessing therapeutic deep eutectic solvents in self-emulsifying systems to improve CBD delivery
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38797251/
A structural study of how the THC analog HU210 activates the CB1 receptor
Structural basis of Δ9-THC analog activity at the Cannabinoid 1 receptor
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38826401/
Thanks.
- lex
PS: I don’t share much modern music because I don’t know much modern music, but on her album ‘WomanChild’, Cécile McLorin Salvant sings her jazz like she’s from a different era. This is a helluva debut album. And that she’s since racked up 6 Grammy nominations & a win at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition makes clear her staying power.
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.