C&P#125: Cannabis for athletes, cancer patients & skeletal malformations
NY sued, NFL loosens, activists push back
This week…
Interviews of 20 pro athletes on why they use cannabinoids
Cannabis for easing end-stage cancer & HIV
100+ cases of psychosis from cannabis withdrawal
For cannabis use disorder & severe mental disorders, talking to a digital avatar helps
For high canines, IV benzos
2x on CBD protecting infant rodents from insults in the womb
The sexiness of GABA/cannabinoid bindings
Iso-CBGA = 6-tusked primelephas (this is a pinnacle of my Neural Ocean metaphor)
Spanish smugglers using Ukrainian drones to fly in Moroccan hash
Microdosing psychedelics for your sex life
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 125th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science + assorted canna-news & psychedelic updates. Upgrade to a paid subscription here to support my work sharing canna-science. On the cannabinoids, ask me anything.
Editor’s note:
New podcast interview this week as well as a canna-graphic novel holiday gift guide.
Free resources
CVResearch.info: the extensive cannabinoid science archive I maintain for CV Sciences & our new canna-edu video series on YouTube @CVScienceInc & on TikTok @pluscbd
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 from Lex… (my Linktree)
Work with my company White Whale Creations to produce content for cannabis & psychedelic companies: writing, science archives, social media content, newsletters & podcasts: my portfolio
My canna-graphic novels: On Amazon, buy ‘SUNset’, my Queer cannabis history graphic novel or ‘The CROWN’, the story of the hunt for the structure of CBN. To see more about this series of canna-graphic novel series based on Moby Dick, see lexpelger.com
Listen to the first 2 seasons of my podcast ‘The Lex Files’ on cannabinoids, psychedelics & spirituality
A request to spread the word
This newsletter only spreads by word of mouth,
so please forward to colleagues & tell your friends & relatives.
Sponsor: Your Canna-Graphic Novel Holiday Gift Guide!
I’ve got three recommendations for the canna-person in your life who likes graphic novels:
‘Brittle Joints’ by Maria Sweeney: This is one of the most convincing & well-done canna-graphic novels I’ve seen in my lifetime of collecting both graphic novels & writings of cannabis experiences. Born with a severe brittle bone disease, Maria illustrates her own book to tell the story of growing up with the challenges of easily broken bones & the transformative power of cannabis to help her with pain.
I’m going to do a video review of this book soon, but for now, you can see lots of highlights on her Instagram & I especially loved this page where I learned that you can roll your joints up with rose petals for a sweet smoke. Two thumbs up. A simply fantastic piece of work.
You can also support her Patreon page here.Love canna-science history? A fan of elephants? Hate the War on Drugs?
Then have we got a graphic novel for you, ‘The CROWN: Or; How to Shoot an Elephant’ from the graphic novel series ‘Anandamide, or; the Cannabinoid’. Starting in the 1860s, scientists started trying to isolate the active ingredient from cannabis. But it took until the 1940s for a cannabinoid’s structure to be fully solved. With elephants, writer & scientist Lex Pelger uses the metaphor of the blind men & the elephant to explain how we finally discovered the structure of cannabinol (CBN).
A visual feast of classic imagery arranged by the Peruvian illustrator & witch Wayra Sumacc, you can see a sample here & buy the book here.
(this link is Amazon.com but should be available in all markets)Love Queers? Believe in medical cannabis? Want to know how truly horrible Reagan was on AIDS & how truly spectacular for widening the Drug War to terrible proportions?
Then read ‘SUNset’, Lex Pelger’s history on how the AIDS crisis of the ‘80s sparked the birth of the medical cannabis movement in the US. Heroic activists, vicious local opposition & a big tribute to Kushner’s ‘Angels in America’, this is a heartbreaking story about dedicated activists like Brownie Mary who changed the world. See a sample here & buy the book here.
My work this week:
My interview on the Green Standard podcast by Kymberly Drapcho of Veriheal
Unpacking Cannabis Education & Sharing Fun Facts With Lex Pelger
CV Sciences Canna-Edu Vids:
(on YT @CVSciencesInc & TT @pluscbd)
Long videos:
Migraines & Headaches & Cannabis – proud of this one, a 13’ mix of history, science, advice & ending with a strong anecdote
(or see the new Migraines & Headaches & Cannabis page here on CVResearch.info)
Short videos:
My Vids:
(on TT @lexpelgerandhisbooks or on YouTube)
Five 5s from the Buddhists (these make me so happy. They get no views, but one hopes that your kids might appreciate them in 10 or 30 years)
'The Photographer', Ariol & the Circle of Life (a sweet little reminiscence)
I also uploaded a bunch of old videos from TikTok to make sure they’re backed up on YouTube (and thus more safely stored for my kids some day). You might appreciate these because some of these are excellent gift ideas for the holidays (especially Chuang Tzu):
Graphic novel week: 'The Sculptor' by Scott McCloud + 'The Cartoon History of the Universe' by Larry Gonick + 'Unflattening' by Nick Sousanis + Promethea by Alan Moore
'Women in Science' by Ignotofsky + kids science shows (toddler Lucie cameo)
Ways to support this work:
A paid subscription on Substack
Buy Me a Coffee
Venmo: @Lex-Pelger
PayPal: donate here
Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
Clinical
In a survey of people with end-stage cancer, the majority reported cannabis to have a symptom-relieving effect & almost a third perceived it to be a cancer curative
Perception and Consumption of Cannabis Among Danish Patients with End-Stage Cancer Receiving Palliative Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/pmr.2024.0031
And for cannabis in cancer care, an international survey of clinical use (and the numbers are just depressing)
An international survey on the knowledge, attitudes and clinical patterns of use of medical cannabis for cancer care: The TASMAN study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959804924017659
“Most respondents (92.7 %) were unaware of clinical guidelines for MC. A proportion of 44.1 % were familiar with MC use, 78.8 % recognized its role in cancer pain, and 34 % identified its role in managing cachexia. Awareness of specific products was low, with only 10 % familiar with specific cannabis products. Three-quarters of respondents (84.4 %) did not prescribe MC routinely.”
In interviews of professional athletes, they used cannabis orally, by inhalation & topically & their reasons for use included relaxation, physical discomfort, mental health, recreation & cerebral effects
Athletes’ and Retired Athletes’ Experiences with and Perspectives on Cannabinoids
https://www.journalofsportbehavior.org/index.php/JSB/article/view/325
“Reservations for cannabis use during professional or collegiate athletics involvement included drug testing, stigma from fellow athletes, fear of losing a scholarship or position on a team, and concerns about negative impact on performance/health. Most participants (80%) indicated they would prefer to use cannabis/cannabinoids over prescription medication, and disclosed having decreased use of pain medication, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and/or sleep medication as a result of cannabis use.”
For pain from nail-patella syndrome (a rare genetic disease of skeletal malformation), three months of CBD caused a significant reduction in pain intensity as well as improvements to health-related quality of life & other syndrome symptoms
Evidence for therapeutic use of cannabidiol for nail-patella syndrome-induced pain in a real-world pilot study
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-79239-9
From 2002 to 2019, while cannabis usage increased, cannabis use disorder decreased
Divergence in Cannabis and Alcohol Use Disorder Prevalence Trends from 2002-2019
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871624014467
In public health data on suicide, cannabis policy liberalizations were not linked to increased cannabis or opioid involvement in deaths by suicide & undetermined intent
Cannabis Policies, Cannabis, and Opioids in Suicide and Undetermined Intent Death
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749379724004057
In people using the immunosuppressive drug tacrolimus, CBD increased the blood levels 4.2x via the CYP3A liver isoenzyme
A Phase I Trial of the Pharmacokinetic Interaction Between Cannabidiol and Tacrolimus
https://ascpt.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/cpt.3504
In healthy people, the pharmacokinetics of how delta-8 THCV & its metabolites moved through the system
Pharmacokinetics of Oral Cannabinoid Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabivarin and Its Main Metabolites in Healthy Participants
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/12/1603
In dogs with accidental cannabis exposure, an IV of the benzodiazepine flumazenil improved gait, reduced clinical signs of intoxication & significantly lowered blood THC levels
Flumazenil may improve gait and mentation in dogs presenting with marijuana toxicosis
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1516181/abstract
Harms
A sad Instagram post of death from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
https://www.instagram.com/p/DC-aOEpyK8o/
For potential treatments for people with cannabis hyperemesis syndrome who want to keep using cannabis, the option suggested here is topical capsaicin
Exploring alternative treatments for acute exacerbations of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome in patients who plan to continue using cannabis
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3519&context=crp
And a review of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome-an emerging gastrointestinal disorder and clinical challenge
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0011502924001585
In a retrospective analysis of people who went to the emergency department after cannabinoid use, those using edibles were more likely to be admitted & for their ingestion to be accidental (8 cases were housekeepers who ate food left by hotel guests)
Emergency Department Patients Presenting after Oral versus Inhaled Cannabinoid use: A Retrospective Analysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13181-024-01048-3
For psychosis from cannabis withdrawal, a review & case series
Psychosis associated with cannabis withdrawal: systematic review and case series
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39624030/
“The systematic review identified 44 individuals from 21 studies in whom cannabis withdrawal preceded the development of acute psychosis. In the health record study, we identified another 68 people, of whom 47 involved a first episode of psychosis and 21 represented further episodes of an existing psychotic disorder. Almost all people were daily cannabis users who had stopped using cannabis abruptly.”
In people with both cannabis use disorder & a severe mental disorder, one year of talking to a digital avatar (animated by a real therapist) was associated with significant reductions in the quantity of cannabis consumed & the level of cannabis-related negative consequences as well as increased motivation to change cannabis use, strategies to mitigate cannabis harms & moderate benefits for quality of life & psychiatric symptoms
Avatar Intervention in Virtual Reality for Cannabis Use Disorder in Individuals With Severe Mental Disorders: Results From a 1-Year, Single-Arm Clinical Trial
https://mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e58499/
Reviews
A federal review on the impacts of cannabis policy on public health (300+ pages!)
Cannabis Policy Impacts Public Health and Health Equity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39602559/
For HIV & cancer, a review of 51 studies on using cannabis for symptom management
A Scoping Review of Observational Research on Cannabis Use for Symptom Management in HIV and Cancer: Implications for Cannabis Nursing
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39603980/
For the eyes, a review of cannabinoid effects & their negatives & potential positives
Adverse Ocular Impact and Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: A Narrative Review
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2147/OPTH.S501494
“The current literature reports several adverse ocular effects of cannabis and cannabinoids, including eyelid tremor, ptosis, reduced corneal endothelial cell density, dry eyes, red eyes, and neuro-retinal dysfunction. Cannabinoids may transiently impair night vision, depth perception, binocular and monocular contrast sensitivity, and dynamic visual acuity. Cannabinoids are not currently considered a first-line treatment option for any ocular conditions. Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol been shown to result in short-term intraocular pressure reduction, but insufficient evidence to support its use in treating glaucoma exists. Potential therapeutic applications of cannabinoids include their use as a second-line agent for treatment-refractory blepharospasm, for dry eye disease given corneal anti-inflammatory properties, and for suppression of pendular nystagmus in individuals with multiple sclerosis, which all necessitate further research for informed clinical practices.”
For the immune system, a review of the complex immunomodulation by the endocannabinoid system
Immunomodulation via the Endocannabinoid System: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potentials
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386136715_Immunomodulation_via_the_Endocannabinoid_System_Mechanisms_and_Therapeutic_Potentials
Preclinical
In a rat model of autism, CBD combined well with risperidone for significantly improving their sociability
Effects of Cannabidiol Isolated or in Association With Risperidone in an Animal Model of Autism
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/dneu.22955
In a rat model of liver injury from chemotherapy treatment, CBD mitigated liver toxicity & damage via reductions to oxidative stress, inflammation & apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide) via the genetic regulation of p53, Bcl-2 & Bax
Cannabidiol mitigates methotrexate-induced hepatic injury via SIRT-1/p53 signaling and mitochondrial pathways: reduces oxidative stress and inflammation
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01480545.2024.2425994
In a rat model of systemic inflammation during pregnancy, prenatal CBD usage suppressed the offspring’s neuroinflammation & protected neurogenesis (birth of new brain cells)
Evaluation of Cytoprotective Effects of Cannabidiol on Neuroinflammation and Neurogenesis Process in Rat Offsprings
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0890623824002284
And in a mouse model of autism from prenatal exposure to valproic acid, administration of CBD to the adults lowered their behavioral impairments
Acute cannabidiol treatment reverses behavioral impairments induced by embryonic valproic acid exposure in male mice
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091305724002132
In horse fat stem cells, a CBD-rich extract modulated the expression of pro- & anti-inflammatory cytokines
In Vitro Immunomodulatory Effects of Equine Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Primed with a Cannabidiol-Rich Extract
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202411.2148/v1
Novel Studies
(my new grab bag section for stuff I haven’t quite seen before)
In the dental remains of the 19th century Dutch (my people!), cannabinoids & cocaine were found in the first analysis but the results weren’t replicated
Multiproxy analysis exploring patterns of diet and disease in dental calculus and skeletal remains from a 19th century Dutch population
https://peercommunityjournal.org/articles/10.24072/pcjournal.414/
This either means that the 19th century Dutch were having a bit more fun than currently acknowledged, or that one of these researchers is a partier who accidentally contaminated the samples. In either case, I’m here for it.
How do cannabinoids bind to the GABA receptor?
Structure and dynamics of cannabinoid binding to the GABAA receptor
https://d197for5662m48.cloudfront.net/documents/publicationstatus/234155/preprint_pdf/45f854f68bb19f3c732c720d50c5049a.pdf
First answer: lovingly
Second answer: complexly
Third answer: my ‘Taking It Slow With GABA’ article (now with a Silly Symphony & an amorous rabbit!)
A new derivative of CBG Acid found: iso-CBGA (CBGA with an iso-pentyl group – a chain of 5 carbons that split in two)
A new cannabigerolic acid derivative and its unprenylated precursor produced through the reconstitution of cannabinoid biosynthesis in Streptomyces
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41429-024-00793-5
In our Neural Ocean metaphor, the phytocannabinoids are elephants (because what is a whale but an elephant of the sea?). CBG, being the mother cannabinoid, must be that early elephant, a wooly mammoth. And if an acid form is a cannabinoid’s earliest manifestation in the synthesis pathway, then the ancestor to the wooly mammoth is the 4-tusked primelephas. Thus, this weird iso-CBGA is a 6-tusked primelephas.
(I tried to get DALL-E to draw this beauty for you, but it got so flummoxed by the 6 tusks that it broke down into a weeping fit)
the Headlines & Fav Articles
Trump’s pick for DEA head, Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister, supported a local cannabis decriminalization measure (nevermind, he out)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/trumps-dea-pick-celebrated-marijuana-decriminalization-vote-in-florida-county/
This article also includes a good rundown of the cannabis opinions of other appointees.
Trump’s pick for Surgeon General, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, supports medical cannabis (especially for seizures & cancer) but also links its use to heart problems (which is true, though I’d say the link is quite weaker than she makes it out to be)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/trumps-choice-for-surgeon-general-voiced-support-for-medical-marijuana-but-also-linked-cannabis-use-to-heart-problems/
“Citing a study last year, Nesheiwat said “if you use marijuana—whether you smoke marijuana or vape or use edibles—then you have an increased risk by about 25 percent of developing a heart attack, or about 42 percent increased risk of developing a stroke, which can leave you paralyzed or take your life.””
USDA to stop covering smoke damage for loss of hemp crops
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/usda-adjusts-hemp-insurance-provisions-by-modifying-crop-rotation-rules-and-barring-coverage-for-smoke-damage/
New York cannabis officials sued over their $20M fee for an adult use license by the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association
https://www.greenmarketreport.com/ny-medical-marijuana-group-sues-state-for-punishing-medical-operators/
And the NAACP & allies push New York to stop favoring big corporations over small businesses & equity
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/naacp-and-allies-push-new-york-governor-to-stop-letting-marijuana-officials-favor-big-corporations-over-small-businesses-and-equity/
The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services clarify that cannabis & CBD are not eligible for coverage as a supplemental benefit
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/medicare-and-medicaid-officials-seek-to-clarify-that-marijuana-and-cbd-arent-covered-by-federal-health-programs/
The NFL loosens slightly more on cannabis & raises the THC limit to 350 ng/ml & reduced fines for positive tests to $15k
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/nfl-adopts-new-marijuana-policy-for-players-reducing-fines-and-increasing-thc-limit-for-drug-tests
International
In Brazil, the Supreme Court unanimously approved the growing, industrialization & sale of hemp for medical & pharmaceutical reasons
https://hemptoday.net/court-backs-medical-cbd-production-in-brazil-but-bypasses-industrial-applications/
In Germany, the cannabis club membership fees aren't cheap
https://cannabislaw.report/membership-fees-for-german-cannabis-clubs-arent-cheap/
In Canada, cuts of $20M to Health Canada's cannabis program
https://stratcann.com/news/more-than-20-million-in-cuts-to-health-canadas-cannabis-program-over-next-three-years/
In South Africa, the potential benefits of their cannabis commercialization master plan
Potential cannabis commercialisation benefits in the South Africa cannabis masterplan
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386327056_Potential_cannabis_commercialisation_benefits_in_the_South_Africa_cannabis_masterplan
In Brazil, on the expansion of their medical cannabis market [Portuguese]
A expansão do mercado da cannabis medicinal no Brasil e os desafios da regulação
https://cadernos.ensp.fiocruz.br/ojs/index.php/csp/article/view/8745/20135
The Laws, The War on Drugs & Driving
NIDA director Nora Volkow wrote a blog post calling syringe services an “enormously effective” harm reduction strategy & added that some research shows safe consumption sites to lower local crime
https://nida.nih.gov/about-nida/noras-blog/2024/11/syringe-services-for-people-who-inject-drugs-are-enormously-effective-but-remain-underused
The Drug Policy Alliance & Harm Reduction International released a report that found the US spent $13B over the last decade on the War on Drugs
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/u-s-taxpayers-spent-almost-13b-to-fund-global-war-on-drugs-in-the-past-decade-report-shows
“The $13 billion figure, the report says, “is more taxpayer money than the U.S. government spent over that decade on primary education or water supply and sanitation in low- and middle-income countries” and also greater than U.S. foreign aid over the same period “for all of Southern Africa or Central America.” It’s also “about 300 times the total amount of U.S. foreign aid over that decade for women’s rights organizations in low-and middle-income countries around the whole world,” it adds.”
The Global Commission on Drug Policy released a report on how the mass incarcerations & terrible human rights violations of the War on Drugs justify an immediate shift towards drug policy reform (Amen!)
https://www.globalcommissionondrugs.org/reports/beyond-punishment-from-criminal-justice-responses-to-drug-policy-reform
https://exhibition.globalcommissionondrugs.org/misc/FINAL_GCDP_MediaRelease_2024Report.pdf
In Illinois, the Supreme Court ruled that the smell of cannabis is grounds for police to search a vehicle
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/12/05/police-may-search-a-vehicle-based-on-the-smell-of-raw-cannabis-illinois-supreme-court-rules
In Dubai, a sick Canadian man caught with his CBD medication sentenced to life in prison
https://nationalpost.com/news/canadian-dubai-life-sentence-cbd
Hashish smugglers in Spain using Ukrainian drones to fly in product from Morocco
https://www.barrons.com/news/spain-busts-hashish-smugglers-using-ukrainian-drones-940c8b3b
“The devices were capable of transporting up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of drugs per trip with an autonomy of more than 50 kilometres (31 miles).”
I wrote about this in a sci-fi short story 15 years ago. The Brave New World approacheth!
In Saudi Arabia, almost 100 executions this year for drug-related crimes
https://cannabislaw.report/financial-times-uk-report-saudi-arabia-has-carried-out-nearly-100-executions-for-drug-related-crimes-so-far-in-2024/
And Singapore just executed someone for trafficking heroin
https://cannabislaw.report/announcement-execution-of-a-convicted-drug-trafficker-29-november-2024/
A forceful editorial from Nigeria on doubling down on drug law enforcement
Drug Law Enforcement and Security Challenges in Nigeria
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386145076_Drug_Law_Enforcement_and_Security_Challenges_in_Nigeria
In surveys of medical cannabis legalization in Kentucky & Tennessee, no link between cannabis legalization & increased tolerance towards driving after cannabis use
A Matched Design for Causal Inference With Survey Data: Evaluation of Medical Marijuana Legalization in Kentucky and Tennessee
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39607313/
In Washington, a survey of the attitudes of young adults about driving under the influence of both alcohol & cannabis found the majority to consider it “totally unacceptable”
Young adult impaired driving behaviors and perceived norms of driving under the influence of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/acer.15459
In Israel, a survey of how long people waited to drive after using cannabis
Haven't I waited long enough? The role of wait times and subjective impairment in cannabis-related driving behavior
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395924003384
Business & Education
Cannabis industry targeted by Everest Ransomware
https://mjbizdaily.com/cannabis-industry-apparent-target-of-everest-ransomware-security-experts/
An analysis of the cost of California's cannabis licensing & municipal revenues from taxes
Cannabis Licensing and Municipal Revenues
https://www.proquest.com/openview/a1510ff43e21b05db87b48d34e8b7e10/1
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
A new VA study on MDMA for PTSD & alcohol use disorder is the first agency-funded psychedelic study since the 60s
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/the-va-is-funding-a-study-on-psychedelic-therapy-for-veterans-for-the-first-time-in-more-than-half-a-century
Interviews with the psychedelic experts fighting the DEA for the right to research DOI & DOC
https://psychedelicalpha.com/news/interviews-meet-the-team-who-challenged-the-dea-on-doi-and-doc
On microdosing psychedelics for your sex life
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/wellbeing/sex/mushrooms-sex-lives/
An account of recovering from a year of severe anxiety after ayahuasca
https://www.ecstaticintegration.org/p/stories-of-recovery-julies-story
In Germans of the Roman period, the warriors seemed to have used little spoons clipped to their belts for snorting stimulants before battle
In a narcotic trance, or stimulants in Germanic communities of the Roman period
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/pz-2024-2017/html
The Psychoactive Research
A survey of people's major life changes after psychedelic use
Major life changes following psychedelic use: A retrospective survey among people using psychedelics naturalistically
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385977395_Major_life_changes_following_psychedelic_use_A_retrospective_survey_among_people_using_psychedelics_naturalistically
The first human trial of 3-MMC, a synthetic cathinone
Safety and cognitive pharmacodynamics following dose escalations with 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC): a first in human, designer drug study
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.12.24317168v1
Though, as always, the real data is on Erowid.
And if there’s anyone who deserves your Giving Thursday money, it’s them.
On strategies for helping resolve challenging psychedelic experiences
Strategies for resolving challenging psychedelic experiences: insights from a mixed-methods study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39572645/
And a framework for assessing adverse events in psychedelic therapy
A framework for assessment of adverse events occurring in psychedelic-assisted therapies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39082259/
For ayahuasca, a review of anxiety & fear as cross-talk between two different serotonin receptors
Psychedelics Effects of ayahuasca on fear and anxiety: cross-talk between 5HT1A and 5HT2A receptors
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386140506_Psychedelics_Effects_of_ayahuasca_on_fear_and_anxiety_cross-talk_between_5HT1A_and_5HT2A_receptors
For trigeminal neuralgia (nerve pain of the face), a review on the promise of salvia’s active ingredient: salvinorin A
Emerging Psychotropic Drug for the Treatment of Trigeminal Pain: Salvinorin A
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/12/1619
Two reviews of the neuroplasticity caused by psychedelics
Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36123427/
Neuroplasticity and Psychedelics: a comprehensive examination of classic and non-classic compounds in pre and clinical models
https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.19840
Jungian archetypes & the psychedelic experience
Eigenmodes of the deep unconscious: The neuropsychology of Jungian archetypes and psychedelic experience.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385092798_Eigenmodes_of_the_deep_unconscious_The_neuropsychology_of_Jungian_archetypes_and_psychedelic_experience
A psychedelic predictor scale for optimizing therapeutic outcomes
Validation of the imperial psychedelic predictor scale
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39327922/
The Plant & the History
In Indonesia, a review of their history with cannabis & a call to view it as a health therapy human right
Marijuana as A Health Therapy is Associated with Human Rights and the Potential Legality of Future Use of Marijuana in the Health Field Based on Local Indonesian Wisdom
https://www.pjlss.edu.pk/pdf_files/2024_2/14093-14106.pdf
Icelandic church embroideries made from hemp
Icelandic church embroideries on flax and hemp linen: local or imported bast fibers?
https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1917336&dswid=3568
Growing, Processing & Measuring
For small growers around the world, a survey on their use of chemical fertilizers
Growing practices and the use of potentially harmful chemical additives from a web survey of mainly small-scale cannabis growers in 18 countries
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395924003463
The effects of sowing density & nitrogen fertilization on yield
The Influence of Sowing Density and Nitrogen Fertilization on the Yielding and Main Technological Features of Some Hemp Varieties
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15440478.2024.2433065
The effects of herbicidal treatment
Effects of Herbicidal Treatments in “Finola” Hemp Variety (Cannabis sativa L.)
https://www.proceedings.bas.bg/index.php/cr/article/view/656
With cadmium stress, hemp reshapes the fungal community around its roots
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) adapts to cadmium stress by reshaping rhizosphere fungal community
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969724080082
On the pigmentation of cannabis leaves via anthocyanin
Leaf pigmentation in Cannabis sativa: Characterization of anthocyanin biosynthesis in colorful Cannabis varieties
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39600728/
A thesis on hemp micropropagation
Plant Micropropogation of Hemp
https://ecommons.cornell.edu/items/7eaa7ce3-d44a-4a36-8e2c-9728fa35cd3d
AI genomic prediction for optimizing cannabinoid profiles
Machine learning-enhanced multi-trait genomic prediction for optimizing cannabinoid profiles in cannabis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39602132/
On how to do more accurate pesticide testing with a GC-MS/MS
Critical Assessment of Clean-up Procedures Used for Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Cannabis Inflorescence
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39600141/
On the stability of different cannabis ethanol extract protocols
Medicinal Cannabis: extended stability of Cannabis extracts produced using a new ethanolbased extraction method
https://air.unimi.it/retrieve/b20894de-6d57-41fb-bffe-4b788ce328c1/Manuscript_Planta%20Medica.pdf
On how to best mill cannabis for testing
Milling for Analytical Testing to Optimize Cannabinoid Recovery and Sample Throughput
https://chemrxiv.org/engage/api-gateway/chemrxiv/assets/orp/resource/item/6747a6ce7be152b1d0228206/original/milling-for-analytical-testing-to-optimize-cannabinoid-recovery-and-sample-throughput.pdf
The stem traits of six Moroccan cultivars
Quantitative eco-anatomical analysis reveals distinctive stem traits of six cannabis sativa cultivars in Rif mountains (Northern Morocco)
https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/informit.T2024111400022502131148704
On using hemp stems to produce carbon dots for increasing the growth of hemp seedlings
Evaluation of hemp stem retting water for carbon dots production and their phyto-activity
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092666902402123X
This sounds like that biblical injunction against cooking a lamb in the milk of its mother.
On using infrared to differentiate the varieties & origins of industrial hemp plants
Research on infrared spectral characteristics and rapid detection technology of industrial hemp
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00387010.2024.2432390
Food & Nutrition
On cannabis-infused beverages, a review of the potential risks
Potential Risks from Cannabis-Infused Beverages: A Critical Review
https://publications.sciences.ucf.edu/cannabis/index.php/Cannabis/article/view/271
The perception of beer drinkers on cannabis-infused beverages (tl;dr: sure, why not?)
Beer drinker perceptions of cannabis-infused beverages
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/bfj-02-2024-0209/full/html
The chemical composition of Ukrainian hemp seeds
Chemical composition of seeds of industrial Ukrainian hemp varieties
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385728276_Chemical_composition_of_seeds_of_industrial_Ukrainian_hemp_varieties
Industrial Uses & Fiber
On creating energy from cannabis waste via combustion & the impact of steam explosion on the combustion properties
Energy Recovery from Cannabis Residues by Combustion with and Without Steam Explosion Pretreatment in Different Air Coefficients
https://www.mdpi.com/2571-8797/6/4/77
On the sound-absorbing properties of a waste hemp fiber
Design, preparation, and analysis of the acoustic performance of waste hemp/PLA fiber sound-absorbing composites with different bionic structures
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669024021228
On using fungi isolated from cannabis leaves to produce useful bioactive compounds
First Report on Novel Cellulase Producing Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata EU-FB-14 Endophytic Mushroom from Cannabis sativa Growing in Hilly Region of Indian Himalayas
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40009-024-01544-8
On extracting cellulose from hemp
DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY FOR OBTAINING CELLULOSE FROM HEMP PLANTS
https://nizrp.narod.ru/metod/kaftzkm/1730946870.pdf#page=76
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
A wide-ranging Moroccan review on the history & applications of cannabis
Cannabis unveiled: From history to innovation, exploring the world of cannabis strains, chemistry, industry and economic impact
https://www.chemrevlett.com/article_199578_9a28f0fe53d36185f07366c80649e906.pdf
Public Health
In older adults, an analysis of their experiences with medical cannabis
Understanding Older Adults' Experiences with Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes: A Mixed Methods Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39618345/
In Poland after seven years of medical cannabis, a survey found that people thought it’s easy to obtain a prescription for medical cannabis & that they preferred cannabis clinics for their prescriptions over traditional doctors, though most found medical cannabis to be too expensive
Taking Stock – Legalization of Polish Medicinal Cannabis Seven Years Later: Users’ Perspectives
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2024.2434683
In Portuguese consumers, a survey found their predominant reasons for using cannabis products were for sleep disorders & the promotion of well-being
Study on knowledge and perceptions on the uptake of non-medicinal cannabis-substances and preparations by Portuguese consumers: Borderline issues
https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(24)16858-2
On vaping in adolescence, a review found links to future cigarette smoking, respiratory problems & poor mental health indicators
The effects of vaping on children and adolescent health: a review of systematic reviews
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)02008-7/fulltext
And on the perceived risk of smoking or vaping cannabis sorted by age grouping
The Perceived Risk of Smoking Cannabis: Method of Use by Age
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00220426241304709
And for the dual vaping of nicotine & cannabis, a review of the demographics of users
Exploring the Practice of Dual Vaping: Health Risks and Behavioral Patterns in Nicotine and Cannabis E-Cigarette Users
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202411.2068/v1
“Dual Vapers exhibited a higher susceptibility to respiratory and systemic symptoms compared to those who exclusively vaped nicotine or cannabis. Moreover, a notable prevalence of psychiatric disorders, such as substance use disorders, anxiety, and depression, was observed in this group.”
For health care practitioners, on using the Collective Rethinking Model for increasing intellectual humility & creating a more nuanced conversation about cannabis, mental health & athletes
Cannabis Care: Intellectual Humility and Instructional Strategies
https://amjhealthstudies.com/index.php/ajhs/article/view/746
Adolescents & Young Adults
In young adults, co-vaping of cannabis & nicotine tended to lead to more intense uses on those days
Vaping nicotine and cannabis on the same occasion is linked to increased vaping consumption among young adults: A smartphone-based daily diary study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037687162401442X
In young adults, their motivations for using tobacco & cannabis together
Motivations for Tobacco, Cannabis, and Their Co-Use Among U.S. Young Adults Who Engage in Same-Day Co-Use
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2024.2434682
In young adults, the predictors of later simultaneous use of alcohol & cannabis
Early-day psychosocial predictors of later-day simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use among college-attending young adults
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39621375/
In childhood, deviant peer association predicted cannabis use in early adolescence
Examining Deviant Peer Association in Childhood as a Predictor of Marijuana Use in Early Adolescence: The Mediating Role of Dual Systems Model Constructs
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-024-01424-8
The Brain & Neurological Disorders
A Lithuanian thesis on cannabinoids for epilepsy
The Use of Cannabinoids in Epilepsy
https://www.proquest.com/openview/5568c5be2fdf4f967fbe185ed0dc86e2/1
And an Italian thesis found CBD helped for genetic epilepsies
Exploring the Efficacy of Cannabidiol in Drug-Resistant Monogenic Epilepsies: Insights from a Multicenter Study
https://etd.adm.unipi.it/t/etd-10152024-180832/
“Our study, conducted in 19 centers across Italy, enrolled 108 pediatric patients with confirmed monogenic epilepsies. CBD was administered at 5 mg/kg/day, increasing to a maintenance dose of over 10 mg/kg/day, with a follow-up of at least 6 months. Results showed a significant reduction in seizure frequency at 3 months, with further improvement at 6 months. Additionally, the number of antiepileptic drugs required decreased, indicating a positive impact on patient management.”
In a mouse model of epilepsy, the CB1 receptor was found to mediate synaptic plasticity in the cerebellum
CB1R activates the epilepsy-associated protein Go to regulate neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity in the cerebellum
https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2409773121
In mice, the fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7, an endocannabinoid transporter) had a gendered effect on THC metabolism & brain endocannabinoid levels
Fatty acid binding protein 7 plays an important modulatory sex-dependent role on brain endocannabinoid levels and THC metabolism
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0313091
In microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain), a new class of fluorinated cannabinoids modulated the expression of various cytokines
Novel fluorinated cannabinoid analogs modulate cytokine expression in human C20 microglial cells
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43440-024-00680-8
Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder
For sleep, a rather negative review on the use of cannabis & CBD
Using Cannabis and CBD to Sleep: An Updated Review
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-024-01564-7
I don’t care that much about the lack of studies. The fact that sleep is in the top 3 answers for every single survey about cannabis & CBD is good enough for me. It’s the people who know.
In people with substance use disorders, while almost 40% had used CBD, the majority stopped due to its perceived ineffectiveness & cost
ESCAPE study: Cannabidiol use in patients treated for substance use disorders, prevalence of use and characteristics of users.
https://karger.com/ear/article-pdf/doi/10.1159/000541887/4308052/000541887.pdf
In black people who experienced racism & smoke cigarettes, a survey found more frequent racism was related to greater cannabis-related problems
Racism and cannabis-related problems among Black adults who smoke cigarettes: The role of negative emotions in responses to experiencing racism
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2025-49213-001
In people with traumatic histories, writing about their trauma activated greater cannabis-related information in memory
Expressive Writing About One's Trauma Increases Accessibility of Cannabis Information in Memory among Cannabis Users with Trauma Histories
https://publications.sciences.ucf.edu/cannabis/index.php/Cannabis/article/view/262
In psychosis, recent cannabis use affected the association between baseline immune markers & long-term outcomes
Recent cannabis use affects the association between baseline immune markers and long-term outcomes in psychosis
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386161919_Recent_cannabis_use_affects_the_association_between_baseline_immune_markers_and_long-term_outcomes_in_psychosis
For cannabis use disorder, a small study on genetic markers
HLA Allele's Role in Cannabis Addiction
https://brain.edusoft.ro/index.php/brain/article/viewFile/1626/1917
On the TRPV1 receptors, a review of their effects in the nervous system with a focus on sleep & memory
The roles of TRPV1 receptors in nervous system with a special emphasis on sleep and memory
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306452224007012
Remember that the endocannabinoid anandamide interacts so much with the vanilloid receptors that it’s also referred to as an endovanilloid.
Pain, Musculoskeletal & Surgeries
In older adults & anesthesia, a review on the considerations for their anesthetic requirements
Considerations for Anesthesia in Older Adults with Cannabis Use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39617807/
In a mouse model of inflammatory pain, the adenosine A2AR antagonist SCH58261 did not lower pain via the cannabinoid or opioid receptors
Microglial Adenosine A2A Receptor in the Paraventricular Thalamic Nucleus Regulates Pain Sensation and Analgesic Effects Independent of Opioid and Cannabinoid Receptors
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1467305/abstract
Guts, Metabolism & Oral Health
In healthy adults in a double-blind trial, hemp hulls improved digestion-associated quality of life, belly pain & gas & bloating scores more than inulin
An upcycled dietary fiber rich in bioactives from hemp hulls supports digestive comfort in healthy adults: Randomized, placebo-controlled trial
https://ffhdj.com/index.php/BioactiveCompounds/article/view/1505
Immune System & Microbial
In the blood immune cells of healthy dogs & those with atopic dermatitis (very itchy skin), CBD, CBDA & the terpene beta-caryophyllene did not cause any damage but showed only minimal direct anti-inflammatory effects
Investigation of the in vitro effects of cannabidiol, cannabidiolic acid, and the terpene β-caryophyllene on lymphocytes harvested from atopic and healthy dogs: A preliminary study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0034528824003503
In T cells of the immune system, the variety of effects of PEA
Lipid Mediator Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) inhibits pathogenic T cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006291X24016218
Against Acanthamoeba keratitis (a parasitic eye amoeba), the efficacy of beta-caryophyllene nanoparticles
Amoebicidal Potential of β-Caryophyllene-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsapm.4c02496
Reproduction & Hormones
A book chapter on midwives & cannabis in Arizona
Midwives and Marijuana: How the Arizona Department of Health Services Uses Social Media to Build Online Community
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003580393-8/midwives-marijuana-arizona-department-health-services-uses-social-media-build-online-community-jennifer-tweedy
In pregnant women with opioid use disorder, on the predictors of their levels of cannabis use
A Systematic Study on the Prevalence of Alcohol and Marijuana use in Pregnant Women with Opioid Use Disorder
https://www.scholarsliterature.com/article_pdf/9/scientific_9_852_06092024073744.pdf
For the two-hit model of schizophrenia, a review of maternal immune activation (viral or bacterial infections) & the endocannabinoid system, specifically 2-AG's role in synaptic plasticity & neuroinflammation
Maternal Immune Activation and Endocannabinoid System: Focus on Two-Hit Models of Schizophrenia
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006322324017839
In a mouse model of prenatal alcohol exposure, CBD increased their exploration time & protected the neurons of the hippocampus (memory center of the brain)
Cannabidiol administration during pregnancy and lactation modulates the suppressive effect of maternal alcohol exposure on cell proliferation and survival in the hippocampus of offspring
https://riuma.uma.es/xmlui/handle/10630/35403
The Heart
In 3 case reports of using warfarin & water-boiled cannabis, they had high levels for international normalized ratio (INR)
Unveiling the impact of water-boiled cannabis on warfarin: A case report of atrial fibrillation patients after cannabis legalization in Thailand
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221475002400221X
The Skin
A book chapter on how to deliver CBD through the skin
Delivery of Cannabidiol to and through the Skin
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003292692-9/delivery-cannabidiol-skin-tha
Cancer & Chemotherapy
For glioblastomas (the most aggressive brain cancer), a review of increasing cannabinoid delivery with nanotechnology
Improving the Biopharmaceutical Properties of Cannabinoids in Glioblastoma Multiforme Therapy With Nanotechnology: A Drug Delivery Perspective
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39620407/
And in glioma cells, activating the CB2 receptor significantly boosted phagocytosis (engulfment) by tumor-associated macrophages (the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment)
CB2R activation enhances tumor-associated macrophages-mediated phagocytosis of glioma cell
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024168375
In a rat model of neuropathic pain from the chemotherapy treatment paclitaxel, they had increased levels of 2-AG, PEA & oleoylethanolamine in their amygdala (fear center of the brain)
Characterisation of the effects of the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel on neuropathic pain-related behaviour, anxiodepressive behaviour, cognition, and the endocannabinoid system in male and female rats
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1505980/abstract
Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids
In an adolescent mouse model of synthetic cannabinoid exposure, they had disruptions to their prefrontal cortex mediated by GABA & reelin (a crucial protein for cell migration & neural circuits)
Reelin Deficiency and Synaptic Impairment in Adolescent PFC following Initial Synthetic Cannabinoid Exposure
https://www.bpsgos.org/article/S2667-1743(24)00139-3/fulltext
Biochemical Discoveries
Mapping the energy landscape of the CB2 receptor & β-arrestin binding
Thermodynamic Role of Receptor Phosphorylation Barcode in Cannabinoid Receptor Desensitization
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X2401636X
For analyzing endocannabinoid levels in fluids & tissues, a review of the best sample preparation techniques
Sample Preparation Techniques for Analysis of Endocannabinoids in Biological Fluids and Tissues
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10408347.2024.2432998
And testing oral fluids via UHPLC-HRMS
Quantitative analysis of cannabinoids and metabolites in oral fluid by volumetric absorptive microsampling combined with UHPLC-HRMS
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00216-024-05651-9
Cool Chemistry & Tools
New inhibitors of enzymes that breakdown endocannabinoids based on a carbamate scaffold
Promising Inhibitors of Endocannabinoid Degrading Enzymes Sharing a Carbamate Scaffold
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39592899/
A new probe for imaging the CB1 receptor in mouse brains
A novel paramagnetic probe for in-vivo MRI imaging of cannabinoid-1 receptor in the mouse brain
https://archive.ismrm.org/2024/5164.html
A review of nanoemulsions for cannabis extracts (nice charts!)
Prospects in the Use of Cannabis sativa Extracts in Nanoemulsions
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6284/13/4/53
On producing CBD nanoparticles
Production of cannabidiol nanoparticles loaded in polyvinylpyrrolidone microparticles by supercritical CO2 assisted atomization and dissolution enhancement effect
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921883124004266
A new CBD formulation for improved oral bioavailability
Novel Lipid Formulation Increases Absorption of Oral Cannabidiol (CBD)
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/16/12/1537
In veterinary CBD oil, on measuring cannabinoid levels with an HPLC
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with DAD Detection for the Determination of Cannabinoids in Commercial Veterinary CBD Oil
https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4787/12/6/181
On the Jamaican nettletree (Trema micranthum) as a new source of cannabinoids
Trema micranthum (L.) Blume as a new source of cannabinoids
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-80857-6
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For today’s iconic West African sound, Orchestra Baobab’s ‘Pirates Choice’ (a reference to the many bootleg copies of their songs). Beginning at the Baobab Club in Senegal’s capital of Dakar, their mix of local Wolof music, Cuban music & the Mande music of Mali led to tours around the world & to becoming one of the preeminent African bands of the ‘70s. With an always shifting mix of members & leaders, their music swelled & changed, until it was finally eclipsed in the ‘80s by mbalax, the hot urban dance music movement out of Senegal & Gambia. The band split up, but after the World Circuit label re-released several of their albums, they were back to being darlings of the world music scene. The remaining members reunited to tour the world & produce more albums. See a lovely compilation video here.
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