C&P#129: diabetic neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain & lots of brain/behavior work
Biden commutes sentences & Trump declares terrorists
This week…
PEA for diabetic neuropathic pain
Cannabinoids for musculoskeletal pain
CBD to help you trip not too hard!
AMA’s cannabis podcast series
Rat decision-making induces metaphysical philosophizing
Lots of preclinical work on pain + behavior & the ECS
Mice who take Adderal & inhale cannabis don’t get as high (☹️)
Thesaurus Corner thanks to a parasitic tapeworm!
An Indonesian fatwa that is pro-medical cannabis
Polyploidy! (who remembers their high school botany & genetics?)
CBD dentures + bone growth scaffolding with hemp leaves
History Corner: Fela Kútì’s grassy funeral
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 129th 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.
Editor’s Notes:
Late this week because I took time off for the 40th birthday of my wonderful wife, Claire Berjot. Happy birthday my love!
Also, if you’re a French speaker into couple’s therapy, give her Instagram a follow @relation_consciente
In other good news, just signed up two European cannabis conferences to be sponsors of the ‘International News’ section & I’m in talks with a few more.
If you’d like to advertise your event or business here, get in touch. We’ve got 12,000 canna-eyeballs for you.
Sponsor: The Cannabis & Health Research Initiative
Want to help expand the knowledge of medical cannabis use in the real world & get paid 100 bucks to do so?
Johns Hopkins University, with support from Realm of Caring, is spearheading the groundbreaking National Cannabis Study to evaluate the benefits, risks & overall outcomes of using cannabis for conditions like pain, insomnia, anxiety & more. If you are an adult in the U.S. considering starting cannabis for health reasons, this is your chance to help shape the future of cannabis research — and get compensated for your time. Join now to share your experience & contribute valuable data that could revolutionize healthcare for many patients nationwide. To learn more & sign up, visit:
https://www.cannabisandhealth.org/national-cannabis-study/
Or follow along on Instagram to keep on learning:
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Free resources
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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.
My work this week:
Canna-Edu Vids for CV Sciences:
(on YT @CVSciencesInc & TT @pluscbd)
Deep Dive of the Week: Opioid Use Disorder & the Cannabinoids
10 minutes on the history, data & neurochemistry + check out the new Opioid Use Disorder page for all the research
My Vids:
(on TT @lexpelgerandhisbooks or on YouTube)
The End of TikTok Book Speed Run:
To the right of my reading chair (mostly spiritual & history)
(and with that, I think I may be drawing to a close with short-form video. Might start doing longer book content on YouTube, but not sure yet if I’ll find the time)
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Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
Clinical
In neuropathic pain from diabetes, adding PEA to standard therapy caused significant reductions in pain, enhanced sensitivity & better quality of life
Assessing the Effectiveness of Add-On Therapy of Palmitoylethanolamide to Standard Therapy in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
https://jpc.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jpc/article/view/763
Daily cannabis use was associated with more exercise, alcoholic drinks & cigarettes smoked
Associations between cannabis use and same-day health and substance use behaviors
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460324002880
Well, one out of three ain’t bad.
In the pharmacokinetics of THC & CBD, the alterations due to medications & atypical genetic variants
Hypothesized pharmacogenomic and medication influences on tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol metabolism in a cohort of unselected oral cannabis users
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-024-00256-6
And models of the pharmacokinetics of how CBD & THC move through the body
Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Cannabidiol, Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, and Their Metabolites in Healthy Adults After Administration by Multiple Routes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39748462/
In dogs with osteoarthritis, 30 days of a full-plant extract CBD oil significantly reduced pain & improved quality of life with anti-inflammatory & antioxidant effects
Effects of a Cannabinoid-Based Phytocomplex (Pain ReliefTM) on Chronic Pain in Osteoarthritic Dogs
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/1/101
Harms
In brain scans of heavy cannabis users, they had significant disruptions to their working memory
Chronic cannabis use differentially modulates neural oscillations serving the manipulate versus maintain components of working memory processing
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969996125000087
I mean, sure, but what did your memory ever do for you?
That’s why we have index cards.
In treating cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome with haloperidol, close attention must be paid to EKG monitoring because of the risk of QTc prolongation (a type of heart arrhythmia)
Mitigating the Risk of QTc Prolongation When Using Haloperidol for Acute Treatment of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Adolescents and Young Adults
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/1/163
In people getting abdominal body contouring surgery, those with active cannabis use had an increased risk of postoperative bleeding
Marijuana Use Increases the Risk of Postoperative Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Body Contouring
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00266-024-04651-5
In people with e-cigarette/vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI), their lung fluid contained higher levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, more lipid oxidation products & an altered phospholipid composition
Oxidized phospholipid and transcriptomic signatures of THC-related vaping associated lung injury
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-79585-8
An outbreak in Illinois of synthetic cannabinoids laced with rodenticides (which lead to severe bleeding problems)
Management of Rodenticide Poisoning Associated with Synthetic Cannabinoids
https://medauth2.mdedge.com/authors/zane-z-elfessi-pharmd
For (putative) delta-8 THC, a case report of two kids (2 & 4 years old) who required critical care after unintentional ingestion (because it looked like candy)
Unintentional ingestion of putative delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol by two youth requiring critical care: a case report
https://repository.escholarship.umassmed.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/e7547e49-3823-49fb-8536-6030c1bd860b/content
A case report of acute respiratory failure & hemoptysis (bloody mucus or coughing up blood) after cannabis use
Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Due to Cannabis Inhalation
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/324258/20250101-1869359-51cxoh.pdf
And a case report of non-small cell lung cancer potentially linked to CBD vaping
CBD-Vaping Associated Multifocal Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in a 24-year-old Female: A Case Report
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666364325000050
And a case report of acute renal failure potentially being linked to cannabis consumption
[Renal infarction by cannabis consumption]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39504977/
Reviews
For musculoskeletal pain, a review of 13 papers found cannabis “associated with significant pain reduction, improved motor function, enhanced sleep quality, and overall improvements in health-related quality of life”
Medical cannabis in the management of musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review of clinical trials
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387292505_Medical_cannabis_in_the_management_of_musculoskeletal_pain_a_systematic_review_of_clinical_trials
For Parkinson’s disease, a review of cannabis use indicated “that cannabis can mitigate levodopa-induced dyskinesias and improve overall quality of life in patients”
Effects of Cannabis in Parkinson's Disease and Other Movement Disorders
https://atenaeditora.com.br/catalogo/artigo-revista/effects-of-cannabis-in-parkinson-s-disease-and-other-movement-disorders
“Neuroprotective properties, such as reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, have been demonstrated, suggesting potential benefits in slowing disease progression.”
For CBD & the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, a review of their interactions & the “antidepressant, anxiolytic, neuroprotective, antipsychotic, antiemetic, anti-allodynic, anti-epileptic, anti-degenerative, and addiction-treating properties”
CBD and the 5-HT1A receptor: A medicinal and pharmacological review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006295225000048
For pain, a review of using cannabis
Cannabis and Pain Management
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39455265/
For the effects of cannabinoids on general anesthetics, a review of the molecular mechanisms & pharmacological interactions between cannabinoids & anesthetic drugs
Cannabinoids and General Anesthetics: Revisiting Molecular Mechanisms of Their Pharmacological Interactions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39504269/
For neurological disorders, a book chapter on the evidence for cannabis-based medicines by the great Dr. Müller-Vahl
The Use of Cannabis-Based Medicine in Selected Neurological Disorders
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/7854_2024_564
And for nausea & vomiting, a book chapter on the evidence for cannabinoids by the great Dr. Rock
The Role of Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System in the Treatment and Regulation of Nausea and Vomiting
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/7854_2024_554
And for psychiatry, a book chapter on the importance of endocannabinoid signaling
Endocannabinoid System as an Important Cross-Talk Mechanism Related to Neurosciences and Psychiatry
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-72219-6_21
For substance use disorders, a book chapter on using the cannabinoids
Phyto, Synthetic, and Endogenous Cannabinoids as Theoretical Possibilities of Therapeutic Molecules for the Treatment of Addictions
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387497348_Phyto_Synthetic_and_Endogenous_Cannabinoids_as_Theoretical_Possibilities_of_Therapeutic_Molecules_for_the_Treatment_of_Addictions
And for substance use disorders, a book chapter on the interplay between cannabinoid receptors & nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors, Cannabinoid Receptors, and Their Interplay in Drug Addiction
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-72219-6_24
And on treating substance use disorders with nano-cannabinoids
New Nanotechnological Approaches for the Treatment of Addiction with Cannabinoids
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-72219-6_19
For arthritis, a review of using terpenes
Terpenes and Terpene Based Nanoformulations: A New Prospect for Arthritis Management
https://ijmphs.com/admin/uploads/product_image/IMG_bf8f8d2bf770643b55942d3ad4a742b6.pdf
Preclinical
In a rat model of sleep deprivation, CBD caused a “remarkable” restoration of the kidneys & liver
Modulatory role of cannabidiol and sleep recovery on hepato-renal functions and histological alterations triggered by sleep deprivation in adult male Wistar rats
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387667289_Modulatory_role_of_cannabidiol_and_sleep_recovery_on_hepato-renal_functions_and_histological_alterations_triggered_by_sleep_deprivation_in_adult_male_Wistar_rats
In a mouse model of ulcerative colitis, CBD lessened the intestinal fibrosis [scarring], inflammation & oxidative stress via the Nrf2 signaling pathway
Cannabidiol Alleviates Intestinal Fibrosis in Mice with Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating Transforming Growth Factor Signaling Pathway
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2147/JIR.S485007
In mice taking Adderall, those who also inhaled vaporized cannabis had a blunted Adderall response including lessened brain activity
Chronic exposure to inhaled vaporized cannabis high in Δ9-THC suppresses Adderall-induced brain activity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39494344/
In pathogenic oral bacteria, CBD caused antibacterial & antibiofilm activity
antibacterial and antibiofilm role of cannabidiol against periodontopathogenic bacteria
https://academic.oup.com/jambio/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jambio/lxae316/7934962
In a rat model of acute lung injury, the terpene beta-caryophyllene “dramatically reduced lung edema [excess fluid], vascular permeability, and histological changes” & lessened oxidative stress & inflammation via ACE2/MasR & Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB
β‐Caryophyllene attenuates oxidative stress and inflammatory response in LPS induced acute lung injury by targeting ACE2/MasR and Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB axis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006291X24018229
In a rat model of decision-making, activating the CB1 receptors in the anterior cingulate cortex impaired decision-making “such that rats were less willing to invest physical effort to gain high reward” (word) & in the orbitofrontal cortex, CB1 activation “induced impulsive pattern of choice such that rats preferred small immediate rewards to large delayed rewards” (word also. They know & I know & you know that there’s no god so benevolent as to guarantee tomorrow…)
Activation of cannabinoid system in anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex modulates cost-benefit decision making
https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/openlb/publication/OLB-PM-25529106
In rats, cannabis seed extracts cause antibacterial, antioxidant & anticataleptic effects
Evaluation of Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anticataleptic Activity on Methanol Seed Extract of Cannabis sativa: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387756868_Evaluation_of_Antibacterial_Antioxidant_and_Anticataleptic_Activity_on_Methanol_Seed_Extract_of_Cannabis_sativa_An_In_Vitro_and_In_Vivo_Study
There’s a long, long history of using hemp seeds as a medicine. They’ve fallen more out of favor these last centuries, but I think they’re poised for a comeback!
Novel Studies
(my new grab bag section for stuff I haven’t quite seen before)
For hydatid cysts (the parasitic tapeworm that causes echinococcosis), CBD caused significant scolicidal activity (destruction) of the protoscolex (larva)
Assessment of the Cannabidiol on the Lethality of Protoscolexes of Hydatid Cyst
https://aums.abzums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_id=1805&sid=1&slc_lang=en&ftxt=0
So many new words! Thanks to this zoonotic (infection going from animals to humans) parasite for this edition of Thesaurus Corner!
In rat neurons, CBD acted as a negative allosteric modulator of the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor & lowered the activation caused by LSD
Pharmacological characterization of cannabidiol as a negative allosteric modulator of the 5-HT2A receptor
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0898656825000014
CBD to help you trip not too hard!
On using smart devices like Fitbit with AI to detect cannabis intoxication with 99% accuracy
Enhancing Interpretable, Transparent, and Unobtrusive Detection of Acute Marijuana Intoxication in Natural Environments: Harnessing Smart Devices and Explainable AI to Empower Just-In-Time Adaptive Interventions: Longitudinal Observational Study
https://ai.jmir.org/2025/1/e52270/
Oddly, here’s a Twitter analysis of data from ten years ago on the prevalence of drug lyrics on the platform
An Analysis of the Prevalence and Trends in Drug-Related Lyrics on Twitter (X): Quantitative Approach
https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e49567/
In the diatom (microalgae) Phaedodactylum tricornutum, researchers got it to express the CBDA synthase gene to use it a platform for cannabinoid production without that messy mix of metabolites found in the cannabis plant
Extrachromosomal expression of functional Cannabis sativa cannabidiolic acid synthase in Phaedodactylum tricornutum
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211926424005010
the Headlines & Fav Articles
Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 2500 people with non-violent drug offenses
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/biden-commutes-sentences-of-nearly-2500-people-in-prison-for-drug-offenses-as-advocates-push-more-marijuana-clemency/
Trump designated drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations” & allowed for the possibility of sending US Special Forces to Mexico to take them out
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/designating-cartels-and-other-organizations-as-foreign-terrorist-organizations-and-specially-designated-global-terrorists/
https://x.com/CBSNews/status/1881507323853869270
The new acting head of the DEA, former director of Special Operations Derek Maltz, suggested that the Justice Department hijacked the scheduling hearings for political reasons & he also blamed school shootings on “obsessive pot smoking”
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/trumps-new-dea-head-blamed-marijuana-for-school-shootings-and-claimed-rescheduling-push-was-politically-motivated/
The US Cannabis Council & the National Cannabis Roundtable combine into the US Cannabis Roundtable
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250116788639/en/The-Two-Largest-Cannabis-Industry-Groups-Combine-Policy-Advocacy-Efforts-to-Form-Singular-Leading-Authority-Representing-Industry-in-Washington
The American Medical Association (who are traditionally dinosaurs about cannabis) released a podcast series about cannabis for physicians that only leaned somewhat negative
https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/cannabis-use-and-health-what-physicians-should-know
The FDA is seeking input from veterinarians on the use of CBD & other cannabinoids in animals
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/fda-seeks-veterinarians-input-on-use-of-cbd-and-other-cannabis-products-in-animals
They're also welcome to use my page on CVResearch.info where I gathered all of the existing data:
https://www.cvresearch.info/dogs-and-cats
Despite Meta’s groveling shift towards free expression, they continue to restrict cannabis accounts even for news organizations like Marijuana Moment or political bodies like the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/despite-sweeping-updates-to-facebook-policies-in-favor-of-free-expression-restrictions-on-marijuana-related-accounts-remain/
A Florida lawyer smuggled synthetic cannabinoids into his client by soaking them into his legal papers
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/lawyer-visiting-inmate-accused-of-having-something-odd-on-paperwork-florida-cops-say/ar-AA1xbVGR
An interview with Dale Gieringer, the long-time hardworking activist of CA NORML, by Isaac Campos
https://isaaccampos.substack.com/p/episode-7-a-view-from-inside-the
History Corner: When legendary musician & activist Fela Kútì died, some of the half-million mourners at his funeral “sprinkled his casket with the forbidden leaves of marijuana—for whose possession he was arrested and had just been released from detention a few weeks earlier”
The Afrobeat Continuum: Chapter 6
link
“Then, for good measure, a jumbo-size wrap of marijuana was placed between his fingers; for who knows how scarce such stuff could be on this long eternal way?”…
“He was opposed to drugs such as heroin and cocaine, and yet affirms marijuana as medicinal herb; after all, “it is grass; it is African!””
International
In the UK, parents of epileptic & sick children turning to the black market for better deals on cannabis than from the legal system
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93lq2lvvgeo
In Brazil, the power of the patient associations in defining medical cannabis policy
Civil Disobedience and Bottom-up Governance of Cannabis for Medicinal Use in Brazil: The Role of Patient Associations
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00914509241309233
In Uruguay, interviews on the challenges of regulating cannabis
Challenges achieving horizontal coherence across health and public security policies in formulating Uruguay's cannabis regulation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39495008/
An Indonesian fatwa (official statement) from the Indonesian Islamic Scholar Assembly & the Tarjih Council of Muhammadiyah allows for the use of medical cannabis “for treatment under emergency reasons and with strict supervision from doctors”
The Urgency of Fatwa as a Legal Ijtihad on Medical Cannabis Legalization in Indonesia
https://jurnal.uinsyahada.ac.id/index.php/F/article/view/12168
In Nigeria, interviews with illicit cannabis farmers & traders on being locked out of the discussions & benefits around cannabis legalization
Contesting Cannabis Legalization in Nigeria: Hidden Narratives of Illicit Farmers and Traders
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/soin.12649
In South Africa, an analysis of their cannabis legalization
Balancing privacy and public health: The impact of South Africa's cannabis legalization
https://ideas.repec.org/a/rbs/ijbrss/v13y2024i7p430-435.html
The Laws, The War on Drugs & Driving
A new collection from the National Security Archive on the CIA’s horrific Project MKUltra & related projects
https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/dnsa-intelligence/2024-12-23/cia-behavior-control-experiments-focus-new-scholarly
Glasgow opens UK’s first safer drug consumption facility
https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/11760/Glasgow-opens-UK-s-first-safer-drug-consumption-facility
Blessings upon them.
A leximetric (ranking the strength or weaknesses of laws) analysis of drug laws in Italy, the Netherlands, France & Portugal
Leximetric analysis of drug laws and evaluation of outcomes: cross-country analyses approach
https://www.lisbonaddictions.eu/lisbon-addictions-2024/sites/lisbonaddictions.eu.lisbon-addictions-2024/files/A4%2023%201320%202%20Carla%20Rossi.pdf
After the Farm Bill (a form of cannabis decriminalization), the police processing time for cannabis cases went up, “directly counter to the argument that decriminalization improves police productivity”
Decriminalization and police productivity: the 2018 Farm Bill’s effect on cannabis case processing time
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15614263.2024.2440499
An editorial arguing against calling Child Protective Services for every accidental pediatric THC ingestion
THC Ingestions and Child Protective Services: Guidelines for Practitioners
https://journals.lww.com/journaladdictionmedicine/abstract/9900/thc_ingestions_and_child_protective_services_.437.aspx
“We argue that this recommendation has the potential to waste scarce resources, harm families, and worsen current inequities in CPS reporting.”
On the Dark Web, on how cannabis products are priced
Identification of Cannabis Product Characteristics and Pricing on Dark Web Markets
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/02791072.2024.2446446
And the online drug trade & reputation & risks
The Risk Creates the Reward: Reputational Returns to Legal and Quality Risks in Online Illegal Drug Trade
https://sociologicalscience.com/download/vol_12/SocSci_v12_1to25.pdf
And Australian researchers find illegal cannabis to generally be cheaper than legal cannabis despite the “risk tax” of illicit drugs
Between Main Street and Illicit Markets: SelfReported Prices and Source Premiums in US Cannabis Markets
https://vbn.aau.dk/ws/portalfiles/portal/756972273/Conference_submission.pdf
In Belize, automatic expungements now available for first-time cannabis offenders
https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2025/01/17/automatic-expungement-now-available-for-first-time-offenders-for-marijuana-and-covid-violations/
In a driving performance & visual function test, vaporized CBD caused no statistically significant changes besides decreased motion detection
Visual function and vehicle driving performance under the effects of cannabidiol: A randomized cross‐over experiment
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/add.16746
For driving impaired by drugs (besides alcohol), there's no significant differences or correlations between substance concentration levels or physiological measurements to reliably indicate impaired driving
Driving under the influence of drugs – The failed quest of finding medical signs indicative to driving impairment
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S134462232500001X
In Ohio, as legalization took effect last year, fatal traffic crashes linked to cannabis fell by 30%
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/fatal-traffic-crashes-linked-to-marijuana-fell-by-30-in-ohio-last-year-as-legalization-took-effect-contrary-to-opponents-fears/
In Louisiana, a far-ranging report on the potential short- & long-term safety risks for drivers from the introduction of adult-use cannabis
Recreational Cannabis in Louisiana: Anticipating Potential Risks for Motor Vehicle Safety in the Short and Long Term
https://repository.lsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1014&context=srec_reports
In Australia, a survey of beliefs & behaviors around cannabis use & driving
The driving‐related attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of cannabis users in the Australian Capital Territory following decriminalisation
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/dar.13983
Business, Economics & Education
An analysis of waste accumulation from cannabis in blocks of San Diego
Estimating the accumulation and re-accumulation of commercial tobacco, electronic cigarette, and cannabis waste based on a stratified random sample of census blocks
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0313241
“Annually, we estimate up to 200 million cellulose acetate plastic filters may be discarded in public areas of the eight cities.”
In Thailand, on the marketing perceptions of cannabis-infused beverages
Marketing Innovation and Trust Affecting Customer Satisfaction and Purchase Decision for Cannabis-Hemp Drinks in Thailand
https://www.pjlss.edu.pk/pdf_files/2024_2/23211-23223.pdf
In Croatia, a SWOT analysis of current hemp production & future potential
A Current Status and Production Potential of Industrial Hemp in Croatia, Based on a SWOT Analysis
https://hrcak.srce.hr/clanak/470939
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
Native American groups asks others to stop poaching the slow-growing peyote cactus
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jan/11/white-people-shouldnt-mess-with-it-native-american-church-laments-psychedelic-cactus-shortage
On the DMT laser ‘Code of Reality’ effect by Dr. Andrew Gallimore
https://alieninsect.substack.com/p/on-the-dmt-laser-code-of-reality
The Psychoactive Research
From the Global Psychedelic Survey, the high rates of co-use of certain psychedelics
Co-use of psychedelics with other substances: Findings from the global psychedelic survey
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39468747/
Profiles of people with hallucinogen persisting perception disorder
Neuropsychological profiles of patients suffering from hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD): A comparative analysis with psychedelic-using and non-using controls
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-82216-x
In Spain, 5 clinical cases of acute psychiatric symptoms due to recreational drug use
Club Drugs and Psychiatric Outcomes: A Descriptive Case Series from Spain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39459026/
The neural dynamics of DMT
Time-resolved neural and experience dynamics of medium- and high-dose DMT
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.19.629418v1
In people with severe treatment-resistant depression, a single dose of psilocybin significantly decreased symptoms
Single-Dose Psilocybin for Depression With Severe Treatment Resistance: An Open-Label Trial
https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.20231063
“In exploratory analyses, the Oceanic Boundlessness (OB) dimension of the psychedelic experience correlated with post-dosing antidepressant responses. Patients with comorbid PTSD (N=5) showed significantly less antidepressant effect of psilocybin.”
The effects of a single high-dose of psilocybin on personality traits in psychedelic-naive volunteers found a reduction in neuroticism & these were moderated by subjective meaningfulness as well as the dread of ego dissolution
An investigation of acute physiological and psychological moderators of psychedelic-induced personality change among healthy volunteers
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772408524001571?via%3Dihub
For treating depression with psilocybin, the role of the psychedelic experience
The role of the psychedelic experience in psilocybin treatment for treatment-resistant depression
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032724020494?via%3Dihub
A review of 21 trials on psilocybin
Psilocybin: From Psychiatric Pariah to Perceived Panacea
https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.20230682
In that paper title, kudos on the Melville (alliteration) score of 5.
In a rat model of stress, an early psilocybin intervention reduced behavioral despair & cognitive deficits via the HPA axis & BDNF (a key brain growth factor)
Early psilocybin intervention alleviates behavioral despair and cognitive impairment in stressed Wistar rats
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278584624003117
The Plant & the History
On 13th century hemp cultivation by the Swedish pastoralists (though it probably started around 100 BCE)
Kårebolssätern and other shielings - the emergence and development of Swedish transhumant pastoralism
https://www.frontierspartnerships.org/journals/pastoralism-research-policy-and-practice/articles/10.3389/past.2024.13780/full
Growing & Processing
On using polyploidy (more than 2 copies of the chromosomes) for increased biomass, sterility/seedlessness & altered morphology
Cannabis sativa: Polyploidization -Triploid and Tetraploid Production
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387497201_Cannabis_sativa_Polyploidization_-Triploid_and_Tetraploid_Production
This is a widespread technique in agronomy. Wheat is often a hexaploidy (6 copies of the genome). When cotton is a tetraploid (4x), it’s more resistant to pests & has a higher fiber quality. Same for a tetraploid potato, a triploid banana & for the big winner, the octoploid strawberry (8x). The only reason that these techniques haven’t been applied to cannabis earlier is because of Prohibition.
On best practices for micropropagation
Cannabinoid production in various Cannabis sativa L. in vitro cultures
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11240-024-02940-0
In hemp farming, optimizing nitrogen is a key for maximizing yield
Precision nitrogen management for optimal yield and cannabinoid profile in CBD hemp agronomy
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/agg2.70028
On how plant density & vegetative phase duration alter yield
The effects of plant density and duration of vegetative growth phase on agronomic traits of medicinal cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.): A regression analysis
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0315951
Vermicompost is superior to chicken manure for hemp growth & soil health
Vermicompost versus chicken manure: Comparative effects on hemp growth, heavy metal sequestration, and root microbial communities in Rosella, Superwoman S1, and Red Robin cultivars
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589014X24002585
In alkaline salt conditions, on the best fertilizer for growth
Adaptation Strategies for Hemp in Alkaline Salt Environments: Fertilizer Management for Nutrient Uptake and Optimizing Growth
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/15/2/125
In the US, testing the regional performance of different hemp cultivars
Comparing agronomic performance of industrial hemp varieties for suitable production in the United States
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/agj2.70006
A comparison of 10 hemp cultivars
STRAIN PRODUCTION IN INDUSTRIAL HEMP GENOTYPES – COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387506743_STRAIN_PRODUCTION_IN_INDUSTRIAL_HEMP_GENOTYPES_-_COMPARATIVE_ANALYSIS
A thesis project on managing pathogens & microbes in greenhouse cannabis
The epidemiology and integrated management of pathogens and microbes on Cannabis sativa L. (cannabis) under greenhouse conditions
https://theses.lib.sfu.ca/file/thesis/etd23582-liamr-e-buirs-msc-thesis-liam-buir.pdf
Insight into certain genes linked to sex determination in hemp
Identification of genes associated with sex expression and sex determination in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39468733/
The ash content of seeds from several hemp cultivars
ASH CONTENT IN SEEDS OF SOME INDUSTRIAL HEMP GENOTYPES
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387506697_ASH_CONTENT_IN_SEEDS_OF_SOME_INDUSTRIAL_HEMP_GENOTYPES
The response of cannabis to cold involves significant changes to lipid metabolism
Lipidomic remodeling in Cannabis sativa L. under cold tolerance
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669024023239
Developing a new instrument for high-throughput measuring of hemp fiber diameter: the Optical Fiber Diameter Analyzer
A New Tool for Measuring the Diameter of Hemp Fiber
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15440478.2024.2447536
Formulating & Analyzing
A thesis on analytical methods for quality medical cannabis production
Analytical approaches in technology development for quality medical cannabis production
https://ekoizpen-zientifikoa.ehu.eus/documentos/67631f9757816a4921b8a33e?lang=de
Food & Nutrition
On extracts of hemp seeds for their antioxidant, antimicrobial & anti-inflammatory effects
Plant-Derived Compounds in Hemp Seeds (Cannabis sativa L.): Extraction, Identification and Bioactivity—A Review
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/1/124
In cattle, a thesis on how feeding them hemp leaves increased nutrition efficiency (though they tended to not like the taste)
Hemp Leaves as a Feed for Cattle: An Examination of the Impact on Diet Utilization and Cannabinoid Accumulation in Tissues
https://tdl-ir.tdl.org/items/d2072f0d-553e-477e-a605-a11db0a9976b
In feeding black soldier fly larvae (commonly farmed for industrial & agricultural uses), fermenting hemp waste improved nutritional value
Solid-State Fermentation of Hemp Waste: Enhancing the performance of Hermetia illucens larvae and altering the composition of hemp secondary metabolites
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1449233/abstract
Analyzing wild hemp oil seed content with Raman spectroscopy
Raman specroscopy as appropriate tool for chemical discrimination of wild hemp oil seed samples
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387794273_Raman_specroscopy_as_appropriate_tool_for_chemical_discrimination_of_wild_hemp_oil_seed_samples
Industrial Uses & Fiber
A denture material with CBD for antimicrobial properties
Antimicrobial Denture Material Synthesized from Poly Methyl Methacrylate Enriched with Cannabidiol Isolates
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387230144_Antimicrobial_Denture_Material_Synthesized_from_Poly_Methyl_Methacrylate_Enriched_with_Cannabidiol_Isolates
For polluted water sources, on using hemp for remediation
Early studies on the effectiveness of industrial hemp as a phytoremediator of polluted waters
https://www.proquest.com/openview/7f2a06964514ef7a876e8aab5b257292/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=178198
A solar cell using cannabis biomass
Sulfur-doped TiO2 nanoparticles modified by residual cannabis biomass-derived reduced graphene oxide-like carbon composite for a low-cost and efficient counter electrode for a dye-sensitized solar cell
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378775324020755
On creating roof panels with hemp, Kevlar & carbon fabrics
Development and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Roof Panels Using Kevlar, Hemp, and Carbon Fabrics with Epoxy Resin
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387783972_Development_and_Characterization_of_Hybrid_Composite_Roof_Panels_Using_Kevlar_Hemp_and_Carbon_Fabrics_with_Epoxy_Resin
For 3D printing with hemp fiber & the plasticizer triphenyl phosphate
Evaluation of the effect of triphenyl phosphate on hemp fiber‐reinforced polycarbonate composites for 3D printing applications
https://4spepublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/pc.29460
A review of hemp shives & their many applications
Utilization of Hemp Shives for Various Purposes – a Review
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15440478.2024.2448016
The textile properties of hemp fibers
The Physicochemical Properties of Hemp Fibers and Their Applications in the Textile Industry
https://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be/article/view/3951
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
On building a community bioinformatics platform for multi-omics cannabis research
Building a community-driven bioinformatics platform to facilitate Cannabis sativa multi-omics research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39469541/
A medical history of cannabis
History and Medicinal Properties of Cannabis
https://www.phcogrev.com/article/2024/18/36/105530phrev20240001
A Polish review of the health effects of the cannabinoids & the environmental factors of its growth and processing
Cannabis-Based Phytocannabinoids: Overview, Mechanism of Action, Therapeutic Application, Production, and Affecting Environmental Factors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39457041/
Public Health
Nine states have added medical cannabis to their state prescription drug monitoring programs & this data showed a significantly significant reduction in severely & moderately contraindicated medications, especially “scheduled narcotics”
The addition of cannabis to prescription drug monitoring programs and medication fills in Medicaid
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39496576/
In older adults who use cannabis, men tended to use inhalation methods while women tended to consume edibles & men used more frequently & scored higher on a test for cannabis use disorder
IDENTIFYING GENDER-BASED DIFFERENCES IN CHARACTERISTICS OF OLDER ADULT CANNABIS USERS
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11692296/
Interviews with doctors about discussing medical cannabis with older adults
HOW DO PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS NAVIGATE MEDICAL CANNABIS DISCUSSIONS WITH OLDER ADULT PATIENTS
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11689458/
A book chapter on the views of healthcare professionals & patients on medical cannabis
Views Among Healthcare Professionals and Patients About Medical Cannabis
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-97-7941-3_3
And a book chapter on the benefits & drawbacks of patients using cannabis
Benefits and Drawbacks of Patients Using Cannabis
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-97-7941-3_2
For high-THC cannabis research, the challenges & recommendations for studying health effects
Methodological challenges and actionable recommendations in studying the health effects of high-concentration THC products
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39475086/
Adolescents & Young Adults
In rural areas of California, young adults had multiple disadvantages in accessing healthcare in person & often turned to cannabis for their mental & physical health
Cumulative Social Disadvantage and Medicinal Cannabis Use Among Younger Adults in Rural Communities: A Mixed Methods Approach
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02791072.2025.2449919
A mixed-methods study found an association between adolescent cannabis use & increased odds of moderate to severe generalized anxiety
Peer E-Cigarette and Cannabis Use and Adolescent Anxiety: Findings from a Mixed-Methods Study
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2024.2446738
In high school students, their patterns of cannabis vaping with a focus on sexual & gender minorities
E-cigarette, tobacco, and cannabis vaping among diverse sexual and gender identities in U.S. high school students
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0033350624005304
In American Indian adolescents, their patterns of cannabis & alcohol use
Patterns of Simultaneous and non-Simultaneous Use of Cannabis and Alcohol Among American Indian Adolescents
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39479370/
In college students, on their associations between food restriction & their co-use of cannabis & alcohol
Associations Between Food Restriction, Alcohol and Marijuana Use and Co-Use, and Consequences Among College Students
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826084.2024.2447419
For adolescents, on the perceived risk of cannabis use as a prevention strategy for later cannabis use
Past 30-Day Cannabis Use by Perception of Risk and Age Group: Implications for Prevention
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/08901171241312508
The Brain & Neurological Disorders
In lifetime cannabis users, they had poorer white matter integrity & weaker resting-state functional connectivity in brain regions, but the researchers guessed this was probably not causal in nature
Association between cannabis use and brain structure and function: an observational and Mendelian randomisation study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39477366/
For treating neurological disorders, a small review of using cannabinoids & ginger extracts
Natural Products in the Treatment of Neurological Diseases (Part 1): Cannabinoids and Ginger Extracts
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387593594_Natural_Products_in_the_Treatment_of_Neurological_Diseases_Part_1_Cannabinoids_and_Ginger_Extracts
In a rat model of low-level dronabinol (pharmaceutical THC) ingestion, they had increased locomotor activity & reduced CB1 levels in their hippocampus (memory center of the brain)
Effects of repeated voluntary oral consumption of synthetic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on locomotor activity and cannabinoid receptor 1 expression
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39461370/
In rodent striatum (brain area of decision-making functions such as motor control, emotion, habit formation & reward), the delicate interplay of how adenosine receptors form complexes with CB1 receptors to modulate both the release of GABA & glutamate (the most inhibitory & excitatory neurotransmitters, respectively)
Comparing adenosine A2A receptor modulation of cannabinoid CB1 receptor‐mediated inhibition of GABA and glutamate release in rodent striatal nerve terminals
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ejn.16642
In a mouse model of reward-seeking behavior, the endocannabinoid system modulated their transitory reward engagement behavior via a thalamo‐striatal circuit
Endocannabinoids facilitate transitory reward engagement through retrograde gain-control
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.06.630792v2.full.pdf
In a rat model of Pavlovian behavior, activating the CB1 receptor reduced inhibitory transmission in the dorsomedial striatum
Dorsomedial Striatum CB1R signaling promotes Pavlovian devaluation sensitivity in male Long Evans rats and reduces DMS inhibitory synaptic transmission in both sexes
https://www.eneuro.org/content/early/2025/01/01/ENEURO.0341-24.2024
In peripheral nerve injury, activation of the CB2 receptor promoted remyelination by the Schwann cells
Cannabinoid receptor 2 facilitates the Schwann cells‐dependent peripheral nerve regeneration
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ctm2.70184
In baby rats with a sciatic nerve crush, blocking the CB2 receptor (or in combination with the CB1 receptor) was neuroprotective & was associated with a decrease in astrogliosis (an abnormal increase in astrocyte levels) & microglial reaction (the guardian immune cells of the brain)as well as a surprising reduction in genetic transcription of the CB1 receptor & BDNF (a key brain growth factor)
Selective blockade of cannabinoid receptors influences motoneuron survival and glial responses after neonatal axotomy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39481830/
In rats & neural tissue, activation of cannabinoid receptors increased the levels of choline for improved memory deficits
Cognitive improvement via cortical cannabinoid receptors and choline-containing lipids
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39489624/
In a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome (a developmental genetic disorder with intellectual disabilities), blocking the CB1 receptor reduced brain hyperexcitability via GABA (the brain’s most common inhibitory neurotransmitter)
Enhanced CB1 receptor function in GABAergic neurons mediates 3 hyperexcitability and impaired sensory-driven synchrony of cortical circuits 4 in Fragile X Syndrome model mice
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.02.630932v1.full.pdf
In a model of seizures, the anti-seizure effects of CBD occurred via the PI3K pathway
Cannabidiol effect in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures depends on PI3K
https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/openlb/publication/OLB-PM-36112318
In the rat hippocampus (memory center of the brain), prolonged incubation with THC (but not CBD) caused tissue disorganization & induced synaptic alterations as well as impairment of the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
Prolonged incubation with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol but not with cannabidiol induces synaptic alterations and mitochondrial impairment in immature and mature rat organotypic hippocampal slices
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332224016846
In neurons that produce dopamine, on their levels diglycerol lipase beta (DAGLB – the enzyme that synthesizes the endocannabinoid 2-AG)
FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ENDOCANNABINOID RELATED 2-AG SYNTHASES IN DOPAMINERGIC NEURONS
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11692491/
Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder
In Norwegian public health data from 2010 to 2021, they found an increased rate of people committing suicide who had a diagnosis of cannabis use disorder
The annual trend of suicide rates from 2010 to 2021 in patients with cannabis use disorder - a national registry study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39466446/
In adults with chronic health conditions, those who fear a COVID diagnosis were more likely to increase their cannabis dosage
Fear of COVID-19 Diagnosis and Cannabis Use Patterns Among Adults with Chronic Health Conditions: Results from COVID-19 Cannabis Health Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39468475/
A book chapter on cannabis as a drug of addiction
Cannabis: A Drug of Addiction
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-72219-6_20
For cannabis & mental health, a review of their complex relationship
The Complex Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Mental Health: Considering the Influence of Cannabis Use Patterns and Individual Factors
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40263-024-01148-2
For pain-related sleep impairment, a review of using medical cannabis
The State of the Evidence for Medical Cannabis as a Treatment for Pain-related Sleep Impairments: Integrating Social Determinants of Health into Research Design and Policy
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40675-024-00317-5
In a mouse model of anxiety, activating the CB1 receptor potentiated the anxiety-reducing benefits of clonidine (a sedative/blood pressure medication that works via an adrenal receptor)
Synergistic interaction between clonidine and ACPA on the modulation of anxiety-like behaviors in non-acute restraint stress and acute restraint stress conditions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39481745/
In a mouse model of anxiety, activating the CB1 & CB2 receptor at the same time decreased anxiety, blocking the CB1 receptor increased anxiety, inhibiting the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) decreased anxiety & both blocking & activating the CB2 receptor increased anxiety
The Effects of Indirect and Direct Modulation of Endocannabinoid System Function on Anxiety-Related Behavior in Mice Assessed in the Elevated Plus Maze Test
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202501.0100/v1
How’s that for complicated? You can see why I need this Neural Ocean metaphor to explain all of this with receptors being bars set in the walls of the neuronal cities.
For anti-inflammation & morphine use disorder, a comparison of different chiral formations (handedness) of CIAC001 (a CBD derivative that targets pyruvate kinase M2 (a regulator of cellular metabolism))
Chiral recognition of CIAC001 isomers in regulating pyruvate kinase M2 and mitigating neuroinflammation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0223523425000273
Pain, Musculoskeletal & Surgeries
An analysis of the rise & interaction of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs - designed to reduce opioid misuse) & medical cannabis laws (MCLs) on visits for chronic pain
The Complex Interplay of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, Regulated Medical Cannabis, and Chronic Pain Healthcare Visits
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-024-09294-5
“The authors effectively analyzed the data revealing that while PDMPs alone do not significantly affect chronic pain–related healthcare visits, their enactment in conjunction with MCLs correlates with a notable reduction in such visits. This understanding is critical, as it suggests that medical cannabis laws may serve as a viable alternative for patients, potentially alleviating the burden of untreated chronic pain, and preventing exposure to the multiple adverse effects of opioids.”
In a rat model of neuropathic pain, cannabis extracts increased pro-inflammatory modulators in the hippocampus (memory center of the brain)
Cannabis sativa L. Extract Increases COX-1, COX-2 and TNF-α in the Hippocampus of Rats with Neuropathic Pain
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/1/194
In a mouse model of peripheral nerve injury, their CB1 receptor gene & all four opioid receptor genes were downregulated via the transcription repressor REST
Nerve injury inhibits Oprd1 and Cnr1 transcription through REST in primary sensory neurons
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39496614/
In a mouse model of spinal cord injury, vesicles loaded with a drug to activate the CB2 receptor significantly improved motor function recovery, decreased proinflammatory cytokines, enhanced oxidative defense & reduced apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide) via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Therapeutic potential of EVs loaded with CB2 receptor agonist in spinal cord injury via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39466990/
In a rat model of diabetes, painkilling treatment with ATL (aspirin-triggered lipoxin A4) was enhanced with drugs that activated either the CB1 or CB2 receptor
Aspirin-triggered lipoxin A4 reduces neuropathic pain and anxiety-like behaviours in male diabetic rats: antinociceptive enhancement by cannabinoid receptor agonists
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S001429992500007X
Creating a scaffolding for bone growth out of cannabis leaves
Enhanced Bone Assembly on a Surface Functionalized Cannabis Leaves Derived Scaffolds
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A12%3A2574380/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Ascholar&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A181752888&crl=c&link_origin=scholar.google.com
Guts, Metabolism & Oral Health
On the quality of Google searches on CBD & obesity in English & Italian
In Web We Trust: The Promised Cannabidiol Effects on Obesity as a Matter of Language and Marketing on Webpages
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39757644/
In the rat ventral tegmental area (a brain center of motivation & reward processing), ghrelin (the hormone of food intake) stimulates dopamine cells & food motivation via the CB1 receptor
Ghrelin recruits the endocannabinoid system to modulate food reward
https://www.jneurosci.org/content/early/2025/01/08/JNEUROSCI.1620-24.2024.abstract
In a mouse model of pathological eating behavior, the CB1 receptors in the CaMKII+ neurons are instrumental for feeding behavior & energy storage
Cannabinoid type-1 receptors in CaMKII neurons drive impulsivity in pathological eating behavior
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39788291/
For the pancreas, three new peptides from hemp seeds that inhibit pancreatic lipase (“digestive juice” for breaking down fats)
Isolation and identification of novel hemp seed protein-derived pancreatic lipase inhibitory peptides
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212429225000100
From cannabis leaves, three new inhibitors of α-glucosidase (breaks down starches for intestinal absorption)
Three new α-glucosidase inhibitors from aqueous extract of Cannabis sativa leaves: isolation, characterisation, and kinetic study
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14786419.2024.2448841
Immune System & Microbial
On the association between inflammation markers & chronic cannabis use, this meta-analysis of five articles found higher levels of a number of immune cell types
The association between hematological markers of inflammation and chronic cannabis use: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39502297/
In older women with HIV, they were 2 to 3 times more likely to be using cannabis
LIFETIME AND CURRENT CANNABIS USE BY OLDER WOMEN WITH HIV PARTICIPATING IN THE MACS/WIHS COMBINED COHORT STUDY
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11690029/
Hormones & Reproduction
In human brain cell cultures, a review of the effects of cannabinoids on brain development
Modeling the Effect of Cannabinoid Exposure During Human Neurodevelopment Using Bidimensional and Tridimensional Cultures
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/14/2/70
In a rat model of prenatal cannabis exposure, smoked cannabis versus injected cannabinoids had differential effects on the offspring
Differential effects of gestational Cannabis smoke and phytocannabinoid injections on male and female rat offspring behavior
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278584624003099
In bovine sperm capacitation (maturation), anandamide helped to regulate the process via the GPRS55 receptors (which may one day be known as the CB3 receptors)
Role of GPR55 receptor in bovine sperm capacitation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39749764/
Genitourinary System
In people with chronic kidney disease, Sativex (a 1:1 THC:CBD spray) caused higher blood cannabinoid levels in those with a more advanced stage of the disease
Pharmacokinetics and side effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468024924034764
In a mouse model of kidney toxicity, the terpene beta-caryophyllene prevented renal tissue damage, suppressed lipid breakdown, reduced inflammation & enhanced the antioxidant defense mechanism in the kidneys
Beta-caryophyllene ameliorates environmental toxicants-induced experimental nephrotoxicity through regulation of redox system and inflammation
https://or.niscpr.res.in/index.php/IJBB/article/view/8801
The Heart & Blood
In people with sickle cell anemia, a certain variant of the CB2 was associated with a lower risk of developing the common symptom of priapism (a prolonged erection that occurs without sexual stimulation (no jokes. this sucks))
The endocannabinoid system’s genetic polymorphisms in sickle cell anemia patients
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-76480-0
In the small arteries of rats (but not the large arteries), CBD inhibited their contraction via CGRP & calcium channels
Cannabidiol selectively inhibits the contraction of rat small resistance arteries: Possible role for CGRP and voltage-gated calcium channels
https://glucocorticoidrecepsignal.com/index.php/sod-mn/gw9662/
The Liver & Drug Metabolism
In human liver cells, on the metabolizing enzymes altered by CBD & THC
Cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Induce Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes, but not Transporters, in Human Hepatocytes: Implications for predicting complex cannabinoid-drug interactions
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0090955625001126
The Lungs
For asthma, states with liberalized cannabis laws had higher rates of inpatient visits for asthma
Impact of medical and recreational cannabis laws on inpatient visits for asthma
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39739251/
In lung alveoli cells, terpenes from cannabis had minimal impact on their function
The effect of cannabis-derived terpenes on alveolar macrophage function
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/toxicology/articles/10.3389/ftox.2024.1504508/abstract
The Skin
For wound infections in cancer & diabetic patients, on combining cannabis with Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) for antibiotic effects
Comparative antimicrobial activity of non-fermented and fermented extracts of Artemisia vulgaris L. and Cannabis sativa L. on pathogenic organisms associated with cancer and diabetic wounds
https://www.netjournals.org/pdf/AMPR/2025/1/24-033.pdf
In skin stem cells exposed to UVB, CBG combined with 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid-EAA (a stable derivative of vitamin C) regenerated the disturbed lipid bilayer & reduced oxidative stress, inflammation & lipid breakdown
Antioxidant and membrane-protective effects of the 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid-cannabigerol system on UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891584925000085
On creating a CBD patch for anti-inflammatory effects
View of Creation and Assessment of the Transdermal Patch Containing Extracted CBD and its Anti-Inflammatory Qualities
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jatin-Agarwal-17/publication/387675391_Creation_and_Assessment_of_the_Transdermal_Patch_Containing_Extracted_CBD_and_its_Anti-Inflammatory_Qualities/links/6777881000aa3770e0d32c75/Creation-and-Assessment-of-the-Transdermal-Patch-Containing-Extracted-CBD-and-its-Anti-Inflammatory-Qualities.pdf
In cosmetics, quantifying CBD with a solid-phase extraction & an HPLC-UV-MS/MS
Challenges of cannabidiol determination in emulsified cosmetics and application of solid-phase extraction followed by HPLC-UV-MS/MS
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00216-024-05716-9
Cancer & Chemotherapy
In states with no legal cannabis marketplace, an evaluation of the racial disparities in cancer patient’s provider's communication about cannabis
Evaluating racial disparities in cancer patient-provider communication about cannabis in a state without a legal cannabis marketplace
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-024-09131-9
For anticancer activities, a book chapter on targeting the CB2 receptor
The Role of Cannabinoid Receptors Subtype 2 in Cancer A Promising Therapeutical Target
https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-030-80962-1_368-1
In canine cutaneous mast cell tumor (cancer of the allergy cells of the skin, quite common in dogs), the dogs had higher levels of 2-AG & lower levels of anandamide & PEA in their blood
Circulating Endocannabinoids in Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumor
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39457916/
In a mouse model of carcinogenic toxicity, extracts of cannabis leaf & Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) increased their body weight & protected from the hematological (blood) disruptions associated with cancer
Effects of Artemisia vulgaris L. and Cannabis sativa L. on body weight and haematological parameters of DMBA-induced female wistar rats
https://www.netjournals.org/pdf/AMPR/2025/1/24-032.pdf
In colorectal cancer cells, CBD lowered proliferation, migration & invasion & induced apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Cannabidiol Targets Colorectal Cancer Cells via Cannabinoid Receptor 2, Independent of Common Mutations
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsptsci.4c00644
In colorectal cancer cells, CBG caused antiproliferative activity & apoptosis (program cellular suicide)
Cannabigerol Treatment Shows Antiproliferative Activity and Causes Apoptosis of Human Colorectal Cancer Cells
https://www.journal-jop.org/journal/view.html?uid=1101&vmd=Full
In the microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, the GPR55 receptor (which may one day be known as CB3) may drive tumor growth via the suppression of T cell function)
GPR55 in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer controls tumorigenesis
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1513547/full
Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids
A structure-activity relationship for synthetic cannabinoids with different types of head moieties (structures) found the strongest to be a l-tert-leucinate head moiety & indazole core
Assessment of high-efficacy agonism in synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists containing l- tert-leucinate
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39464043/
On measuring ADMB-FUBIATA kinetics through liver microsomes using turbulent flow chromatography & UHPLC-MS/MS
Establishment of an online pretreatment method for quantifying a novel synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist, ADMB-FUBIATA, based on turbulent flow chromatography and UHPLC-MS/MS: Application to enzyme kinetics of ADMB-FUBIATA in human liver microsomes at different ethanol concentrations
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0026265X24027346
For synthetic cannabinoids sold online, reference standards of their NMR data
NMR Spectroscopic Reference Data of Synthetic Cannabinoids Sold on the Internet
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39743737/
Biochemical Discoveries & Tools
A book chapter on probes for investigating the endocannabinoid system
Chemical Probes for Investigating the Endocannabinoid System
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/7854_2024_563
On creating radioactive tracers for imaging the MAGL enzyme (which synthesizes 2A-G)
Radiosynthesis and evaluation of novel 18F labeled PET ligands for imaging monoacylglycerol lipase
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S022352342500011X
A new series of compounds for interacting with both the orthosteric & allosteric binding sites of the CB1 receptor
Novel Orthosteric/Allosteric Ligands of Cannabinoid Receptors: An Unexpected Pharmacological Profile
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01778
On high-resolution imaging of the interactions of THC analogs with the CB1 receptor via cryo-EM
Structural basis of THC analog activity at the Cannabinoid 1 receptor
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-55808-4
Using nanostructured lipid carriers to carry CBD for improved oral bioavailability
Enhancement of cannabidiol oral bioavailability through the development of nanostructured lipid carriers: In vitro and in vivo evaluation studies
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13346-024-01766-9
Making oral films with CBD
Development and in vitro Evaluation of Cannabidiol Mucoadhesive Buccal Film Formulations Using Hot-Melt Extrusion Technology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39474240/
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For today’s classic Nubian music, Hamza El Din’s ‘Al Oud: Instruments & Vocal Music’. Born in southern Egypt, El Din originally trained to be an electrical engineer but after a stint for the national railway, he began studying music at Cairo University & composing songs for the oud, the traditional short-necked Arabian lute. On a trip to Rome, he met a music producer who shared his music with Bob Dylan, Joan Baez & the Grateful Dead. A record contract soon followed & he moved to the US in the early ‘60s. El Din played the Newport Folk Festival in 1964 & Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead produced his album ‘Escalay: The Water Wheel’, now known as one of the first works of world music to achieve wide success in the West. He started performing often with the Grateful Dead, most notably during their Egypt concerts of 1978. He spent the next decades also teaching ethnomusicology at US universities & mentoring & inspiring a wide array of musicians.
(I don’t always spend all week with listening to my artist of the week, but I sure have been for El Din – and he’s a great one for calming kids)
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