C&P#131: New Canna-Conf. Sponsor! + cannabis for cancer, memory problems in young adults & CHS on the rise
The CB Expo sponsors the news
This week…
Cancer patients on cannabis symptom relief
Meta-analysis of CBD for drug-resistant epilepsy in adults
In heavy young adult users, lower brain activation during a working memory task
CHS on the rise (28% per year ?!)
Acupuncture & the ECS
When using AI chatbots to induce guilt over cannabis driving, what’s the best voice to use? (the answer probably won’t surprise you)
Hemp feed for your chickens!
Less death anxiety in psychedelic users
Indian elephant pole-dancing competitions & other Neural Ocean metaphors
3 Corners: Music, History & Classic Cannabis Cinema
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 131st edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science, canna-news & psychedelic updates. Upgrade to a paid subscription here to support my work sharing canna-science. As always, ask me anything.
Editor’s notes:
Greetings to our first new sponsor of the new year: the CB Expo!
This was the first cannabis conference I attended after we moved to Europe & it was a great place for connection. From the 18th to 20th of September in the lovely German city of Dortmund, they always have a host of excellent speakers (including me last year) & it’s a congenial place for meeting a wide array of European & international canna-business people. Sign up for their newsletter & follow their socials here:
https://cb-expo.com/en/
Also, thanks to Dr. Rocío O for becoming a paid subscriber & supporting this work.
As you can imagine, the income from newsletter sponsorships pales next to my freelance work for companies & research projects, but today on my 42nd birthday (shh, I never make a big thing out of it), I do dream of a day where I have enough support to dedicate myself to the full-time creation & dissemination of free cannabinoid science & medical content to everyone it might help.
And even to find funding for an illustrator for my Moby Dick cannabis graphic novels. The next 7 chapters are all written & ready to go. I just need to find the illustrator & funding to bring them to life. So those are my wishes on this day – and thanks most of all to all of you readers who have helped make it happen & encouraged me both financially & with words of support. Many thanks.
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:
https://www.instagram.com/cannabisandhealthresearch/
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 based on Moby Dick: On Amazon, check out ‘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 continuing series, 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)
My Vids:
(on TT @lexpelgerandhisbooks or on YouTube)
I’m backing up the earliest videos from my first days on TikTok to my YouTube account (mostly because these are records for my kids in case I’m gone & I trust YT to stick around more than TT). Here’s some of them getting the most views:
'The Story of Tibet' by Tom Laird (a quite personal story)
Ways to support this work:
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Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
Clinical
In a survey of Dutch people with a brain tumor, 19% used cannabis for symptom relief or effect on the tumor & they self-reported “sleep, anxiety, worrying, and depressive symptoms most frequently improved”
Cannabis use among Dutch patients with a primary brain tumor
https://academic.oup.com/nop/advance-article/doi/10.1093/nop/npaf009/7976858
On CBD for drug-resistant epilepsy, a meta-analysis of 16 studies covering 668 participants found a “statistically significant seizure reduction”
The use of cannabidiol as adjunctive therapy in adult patients with drug-resistant epilepsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/17562864251313914
For sleep apnea, combining acetazolamide with dronabinol (synthetic THC) reduced disease scores & improved oxygen desaturation
A randomised dose finding study of combination dronabinol and acetazolamide for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39589391/
In a memory study of healthy adults, CBD did not impair learning or memory
Oral cannabidiol did not impair learning and memory in healthy adults
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-025-00262-2
For dosing the anesthetic propofol, this meta-analysis of eight studies found that cannabis users tended to need more for sedation
Quantitative Analysis of Propofol Dosage in Cannabis Users: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/3/858
In veterans using cannabis for chronic pain, a pilot program of individual coaching sessions to help them use it yielded decreased pain intensity & pain interference as well as increased social satisfaction
Feasibility pilot of a novel coaching intervention to optimize cannabis use for chronic pain management among Veterans
https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-025-00265-z
“Participants noted helpful intervention factors, including co-developing a personalized plan, discussing questions/concerns, and trying different approaches to cannabis-based treatment.”
Case Reports (the good & bads)
In a case report of a child with autism, hemp protein powder “calmed him and then improved his coordination, concentration and speech”
Promise of Cannabinoid in Autism Spectrum Disorder
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388399652_Promise_of_Cannabinoid_in_Autism_Spectrum_Disorder
This is a rather confusing report & I'm not exactly sure what they were giving this kid.
A case report of someone with Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (a rare lung disease that occurs primarily in young adult tobacco smokers) after smoking 10 blunts a day for 20 years (a literature review found five additional case reports)
Pulmonary langerhans cell histiocytosis secondary to Marijuana use: a case report and systematic review of the literature
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12890-025-03513-3
A case report of the accidental vaping of ADB-BUTINACA
Involuntary intoxication caused by vaping the synthetic cannabinoid ADB-BUTINACA: a case report
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750025000484
Harms
In a brain scan study that's been making the rounds of the popular press, young adults with a history of heavy cannabis use had lower brain activation during a working memory task (though no changes on the other 7 neural domains measured)
Brain Function Outcomes of Recent and Lifetime Cannabis Use
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2829657
In Jamaica, public health data showed that half of Jamaicans who used cannabis in the past year reported severe problematic cannabis usage & smoked an average of two joints per day
Prevalence and correlates of severe problematic cannabis use: analysis of a population-based survey in Jamaica
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39600793/
In middle-aged & older adults, a meta-analysis of their adverse events from cannabinoids (though they called them generally “safe and acceptable”)
Adverse events caused by cannabinoids in middle aged and older adults for all indications: a meta-analysis of incidence rate difference
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39602500/
For children in cannabis-smoking households, they were 5x more likely to have detectable THC levels in their urine
Exposure to Secondhand Cannabis Smoke Among Children
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2829482
For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in youth, this review of emergency department visits between 2006 & 2020 found an average annual increase of 28%
Increasing trends of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in youth: The grass is not always greener
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39868747/
On cannabis use & heart disease, a review of the preclinical, clinical & now epidemiological studies
The relationship between cannabis and cardiovascular disease: clearing the haze
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41569-025-01121-6
“Cannabinoids adversely affect the cardiovascular system, causing myocardial infarction [heart attack], cerebrovascular accidents [stroke], arrhythmia [abnormal heart rhythm] and heart failure.”
And for cannabis use & the heart, a review of the negatives
A Review of Cardiovascular Effects of Marijuana Use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39565147/
And in people hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome, those with cannabis in their urine had a higher rate of in-hospital major adverse events
In-hospital outcomes following an acute coronary syndrome in patients with recent cannabis use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39578211/
And in healthy young people, inhalation of THC-rich cannabis (but not CBD-rich) increased heart rate & blood pressure “which may increase arterial stiffness and reduce diastolic function”
Acute Effects of Cannabis Inhalation on Arterial Stiffness, Vascular Endothelial Function, and Cardiac Function
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39575727/
On prenatal cannabinoid use, a review of the effects on the monoamine system (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin & histamine) found “significant disruptions in neurotransmitter regulation and neurodevelopmental changes”
Effects of prenatal cannabinoid use on the monoamine system in the fetoplacental unit: A systematic review of animal and human studies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871625000328
For oral health, a review found cannabis linked to a higher prevalence & severity of periodontitis as well as changes to the oral microbiome
Impact of Chronic Cannabis Use on Oral and Periodontal Health: A Comprehensive Literature Review
https://halafoundation.com/index.php/ijchmd/article/view/32
In people with cannabis use disorder, an analysis found their most potentially serious cannabis-drug interactions to be levomethadone, buprenorphine & morphine
Drug interactions in a sample of inpatients diagnosed with cannabis use disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39849214/
These are all opioid drugs – and they don’t really strike me as much of a risk. You never see case reports of this causing serious harm. And these researchers keep using the word “potentially” but don’t offer any examples of problems.
Reviews
For Sturge-Weber syndrome (a rare brain/skin disorder), this review showed the help of CBD for seizures, cognitive impairment, emotional regulation & quality of life (good chart of pathways)
A Review of Sturge-Weber Syndrome Brain Involvement, Cannabidiol Treatment and Molecular Pathways
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39598668/
For postoperative pain, a review of five studies on using cannabinoids
Cannabinoids for Acute Postoperative Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39878042/
On gastrointestinal health, a review of using the cannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids and Their Effects on Gastrointestinal System Health
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388335946_Phytocannabinoids_and_Their_Effects_on_Gastrointestinal_System_Health
For metabolism & the ECS, a review of the effects of gender
Endocannabinoid System and Metabolism: The Influences of Sex
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39595979/
On electroacupuncture, a review of the involvement of the endocannabinoid system (nice charts)
Research progress regarding endocannabinoid system involvement in pain modulation and electroacupuncture analgesia
https://journals.lww.com/ahm/abstract/9900/research_progress_regarding_endocannabinoid_system.107.aspx
A very negative European review of CBD's risks & “no scientific evidence that would substantiate health claims”
Cannabidiol in Foods and Food Supplements: Evaluation of Health Risks and Health Claims
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/3/489
This reads more like a hit-piece. Sure, liver enzyme levels can go up, but to say there’s no evidence for CBD for anything?
Have they even been reading this newsletter?
For veterinary medicine, an editorial & advice on the use of cannabinoids
Editorial: Use of Cannabis Derivatives in Veterinary Medicine
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1539422/abstract
Preclinical
(basically, the phytocannabinoid research goes here & the ECS research goes below)
In rodents & rabbits, cannabis extract had a favorable safety profile for both acute & prolonged toxicity studies
Acute and prolonged toxicity assessment of Cannabis sativa extract in rodents and lagomorphs
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750025000368
In older male rats, CBD caused higher antioxidant defenses & better immunity “suggesting it is a strategy for achieving healthy aging”
Cannabidiol, a Strategy in Aging to Improve Redox State and Immunity in Male Rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39596353/
In rats, cannabis smoke & oral THC enhanced working memory in the aged but not young adults
Cannabis smoke and oral Δ9THC enhance working memory in aged but not young adult subjects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39574655/
In a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis, CBD reversed their gut dysbiosis & inhibited inflammation from immune cells
Cannabidiol regulates L-carnitine and butyric acid metabolism by modulating the gut microbiota to ameliorate collagen-induced arthritis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39591767/
In a tissue & mouse model of heart injury from the chemotherapy treatment doxorubicin, CBD caused cardioprotective effects via the Hippo pathway
Cannabidiol Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Myocardial Injury via Activating Hippo Pathway
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2147/DDDT.S497323
In a mouse model of colitis, THC at the highest dose significantly improved colitis markers while THC at a lower dose when combined with CBD (or the CB1 allosteric modulator ZCZ011)“significantly alleviated colitis markers, restored colon integrity and reestablished GLP-1 homeostasis”
Enhancing Tetrahydrocannabinol’s Therapeutic Efficacy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Roles of Cannabidiol and the Cannabinoid 1 Receptor Allosteric Modulator ZCZ011
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/2/148
In a rat model of renal toxicity, cannabis extract caused remarkably decreased inflammation & a restoration of renal biomarkers almost close to the normal range
Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis sativa Extract in Mitigating Diclofenac-Induced Renal Toxicity in WistarRats
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sokjmls/article/view/287292
In a rat model of liver damage, the endocannabinoid oleoylethanolamide used 258 targets to protect the liver including by suppressing Wnt3a/β-catenin & activating PGC-1α signaling
The PPAR-α agonist oleoyethanolamide (OEA) ameliorates valproic acid-induced steatohepatitis in rats via suppressing Wnt3a/β-catenin and activating PGC-1α: Involvement of network pharmacology and molecular docking
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299925000597
In skin, CBD & CBG reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines & lowered environmental skin damage
Exploring Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) Safety Profile and Skincare Potential
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39596290/
In the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, the terpene beta-caryophyllene enhanced the action of ampicillin, perhaps by its inhibition of efflux pumps (which move unwanted proteins out of cells)
ADME/Tox study and the effect of β-Caryophyllene on the resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus carrying the QacA/B efflux pump gene
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750025000472
Novel Studies
(my new grab bag section for stuff I haven’t quite seen before)
When using AI chatbots to induce guilt about driving after cannabis use, the best voices to use are a casually speaking female voice or a formally speaking male voice
AI chatbot interventions in combatting marijuana-impaired driving: the role of gender, linguistic style, and hypocrisy induction
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02650487.2025.2452048
the Headlines & Fav Articles
*** Sponsored by the CB Expo ***
For the cannabis & hemp industries of Europe, a great conference in lovely Dortmund this September. See you there!
RFK plans to defer to the DEA on cannabis rescheduling
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/rfk-says-hell-defer-to-dea-on-marijuana-rescheduling-as-trumps-health-secretary-while-dodging-questions-on-legalization-support
Indoor US cannabis farms use more energy than all other agriculture
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2467031-indoor-cannabis-farms-in-us-use-more-energy-than-all-other-agriculture/
OSHA issued fines to several cannabis companies totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars
https://www.greenmarketreport.com/fatalities-safety-hazards-fines-federal-oversight-of-cannabis-industry-ramps-up/
In Kentucky, the governor personally presented the first two medical cannabis cards
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/kentucky-governor-personally-awards-states-first-medical-marijuana-cards-and-pushes-congress-to-end-gun-ban-for-patients/
Music Corner: ‘I Grew Weed’, the official music video from Brett McFarland who did time for growing (light nudity) (hattip to Craig Miller)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehlXBRjrpmw
Classic Cannabis Cinema Corner: “I Think I Kinda Want It!” in ‘Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-owB4IBjyaY
History Corner: In a Chinese shipwreck from the ~1200s, a hemp-based caulking material
Integrated analytical techniques for the study of composite waterproof caulking materials used on the Nanhai Ⅰ ancient shipwreck of the Southern Song Dynasty
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1296207424002759
I would expect nothing less from the region long known as the Land of Mulberry & Hemp.
International
In Austria, hemp flowers will be hit with a 34% tobacco tax
https://www.newsweed.fr/lautriche-impose-une-taxe-tabac-pour-les-fleurs-cbd/
Paraguay exported its first cannabis shipment
https://sechat.com.br/noticia/paraguai-faz-historia-com-a-exportacao-de-flores-de-cannabis-industrial-para-a-suica-sob-o-nome-de-kunatai
In Mexico, the Supreme Court failed to invalidate their ban on growing cannabis for non-medical purposes
https://www.proceso.com.mx/nacional/2025/1/30/corte-no-logro-invalidar-prohibicion-de-marihuana-para-fines-recreativos-344681.html
There’s a lot of negatives in this headline, so what it means is that the ban on adult-use cannabis growing remains in place.
In the Bahamas, the government started accepting the first cannabis license applications
https://www.thenassauguardian.com/business/ag-govt-to-start-accepting-cannabis-license-applications-by-q2-2025/article_dd53a736-e0c9-11ef-94c6-b3fc8b888f2b.html
In India, Himachal Pradesh launched a pilot cannabis farming program
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/himachal-pradesh-launches-pilot-project-for-cannabis-farming-to-capitalise-its-medicinal-and-industrial-value
In France, the Mayor of Grenoble proposed a nationwide referendum to legalize cannabis
https://internationalcbc.com/french-mayor-proposes-cannabis-legalization-referendum/
An analysis of Polish cannabis forums with a great title
“Overdried, Without Curing? FCk, this [Is Supposed to be] Government Licensed Skunk!” Medical Cannabis and the Refracted Publics Within an Online Polish Drug Forum*
https://open.icm.edu.pl/server/api/core/bitstreams/47ecde60-12b2-43bf-8a23-3324090cda3c/content
In Croatia, an analysis of their hemp products
Hemp products – monitoring, legislation, and results of analysis
https://www.proquest.com/openview/a40d846e8fea201691ebbcec82ec27e9/1
The War on Drugs + Driving
A DEA officer gets 17 years in prison for selling seized drugs
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/former-deputy-sheriff-and-dea-task-force-officer-sentenced-more-17-years-federal
The odd part is that he got caught. Any history of this agency makes it clear how often this happens & how it’s mirrored at the local level of city narcotics enforcement as well as the international level of the CIA et al. Watch ‘The Wire’ or read Dan Baum (RIP) or Douglas Valentine or Alfred McCoy or Anabel Hernández.
Also, I’m planning on expanding my War on Drugs coverage because during chaotic administrations, it tends to roar on unchecked, continuing to destroy lives & so I want to shine my flashlight in that direction.
Reuters: For $3600, we bought online everything we needed to make $3M worth of fentanyl
https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/drugs-fentanyl-supplychain/
In adolescents, a web intervention to prevent alcohol & cannabis-impaired driving
Feasibility and acceptability of a web-intervention to prevent alcohol and cannabis-impaired driving among adolescents in driver education
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39558402/
Business, Economics & Education
Curaleaf donated $250k to Trump’s inauguration
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/major-marijuana-company-donated-250000-to-trumps-inauguration-as-industry-works-to-earn-presidents-favor-to-advance-reform/
On CBD for pets, a review of the marketing & regulatory challenges as well as quality & safety
CBD for pets: navigating quality assurance, safety standards, and marketing strategies
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-024-00257-5
For vape products sold online, analysis of their most frequent marketing features
Derived Intoxicating Cannabis Vape Product Attributes and Marketing in an Online Retail Environment
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.22.25320970v1
For wine & cannabis consumers in Germany, surveys of their consumption motivations
Unveiling wine and cannabis consumption motivations: a segmentation study of wine consumers in Germany
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/ijwbr-07-2024-0036/full/html
In Thailand Gen Zs, on their experiences around cannabis-infused food & beverages & their citizenship behavior
Understanding Generation Z customers’ citizenship behaviour in relation to cannabis-infused food and beverage experiences
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/yc-07-2024-2131/full/html
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
Both the Peru & Costa Rican US embassies issue warnings to not use plant medicines
https://pe.usembassy.gov/health-alert-do-not-use-ayahuasca-kambo/?_bhlid=2de64429f32b22a642301f4e3c7c0ef981fd5bf2
https://ticotimes.net/2025/01/28/costa-rica-issues-health-warning-on-ayahuasca-ibogaine-use?_bhlid=b200a337b3c34b5c37dbe20fd99d4d692c47113e
The Psychoactive Research
Less death anxiety in psychedelic users
Death Anxiety Among Users and Non-Users of Psychedelics
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02791072.2025.2451035
Hell yeah. I don’t even believe in death anymore.
For adverse psychiatric effects of psychedelic drugs, a systematic review of 30+ case reports
Adverse psychiatric effects of psychedelic drugs: a systematic review of case reports
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39564729/
A case report of suicide shortly after psilocybin-assisted psychedelic therapy
Suicide of a patient shortly after psilocybin-assisted psychedelic therapy: A case report Suicide of a patient shortly after psilocybin-assisted psychedelic therapy: A case report
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178125000307
A survey on the risks & benefits of psychedelics
Psychedelic risks and benefits: A cross-sectional survey study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39610363/
In people with alcohol use disorder, psilocybin reduced drinking, neuroticism & impulsiveness while increasing extraversion & openness
Multidimensional Personality Changes Following Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder: Results From a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39741446/
In healthcare providers burned out from COVID, group psilocybin-assisted therapy & mindfulness based stress reduction improved depressive symptoms
Psilocybin-Assisted Group Psychotherapy + Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Frontline Healthcare Provider COVID-19 Related Depression and Burnout: A Randomized Clinical Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39802794/
In psilocybin for depression, on the mood & personality changes most linked to benefits
Moderating factors in psilocybin-assisted treatment affecting mood and personality: A naturalistic, open-label investigation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39775022/
In people with treatment-resistant depression, ketamine reduced anxiety
Effect of ketamine on anxiety: findings from the Ketamine for Adult Depression Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39763417/
Inhaled DMT’s pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of an innovative psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine/harmine formulation in healthy participants: a randomized controlled trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39774840/
For PTSD, a review of 25 studies on how psychedelics alter memory formation & alleviate symptoms
How Psychedelics Modulate Multiple Memory Mechanisms in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39455547/
The Plant & the History
Growing & Processing
For seed germination, an analysis of different seed priming techniques: indole butyric acid, moringa leaf extract, KNO3 & hydro-priming
Influence of different priming treatments on germination potential and seedling establishment of four important hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivars
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-86469-y
In drought conditions, nanosilicon improved hemp’s yield & morphological characteristics
The interaction effect of water deficit stress and nanosilicon on phytochemical and physiological characteristics of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39561683/
The effects of lead stress on two hemp cultivars
The Tolerance Differences of Two Industrial Hemp Varieties Under Lead (Pb) Stress
https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/2/90
A review of cannabis quality control measures
Cannabis sativa: Quality Control Testing Measures and Guidelines: An Update
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388281237_Cannabis_sativa_Quality_Control_Testing_Measures_and_Guidelines_An_Update
In northern India, an analysis of their cultivar diversity & composition
Unveiling Cannabinoids and Terpenes Diversity in Cannabis sativa L. from Northern India for Future Breeding Strategies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39853702/
For herbicide tolerance in cannabis, a genetic analysis of the CYP450 enzymes
Genome-wide analysis of the Cannabis sativa cytochrome P450 monooxygenase superfamily and uncovering candidate genes for improved herbicide tolerance
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39574440/
A genotyping panel for differentiating cannabis cultivars
Development and validation of a minimal SNP genotyping panel for the differentiation of Cannabis sativa cultivars
https://bmcgenomics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12864-025-11263-z
In hemp flowers Infected with the fungus Fusarium graminearum, on a method of detecting the mycotoxins it produces
Separation and quantification of mycotoxins in floral tissue of hemp (Cannabis sativa) infected with Fusarium graminearum
https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/jsf2.235
Formulating & Analyzing
When measuring cannabinoids with near-infrared spectroscopy, guidelines for correcting for measurement variability
Quantification of spectral measurement errors to guide preprocessing method selection: A case study on cannabinoid prediction across multiple NIR instruments
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003267025000996
Food & Nutrition
For hemp bread, the effects of the fermentation process
The Influence of Fermentation Technology on the Functional and Sensory Properties of Hemp Bread
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39598844/
For Romanian hemp seeds, their antioxidant properties & nutritional profile
Nutritional Profile and Antioxidant Properties of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Seed from Romania[v1]
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202501.1812/v1
On the digestion of hempseed meal by horses
Fiber composition, in vitro true digestibility, and fiber degradation of hempseed meal compared to mainstream feedstuffs using equine feces as microbial inoculum within the DaisyII Incubator
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39550047/
In broiler chickens, a meta-analysis showed hemp feed reduced plasma triglycerides, cholesterol & low-density lipoproteins while increasing high-density lipoproteins with no effects on meat parameters or body weight
Meta-analysis of dietary supplementation with hemp products (Cannabis sativa L.) in broiler chicken: performances, blood profiles, intestinal morphology, and meat physicochemical parameters
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388281392_Meta-analysis_of_dietary_supplementation_with_hemp_products_Cannabis_sativa_L_in_broiler_chicken_performances_blood_profiles_intestinal_morphology_and_meat_physicochemical_parameters
Industrial Uses & Fiber
Making UV-protective hemp textiles
Development of UV-Protective Hemp-Based Eco-Friendly Textiles
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/app.56737
On finding the ideal blend of hemp biodiesel, oleic acid biodiesel & conventional diesel
Production of biodiesel from hemp oil and oleic acid with sulfonated camphor catalysts is to be evaluated with controlled tests in a diesel engine
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/ijcre-2024-0172/html
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
Public Health
In sexual minority & heterosexual females, a comparison of their perceptions on cannabis use & harms
Exploring Differences in Cannabis Use and Harm Perceptions Among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Females: A Brief Report
https://publications.sciences.ucf.edu/cannabis/index.php/Cannabis/article/view/273
In Canadian middle-aged adults, an analysis of their cannabis consumption
Cannabis Consumption Among Adults Aged 55-65 in Canada, 2018-2021
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39553892/
In Israel, the characteristics of people admitted to the hospital with a positive cannabis urine test
Characteristics of Patients Admitted to the Medical Ward with a Positive Urine Test for Cannabis: A Medical Center Experience
https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=140269
In the hashish users of Pakistan, it had some kind of effect on their life (what a confusingly worded paper)
The mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between illness perception and quality of life among hashish users
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/add-09-2024-0026/full/html
Adolescents & Young Adults
In young people in Rhode Island, the public health data on their cannabis-related emergency department visits
Cannabis-Related Emergency Department Visits Among Rhode Island Residents Under the Age of 25, 2019-2023
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39577004/
On why young adults take tolerance breaks
What Are Tolerance Breaks and Why Do Young Adults Take Them? A Qualitative Investigation of Temporary Abstinence Breaks from Cannabis
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388297717_What_Are_Tolerance_Breaks_and_Why_Do_Young_Adults_Take_Them_A_Qualitative_Investigation_of_Temporary_Abstinence_Breaks_from_Cannabis
In brain scans of cortical thickness & tests of temporal decision making, there were gendered differences in young adult cannabis users
Sex differences in inter-temporal decision making and cortical thickness of the orbitofrontal and insula in young adult cannabis users: Evidence from 1111 subjects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39608224/
In the dual systems model (which explains impulsive behaviors as caused by two neurobiological brain systems), above-average cannabis use in justice-involved youth was associated with an above-average imbalance in dual systems constructs
Association between marijuana use and cognitive development: Relevance for dual systems
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0193397325000061
The Brain & Neurological Disorders
In a zebrafish model of epilepsy, both CBD & cannabis extracts reduced movement
Anticonvulsant Effects of Different Cannabis Extracts in a Zebrafish Model of Epilepsy
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202501.1920/v1
In animal brains, activating the CB2 receptor reduced action potentials & increased peak potential interval time, action potential start time & potential amplitude after hyperpolarization amplitude in the substantia nigra (a critical dopamine-producing region of the brain)
The effect of cannabinoid type Ⅱ receptor on the excitability of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1522210/abstract
In a rat model of early life stress, inhibition of the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) reduced depressive behaviors & downregulated the genetic expression of neuroinflammatory cytokines, though with notable gender differences
FAAH Inhibition Reverses Depressive-like Behavior and Sex-Specific Neuroinflammatory Alterations Induced by Early Life Stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39594629/
In a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, inhibiting the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) reduced neuroinflammation via autophagy (cellular recycling)
FAAH Inhibition Counteracts Neuroinflammation via Autophagy Recovery in AD Models
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39596118/
In a fruit fly model of Alzheimer's disease, reducing the fatty acid binding proteins (transporters of endocannabinoids) increased Aβ plaque aggregation & cell death
Neuronal fatty acid-binding protein enhances autophagy and suppresses amyloid-β pathology in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39561115/
Making CBD nanovesicles to cross the blood-brain barrier
Development and Blood–Brain Barrier Penetration of Nanovesicles Loaded with Cannabidiol
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/2/160
Synthetic CBD & delta-8 THC dimers (joined chemical compounds) for targeting the brain
Semi-Synthesis of Dimeric Cannabidiol Derivatives and Evaluation of their Affinity at Neurological Targets
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.4c01174
Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder
In veterans with chronic pain, those with a cannabis prescription and/or who attended talk therapy tended to have higher PTSD severity but in interviews, they reported cannabis benefited their mental health
Cannabis Use Characteristics and PTSD-Related Outcomes Among Canadian Veterans With Chronic Pain
https://journal-veterans-studies.org/articles/10.21061/jvs.v11i1.582
In people with trauma, an analysis of their cannabis & benzodiazepine usage
Cannabis use regimens in trauma-exposed individuals: Associations with cannabis use quantity and frequency
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39550835/
In the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program of Illinois, cannabis use had no effects on quality of life
The association of medical cannabis use with quality of life in Illinois’ opioid alternative pilot program
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950433324006128
For treating a relapse of methamphetamine use disorder, a thesis project on targeting the endocannabinoid system
Modulating Endocannabinoid Signaling to Treat Methamphetamine Relapse
https://www.proquest.com/openview/eff31a7aa4cdcf6ddc82912e8af2d11a/1
For anxiety, a review of benzodiazepines & the endocannabinoid system
Bridging the gap: The endocannabinoid system as a functional fulcrum for benzodiazepines in a novel frontier of anxiety pharmacotherapy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163725825000117
In a review on naltrexone (an opioid blocker), it was found to not block the enjoyment of exercise (“the runner’s high”), suggesting that this might be the result of the endocannabinoid system rather than the opioid system
Does Naltrexone Therapy Alter the Rewarding Nature of Exercise, Socialization, and Eating? Addressing the Gap in Research on Naltrexone’s Effects in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder.
https://mjm.mcgill.ca/article/download/1058/889?inline=1
In people with substance use disorders who had a relapse, a review of the involved genetic elements
Genomic factors associated with substance use disorder relapse: A critical review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39553284/
In a mouse model of anxiety, those without a receptor for the lipid lysophosphatidic acid had higher levels of anxiety as well as altered 2-AG levels, with effects more pronounced in females
Sex-specific alterations in emotional behavior and neurotransmitter systems in LPA1 receptor-deficient mice
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0028390825000310
Pain, Musculoskeletal & Surgeries
In people with metabolic syndrome, 8 weeks of a combination of PEA+rutin with hydroxytyrosol caused a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index, fat mass & inflammation biomarkers
The Effects of a Food Supplement, Based on Co-Micronized Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)–Rutin and Hydroxytyrosol, in Metabolic Syndrome Patients: Preliminary Results
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/3/413
In chronic pain patients, on measuring patterns of opioid & medical cannabis use with an Ecological Momentary Assessment
Predictors of participant compliance with ecological momentary assessment among individuals with chronic pain who are using cannabis and opioids
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39611051/
For muscle hypertrophy & metabolic processes, a review that suggests blocking the CB1 receptor “enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, reduces body fat, and promotes muscle growth through pathways such as PI3K/Akt and mTOR”
Impact of CB1 receptor antagonism on skeletal muscle hypertrophy and metabolic health: a systematic review of preclinical studies
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42000-025-00628-4
For bone fracture healing, a review on the terpene beta-caryophyllene as well as statins
β-Caryophyllene and Statins in Bone Fracture Healing – A Narrative Review
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2147/ORR.S506427
In a mouse model of migraines, both anandamide & nitroglycerin (an inducer of migraines) alone increased the expression of CamKIIα (calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha) & VPAC1 (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide type 1 receptor) in the neck vertebrate but interestingly, this didn’t happen when they were together
CamKIIα and VPAC1 Expressions in the Caudal Trigeminal Nucleus of Rats After Systemic Nitroglycerin Treatment: Interaction with Anandamide
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/2/155
In a tissue sample of Gorham-Stout disease (the very rare “disappearing bone disease” of huge bone loss), there was altered expression of the CB1, CB2, TRPV1 & GPR55 receptors
The Presence of the Endocannabinoid System in an In Vitro Model of Gorham-Stout Disease and Its Possible Role in the Pathogenesis
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/3/1143
For pain control, on improving CBD bioavailability with cyclodextrins
Enhancing Cannabinoid Bioavailability in Pain Management: The Role of Cyclodextrins
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39598730/
Guts, Metabolism & Oral Health
On the antidiabetic properties of cannabis seeds, an analysis using tissue samples, rats & molecular docking studies
Characterization of phenolic compounds and evaluation of anti-diabetic potential in Cannabis sativa L. seeds: In vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies / El-Mernissi, Rafik (CC BY)
https://digital.zlb.de/viewer/metadata/1353329941/1/
For treating type 2 diabetes, a new selective GPR119 drug
Discovery of 1,4-Disubstituted Cyclohexene Analogues as Selective GPR119 Agonists for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c02655
Immune System & Microbial
In people living with HIV, there was little change in their cannabis use patterns before & after legalization
Cannabis use patterns among people with HIV before and after legalization
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39555143/
Reproduction & Hormones
In a mouse model of both maternal immune activation & pre/postnatal cannabinoid exposure, the offspring had delays on an alternation working memory task & impaired novel object recognition when one of the above activities happened, but not if they both did
CB1 and CB2 receptors differentially modulate the cognitive impact of maternal immune activation and perinatal cannabinoid exposure A
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39605459/
In mice, prenatal alcohol & cannabinoid exposure significantly reduced offspring survival & litter sizes with hyperactivity for both genders & in males only, impaired motor coordination & increased anxiety
Early Life Outcomes of Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol and Synthetic Cannabinoids in Mice
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.27.635118v1.full.pdf
The Genitourinary System
In people with chronic kidney disease, a debate on whether cannabinoids will prove useful in those with severe conditions
Searching for fire amid the smoke: will cannabinoids prove useful and safe for those with chronic kidney disease?
https://www.kireports.org/article/S2468-0249(25)00056-7/fulltext
In a rat model of lower urinary tract symptoms, the new treatment of a corticotropin-releasing hormone worked to increase urination via the CB2 receptor
Spinal CRH facilitates the micturition reflex via the CRH2 receptor in rats with normal bladder and bladder outlet obstruction
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-87990-w
Another for our list of treatments that work via the ECS…
Cancer & Chemotherapy
In leukemia cells, activating the CB1 receptors led to cell death via metabolic disruptions & the PARP1 pathway
Cannabinoids induce cell death in leukaemic cells through Parthanatos and PARP-related metabolic disruptions
https://digital.csic.es/bitstream/10261/378071/1/Cannabinoids%20induce%20cell%20death_Medrano.pdf
For glioblastoma cells (the most aggressive brain cancer), a thesis project on the anti-cancer effects of cannabis extracts
Analysis of Cannabis Extracts by LC-MS/MS, NMR, and Measuring Their Anticancer Activity Against Glioblastoma Cancer Cells
https://www.proquest.com/openview/94b8a1879701e2a4d46f21b1c4e915ac/1
In the breast cancer microbiome, a thesis project on the effects of cannabis oil
PROFILING THE MICROBIOME IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT WITH CANNABIS OIL
https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/3188964/
On creating CBD nanoparticles for treating cancer
Preparation, characterization, and functional properties of ternary composite nanoparticles for enhanced bioaccessibility and antitumor activity of cannabidiol
https://biomatj.com/ojs/index.php/main/article/view/125
Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids
On detecting indazole-type synthetic cannabinoids in blood & urine
[Simultaneous determination of 51 indazole-type synthetic cannabinoids in urine and blood by online solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography-linear ion trap mass spectrometry]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39844707/
Biochemical Discoveries & Tools
On the effects of water on the hydrogen-bonding conformational properties of CBD
Water modulated influence of intramolecular hydrogen-bonding on the conformational properties of Cannabidiol (CBD)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167732225001928
In our Neural Ocean metaphor, this is the effects of a wet T-shirt contest on an Indian elephant pole-dancing competition.
(you better believe that none of the AI image generators produced anything useful with this prompt… I’m seeking a flesh & blood illustrator with an open mind)
In computer modeling of CB2 binding, on the importance of water
Water molecules in the cannabinoid receptor 2 binding site crucially impact the discovery of novel ligands
https://chemrxiv.org/engage/api-gateway/chemrxiv/assets/orp/resource/item/678ea074fa469535b9da619b/original/water-molecules-in-the-cannabinoid-receptor-2-binding-site-crucially-impact-the-discovery-of-novel-ligands.pdf
On the dynamic structural mechanisms behind the selectivity of cannabinoid receptors for the endocannabinoids
Dynamic Mechanism for Subtype Selectivity of Endocannabinoids
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39554065/
Discovery of a new allosteric binding site on CB2
Identification of a Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Allosteric Site Using Computational Modeling and Pharmacological Analysis
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsptsci.4c00547
Effects of the CBD carbamates
Structure-Tissue Exposure/Selectivity Relationship (STR) on Carbamates of Cannabidiol
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39595958/
On measuring cannabinoid levels in urine quickly & accurately with an LC-MS/MS
Quantitative analysis of Δ8- and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol metabolites and isomers: a rapid assay in urine by LC-MS/MS
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00216-025-05738-x
On identifying cannabinoid metabolites in urine with a LC-MS/MS
LC-MS/MS confirmation of 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8, Δ9, Δ1°) and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) metabolites in authentic urine specimens
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39586679/
A thesis project on the endocannabinoid transporters ABHD6, ABHD11 & ABHD12
Pharmacological and biochemical characterization of ABHD6, ABHD11 and ABHD12
https://erepo.uef.fi/server/api/core/bitstreams/35be3cde-67a0-425b-8e02-41829e046cb7/content
In our Neural Ocean metaphor, these are the cars, bicycles & RVs that whales use for jetting around the cells.
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For today’s jazz high note, ‘The Sidewinder’ by Lee Morgan, the great bop trumpeter. When released in 1963, the label Blue Note only printed 4,000 copies. But it was a smash hit & they ran through those in about 3 days. It became the label’s best-selling album of all time & saved them from bankruptcy. The title track became a jazz standard & Morgan spent the next decade recording a spate of well-received albums before his tragic demise at the age of 33, shot to death by his girlfriend in a jazz club. So it goes.
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