C&P#134: CBD for IBD, severe autism & endurance running
Trump & the cartels + Brazil’s civil disobedience for cannabis
This week…
CBD for women with IBD
For severe autism, CBD for the core behavioral symptoms
Boost your endurance running with CBD’s improvements to your gut microbiome
Better mothering through cannabis!
On how CBD makes tumor cells die
Processing CBD into food can transform it into a host of other cannabinoids
Tips for improving CBD bioavailability in your dogs & horses
Models of panic & fear: fox urine & pit vipers (poor mice & rats)
Against major livestock & plant pathogens, hemp extracts
New Biophysical Society posters drop…
‘7 Minutes in Heaven’ for hemp plants
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 134th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science, canna-news, War on Drugs coverage, psychedelic updates & ~2.6 jokes per newsletter. Upgrade to a paid subscription here to support my work sharing canna-science. As always, ask me anything.
Editor’s note:
My friend & canna-colleague Becca Williams has been invited by the Shift Network to teach a 7-week course on ‘Harnessing the Power of Cannabis for Emotional Freedom’. She does great work on using cannabis spiritually & I’m sure that this course will be helpful to people. You can check it out & sign up here.
(disclosure: that link contains my first affiliate code, but I’d absolutely be recommending this course anyway. I first interviewed Becca years ago & I still find her newsletter & her site to be a helpful source of perspectives on how best to use this old plant ally for your emotions & your spirit).
Speaking of podcasts, I was interviewed this week on the Ayahuasca podcast: Why grandmas should smoke weed
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:
My interview by Sam Believ of the Ayahuasca Podcast:
https://sambeliev.podbean.com/e/why-grandmas-should-smoke-weed-psychedelic-storytelling-with-lex-pelger/
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:
'Master & Margarita' by Bulgakov (one of the best books I’ve ever read)
'Catch 22' by Joseph Heller (one of my all-time favorites)
Willa Cather's 'One of Ours' (the master on WW1)
Babel's 'Odessa Stories' & 'Red Calvary Stories' (one of the master short story tellers of all time)
Hal Whitehead's 'Sperm Whales' (best sperm whale science book I know)
Ways to support this work:
A paid subscription on Substack
Buy Me a Coffee
Venmo: @Lex-Pelger
PayPal: donate here
Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
Clinical
In a survey of women with inflammatory bowel disease, they reported CBD improved appetite & decreased IBD-related pain & nausea
The Perceived Effectiveness of Cannabidiol on Adult Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39768938/
In children with autism experiencing severe behavioral symptoms, CBD reduced core symptoms (irritability, social withdrawal, hyperactivity, restricted & repetitive behavior), improved quality of life for patients & families & reduced psychotropic medication in 40% of the cases
Purified cannabidiol leads to improvement of severe treatment-resistant behavioral symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091305725000188
In a survey of people with pain, those with neuropathic pain used significantly more THC & THC/CBD products than those with non-neuropathic pain
Cannabis Use in Adults with Neuropathic versus Non-Neuropathic Pain
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-6017718/v1
For the dosing of CBD in epilepsy, a model for finding the best dose in combination with stiripentol
DOSE PREDICTION OF STIRIPENTOL AND CANNABIDIOL (CBD) IN COMBINATION TREATMENT REGIMEN FOR EPILEPSY BASED ON AN AVERAGE CONCENTRATION AT THE STEADY STATE (CAV,SS) USING A PHYSIOLOGICALLY-BASED PHARMACOKINETIC (PBPK) MODEL IN AGE- VARYING PATIENTS
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11815012/
In people undergoing immunotherapy cancer treatments, medical cannabis lowered many of the negative side effects but in some studies, it interfered with the efficacy of the immunotherapy (apparently via the CB2 receptor, suggesting CBD & CBG as better options because they don’t activate that receptor strongly)
Impact of cannabinoid-based medicines on cancer outcomes in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1497829/abstract
In cannabis use by mothers, interviews about how they felt it allowed them to be more present & better tolerate stressors
Motherhood and medicinal cannabis
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/dar.14027
As someone striving to be more maternal with my kids, amen.
In the bioavailability of CBD for horses, there was no difference if they were fasting or fed but in the paste versus oil ingestion method, the paste was absorbed fastest
Pharmacokinetics of a single oral administration of two cannabidiol formulations in fed and fasted horses
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1515833/full
For improving CBD bioavailability in dogs, it should be given with food, unless you want to maximize gastrointestinal delivery & then they should be fasting
Effect of fasting and feeding on the pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of cannabidiol in dogs
https://ri.conicet.gov.ar/handle/11336/254725
Harms
In children treated with cannabinoids, a meta-analysis of their adverse GI events
Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events of Therapeutic Cannabinoids in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/can.2024.0104
In scaphoid fractures (wrist break), this large retrospective study found cannabis use linked to a higher risk of nonunion
Documented Cannabis Use Is a Risk Factor for Nonunion After Nonoperative Management of Scaphoid Fractures: A Retrospective Review of 159 998 Patients
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/15589447251317225
I guess they weren’t reading their John Steinbeck or listening to their Woody Guthrie.
On Reunion Island, a case series of severe intoxications from new psychoactive substances such as “tabac chimique” (synthetic cannabinoids), the novel synthetic opioid protonitazene & a methamphetamine analog
Case series of severe intoxications associated with new psychoactive substances on Reunion Island: Clinical description and diagnostic challenges
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352007825000964
In the children of people with maternal cannabis use disorder, they were three times more likely to have behavioral disorders
Maternal cannabis use disorder and offspring behavioral outcomes: findings from a linked data cohort study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178125000538
On cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a review of symptoms, pathogenesis & treatments
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Rising Complication
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/review_article/pdf/326148/20250213-647397-edx57e.pdf
And in a survey of people with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, they had a substantial disease burden
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome Is Associated With High Disease Burden: An Internet-Based Survey
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0196064425000186
A case report of a six-year-old who accidentally ate a THC gummy & presented with extreme pain & rigidity
Accidental Synthetic Cannabinoid Poisoning in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39744299/
In mice & a tissue model of the blood-brain barrier, THC induced blood-brain barrier damage via the CB1 receptor & the triggering of an oxidative stress response
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol induces blood-brain barrier disruption: Involving the activation of CB1R and oxidative stress
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0028390825000723
In young rats, alcohol alone decreased respiration of the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell) & that damage was increased when combined with THC
Young Age and Concomitant Cannabis (THC) and Ethanol (EtOH) Exposure Enhances Rat Brain Damage Through Decreased Cerebral Mitochondrial Respiration
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/4/918
In a rat model of prenatal cannabis exposure, they had gendered changes to their adolescent social behavior & their microglia (guardian immune cells of the brain)
Timing matters: modeling the effects of gestational cannabis exposure on social behavior and microglia in the developing amygdala
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.17.638714v1.full.pdf
Reviews
A review of the CB2 receptor in neurodegenerative & psychiatric conditions (great charts!)
A comprehensive review of the multifaceted role of cannabinoid receptor type 2 in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661825000829
For cannabis & depression, a review & meta-analysis of 22 studies found a higher risk of depression among cannabis users
The association between cannabis and depression: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/CA179B7E5B24AE899DF9AF0C5F097171/S0033291724003143a.pdf/div-class-title-the-association-between-cannabis-and-depression-an-updated-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis-div.pdf
Of course, the question always is, is this a result of the cannabis use or because they're using cannabis to self-medicate (like I do).
I’m fairly certain that both scenarios occur & I’m just curious about which one is more prevalent.
For the nausea & vomiting of chemotherapy, a review & meta-analysis of various cannabinoid therapies
Efficacy of cannabinoids for the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting—a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-025-09251-w
For substance use disorders, an umbrella review of 22 studies on the efficacy of CBD & THC
Efficacy of cannabidiol alone or in combination with Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol for the management of substance use disorders: An umbrella review of the evidence
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/add.16745
For depression as well as alcohol use disorder, a review of the involvement of the endocannabinoid system
Peripheral endocannabinoids in major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder: a systematic review
https://repositori.upf.edu/items/45ecfcb5-beda-4612-a5ab-1bcacedf0a86
On CBD & potential drug interactions, a review of the few available studies (Spanish)
Combination of Cannabidiol and Current Medicinal Drugs
https://www2.uadec.mx/pub/DIP/CMT/N33.pdf#page=49
For stroke recovery, a review of targeting the endocannabinoid system
The Endocannabinoid System as a Target for Ischemic Stroke Therapy
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/can.2024.0017
For sleep & substance use disorders, a review of the last 25 years of CB1 & CB2 drugs
Involvement of CB1R and CB2R Ligands in Sleep Disorders and Addictive Behaviors in the Last 25 Years
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/2/266
For CBD against tumor cells, a review of the preclinical evidence on how it induces cell death (nice charts!)
Mechanisms of Cell Death Induced by Cannabidiol Against Tumor Cells: A Review of Preclinical Studies
https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/4/585
Preclinical
(basically, the phytocannabinoid research goes here & the ECS research goes below)
In a mouse model of endurance exercise, CBD reshaped their gut microbiome to improve running performance
Cannabidiol reshapes the gut microbiome to promote endurance exercise in mice
https://www.nature.com/articles/s12276-025-01404-5
In a mouse model of atopic dermatitis (eczema), CBC reduced skin lesion severity, inflammatory mediators & infiltration by mast cells (which contain histamine)
Cannabichromene as a Novel Inhibitor of Th2 Cytokine and JAK/STAT Pathway Activation in Atopic Dermatitis Models
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769302/
In mouse blood stem cells damaged by radiation (such as occurs in the bone marrow with cancer treatments), CBD restored their stemness via the Atf2-Lrp6 axis
Cannabidiol restores hematopoietic stem cell stemness in mouse through Atf2-Lrp6 axis after acute irradiation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39949985/
In a rat model of methamphetamine use disorder, CBD reduced methamphetamine-seeking behavior via dopamine receptors in the ventral tegmental area (a brain region regulating reward, memory, learning & addiction)
Involvement of D2-like dopamine receptors within the ventral tegmental area in the cannabidiol's inhibitory effects on the methamphetamine-seeking behavior
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031938425000472
In a mouse model of stress-induced liver injuries, CBD protected liver function & the mitochondria (powerhouses of the cells) as well as reduced inflammatory cytokine levels
The Protective Role of Cannabidiol in Stress-Induced Liver Injury: Modulating Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Damage
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1567210/abstract
In mice kidneys, chronic CBD usage altered their genetic expression in ways that seemed beneficial
Impact of Long-Term Cannabidiol (CBD) Treatment on Mouse Kidney Transcriptome
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39766907/
In mice, CBD caused a state of HPA axis hyperactivation while also normalizing anxiety-like behaviors in females as well as other gendered differences
Cannabidiol (CBD) potentiates physiological and behavioral markers of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responsivity in female and male mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39754667/
In male mice, omega-3 supplementation improved brain function via their endocannabinoid system
Impact of Omega-3 on Endocannabinoid System Expression and Function, Enhancing Cognition and Behavior in Male Mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39770965/
More proof for the old fish oil/CBD friendship.
In a tissue model of pathogenic mouth bacteria, CBD caused antibiotic & anti anti-biofilm effects
The antibacterial and antibiofilm role of cannabidiol against periodontopathogenic bacteria
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39737707/
On the antibiotic effects of CBD against Gram-positive bacteria because of adverse effects on cell walls, membrane structures & the biosynthesis of primary & secondary metabolites
Proteomic and metabolomic analyses reveal the antibacterial mechanism of Cannabidiol against gram-positive bacteria
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1874391925000387
Novel Studies
(my new grab bag section for stuff I haven’t quite seen before)
When processing CBD (including into food), high temperatures can lead to transformations into delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBN & other previously known metabolites, with the humidity being a key factor
Transformation of Cannabidiol (CBD) during its high-temperature extraction: Studies involving model systems, hemp and functional foods containing CBD
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814625006983
For Lumbriculus variegatus (California blackworm, a common aquatic organism known for its regenerative abilities), CBD exposure reduced their behaviors, pulse rate, regenerative capacity & energy reserves
The behavioural, physiological and biochemical responses of Lumbriculus variegatus exposed to cannabidiol (CBD) and its metabolites
https://academic.oup.com/etc/advance-article/doi/10.1093/etojnl/vgaf048/8015622
When we pee out our CBD metabolites, we don’t know much about what it’s doing to our aquatic ecosystems, but in this case, it’s not good.
For common livestock bacterial pathogens, hemp extracts inhibited their growth
Inhibitory Potential of Cannabis Biomass Extracts on Livestock-Associated Staphylococcal and Streptococcal Pathogens
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/2/432
And against major plant pathogenic bacteria, hemp extracts inhibited some of them
An In Vitro Evaluation of Industrial Hemp Extracts Against the Phytopathogenic Bacteria Erwinia carotovora, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769990/
A chart with angels & demons to explain how THC is a partial activator of the CB1 receptor
How THC Works: Structural Insights Explaining Ligand Affinity for, and Partial Agonism of, Cannabinoid Receptor 1
https://chemrxiv.org/engage/api-gateway/chemrxiv/assets/orp/resource/item/678ad8dc6dde43c908fba038/original/how-thc-works-structural-insights-explaining-ligand-affinity-for-and-partial-agonism-of-cannabinoid-receptor-1.pdf
the Headlines & Fav Articles
*** Sponsored by the International Cannabis Business Conference ***
Use this link or code for 25% off your ICBC tickets: Lex25
Trump’s research cuts may threaten cannabis studies
https://mjbizdaily.com/trump-research-cuts-threaten-cannabis-studies-poses-rescheduling-questions/
For medical cannabis, the opening of adult-use sales leads to declining medical cannabis patients & less options for obtaining their medicines
https://mjbizdaily.com/medical-cannabis-registries-show-steep-decline-after-adult-use-sales-begin/
The Director of State Policies at the Marijuana Policy Project Karen O’Keefe had recommendations on LinkedIn such as allowing medical business to shift to dual-use licenses & to exempt medical patients from taxes.
Another federal judge struck down a ban on gun ownership by cannabis consumers
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/another-federal-judge-rules-against-the-governments-ban-on-gun-ownership-by-marijuana-consumers/
Air Force still prohibiting cannabis & hemp-derived cannabinoids for its members
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-air-force-memo-cautions-that-possession-of-cannabis-products-including-hemp-and-cbd-could-carry-heavy-penalties/
In Idaho, a new bill created a mandatory minimum fine for cannabis possession to be $300 (“we do not want this to become a marijuana state”)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/idaho-governor-signs-bill-setting-mandatory-minimum-fine-for-marijuana-possession/
In New York, pushback on governor’s proposal to make cannabis odor a reasonable cause for an impaired driving test
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-york-governor-wants-to-let-police-use-marijuana-odor-as-reasonable-cause-that-a-driver-is-impaired/
In DC, a shortage of crossing guards due to high levels of positive THC drug tests
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/02/24/marijuana-crossing-guard-shortage
International
In Europe, an editorial rounding up cannabis use
Cannabis use in Europe
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00406-025-01972-7
In Morocco, they're expanding their cannabis-based medicines with the three largest pharmaceutical firms set to begin production later this year
https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/morocco-expands-pharmaceutical-industry-with-cannabis-based-medicines/ar-AA1zrpBr
In Portugal, the national health authority ordered several CBD cosmetics pulled from the shelves
https://cannabislaw.report/portuguse-national-authority-for-medicines-and-health-products-ip-orders-removal-of-cbd-cosmetics/
In Costa Rica, the Ministry of Health approved regulations to ease the sale of medical cannabis
https://ticotimes.net/2025/02/20/costa-rica-approves-medical-cannabis-sales-in-major-healthcare-shift
“The regulations establish registration, control, and labeling requirements, ensuring that drugs and natural products are differentiated and safe. According to the Ministry of Health, these products based on psychoactive cannabis will be available only with a medical prescription in pharmacies.”
In Grenada, there will be a proposal to decriminalize cannabis this year according to the agriculture minister
https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/grenada-government-to-decriminalize-marijuana-later-this-year-6.2.2242510.a176511c93
In Namibia, the High Court will hear a case arguing that cannabis criminalization is unconstitutional
https://internationalcbc.com/constitutional-challenge-to-cannabis-prohibition-in-namibia/
In Brazil, the civil disobedience campaigns of cannabis groups against the prohibition of cannabis, especially for low-income people
Civil disobedience in Brasilian law: the right of resistance of civil associations for the production of cannabinoids for therapeutic use
https://www.scielo.br/j/seq/a/R87rHhmGQSjXGvCzrg8Kxzg/abstract/?lang=en
And in Brazil, an analysis of their medical cannabis market & its regulatory obstacles
Expansion of the medical cannabis market in Brazil and regulatory challenges
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39775772/
In Australians with endometriosis, on the implications for their disclosure of cannabis use when obtaining life insurance
Damned if you do, damned if you don’t? Misrepresentation and fraudulent non-disclosure consequences of Australians with endometriosis not disclosing cannabis use to life insurers
https://ideas.repec.org/p/osf/osfxxx/23ys9_v1.html
In Jamaica, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, an analysis of the effects of their cannabis reforms on human security (a UN measurement tool)
Evaluating the effects of Cannabis reform on human security: A comparative case study of Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149718925000291
In West Africa, a meta-analysis of psychoactive usage
Prevalence and patterns of substance use in West Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39739732/
The War on Drugs
(still figuring out how to organize this new section)
Trump ready to use death penalty on drug dealers (a “very humane” policy) & vows to spend $100M to $200M on anti-drug advertising (“I think we can drop [drug use by] 50 percent by doing this”)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/trump-says-hes-ready-to-impose-death-penalty-on-people-who-sell-illicit-drugs-calling-policy-very-humane/
Ironically, that would have meant a death sentence for his new pardon czar, Alice Johnson, whom he pardoned.
Brookings on criminal justice interventions & the overdose crisis
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/criminal-justice-interventions-during-the-overdose-crisis/
And on the dynamics of US drug markets
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-dynamics-of-us-drug-markets/
For workplace drug testing trends, an analysis of prevalence, common substances & the role of the medical review processes
Workplace Drug Testing-Prevalence of Positive Test Results, Most Common Substances, and Importance of Medical Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39985189/
The DEA & the Cartels
Trump’s threats lead to a strong cartel crackdown in Mexico
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/02/world/americas/mexico-cartel-fentanyl-trump-tariffs.html
And Mexico transfers dozens of cartel leaders to US custody (including the killer of Kiki Camerana)
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/27/us/politics/mexico-cartel-sheinbaum-trump.html
For the Mexican cartel Los Caballeros Templarios (The Knights Templar), an analysis of their paramilitary tactics, totalitarian social regime & mystique of community organization
Militarization and Subjectivation: The Paramilitary Logic of the Mexican Knights Templar
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-56110-8_3
Worldwide Drug Wars
In Peru, a coca summit with a focus on ending global prohibition
https://filtermag.org/coca-prohibition-summit-peru/
In Malaga, Spain, more than a third of the electricity is stolen by drug cartels
https://cannabislaw.report/more-than-a-third-of-stolen-electricity-in-malaga-is-used-by-drug-cartels-figures-reveal/
In Cambodia, they launch their 10th anti-drug campaign
https://cannabislaw.report/cambodian-government-launches-10th-anti-drug-campaign-to-run-all-2025
In Indonesia, using satellite imagery to monitor illegal cannabis grows
SuperDove Sensor to Monitor Illegal Cannabis Plantation in Indonesia
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-96-1344-1_9
In Nigeria, a call for legalizing drugs
DRUG CONTROL POLICIES IN NIGERIA: A CALL FOR LEGALISATION OF DRUGS IN NIGERIA
https://ajleejournal.com/index.php/ajlee/article/view/237
Amen!
#Cannabis
In a Minnesota secret buyer campaign, over half the stores sold hemp-derived THC products to pseudo-underage people
Likelihood of Illegal Cannabis Sales to Underage Buyers in Minnesota
https://www.sph.umn.edu/sph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/crc-pseudo-underage-purchase-attempts.pdf
In Belfast, a cannabis factory with £1.5M of plants
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce30y5k2wkyo
In Florida, two men busted for moving hundreds of pounds of cannabis per week
https://cannabislaw.report/two-tallahassee-men-found-guilty-in-large-scale-conspiracy-to-distribute-marijuana-2/
In India, a man returning from a family trip with 24 kg of hashish now granted bail
https://cannabislaw.report/hindustan-times-high-court-mumbai-grants-bail-to-man-who-trafficked-hashish-on-family-trip-to-kashmir
In Ireland, a two-year suspended sentence for dealing cannabis brownies
https://cannabislaw.report/ireland-cork-court-cannabis-brownies-found-in-freezer-2-years-suspended-sentence/
In Italy, a dealer busted with 49 grams of hashish
https://cannabislaw.report/italy-sardinia-carabinieri-find-their-hash-in-the-fireplace/
On forensic analysis of cannabis (& opium & datura)
Extraction of natural derivatives of plant drugs from Papaver somniferum, Datura stramonium and Cannabis sativa and their identification for forensic purposes
https://www.isca.me/FORENSIC_SCI/Archive/v13/i1/3.ISCA-RJFS-2024-002.pdf
Harm Reduction
In Canada, ‘Police “Support” for Harm Reduction in Canada Soon Evaporated’
https://filtermag.org/police-harm-reduction-decriminalization-canada/
And in British Columbia, the provincial government crackdown on take-home safe supply programs expands
https://filtermag.org/bc-government-crackdown-safe-supply/
https://drugdatadecoded.ca/bc-government-caves-to-right-wing-demands-on-safe-supply/
For access to medications for opioid use disorder, Black people were significantly less likely to receive treatment drugs
Racial Inequality in Receipt of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in Nationwide Outpatient Settings-A Cross-sectional Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40000518/
And for substance misuse & suicidality, a meta-analysis of 47 studies found that misuse of any of the major psychoactives was linked to higher rates of suicide mortality, with stronger associations in females
Association of Substance Use with Suicide Mortality
https://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP70878.html
In people with opioid use disorder, an opioid agonist treatment program reduced suicide mortality by 35%
Novel adulterants in unregulated opioids and their associations with adverse events
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39994148/
On the cost of peer recovery support services in two different models within recovery community centers
The costs of peer recovery support services provided through two models within a recovery community center
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39993714/
In pregnant & parenting people with substance use disorders, a discussion & training about bias in their health care
Managing Bias in the Care of Pregnant and Parenting People with Substance Use Disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39985336/
On the lies of the anti-vaping bloc
Leading Pro-Vape Academic “Couldn’t Stand on the Sidelines Any Longer”
https://filtermag.org/vaping-academic-harm-reduction/
In New Zealand, an analysis of an online course on naloxone
Evaluation of an online postal take-home naloxone service
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39988370/
For Australian police officers, a program to train them on using intranasal naloxone
Expanded access to intranasal naloxone and training among police officers in Western Australia: A pilot evaluation study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40012201/
In Austria, a survey on the demographics of people who use drug checking services
Utilization of drug checking services in Austria: a cross-sectional online survey
https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-025-01168-1
Business, Economics & Education
Bengal Capital released its 2024 letter & they remain one of the only canna-business newsletters worth a damn. Their main takeaway? MSOs suck (except Green Thumb Industries. Ben Kovler, hire me to do a podcast for you)
https://bengalcapital.substack.com/p/bengal-capital-fy2024-letter
Australia importing 3,500 kg of Canadian cannabis per month
https://cannabislaw.report/australia-importing-3500-kilos-of-canadian-weed-a-month-says-latest-report-from-canadian-cannabis-exchange/
In California, more dead/inactive cannabis licenses than active ones
https://cannabislaw.report/happy-days-sf-gate-complete-failure-california-pot-industry-hits-another-grim-milestone/
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
In the Ukraine, ibogaine for frontline soldiers in coordination with the great Yippie/Ibogaine Preacher Dana Beal
https://theintercept.com/2024/01/17/ukraine-military-psychedelic-drug-ibogaine/
Interview with Dr. Sean Noah on working with the Erowids on his paper on psychedelics & synesthesia
https://themicrodose.substack.com/p/what-do-people-see-when-theyre-tripping
Interview with Dr. Aaron Wolfgang on the study designs of the new US Army MDMA/PTSD study
https://psychedelicalpha.com/news/mdma-for-active-duty-troops-aaron-wolfgang-on-dods-unprecedented-study
The Psychoactive Research
A case report of a veteran with PTSD whose regular use of IV DMT may have led to psychotic symptoms
Psychosis in a Military Veteran in the Context of Hallucinogen Use: A Case Report
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/case_report/pdf/288614/20250219-825751-wb00m8.pdf
A case study of a young frequent ketamine user with a psychotic-like experience
Psychotic-Like Experiences in Young Recreational Users of Ketamine: A Case Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39780457/
Analyzing the mushroom gummies of Portland, Oregon
Quantitative analysis of recreational psychoactive mushroom gummies in Portland, Oregon
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15563650.2025.2450240
In a mouse model of depression, psilocybin alkaloids reduced anxiety & depression via alterations to serotonin signaling & methylation (silencing) of two genes
The effect of Psilocybe cubensis alkaloids on depressive-like behavior in mice exposed to maternal separation with respect to hippocampal gene expression and DNA methylation of Slc6a4 and Nr3c1
https://journals.lww.com/behaviouralpharm/abstract/9900/the_effect_of_psilocybe_cubensis_alkaloids_on.122.aspx
The Plant & the History
Growing & Processing
On using artificial lighting to synchronize flowering times for crossbreeding hemp varieties
Flowering Synchronization Using Artificial Light Control for Crossbreeding Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) with Varied Flowering Times
https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/4/594
Is this ‘7 Minutes in Heaven’ for hemp plants?
In hemp, an analysis of the effects of potassium fertilization
Industrial Hemp Finola Variety Photosynthetic, Morphometric, Biomechanical, and Yield Responses to K Fertilization Across Different Growth Stages
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/2/496
For nitrogen fertilizer treatments, on using drones to measure the resulting hemp biomass
Nitrogen Fertilizer Effects on Hemp Biomass Production Detected by Drone-based Spectral Imaging
https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/60/3/article-p353.xml
On the effectiveness of drying hemp flowers using a condensation dryer
Drying the hemp flower in a condensation dryer
https://scindeks-zbornici.ceon.rs/article.aspx?query=ISSID%26and%2683&page=1&sort=8&stype=0&backurl=%2Fissue.aspx%3Fissue%3D83%26lang%3Den&lang=en
For cannabis farming, on methods to reduce energy usage & carbon emissions to achieve near-zero environmental impact
Towards Energy-Neutral Cannabis Cultivation: Exploring Energy Efficiency and Carbon Footprint Mitigation Strategies
https://www.kasalsenergiebron.nl/content/user_upload/CAN_het_energieneutraal_final_report.pdf
On using machine learning to create tetraploids (4 copies of the genome, a common agronomy technique)
Machine Learning-Aided Optimization of In Vitro Tetraploid Induction in Cannabis
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/4/1746
On detecting Fusarium molds using qPCR assays
Development of qPCR Assays to Detect and Quantify Fusarium spp. on Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Flowers
https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/abs/10.1094/PHP-11-24-0131-RS
For weeds, a thesis project on the competitive ability of hemp
The Competitive Response of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) With Different Agricultural Weed Species
https://www.proquest.com/openview/c070309d0d94013a1d262d1f6520e4c2/1
On analyzing the males & females of the Helena cannabis cultivar
Development of Male and Female Gametophytes in Cannabis sativa L. cv. Helena (Cannabaceae)
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/2/474
In Puerto Rico, on optimizing your indoor medical cannabis grow
Optimization of the Yield of the Cultivation of Cannabis Sativa en Controlled Environment for Medicinal use in Puerto Rico
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388960084_Optimization_of_the_Yield_of_the_Cultivation_of_Cannabis_Sativa_en_Controlled_Environment_for_Medicinal_use_in_Puerto_Rico
In Argentinian indoor grows, an analysis of their medical cannabis
Evaluation of CBD and THC content in indoor-grown Cannabis sativa cv. MK 2021 flowers for medical use
https://ri.conicet.gov.ar/handle/11336/254198
In Pennsylvania, first report of the mold Fusarium commune (which causes damping off & wilting)
First Report of Fusarium commune causing damping off and wilt in Cannabis sativa (L.) in Pennsylvania
https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/pdf/10.1094/PDIS-10-24-2067-PDN
Formulating & Analyzing
A new protocol for turning hemp into pure CBD crystals
From Hemp to CBD Crystals: A Scaled-Up Procedure for the Selective Extraction, Isolation, and Purification of Cannabidiol
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsagscitech.4c00462
“The protocol includes thermal decarboxylation of cannabinoids, supercritical CO2 extraction, winterization of the extract, CBD purification via sequential C18 reverse-phase silica filtration, silica gel chromatography, and selective crystallization.”
On how to isolate components from cannabis leaves
Isolation of other substances from the leaves of Indian cannabis sativa L.
https://healthcare-international-research.com/assets/documents/Isolation-of-Other-Substances-from-the-Leaves-of-Indian-Cannabis-Sativa-L.pdf
Food & Nutrition & Hemp Seeds
In broiler chickens stressed by heat, adding hemp to their diet improved their final body weight, lowered bacteria levels & increased antioxidant enzyme activity
Dietary micronized hemp fiber enhances in vitro nutrient digestibility and cecal fermentation, antioxidant enzyme, lysosomal activity, and productivity in finisher broilers reared under thermal stress
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/animal-science/articles/10.3389/fanim.2025.1553829/abstract
On the antioxidant properties of Romanian hemp seeds
Nutritional Profile and Antioxidant Properties of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Seed from Romania
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/4/2178
Industrial Uses & Fiber
In boat hulls, on using hemp polymers
Hemp Reinforced Polymer Composite for Structural Application of Boat Hull – A Review
https://imare.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/31-Hemp-Reinforced-Polymer-Composite-for-Structural-Application-of-Boat-Hull_Amol-Shinde.pdf
For wastewater, on using hemp fibers with copper to remove dyes & NSAIDs
Fabrication of novel multifunctional copper-functionalized hemp fibers to remove anionic dye and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs from wastewaters
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39755210/
On creating ultrafine powder from hemp degumming residue
A Study on the Preparation and Performance of Ultrafine Powder Made of Industrial Hemp Degumming Residue
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39771325/
On using activated carbon from hemp to boost supercapacitor performance
Optimizing Electrochemical Performance: A Study of Aqueous Electrolytes with Hemp-Derived Activated Carbon for Supercapacitors
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.4c07518
On using nanofibers in rechargeable batteries
Enhancing high ionic conductivity of polyacryamide/hemp cellulose nanofibers for utilizing as quasi solid electrolyte composites in flexible rechargeable zinc-ion battery with high-safety
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S258923472500017X
On analyzing the gums found in hemp & the enzymes that might help for processing
Clarification of Bio-Degumming Enzymes Based on a Visual Analysis of the Hemp Roving Structure
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39771444/
An analysis of earth-based insulation made with hemp (or rapeseed)
Comparison of earth-hemp and earth-rapeseed insulation composites, mechanical strength and behavior regarding humidity variations
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388940804_Comparison_of_earth-hemp_and_earth-rapeseed_insulation_composites_mechanical_strength_and_behavior_regarding_humidity_variations
Analysis of hempcrete as a green housing insulation
Preliminary Assessment of Hempcretes as Insulation for Sustainable Housing
https://procournal.indonesiafocus.net/PIF/article/view/120
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
A review of cannabinoid pharmacology & therapeutic uses
Cannabinoid pharmacology: Research on medicinal cannabins and its therapeutic application
https://www.proquest.com/openview/0d045d5c6b95785973e8a80fde7a4737/1
Public Health & Driving
For medical cannabis patients, a survey found that working with a specialized cannabis clinician is associated with better outcomes
Impact of Healthcare Provider Awareness and Guidance on the Medical Cannabis Experience
https://karger.com/mca/article-pdf/doi/10.1159/000544125/4340414/000544125.pdf
On how the simultaneous use of alcohol & cannabis altered the experience
Affective Reinforcement of Simultaneous Versus Single Use of Alcohol and Cannabis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871625000651
US population data on the consumption of cannabis & tobacco across different levels of alcohol consumption
Trends in use of tobacco and cannabis across different alcohol consumption levels in the United States, 2010-19
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39761685/
In women with adverse childhood experiences, unstable conditions in the childhood home were associated with high use of alcohol or cannabis & high parental cannabis use was significantly associated with physical abuse
Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences among individuals in treatment for substance use disorder: are ACE associated differently across type of abuse and quantity of consumption?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39746114/
Being poor was linked to worst air quality exposure which was correlated to lower inhibitory control & predicted the start of cannabis & tobacco use
Pallidum Functional Hypoconnectivity and Inhibitory Control as Partial Mediators of Environmental Influences on Tobacco and Marijuana Initiation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39958649/
In Canada, a survey on the factors predicting whether people would alter their cannabis usage following legalization
Predictors of Change in Cannabis Use Status from Pre- to Post-Recreational Cannabis Legalization in Canada: Evidence from a Two-Wave Longitudinal National Survey
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39781561/
In Canadian neighborhoods with more deprivation, gentrification & household insecurity, there were greater odds of using cannabis, tobacco or e-cigarettes
Neighborhood level factors and use of cigarettes, cannabis and e-cigarettes: a population-based study among Canadian adults
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.14.25322276v1.full.pdf
In heterosexual & sexual minority women, the differences in their daily cannabis & alcohol use
Daily alcohol and cannabis use among sexual minoritized and heterosexual women
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39946583/
Adolescents & Young Adults
In adolescents, 15 years of tracking suggested that the cannabis users were more prone to mental health disorders
Cannabis and mental health in adolescents: changes in associations over 15 years
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00127-025-02859-7
In youth with depression, cannabis use was linked to worse anhedonia (lack of pleasurable feelings)
Cannabis Use is Related to Anhedonia in Adolescents With Diverse Mood and Anxiety Symptoms
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949732925000286
In young adults with cannabis use disorder, text messages had no significant direct treatment effects though they did increase the readiness to change as well as protective behavioral strategies
Text message-delivered cannabis use disorder treatment with young adults: A large randomized clinical trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39730041/
For youth mental health, a policy bundle approach for analyzing cannabis legalization effects
Adding Nuance to Understanding the Effects of Cannabis Legalization by Using Policy Bundles: A Study
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10826084.2025.2466208
From 1991 to 2021, the US youth data on cannabis & tobacco use trends sorted by race/ethnicity
Trends in Cannabis and Tobacco Use by Racial and Ethnic Groups Among U.S. Youth: 1991–2021
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40615-025-02284-1
In California, a big analysis of cannabis use by 11th graders from 2019 to 2021
Marijuana Use Among Eleventh-Grade Students in California, 2019–21: Results of the Eighteenth Biennial State California Healthy Kids Survey
https://calschls.org/docs/marijuana_2024.pdf
In Iranian young adults, an analysis of a questionnaire on why they use cannabis
Marijuana Motivation Measure: Exploratory Factor Analysis among Iranian Young Adults
https://ajnpp.umsha.ac.ir/browse.php?a_id=498&sid=1&slc_lang=en&ftxt=0
The Brain & Neurological Disorders
For Alzheimer's disease, a thesis project on a conceptual model of well-being centering the endocannabinoid system
Science With Soul: A Conceptual Model of Wellbeing Centering the Endocannabinoid System in Mild Cognitive Impairment or Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
https://www.proquest.com/openview/7813a0f8fb91f4840c114bc3576ef263/1
In brain disorders, a review of how cannabinoids can help via regulation of lactate metabolism, ferroptosis (iron-dependent cell death) & mitophagy (removal of damaged mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell)
The role of cannabinoid-mediated signaling pathways and mechanisms in brain disorders
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S089865682500066X
In a mouse model of neuroinflammation, the intrabuccal (cheeks & mouth) administration of CBD showed that a low dose was reliable for creating good CBD metabolite concentrations
Identifying the optimal dose of cannabidiol by intrabuccal administration in Kramnik (C3HeB/FeJ) mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39957386/
In a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, improving the balance of dopamine, adenosine & cannabinoid receptors helped with non-cognitive symptoms
Striatal dopamine D2, adenosine A2A and cannabinoid CB1 receptors balance as a target against non-cognitive symptoms in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091305725000176
In a mouse model of emotional stress (fox urine), they had less endocannabinoid signaling in their cerebellar cortex (higher-level brain processes) via decreased production of 2-AG by the DAGL enzyme
Emotional stress attenuates endocannabinoid signaling in the cerebellar cortex
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1299&context=grad_rs
In a rat model of panic (putting a lancehead pit viper near them), inhibition of the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) decreased “defensive behaviours such as defensive attention, escape, and time spent inside the burrow”
THE FATTY ACID AMIDE HYDROLASE ENZYME INHIBITION IN GLOBUS PALLIDUS CAUSES PANICOLYTIC LIKE EFFECT IN PREY THREATNED BY BOTHROPS JARARACA
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11814664/
In a mouse model of spatial memory, activating the CB1 receptor in the prefrontal cortex impaired object location memory
ROLES OF CANNABINOID TYPE 1 RECEPTORS IN THE MICE PREFRONTAL CORTEX FOR OBJECT LOCATION MEMORY
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11814790/
In rats with lower levels of the CB1 receptor in their central amygdala, they took in more sodium during both regular states & water deprivation
Knockdown of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor in the central amygdala increases both spontaneous and water deprivation-induced sodium intake in rats
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/pdf/10.1152/ajpregu.00241.2024
Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder
In people who used cannabis weekly, it altered their brain’s anticipatory reward response to money & CBD did not alter this effect
The Effects of Acute Cannabis With and Without Cannabidiol on Neural Reward Anticipation in Adults and Adolescents
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36642667/
In adults with depression who want to manage their cannabis use, a thesis on the efficacy of motivational enhancement therapy
Motivational Enhancement Therapy as a Tool for Managing Cannabis Use in Adult Patients with Depression in a Psychiatric Outpatient Setting: A Quality Improvement Project
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1311&context=cnhs-studentprojects
In people with schizophrenia & cannabis use disorder, they had alterations to their lipid profiles
Uncovering metabolic dysregulation in schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder through untargeted plasma lipidomics
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39733019/
For sleep disorders, a review of the cannabinoids
Cannabinoids for Treating Sleep
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40429-025-00619-w
In a mouse model of chronic stress, inhibition of either the MAGL enzyme (which breaks 2-AG) or the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide) reduced anxiety & depression-like behaviors
ANXIOLYTIC AND ANTIDEPRESSANT EFFECTS OF INHIBITORS OF ENDOCANNABINOID DEGRADING ENZYME IN CHRONIC RESTRAINT- STRESSED MICE
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11815075/
In mice with no CB1 receptor, they displayed autism-like behaviors which could be significantly ameliorated by activating the oxytocin receptor or blocking the type 1 corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF1) receptor
AUTISTIC-LIKE BEHAVIORS MEDIATED BY THE DYSREGULATION OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS VIA OXYTOCIN AND CORTICOSTERONE IN CANNABINOID CB1 RECEPTOR KNOCKOUT MICE
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11815181/
For anxiety & cognition in mice, on the interactions between the CB1 receptor & a glutamate receptor (the brain's most common excitatory neurotransmitter)
Evidence for functional interaction between the CB1 and the mGlu7 receptors mediated signaling in modulation of anxiety behavior and cognition
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39674270/
In adolescent male rats with stress, escitalopram (Lexapro) reversed anxiety & despair behaviors via the expression of genes related to the endocannabinoid system
Escitalopram reverses anxiety-like and despair behavior and affects endocannabinoid-related genes expression in the brain of adolescent male rats subjected to early life stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39761822/
Pain, Musculoskeletal & Surgeries
On training about anesthesia levels for military veterans who use cannabis
Implementation of Perioperative Anesthesia Considerations for Military Veterans Who Consume Cannabis: A Quality Improvement Project
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S108994722400491X
The Guts, Metabolism & Oral Health
In those at risk for metabolic syndrome, regular cannabis use was associated with higher waist circumference & lower HDL
The Association between Use of Tobacco, Alcohol, or Cannabis and Metabolic Syndrome
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/png/ajhb/pre-prints/content-2350
In the guts of mice, their dietary iron intake altered their endocannabinoid levels & gut microbiome
Dietary iron interacts with diet composition to modulate the endocannabinoidome and the gut microbiome in mice
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/053299141380D7E1B40EF49C3E79D5A4/S2632289725000015a.pdf/dietary_iron_interacts_with_diet_composition_to_modulate_the_endocannabinoidome_and_the_gut_microbiome_in_mice.pdf
In mice with no CB2 receptors fed a high-fat diet, they were resistant to the neuroinflammation, but in the wild-type animals, activating the CB2 receptor induced an inflammatory response
“IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE” CANNABINOID CB2 RECEPTORS TAKE “IMMUNOACTIVE” ROLE IN HIGH-FAT DIET EVOKED SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11814922/
For colitis, new CB2 receptor drugs
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluations of 5-aryl-pyrazole-3-carboxamide derivatives as selective CB2 receptor agonists for the treatment of colitis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39653620/
The Immune System & Microbes
In a human tissue model of toxicity from tiamulin (a veterinary antibiotic), CBD protected from oxidative stress, changes to the cell shape & apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Protective Action of Cannabidiol on Tiamulin Toxicity in Humans-In Vitro Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769305/
The Heart
In people who had cardiac surgery, their lipid levels (including endocannabinoids) were potentially relevant biomarkers of pro-inflammatory processes or oncoming heart failure
Analysis of fatty acid-derived lipids in critically ill patients after cardiac surgery yields novel pathophysiologically relevant mediators with possible relevance for systemic inflammatory reactions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39959584/
In heart cells, on how endocannabinoids altered inflammation & atherosclerosis (hardened arteries)
Anandamide Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Migration, Endothelial Adhesion Protein Expression and Monocyte Adhesion of Human Coronary Artery Cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39768198/
The Liver & Drug Interactions
In a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, they had less CB2 receptors in their liver & a disturbed tryptophan metabolism in their microbiome
Cannabinoid-2 receptor depletion promotes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice via disturbing gut microbiota and tryptophan metabolism
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41401-025-01495-w
The Genitourinary System
In a rat model of kidney stones, liposomal β-caryophyllene inhibited crystal formation, aggregation& dissolution & reduced oxidative stress & renal dysfunction
IN-VITRO & IN-VIVO EFFICACY OF LIPOSOMAL β-CARRYOPHYLLENE IN ETHYLENE GLYCOL INDUCED UROLITHIASIS IN RATS
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667142525000168
Cancer & Chemotherapy
In online information for Thai breast cancer survivors, an analysis of the quality of the content
Evaluating Online Cannabis Health Information for Thai Breast Cancer Survivors Using the Quality Evaluation Scoring Tool (QUEST): Mixed Method Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39727276/
In ovarian cancer cells, CBD combined well with cisplatin or paclitaxel, though with some antagonism
Combination of Cannabidiol with Cisplatin or Paclitaxel Analysis Using the Chou–Talalay Method and Chemo-Sensitization Evaluation in Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cells
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/2/520
Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids
Analyzing the new synthetic cannabinoid agonist CH-FUBBMPDORA
Identification and Investigation of the Intrinsic Receptor Activation Potential and Metabolization of the New Oxo-Pyridyl Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist CH-FUBBMPDORA
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39943794/
On detecting the MDMB-CA series of synthetic cannabinoids with a zinc-based probe
Zinc(II)‐Enhanced Excimer Probe for Recognition of MDMB‐CA Synthetic Cannabinoids
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ange.202423576
Biochemical Discoveries & Tools
On mapping the allosteric binding sites of the CB1 receptor with a fluorescence-based tool & strangely, CBD was found to interact equally with both the orthosteric & allosteric site
Profiling Allosteric Modulators of CB1R with an Allosteric Fluoroprobe
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39963774/
In our Neural Ocean metaphor, this is like tying a flare to an elephant’s tail & then sending it into a dive bar in the neural wall to see where it hangs out all night & how that alters the bar’s revenue.
Creating dual inhibitors of the FAAH-MAGL enzymes (which break down anandamide & 2-AG respectively)
Synthesis and biological evaluation of methylene spacer incorporated 4-methylsulfonyl phenyl semicarbazones as dual FAAH-MAGL inhibitors
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10426507.2025.2467438
Posters from the Biophysical Society Annual Meeting
In a tissue model of epilepsy, CBD inhibited potassium channels
BPS2025 - Cannabinoid inhibition of mechanosensitive K+ channels
https://www.cell.com/biophysj/abstract/S0006-3495(24)03175-8
And for potassium channels, on how CBD binds to them
BPS2025 - Unravelling the chemical determinants of CBD activity on the Kv7 ion channels
https://www.cell.com/biophysj/abstract/S0006-3495(24)01429-2
In heart potassium channels, both endocannabinoids & synthetic cannabinoids activate them
BPS2025 - Endogenous and synthetic endocannabinoids facilitate the activation of wild-type and disease-mutated cardiac Kv7.1/KCNE1 channels
https://www.cell.com/biophysj/abstract/S0006-3495(24)01439-5
In heart cells, synthetic cannabinoids caused cardiotoxic effects
BPS2025 - Cardiotoxic effects of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists: Inhibition of hERG and Kv7.1/KCNE1 channels with proposed hERG binding site
https://www.cell.com/biophysj/abstract/S0006-3495(24)02299-9
In cancer & normal cells, both green tea extract & a THC analog lowered oxidative stress & modulated cell cycle phases
BPS2025 - Comparative effects of THC analog and green tea extract on oxidative stress and cell cycle regulation in cancer and normal cell lines
https://www.cell.com/biophysj/abstract/S0006-3495(24)02254-9
In cancer cells, a THC analog reduced cell adhesion & migration
BPS2025 - Investigating the role of electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) in real-time monitoring of the cannabinoid-induced modulation of cell adhesion and migration in cancer cells
https://www.cell.com/biophysj/abstract/S0006-3495(24)03805-0
And how a THC analog altered cancer cell motility & adhesion
BPS2025 - Real-time investigation of THC analog effects on cancer cell motility and adhesion using integrated optical trapping and confocal microscopy
https://www.cell.com/biophysj/abstract/S0006-3495(24)01611-4
In octopus eggs, the endocannabinoids altered the electrical currents
BPS2025 - Examining changes in gramicidin current by endocannabinoids
https://www.cell.com/biophysj/abstract/S0006-3495(24)03881-5
For nano CBD, an analysis of the regulatory role of lipid membrane compositions
BPS2025 - Regulatory role of lipid membrane compositions in CBD incorporation through a nano-delivery system
https://www.cell.com/biophysj/abstract/S0006-3495(24)02113-1
At cannabinoid receptors, how small changes in ligand structure alter their agonist & antagonist effects
BPS2025 - Structural determinants of agonist and antagonist effects at the cannabinoid receptors
https://www.cell.com/biophysj/abstract/S0006-3495(24)01734-X
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For today’s most popular Gambian pop band of the ‘60s, here’s the Super Eagles. With homemade Sgt. Pepper’s costumes, they played a mix of afrocuban, pop, soul, bluebeat, Congolese rumba, highlife & ndagga music.
This newsletter is the backbone of my work & I hope it brings you a measure of value. If so, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription & support my sharing all of the new cannabinoid science each week.