C&P#140: COVID, pediatric care & eye CBD injections
Brazil decrims & the UK finds the Drug War increases violence
This week…
CBD for COVID & cannabis for health
THC & CBD for kids with serious diseases
Injecting CBD into the eye for retinal injuries
3 reviews on chronic/neuropathic pain
Mass shooters more likely to use cannabis?
❤️ 🖤 All bad news from the American College of Cardiology 2025 Conference 🖤 ❤️
A little more on how CBC works in the brain
Wound healing with hemp oil
(3x) our Neural Ocean Metaphor
A great week for studies on the benefits of adding hemp to food
Hungary’s 5,000 year history with hemp & the Bangladeshi folk history
Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 140th edition of Cannabinoids & the People, Lex Pelger’s free weekly digest of all the new cannabinoid science, canna-news, War on Drugs coverage, harm reduction & psychedelic updates. Upgrade to a paid subscription here to support my work sharing canna-science. As always, ask me anything.
(this week’s numbers: ~7,000 words, ~17 minute reading time, 165 papers)
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Best Of Cannabinoid Science...
Clinical
In people with COVID, those receiving CBD had better outcomes
Cannabidiol and Its Effects on Patients with COVID-19 Infection
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40170643/
In Australians prescribed medical cannabis, real-world health data showed clinically meaningful improvements in fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep & health-related quality of life that were maintained over 12 months
Improvements in health-related quality of life are maintained long-term in patients prescribed medicinal cannabis in Australia: The QUEST Initiative 12-month follow-up observational study
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0320756
In a pediatric cannabis clinic, characterizing the population
Characterizing the Population of a Medical Cannabis Clinic in a Pediatric Hospital
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jpm.2024.0533
“Our sample included 46 palliative care patients with a mean age of 11.7 years (SD 5.4); 50% had a neurological diagnosis (n = 25); 37% (n = 14) hematological/oncologic; and 13% (n = 6), chronic pain. The most common type of MC recommended was 1:1 Cannabidiol (CBD): tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) tincture. There was a statistically significant decrease in inpatient floor days and cost. Totally, 35% of patients were able to decrease or discontinue other medications.”
In public health data on nutritional biomarkers, on the changes linked to recent cannabis use
A Phenome-Wide Association Study of Marijuana Use and Circulating Biomarkers in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2018
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40167582/
Including higher HDL, cholesterol, hemoglobin & lower glucose, plus a host of others.
In people with substance use & ADHD, an analysis of their blood endocannabinoid levels
Exploratory study on plasma Acylglycerol and Acylethanolamide dysregulation in substance use and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Implications for novel biomarkers in dual diagnosis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278584625001046
“Patients with SUD exhibited significantly lower plasma concentrations of 2-AG and 2-LG compared to controls, while most acylethanolamides were elevated, except for POEA and SEA. ADHD comorbidity was associated with lower concentrations of 2-AG, 2-LG, AEA, DGLEA, DHEA, and SEA, while PEA was elevated. Machine learning analysis identified AEA, OEA, PEA, and SEA as key biomarkers.”
For the increased heart rate effects of THC, an analysis in healthy humans of THC injections and & the effects of the metabolites
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling of the Acute Heart Rate Effects of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol and Its Major Metabolites After Intravenous Injection in Healthy Volunteers
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13318-025-00941-8
Harms
A unique historical analysis of substance-related psychosis by the two pioneering psychiatrists De Clérambault & Bonhoeffer (with an intriguing first line for the History Corner)
Mental automatism and exogenous psychosis: the originality of De Clérambault's and Karl Bonhoeffer's theories in substance-related psychoses
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39950170/
“The relationship between substance use and the onset of psychosis has been a subject of clinical and academic debate for centuries. The potential for cannabis to trigger psychosis was first suggested by Grose in 1772, who documented issues related to cannabis use in India.”
In people with substance-induced psychosis, relapse was most common for those whose first episode was induced by cannabis
Relapse in substance-induced psychosis and associated risk factors. A Nationwide register-linkage study from Sweden
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39933995/
In US mass shooters, those from 1996 onward had significantly higher levels of cannabis use
Cannabis involvement and mass shooting events in the United States from 1900 to 2019
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40170208/
I didn't spend a ton of time on the methodology here, but it looked shaky.
For breast reconstruction surgery, cannabis users had a higher readmission rate & a higher risk of hematoma (black & blue mark)
Impact of Cannabis Use on Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Outcomes
https://journals.lww.com/annalsplasticsurgery/abstract/2025/04002/impact_of_cannabis_use_on_deep_inferior_epigastric.19.aspx
A case report of cannabis linked to catatonia (an inability to move, or other symptoms of strange movements & lack of speech)
Cannabis Induced Catatonia: A Case Study
https://journals.lww.com/practicalpsychiatry/abstract/2025/03000/cannabis_induced_catatonia__a_case_study.10.aspx
A case report of an adolescent with severe psychotic symptoms after 8 weeks of using synthetic cannabinoids via puff bars (vapes)
[Acute psychosis after "puff bar" use]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39936259/
An editorial on the harms of cannabis inhalation vs vaping
Cannabis Consumption Conundrum: Weighing the Risks of Vaping and Smoking
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/pdf/10.1152/ajplung.00111.2025
For cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a review of diagnosis & management
Current recommendations in the diagnosis and management of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
https://journals.lww.com/co-pediatrics/abstract/9900/current_recommendations_in_the_diagnosis_and.270.aspx
In squirrel monkey & rat adolescents, THC increased inflammation & lessened synaptic plasticity while co-administration with CBD prevented astrogliosis (an abnormal increase in astrocytes, the most predominant brain support cell)
Astrogliosis Occurs Selectively in Amygdala of Adolescent Primate and Rodent Following Daily Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Prevented by Cannabidiol Co-Treatment
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667174325000503
For cannabis use during pregnancy & lactation, a review of the impact
High Stakes: Exploring the Impact of Cannabis Use in Pregnancy and Lactation
https://publications.aap.org/neoreviews/article-abstract/26/4/e247/201404/High-Stakes-Exploring-the-Impact-of-Cannabis-Use?redirectedFrom=fulltext
In a rat model of prenatal exposure to THC & CBD, they had lower birth weights, poorer reflexes & disrupted brain development
Detrimental effects of prenatal combined delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol exposure on placental morphometry and neurodevelopment
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390433535_Detrimental_effects_of_prenatal_combined_delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol_and_cannabidiol_exposure_on_placental_morphometry_and_neurodevelopment
And in a rat model of prenatal exposure to CBD & THC, the offspring had reduced birth weight & changes to the pyramidal cells of their prefrontal cortex
Cannabinoid exposure during pregnancy: consequences for growth, memory and prefrontal cortex integrity in Wistar Rats
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jeca/article/view/292299
And in a rat model of prenatal THC & CBD exposure, the offspring weighed less & had altered placental weight & thickness
Effects of Early Cannabis Sativa Exposure on Zonal Labyrinth Trophoblastic Proliferation, Fetal Placental Ratio, and Pregnancy Outcomes in Wistar Rats
http://digitallibrary.publish4journal.com/id/eprint/1674/
4/20 associated with more hospital visits for atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm)
The “420” Cannabis Celebration and Atrial Fibrillation
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/CIRCEP.124.013566
from the American College of Cardiology 2025 Conference
(it’s all bad news, but hell, you gotta do something until you die…)
For heart attacks, a meta-analysis of 12 studies found cannabis use was significantly associated with a higher incidence (pooled odds ratio of 1.5)
RISK OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN CANNABIS USERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND METAANALYSIS
https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/S0735-1097%2825%2902330-7
In people with heart failure, the cannabis users had a higher risk of stroke, heart attacks, arrhythmias & mortality
CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS WITH CANNABIS USE DISORDER
https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/S0735-1097%2825%2901191-X
In public health data on major cardiovascular events, the risk is low for adult cannabis users without pre-existing cardiovascular disease, though they do have a higher risk of heart failure & death
CANNABIS USE DISORDER AND INCIDENCE OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS
https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/S0735-1097%2825%2903190-0
In people with acute coronary syndrome (sudden blockage of flow to the heart), the cannabis users had significantly worse cardiovascular outcomes including hospitalization, major bleeding, stroke & increased mortality
CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS USING CANNABINOIDS WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME
https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/S0735-1097%2825%2902437-4
In Black males with strokes, the abuse of cannabis or opiates was associated with strokes at a younger age
ACUTE OUTCOMES OF STROKE IN PATIENTS WITH OPIATE AND CANNABIS USE
https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/S0735-1097%2825%2900948-9
In young people hospitalized for heart problems, even though Black & Hispanic people used cannabis less, they were at a higher risk for adverse events
RACIAL DISPARITY IN CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES IN YOUNG HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS WITH CANNABIS USE VS. NO- CANNABIS USE: A NATIONWIDE ANALYSIS (2019 - 2021)
https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/S0735-1097%2825%2901121-0
Two case reports of young Black cannabis-using males who presented with heart attacks (STEMIs - ST-elevation myocardial infarction)
FROM HERBS TO HEARTACHE: MARIJUANA INDUCED CORONARY DISEASE ON THE RISE
https://www.jacc.org/doi/full/10.1016/S0735-1097%2825%2904408-0
And a case report of a Black male with a heart attack linked to cannabis use
HIGH STAKES: THE HIDDEN CONNECTION BETWEEN CANNABIS USE AND MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/S0735-1097%2825%2904515-2
And a case report of a Hispanic male with acute coronary syndrome linked to cannabis use
YOUNG, HIGH, AND HEARTBROKEN: THE SILENT THREAT OF CANNABIS IN EARLY HEART DISEASE
https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/S0735-1097%2825%2904406-7
A case report of 5 CBD gummies perhaps inducing a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
FIRST-DEGREE ATRIOVENTRICULAR BLOCK WITH AN S1Q3T3 EKG PATTERN: AN ATYPICAL PRESENTATION OF CANNABIS INDUCED PULMONARY EMBOLISM
https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/S0735-1097%2825%2903662-9
A case report of a heart attack after using a synthetic cannabinoid (mojo)
“WHAT THE MOJO!”A CASE REPORT OF SYNTHETIC CANNABINOID (MOJO) INDUCED ST SEGMENT ELEVATED MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/S0735-1097%2825%2904000-8
Reviews
For mental health, a review of 49 studies using cannabinoids
The differential effects of medicinal cannabis on mental health: A systematic review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735825000479
For chronic pain, a review of 60 trials on using CBD, especially in combination with PEA
Considering Long-Acting Synthetic Cannabidiol for Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/review_article/pdf/332709/20250401-107159-sdwqfn.pdf
And for the pain of cancer patients, a review of 33 papers on the efficacy of the cannabinoids
Cannabinoids: Do they alleviate pain in cancer patients?
https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/57863
And for chronic nerve pain, a review of the cannabinoids
EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF CANNABINOIDS IN PATIENTS WITH NEUROPATHIC PAIN (LITERATURE REVIEW)
https://msu-journal.com/index.php/journal/article/view/740
For asthma, a review on the potential synergies between cannabinoids & common inhaler treatments
Is There a Place for Cannabinoids in Asthma Treatment?
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/7/3328
For substance use disorders, a review of changes to endocannabinoid levels
Changes in peripheral endocannabinoid levels in substance use disorders: a review of clinical evidence
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40197861/
For cannabis withdrawal, a review of 21 articles found THC downregulated the CB1 receptor
THE MAIN ROLE OF DELTA-9-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL (THC) TO DOWNREGULATE AN EXPRESSION OF CANNABINOID 1 (CB1) RECEPTOR IN CANNABIS WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME
https://jppbr.ub.ac.id/index.php/jppbr/article/view/155
For phyto- & synthetic cannabinoids, a review of their potential medical benefits
Phytocanabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids: from recreational consumption to potential therapeutic use - a review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39936019/
Preclinical
(basically, the phytocannabinoid research goes here & the ECS research goes below)
In Siamese fighting fish, CBD reduced their aggressive behavior
Cannabidiol on aggression in betta fish (Betta splendens)
https://journals.lww.com/behaviouralpharm/abstract/9900/cannabidiol_on_aggression_in_betta_fish__betta.127.aspx
In young & old rats, oral & smoked THC did not alter the memory of the younger rats but appeared to lessen the working memory impairments of aging in the elderly rats
Effects of cannabis smoke and oral Δ9THC on cognition in young adult and aged rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39918581/
In a rat model of eye injury due to blood loss, CBD incorporated into niosomes (non-ionic vesicles for drug delivery) injected into the eye preserved retinal structure & function
Intravitreal CBD-loaded niosomes enhance retinal neuroprotection in ischemic injury
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0939641125000827
In a mouse model of autism, CBD improved their repetitive behaviors & social interaction deficits & reversed dysregulation of neurons producing GABA (the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter)
Cannabidiol alleviates valproic acid-induced developmental changes in mice pups: role of the allosteric modulation of the CB1 receptor in the regulation of the GABAergic system
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11055-025-01754-7
In a rat model of Parkinson's, both CBD pre-administration & CBD treatment reduced motor alterations & lessened catalepsy
Preventive Beneficial Effects of Cannabidiol in a Reserpine-Induced Progressive Model of Parkinsonism
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1539783/abstract
In a rat model of neuropathy from chemotherapy (paclitaxel), early oral administration of both a 1:20 THC:CBD formulation as well as a 1:1 prevented pain hypersensitivities & the 1:1 restored spontaneous activities
Early oral administration of THC:CBD formulations prevent pain-related behaviors without exacerbating paclitaxel-induced changes in weight, locomotion, and anxiety in a rat model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-025-06778-y
In mouse models of seizures, treatments with CBD and/or CBD & THC reduced seizures, oxidative stress & astrogliosis (an abnormal increase in astrocytes, the brain's primary support cells)
Nanoemulsions of Cannabidiol, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, and Their Combination Similarly Exerted Anticonvulsant and Antioxidant Effects in Mice Treated with Pentyelenetetrazole
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202504.0391/v1
In intestinal tissue, CBD reduced inflammation & strengthened the epithelial barrier of Peyer’s Patches (lymph nodules in the intestinal wall)
Barrier-Strengthening Effects of Cannabidiol on Porcine Peyer’s Patches
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/7/3360
In a mouse model of wound healing, hemp oil caused enhanced wound healing rates & significantly greater new blood vessel formation than chloramphenicol (a serious topical antibiotic)
Effect of hemp seed oil on accelerating wound healing: Evaluation of wound size reduction, epithelialization, granulation tissue formation, and vascularization in murine models
https://narraj.org/main/article/view/1878
In an analysis of CBC’s neural effects in rats, CBC caused short-term memory loss & alterations to neurotransmitter dynamics & neuronal morphology & it bound to tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB, a receptor for BDNF, a key brain growth factor) with genetic downregulation of dopamine 1 receptors & BDNF
Investigative assessment of the neuro-modulatory potentials of cannabichromene in TrkB/BDNF-mediated neurosignaling pathway
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00580-025-03659-w
In fecal transplants in humans & mouse models, on the interplay between gut microbiota & endocannabinoids on anxiety-like behaviors
Effects of fecal microbiota transplantation from patients with generalized anxiety on anxiety-like behaviors: The role of the gut-microbiota-endocannabinoid-brain Axis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032725005701
In a neuronal model of Alzheimer's disease, Suk-Saiyasna (a Thai herbal remedy containing 12 plants, including cannabis) caused neuroprotection, quenched free radicals & inhibited acetylcholinesterase (an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, whose falling levels are linked to worsening symptoms in Alzheimer's)
Utilizing ADMET Analysis and Molecular Docking to Elucidate the Neuroprotective Mechanisms of a Cannabis-Containing Herbal Remedy (Suk-Saiyasna) in Inhibiting Acetylcholinesterase
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/7/3189
Novel Studies
(my new grab bag section for stuff I haven’t quite seen before)
For major cannabinoid enantiomers (mirrored molecules), an analysis of their binding at the CB1 & CB2 receptors
Investigation in the CB1 and CB2 receptor binding profile and intrinsic activity of (-) and (+)-enantiomers of some naturally occurring phytocannabinoids or synthetic derivatives
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772417425000184
On how THC is broken down by the cytochrome P450 enzymes
The Oxidation of Δ9-THC and Its Primary Metabolites Show Regiospecificity by Cytochrome P450 Enzymes (CYPs) (Abstract ID: 166681)
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/article/S0022-3565(24)43347-8/abstract
In our Neural Ocean metaphor, these liver enzymes are gigantic squids that slice up our THC African elephant into smaller pieces. But like a jellyfish, those breakdown products of THC are still active…
Imagine trunks & torsos & tails flopping around the cells, flipping all kinds of switches & levers.
For the retrograde signaling of 2-AG, the endocannabinoid transporter FABP5 was necessary
Astrocytic FABP5 Mediates Retrograde Endocannabinoid Transport at Central Synapses
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004225006030
In our Neural Ocean metaphor, FABP5 is the car used by the blue whale 2-AG to get around the neuron. And without it, she can’t drive upstream to the neuron shouting its message & tell it to calm down.
In oleamide purified from edible wild mushrooms, it caused inhibition against acetylcholinesterase (relevant to Alzheimer's disease) & α-glucosidase (relevant to type 2 diabetes)
The inhibition effect of oleamide for acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase from edible wild mushroom by in vitro, in silico and fluorescence analysis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813025032337
I can’t believe I’ve never done a deep-dive article or video on oleamide (the endocannabinoid of sleep), but in our Neural Ocean metaphor, oleamide is most certainly a humpback whale because it sings hippies to sleep.
the Headlines & Fav Articles
The Drug Policy Alliance digitized their book collection to the Internet Archive!
https://archive.org/details/dpa
As a person who values both books & drugs more than almost anything else in the world, all I can say is <swoon>…
The DEA notified an agency judge that the cannabis rescheduling process is still on hold, awaiting action from the new acting administrator
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/dea-says-stalled-marijuana-rescheduling-process-awaits-action-from-agency-head-who-called-cannabis-a-gateway-drug
In a new White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, no mention of cannabis reforms or rescheduling
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/marijuana-rescheduling-isnt-on-the-white-houses-new-list-of-top-drug-policy-priorities-under-the-trump-administration/
On the plus side, there's no indication that there will be a renewed enforcement effort against cannabis. Plus, in terms of harm reduction, the plan includes expanded access to naloxone & the encouragement of states to make more drug testing strips available.
DEA hiring new agents while DOGE cuts elsewhere
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/dea-ramps-up-recruitment-for-agents-to-fight-the-war-on-drugs-as-trump-and-musks-doge-cuts-federal-workforce-elsewhere/
Ha. Curaleaf argues that its contracts aren’t enforceable because cannabis is federally illegal in the US
https://cannabismusings.substack.com/p/cannabis-musings-march-28-2025
In New York, investigations of big cannabis companies doing inversions (acquiring cannabis from out-of-state or illegal sources & laundering it through an in-state grower)
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/07/nyregion/new-york-weed-marijuana-investigations.html
And a look at a Colorado operator’s blueprint for a cannabis inversion laundering program
https://cannabislaw.report/mj-biz-how-a-colorado-operator-stumbled-onto-blueprint-for-laundering-marijuana
In Rhode Island, police say a woman died after ingesting cannabis laced with fentanyl
https://eu.providencejournal.com/story/news/2025/04/03/woman-dies-from-fentanyl-in-marijuana-warwick-police-are-warning-public/82795046007/
Honestly, I don't know what the truth is here. I've never seen a case report from a doctor confirming this, only police reports. And thanks to the War on Drugs, we never know whether to trust the police & the public health authorities or to assume that they're just blowing more wrong-headed smoke.
On the video game platform Steam, the top-selling video game is ‘Schedule I’, “a cheeky nod to America’s drug war”
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/the-top-selling-video-game-title-on-steam-is-a-cheeky-nod-to-americas-war-on-drugs/
If you are a geriatric millennial like me, you may remember the drug dealing game ‘Drug Wars’ that you could play on your TI-85 calculator. Man, those were the days...
International
In Germany, the new conservative ruling coalition will not roll back cannabis legalization
https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/04/44716802/cannabis-stays-legal-in-germany-following-new-coalition-deal
In Canada, the legal cannabis market appears to be displacing the illegal cannabis market & medical users appear to be transitioning to the recreational market
Association of recreational cannabis legalization with changes in medical, illegal, and total cannabis expenditures in Canada
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395925000921
In Brazil, the Supreme Court decriminalized the personal possession of up to 40 grams of cannabis & the home cultivation of up to six cannabis plants
https://norml.org/news/2025/04/03/brazil-supreme-court-affirms-adults-can-possess-grow-marijuana-for-personal-use
Business, Laws & Education
An analysis of the performance of cannabis-exchange traded funds (an investment fund that holds a diversified basket of assets, sometimes in specialized sectors like this, but trades on stock exchanges like a single stock)
Rolling in the green? A closer look at cannabis ETFs’ market munchies
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/s41260-025-00400-8
To learn more about ETFs, read Matt Levine’s fantastic Money Stuff newsletter on the world of finance. Reading this every day the last few years has been the best business education I’ve ever gotten.
A Yale essay on abandoning rescheduling for decriminalizing & deregulating cannabis
Decriminalizing Cannabis
https://www.yalelawjournal.org/pdf/OlivaYLJForumEssay_xmmzwkjh.pdf
On Washington as a model for legalized cannabis laws
Washington's Implementation of Legalized Cannabis: A Model for Other States and the Federal Government
https://digitalcommons.law.uw.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5349&context=wlr
In Canada, a survey found people generally supported existing cannabis regulations
Levels of support and consumer perceptions of cannabis regulations in Canada
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00952990.2025.2479152
In Massachusetts, a dissertation on how loosened cannabis laws led to high schools with increased cannabis-related disciplinary incidents
EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CANNABIS LIBERALIZATION POLICIES AND SCHOOL DISCIPLINE IN MASSACHUSETTS: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/entities/publication/2ca35eb3-6564-4f0b-831f-773884314a78
The War on Drugs
On drug-related law enforcement & violence, a UK governmental review found that there's a stronger association that these enforcement activities increase, rather than decrease, violence
The impact of drug-related law enforcement activity on serious violence and homicide: A systematic review
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/drug-related-law-enforcement-activity-and-serious-violent-crime/the-impact-of-drug-related-law-enforcement-activity-on-serious-violence-and-homicide-a-systematic-review
“Overall, the available evidence suggests that drug-related law enforcement activities are of limited effectiveness in reducing violence. Indeed, more studies demonstrated an association between drug-related law enforcement activities and increased violence than decreased violence.”
The 2025 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report from the US State Department
https://www.state.gov/2025-international-narcotics-control-strategy-report
The “Overview” makes for interesting reading, as does the list of countries on their naughty list. Overall, this is one of the most helpful basic rundowns of what's currently happening in the War on Drugs.
On the fundamental membership changes at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs
https://idpc.net/blog/2025/04/the-un-commission-on-narcotic-drugs-cnd-has-fundamentally-changed-for-good
On the legality of the US military acting in Mexico against drug cartels
Drug trafficking and the international law on the use of force
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20531702.2025.2485738
In Sweden’s zero-tolerance system, the police informally adopt a two-track system between harm reduction & punishment
A two-track system: Police officer discretion in enforcement of personal use and possession of drugs in Sweden's zero-tolerance setting
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/14773708251317586
Hungary ratchets up their War on Drugs with strengthened penalties
https://www.euronews.com/2025/04/10/hungarys-government-launces-war-on-drugs-but-ignores-root-causes
On doctors pushing to end routine drug testing during childbirth
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2025/04/02/hospital-connecticut-colorado-pregnancy-drug-testing
In Mexican pharmacies, an emerging crisis of fake opioid-based pills
The Threat of Fentanyl‐Based Counterfeits in Mexican Pharmacies: Addressing a Growing Public Health Crisis
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jid.3998
On doctors pushing to end routine drug testing during childbirth
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2025/04/02/hospital-connecticut-colorado-pregnancy-drug-testing
On the harms caused by pushing vaping underground in the UK & US
https://filtermag.org/illicit-vapes-market-us-uk/
In Indonesia, how the War on Drugs harms the most vulnerable groups
THE WAR ON NARCOTICS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR VULNERABLE GROUPS IN INDONESIA
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yosua-Gultom-2/publication/390495364_Overcoming_a_Recurring_Problem_Delving_Into_Bakamla_Ri's_Role_and_Path_for_Development_Against_Drug_Trafficking/links/67f0c03576d4923a1af717a2/Overcoming-a-Recurring-Problem-Delving-Into-Bakamla-Ris-Role-and-Path-for-Development-Against-Drug-Trafficking.pdf#page=232
In Indonesia, an overview of their drug policies from the colonial period through independence
LEGAL POLICY AGAINST DRUGS FROM THE COLONIAL PERIOD TO POST-INDEPENDENCE IN INDONESIA
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yosua-Gultom-2/publication/390495364_Overcoming_a_Recurring_Problem_Delving_Into_Bakamla_Ri's_Role_and_Path_for_Development_Against_Drug_Trafficking/links/67f0c03576d4923a1af717a2/Overcoming-a-Recurring-Problem-Delving-Into-Bakamla-Ris-Role-and-Path-for-Development-Against-Drug-Trafficking.pdf#page=282
In Asia, how drug policies affect the standard of living
ADDRESSING EFFECTS OF DRUG POLICIES TOWARDS STANDARD OF LIVING IN ASIA
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yosua-Gultom-2/publication/390495364_Overcoming_a_Recurring_Problem_Delving_Into_Bakamla_Ri's_Role_and_Path_for_Development_Against_Drug_Trafficking/links/67f0c03576d4923a1af717a2/Overcoming-a-Recurring-Problem-Delving-Into-Bakamla-Ris-Role-and-Path-for-Development-Against-Drug-Trafficking.pdf#page=24
In Thailand, a death sentence for their most wanted drug kingpin Ong Gim Wah
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2025/04/09/drug-lord-gets-death-sentense-as-thailand-boosts-bounties/
US Coast Guard intercepted $500M of cocaine in the Pacific
https://www.flaglernewsweekly.com/coast-guard-offloads-nearly-510-million-in-illegal-narcotics-interdicted-in-eastern-pacific-ocean/
And Portugal seized 6.5 tons of cocaine
https://insightcrime.org/news/record-cocaine-seizure-portugal-shows-narco-submersible-reach-load/
Ha. In Colorado, 600 pounds of cannabis stolen from a State Patrol evidence storage lot
https://coloradosun.com/2025/04/09/600-pounds-of-marijuana-stolen-from-colorado-state-patrol-evidence-storage-lot/
Harm Reduction
A white paper on the evidence for drug consumption rooms from Harm Reduction International
Drug consumption rooms: Service models and evidence
https://idpc.net/publications/2025/04/drug-consumption-rooms-service-models-and-evidence
For the US overdose epidemic, a systematic review of interventions from the micro-level to the macro-level
A systematic review of macro-, meso, and micro-level harm reduction interventions addressing the U.S. opioid overdose epidemic
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40206199/
An editorial suggesting caution when describing the use of multiple drugs as a poly substance use disorder
Polysubstance Use Is Not Synonymous With Poly Substance Use Disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40203259/
In US election campaigns, media coverage of the opioid crisis caused increased campaign coverage
It's Only a Crisis if It's Fit to Print: Examining the Relationship Between Overdose Rates, News Coverage, and the Presence of the Opioid Crisis in State Legislative Campaigns
https://read.dukeupress.edu/jhppl/article/doi/10.1215/03616878-11853740/399276/It-s-Only-a-Crisis-if-It-s-Fit-to-Print-Examining
In Oregon, programs to help people with substance use disorders experiencing homelessness
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/01/oregon-drug-recovery-programs
In Boston tent encampments, on a public health harm reduction approach for addiction issues
Addressing Unsheltered Homelessness and Substance Use Disorder From Tent Encampment to Safe Spaces, Boston 2021-2022
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40203250/
In a Phoenix sober-active community, how a sense of safety supports better attendance & recovery outcomes
Psychological safety mediates attendance and recovery-related outcomes within the Phoenix: a sober-active community
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40190756/
Two doctors on the harm reduction potential of heroin-assisted treatment & its long history (thanks Switzerland)
https://thehill.com/opinion/5237178-opioid-crisis-overdose-prevention/
A thesis project on former drug users who recovered without government interventions
Self Recuperation of Former Drug Users: A Phenomenological Study
https://eprint.ijisrt.org/id/eprint/252/1/IJISRT25MAR1082.pdf
Massachusetts Attorney General said the federal government will not continue to turn a blind eye to safe injection sites
https://fallriverreporter.com/u-s-attorney-of-massachusetts-leah-foley-feds-will-not-turn-a-blind-eye-to-safe-injection-sites/
In British Columbia, Canada, the political parties spar over the continuation of drug consumption sites
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/toxic-drug-crisis-safe-consumption-sites-bc-1.7505400
In South Africa, Trump’s funding cuts hit a needle exchange program
https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-drugs-needle-exchange-hiv-6480ca1766ace2889cff221d2ec08635
In Sierra Leone, on women & kush (a synthetic cannabinoid blend)
https://apnews.com/article/sierra-leone-kush-drug-abuse-emergency-d8f8d03e4b7e7899adfac15808e42ba8
Psychedelics, Plant Medicines & Other Psychoactives
In New Mexico, the first legislator-driven psilocybin access act
https://psychedelicalpha.com/news/breaking-new-mexico-passes-nations-first-legislature-driven-psilocybin-access-act
The Psychoactive Research
For relationship dynamics, a survey of the effects of psychedelics
Perceived Impact of Psychedelics on Sexual, Gender, and Intimate Relationship Dynamics: A Mixed-Methods Investigation
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224499.2025.2479197?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
For placebos in psychedelic studies, an analysis of potential active placebos
Addressing blinding in classic psychedelic studies with innovative active placebos
https://academic.oup.com/ijnp/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ijnp/pyaf023/8106348
A case report of an adolescent with hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder
Hallucinogen-Persisting Perception Disorder in a 16-Year-Old Adolescent
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39935673/
A review of using psychedelics to enhance well-being
Utilizing Psychedelics to Enhance Well-Being: A Systematic Review
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02791072.2025.2484380
In a mouse model, the lasting actions of psilocybin required pyramidal cells & 5-HT2A serotonin receptors
Psilocybin’s lasting action requires pyramidal cell types and 5-HT2A receptors
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08813-6
The Plant & the History
In Bangladesh, an ethnobotanical study of folk customs around cannabis
Studies on ethnobotany of folk customs for Cannabis in Naogaon, Bangladesh
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390331203_Studies_on_ethnobotany_of_folk_customs_for_Cannabis_in_Naogaon_Bangladesh
“The research unveils a plethora of folk customs, such as songs sung during cannabis processing, the involvement of Santal women in ganja production, the role of “ganja doctors,” proverbs conveying societal perspectives, and folklore narrating the integration of cannabis into daily life.”
In northeast Hungary, clear evidence of hemp retting from 1260 CE through the mid-20th century with the earliest evidence being in Eastern Hungary at 100 BCE & probably cultivated since 3400 BCE
Late Holocene hemp (Cannabis sativa) retting in NE Hungary and the Holocene spread of hemp cultivation in eastern-central Europe
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00334-025-01046-7
A review of hemp cultivation, fertilization, post-harvest processing methods & its use in sustainable products
A Critical Review of Industrial Fiber Hemp Anatomy, Agronomic Practices, and Valorization into Sustainable Bioproducts
https://ojs.bioresources.com/index.php/BRJ/article/view/24229
Growing & Processing
Analysis of the effects of planting dates & seeding densities on hemp productivity
Impact of planting dates and seeding densities on soil water depletion pattern, root distribution, and water productivity of industrial hemp
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949911925000164
In hemp, on the growth effects of plasma-activated water, melatonin & zinc oxide nanoparticles
Changes in Growth and Secondary Metabolite Production in Cannabis Sativa L. in Response to Simultaneous Treatment with Plasma Activated Water, Melatonin and Nano-Zinc
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12668-025-01917-3
For the cannabis microbiome, using DNA barcodes to analyze the microbial communities of Chinese cannabis grown for fiber vs. medical use
DNA metabarcode analyses reveal similarities and differences in plant microbiomes of industrial hemp and medicinal Cannabis in China
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1524703/abstract
In greenhouses with bud rot, on the epidemiology & management of Botrytis cinerea
The epidemiology and management of Botrytis cinerea causing bud rot on greenhouse cultivated cannabis
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/07060661.2025.2478250
For weeds, a study found that hemp planting & harvest dates did not significantly impact weed pressure
Weed pressure across sequential plantings of industrial fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) produced in the mid‐Atlantic
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/agg2.70090
On developing hemp cultivars resistant to heat & drought
Development of Heat and Drought Tolerant Inbred Lines in Industrial Hemp
https://books.aijr.org/index.php/press/catalog/book/177/chapter/3503
In Florida, on how hemp escapes cultivation like Andy Dufresne (spoiler)
Emergence and Persistence of Volunteer Hemp in Southern Florida
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/B829F60B08BE555652F9DA7E969B6597/S1939729125000136a.pdf/emergence-and-persistence-of-volunteer-hemp-in-southern-florida.pdf
On the structural differences between male & female hemp stalks
Physico-Mechanical Properties of Male and Female Hemp Plants
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/15/7/776
In South Africa, modelling the evaporation & water use of cannabis plants with drones
Modelling Evapotranspiration of Cannabis sativa L. using a UAV in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-6356076/v1
In Indonesia, profiling their cannabis from five different regions
Profiling of Various Dry Cannabis Sativa From Aceh, Indonesia Based on Cannabinoids Compound Characteristics
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-6186729/v1
Formulating & Analyzing
In cannabis products, an analysis of their elemental & phenolic compounds
Evaluation of Commercially Available Products of Cannabis sativa L. Inflorescences to Identify Their Contents of Elemental and Phenolic Compounds
https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/7/1208
Food & Nutrition & Hemp Seeds
For hemp seeds in various foods, a review of the benefits
Physiological effects claimed for hemp seeds contained in food preparations: an update
https://www.pagepressjournals.org/ijfs/article/view/13653
Enriching sourdough with hemp increased beneficial bacteria & nutrients
Microbial Ecology and Nutritional Features in Liquid Sourdough Containing Hemp Flour Fermented by Lactic Acid Bacterial Strains
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39942061/
An analysis of adding hemp flour to snacks
Sustainable Protein Fortification: Impact of Hemp and Cricket Powder on Extruded Snack Quality
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/7/3097
For cakes made from hemp seed oil, an analysis of their characteristics
Physicochemical Characteristics of Cold‐Pressed Hemp, Flax, Hazelnut, and Pumpkin Seed Oils and Press Cakes
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ejlt.70017
In hemp oil, how epoxidation transformed the unsaturated fatty acids
Kinetic and Thermodynamic Analysis of Hemp Oil Epoxidation with Density Functional Theory Insights into Unsaturated Fatty Acid Epoxidation and Ring-Opening Reactions
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666821125000468
On enhancing hemp protein's nutritional qualities with ultrasonic blending with curcumin
Covalent conjugation of hemp protein isolates with curcumin via ultrasound to improve its structural and functional properties
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814625013470
In grazing goats, adding hemp hay to their diet improved antioxidant potential & caused a significant anti-inflammatory effect
Hemp Hay (Cannabis sativa L.) in Grazing Goats' Diet: Effects on Oxidative and Inflammatory Status
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39943133/
Industrial Uses & Fiber
On removing dye or salt with membranes made from cannabis cellulose nanocrystals
Low pressure thin film membranes with cellulose nanocrystals derived from Cannabis sativa for enhanced dye and salt removal
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1383586625014261
Analysis of hemp fiber durability in harsh conditions & during disposal
Polymer Structural Composites Reinforced with Hemp Fibres-Impact Tests of Composites After Long-Term Storage in Representative Aqueous Environments and Fire Tests in the Context of Their Disposal by Energy Recycling Methods
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39940480/
On training an AI to differentiate cotton from hemp fiber
A method for cotton and hemp fiber classification optimized with ResNet and attention mechanism
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-6220002/v1
A review on hempcrete for residential buildings
State-of-the-Art Review of Hempcrete for Residential Building Construction
https://www.mdpi.com/2411-9660/9/2/44
Analysis of reinforcing adobe with hemp fiber
Experimental Tests on Hemp-Reinforced Adobe Bricks
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-87312-6_24
On hempcrete with calcium aluminate as a binder
A Novel Hempcrete utilizing Calcium Aluminate Cement as a Binder
https://www.etasr.com/index.php/ETASR/article/view/10207
Analyzing construction materials made from Kevlar, hemp & carbon fibers
Evaluation of Impact Resistance and Interlaminar Shear Strength in Hybrid Composites of Kevlar, Hemp, and Carbon Fibers for Structural Applications
https://nanoient.org/upload/pdf/ENT2511222.pdf
CANNABINOID SCIENCE
Updates to cannabinoid receptor nomenclature
Cannabinoid receptors in GtoPdb v.2025.1
https://journals.ed.ac.uk/gtopdb-cite/article/view/10725
Public Health
In US adults who use cannabis, a survey of their most common ingestion methods
Disparities in use modalities among adults who currently use cannabis, 2022-2023
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-5975991/v1
In Greece, a survey of healthcare professionals on their perceptions of medical cannabis
Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions About Medical Cannabis in Greece: A Qualitative Study
https://www.mdpi.com/2001-6689/13/2/13
In an Israeli survey of medical cannabis patients, on their ingestion methods & thoughts on the knowledge of their physicians
Education, Training, and Perceptions of Physician Competency Among Medical Cannabis Patients in Israel
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229925000470
And in Israel, on the public health data of positive cannabis screenings during emergency department admissions
A trend in cannabis usage as reflected by emergency department admissions
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-6232319/v1
Among gay & bisexual black men with HIV, a review & analysis of their cannabis use
Cannabis use and HIV among Black sexually minoritized men: a systematic review and narrative analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39918441/
In Spanish-speaking US people, surveys of their expectations on cannabis use
How cannabis consumption relates to negative affect and expectancies: A cross-sectional survey of an international Spanish-speaking sample
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-6075879/v1
In Colombia, an analysis of their anti-smoking & anti-cannabis public health measures
Mapping Colombians’ positions on national policies to control tobacco and marijuana consumption: a pilot study
https://substanceabusepolicy.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13011-025-00646-w
Driving
For car crash culpability due to THC, a meta-analysis of blood levels correlated to culpability risk
Dose-response relationship between blood concentrations of THC and crash culpability risk: An updated meta-regression of culpability studies
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20503245251323344
“Crash culpability risk increases with increasing THC concentration, with an inflection around 1.5–3.0 ng/ml where risk begins to increase. There is a doubling of culpability risk around 5 ng/ml and a potential quadrupling of risk around 10 ng/ml. Conversely, blood THC concentrations below ∼1.5 ng/ml indicate practically no culpability risk (<30% increase).”
For fatal driving accidents, a thesis project comparing states that legalized to those that didn't found a significant increase in overall fatal crashes
Fatal Car Crashes and Marijuana Legalization
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390460294_Fatal_Car_Crashes_and_Marijuana_Legalization
On searching for better methods for detecting driving under the influence of cannabis
Robust Validation of Methods for Detecting Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis: Paths Forward
https://www.jsad.com/doi/abs/10.15288/jsad.25-00110?journalCode=jsad
For driving, an editorial on using standard THC units as a tool to benchmark cannabis-related driving risks
Standard THC units: A tool to benchmark cannabis-related driving risks
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395925000878
Adolescents & Young Adults
In adolescents, an analysis of how hair levels of cannabinoids correlate to mental & physical health a year later
Cannabinoids in hair and their prospective association with mental and physical health outcomes in adolescents
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39929394/
Higher THC = More frequent strength exercises
Higher CBD = Less frequent strength exercises
Higher THC metabolites = shorter sleep duration + greater internalizing & externalizing symptoms
For young adults, a survey of the best messaging for cannabis prevention
Young Adult Responses to Cannabis Prevention Message Features
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40183250/
Real answer: have your parents do it. Then it's totally lame.
I bet my kids are going to be into sobriety & investment banking.
In young adults, on how the warning labels on edibles shift their perceptions
Packaging of Cannabis Edibles, Health Warning Recall, and Perceptions Among Young Adults
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2832134
In adolescents, the efficacy of warning labels on delta-8 THC products
Impact of Delta-8-THC warning labels on perceived intoxication, harm, and susceptibility among adolescents
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395925000805
For youth in the legal system, this NIDA-funded poster seems disappointed that there wasn't much of a relationship between their cannabis use & emotional dysregulation
Marijuana Use and the Independent Relationships Between Emotion Dysregulation and Anxiety
https://srs.tcu.edu/media/uploads/2025/PSYC2025SWARTZ1049.pdf
In young adults with moderate cannabis use disorder, treatment to lower use only worked in those with subthreshold levels of depression or anxiety but not full-blown major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder
Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Moderate Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment Effects: A Randomized Clinical Trial with Young Adults
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-025-01474-6
In young adults co-using alcohol & cannabis, on the role of impulsivity & peer beliefs
Impulsivity Facets, Social Norms, and Co-Use of Alcohol and Cannabis
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00220426251330821
The Brain & Neurological Disorders
For Alzheimer's disease, an editorial arguing to target the FAAH enzyme (which breaks down anandamide)
The endocannabinoid system offers a target for Alzheimer's disease treatment through inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)
https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/febs.70082
Mental Health, Addiction & Cannabis Use Disorder
In people with cannabis use disorder, the differences between men & women in the context of how & why they use it
Gender differences in circumstances associated with cannabis use
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39934545/
For people trying to quit nicotine, co-use with cannabis was associated with lower nicotine abstinence while switching to exclusive cannabis use was associated with similar or greater nicotine abstinence
Nicotine–cannabis transitions and nicotine abstinence among United States adults
https://journals.lww.com/epidem/abstract/9900/nicotine_cannabis_transitions_and_nicotine.357.aspx
In a rat model of autism, JZP541 (some proprietary mix of cannabinoids) lessened their social, stereotypical, hyperactive & irritable behavior
BEHAVIORAL AND TRANSCRIPTOMIC EFFECTS OF A NOVEL CANNABINOID ON A RAT VALPROIC ACID MODEL OF AUTISM
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002839082500156X
In a rat model of cocaine use disorder that differentiates genders, blocking the CB1 receptor worked in males with both stress & cocaine self-administration but it worked more strongly in females
Repeated footshock stress enhances cocaine self-administration in male and female rats: Role of the cannabinoid receptor 1
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39922412/
Reproduction & Hormones
During pregnancy & postpartum, a survey of women's experiences with nicotine & cannabis vaping
Women's Experiences with Nicotine and Cannabis Vaping During Pregnancy and Postpartum
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39942412/
In pregnant women, higher levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) increased the kidneys’ clearance of cannabinoids
Increased Cortisol Exposure Raises Cannabinoid Renal Clearance without Affecting Metabolism in Women: Implications for Pregnancy Pharmacokinetics (Abstract ID: 168001)
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/article/S0022-3565(24)43351-X/abstract
The Immune System & Microbial
In cannabis users vs. cocaine users, an analysis of the shifts in their blood immune cells
Distinct circulating monocyte profiles in chronic cannabis users compared to cocaine users without changes in plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines and LPS
https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/nipt-2025-0003/html
In a model of HIV, CBD does something... hidden behind a paywall
Oral Cannabidiol Decreases Inflammatory Cytokines and HIV/SIV Viral Load During Acute Infection (Abstract ID: 160274)
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/article/S0022-3565(24)43714-2/abstract
Pain, Musculoskeletal & Surgeries
For chronic pain, advice on best practices for managing it with cannabinoids from the American College of Physicians
Cannabis or Cannabinoids for the Management of Chronic Noncancer Pain: Best Practice Advice From the American College of Physicians
https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/full/10.7326/ANNALS-24-03319?journalCode=aim
And for chronic pain, a new framework for teaching pain specialists
215 Innovating Medical Education: A translational approach to integrating cannabinoid-based therapies for chronic pain management
https://www.proquest.com/openview/4e01d9f68f6f789c2bd128f88bf0c4af/1?cbl=2046292&pq-origsite=gscholar
In hip surgery, users of cannabis had similar favorable outcomes to non-users at a two-year follow-up
EP6.36 Prospective Cohort Study on the Effect of Marijuana Use on Outcomes After Arthroscopic Treatment for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11954625/
In mice, an analysis of their skeletal muscle signaling dependent on the endocannabinoid system using CB1 knockouts (mice engineered to have no CB1 receptors)
Physiological Muscle Function Is Controlled by the Skeletal Endocannabinoid System in Murine Skeletal Muscles
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202504.0395/v1
The Guts
In fruit flies fed a high-sucrose diet, hemp powder benefited their lipid metabolism & signaling
Lipid-lowering effect of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) powder on Drosophila melanogaster larvae fed a high-sucrose diet
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0254629925001747
The Liver, Drug Interactions & Cannabinoid Metabolism
In a model of liver fibrosis, oleamide derived from moringa (Moringa oleifera, a traditional plant medicine) lowered inflammation & fibrosis (scarring)
Anti-Fibrotic Effect of Oleamide Identified from the Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves via Inhibition of TGF-β1-Induced SMAD2/3 Signaling Pathway
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/7/3388
The Genitourinary System
In Iraqi people with diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage), certain genetic variants of the CB1 receptor were associated with the development of diabetic nephropathy
The Study of the Correlation Between Cannabinoid Receptor-1 Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Diabetic Nephropathy in Iraqi People
https://bijps.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/bijps/article/view/2878
The Skin & Topicals
In burn survivors, a survey found cannabis use was more common among those with visible burns, as well as those with more pain & a poorer body image
633 Marijuana Use in a Nationwide Survey of Burn Survivors
https://academic.oup.com/jbcr/article/46/Supplement_1/S202/8101590
In people with small burns, cannabis had no impact on their nutritional status
870 Cannabis Intoxication Does Not Impact Nutritional Status in Patients with Small Burns
https://academic.oup.com/jbcr/article/46/Supplement_1/S306/8101731
In a skin tissue model of pigmentation disorders, on using nanoparticles from cannabis stems
Multifunctional cosmetic potential of extracellular vesicle‑like nanoparticles derived from the stem of Cannabis sativa in treating pigmentation disorders
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40183388/
In skin care products, on using supercritical CO2 methods
Applications of supercritical CO2 of legal cannabinoids in skin care products and cosmetics
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826076.2025.2484204
Cancer & Chemotherapy
In people with cancer using immune checkpoint inhibitors, cannabinoid use was associated with more progression-free survival but not more overall survival, indicating a safe combination with this common treatment
Effects of cannabinoids on immune checkpoint inhibitor response: CCTG pooled analysis of individual patient data
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1750743X.2025.2485012
In survivors of cancer, some subgroups were more likely to co-use cigarettes & cannabis
Prevalence and determinants of cigarette-cannabis co-use among US cancer survivors
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11764-025-01789-2
In young adult cancer survivors, a review of their cigarette, cannabis & vaping habits
Nicotine and Cannabis Use in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39929139/
For neuroblastomas (a cancer starting in immature nerve cells), on the anti-tumor activity of the cannabinoids & other plant components
New Cannabinoids and Chlorin-Type Metabolites from the Flowers of Cannabis sativa L.: A Study on Their Neuroblastoma Activity
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/4/521
And in neuroblastoma cells, blocking the CB1 receptor caused cell death via stress to the endoplasmic reticulum (protein folding & processing center) & damage to the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
Mitochondrial Damage and ER Stress in CB1 Receptor Antagonist-Induced Apoptosis in Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0028390825001467
Synthetic Cannabinoids & Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids
In mice, the effects of two types of HHC & THC
Cannabimimetic and discriminative stimulus effects of hexahydrocannabinols in mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40176500/
In mice, the effects of the synthetic cannabinoids 4F-ABUTINACA, SDB-005 & JWH-018
Pharmaco-toxicological effects of the synthetic cannabinoids 4F-ABUTINACA, SDB-005, and JWH-018 in mice In vitro and in vivo studies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299925003401
On a new fluorescent approach for detecting synthetic cannabinoids
Noncovalent Interaction-Based Probe Design for PET-Facilitated Fluorescence Sensing of Synthetic Cannabinoids
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.5c00540
On detecting synthetic cannabinoids in oral fluid using a dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction & LC-MS
Synthetic cannabinoids receptor agonists in oral fluid: development of a dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) method with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry detection
https://academic.oup.com/jat/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jat/bkaf027/8104719
A rapid & green method for isolating synthetic cannabinoids from hair or wastewater
Fast and ecologic SUPRAS extraction and UPLC–MS/MS analysis for 13 synthetic cannabinoids in hair and wastewater
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0026265X25009117
Biochemical Discoveries & Detection Tools
On engineering algae to produce enzymes for producing cannabinoids
Impact of heterologous expression of Cannabis sativa tetraketide synthase on Phaeodactylum tricornutum metabolic profile
https://biotechnologyforbiofuels.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13068-025-02638-1
Accidentally finding lophine derivatives to inhibit the MAGL enzyme (which breaks 2-AG)
Discovery of MAGL Inhibition by Lophine Derivatives: An Unexpected Finding from Chemiluminescent Assay Development
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/7/1605
On breath capture techniques for better analysis of cannabinoid levels
Collection of △9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol from Breath by Liquid Secondary Adsorption Analyzed with Mass Spectrometry: a technical note
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1752-7163/adc7d1/pdf
On urine tests, a thesis project on cross-reactivity between different cannabinoids
Cross-Reactivity in Urine of 53 Cannabinoid Analogs and Metabolites Using a Carboxylic Acid Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Homogenous Enzyme Immunoassay (HEIA) Kit and Immunalysis Synthetic Cannabinoid HEIA Kits
https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/frsc_projects/116/
Thanks.
- lex
PS: For today’s acid soul-jazz guitar, the 1970 album ‘Right On Brother’ by Boogaloo Joe Jones. Despite his collaborations with some great musicians, Jones tended to fly under the radar during his years of recording but his work saw a resurgence of interest with the acid jazz movement of the 1990s. And it’s some great working tunes for your week…
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